We
have been experiencing record temperatures throughout the country for the past
week or so. Here in Colorado, the heat wave in combination with strong winds
have caused wild fires to spread quickly.
Fortunately,
the wild fires in Colorado are being contained. But there are wild fires across
the western states that are continuing to be an issue. For the men and women
fighting these battles we are thankful and continue to pray for their safety.
Several
years ago I wrote a novel inspired by the Four Mile Canyon Fire. It is an
inspirational romance novel and my first attempt at fictional writing. I
debated the traditional publishing verses the electronic publishing and in the
end, I decided to use Smashwords to publish my first novel, Fire in Pleasant Canyon.[i]
My
intention here is not to promote my book. However, I have made the commitment
to donate $1 of each book sold to the Red Cross to aid the fire victims of
Colorado.
It’s
interesting that God’s presence is mentioned in Scripture to be like a
consuming fire. Exodus 24:17 (NIV) says, “To
the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the
mountain.” They weren’t certain of what was happening on the mountain
between Moses and God, but they were certain that it frightened them.
In
Deuteronomy 9:3 (NIV) we see the Israelites preparing to cross the Jordan River
into the Promised Land. God assured them with these words. “Be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across
ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them
before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the
Lord has promised you.”
Fire
can be consuming and devouring. Colorado has seen that first hand. But these
passages draw on fire’s properties to show God’s power in our world and lives.
He is active and moving. And if God goes before us, we will be victorious!
The
writer of Hebrews shares the same thought in chapter 12, verses 28-29 (NIV). “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with
reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”
Because
of God’s power, we know His kingdom cannot be disturbed by earthly forces. God
is greater. God is more powerful. God is supreme. We have no other choice but
to worship Him with reverence and awe.
Colorado
will be experiencing some relief in the next few days. Our temperatures will
begin to drop and rain is in our forecast. We are praying that the monsoon
season will relieve our drought conditions. Please join me in praying for those
across the United States and the world who have been affected by the elements
in this world.
And
remember, God’s Kingdom cannot be shaken!
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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