24 Oct, 2007
A consuming fire!
The power is undeniable!
California fires consume hundreds of homes
SAN DIEGO - Walls of wind-whipped flames consumed hundreds of homes across tinder-dry Southern California on Tuesday, and authorities ordered people in more than 350,000 homes to flee the fires.
The blazes bedeviled firefighters as fires roared from mountain passes to the edges of the state's celebrated coastline, spreading so quickly that even hotels serving as temporary shelters for evacuees had to be evacuated. Two people have been killed.
By day three, the dozen wildfires had burned more than 1,300 homes and businesses, and the destruction may only be the start for the region. With temperatures rising and wind gusts remaining fierce, the flames were proving nearly impossible to fight.
Since they began Sunday, the fires have burned at least 373,000 acres, or 583 square miles. Fully a quarter of the California coast was ablaze. Flames climbed halfway toward the Nevada line, chewing through chunks of seven counties and devastating numerous communities.
At least 346,000 homes — roughly one in three, according to census data — were ordered to evacuate in San Diego County alone, sheriff's officials said. State officials were still struggling to estimate how many people had fled.
photo & story courtesy AP & news.yahoo.com, 10/23/07
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NLT)
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the ultimate fire?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
12:29 There is a big difference between the flame of a candle and the roaring blast of a forest fire. We cannot even stand near a raging fire. Even with sophisticated firefighting equipment, a devouring fire is often beyond human control. God is not within our control either. We cannot force him to do anything for us through our prayers. He cannot be contained. Yet, he is a God of compassion. He has saved us from sin, and he will save us from death. But everything that is worthless and sinful will be devoured by the fire of his wrath. Only what is good, dedicated to God, and righteous will remain.
The consuming fire in California causes people to shake in fear. We need a holy fear of our unshakable God who is like a consuming fire, but full of compassion beyond our understanding.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Spend some time in worship and holy awe of our God...the consuming fire.
- Write a note to God expressing your love and dedication to Him as He brings a sense of calm to life, which can often seem like a fire out of control. Then throw it in a fire, thanking Him for being the ultimate fire.
- Whenever you see news stories about the California fires this week, stop and give God a moment of your worship.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Every time you see reports of the California fires, stop and pray for those affected and that God will use this to draw people to His love.
- Use the news stories about the California fires to start conversations about the truth that God is still in control, even when life and circumstances on earth seem out of control.
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