Psalm 103:1-6 NKJV — A Psalm of David.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
What can really be said about the fiery destruction that we have been witnessed to on the daily and nightly news. California, the Golden State, literally going up in flames. Sunny southern California covered with smoke and the pristine beautiful northern part of the state has turn into a charred war zone.
As of late Friday, November 16, 2018, authorities had reported the death toll from the “Camp Fire” had risen to 63, bringing the statewide count to 71. In addition, more than 1,000 people have been reported missing, according to the Butte County sheriff’s office. At the other end of the state, crews made progress against the “Woolsey Fire” that destroyed over 500 structures in Malibu and other communities. At least three deaths were reported in Southern California.
Losing everything you’ve ever worked for is impossible to imagine. A lifetime of memories and dreams erased in a consuming fire. The test of faith has been taken to the test. Never before have firefighters have battled fires of this size and so many at one time. For some this has been a time to experience the power of God.
A Northern California pastor has recalled the dramatic moments he and a small group of his church members made a miraculous escape from the raging inferno that has gripped huge areas of the West Coast state. Doug Crowder, pastor of Magalia Pines Baptist Church, risked his life to save others as he gathered up 30 desperate residents and four church members, helping them take refuge at his church building but as the group loaded up into a convoy of vehicles and attempted to escape the clutches of this monstrous fire, the whole place “exploded,” according to Pastor Crowder.
“The woods exploded,” Crowder continued. “The Subway restaurant across the street exploded, and on all sides of us was fire,” with nowhere to turn, the group sprinted back inside the church building, huddled together and prayed. Despite the fury of the wildfire, the church building remained unscathed, and the group huddled inside endured the entire night without suffering any injury whatsoever.
Sadly the death toll and the missing numbers continue to rise, many more accounts of prayer and God miraculously making a way for people being able to survive the devastating fires continue to be reported. Firefighters are beginning to take control of the wildfire outbreak but stress that they still have a long battle ahead of them. Help continues to pour in but more is needed. We thank God for the lives saved during this tragic fire season and we will continue to pray that the Lord will bring the people and supplies needed to help in the relief effort that will be ongoing for some time.
Psalm 80:19 NKJV — Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;
Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved!
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