“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.” (Psalm 46)
Precious LORD, in the face of these fires of both northern and southern California, we are very grateful that we can reach our hands to You for our help and strength. Dear LORD Jesus, take our hands and lead us on through the terror of the night as our world burns around us. We appreciate life every so keenly in times of danger. Help those who fight the fires, and those who flea them, to face these obstacles victoriously in every aspect, whether in advancement or retreat for safety. Do not allow the people to be overwhelmed or lose faith in their All-Powerful God. May each realize that You, LORD, are greater than the disasters they may be facing in the heat of the moment, and that You will work it out for the better. I pray that the victims and the responding warriors will stand strong in their faith in You.
I ask LORD, that You will raise up those who will share the love of Christ with the workers and the victims by meeting their needs, immediate and long-term.
My God, awaken Your church to trust You in these times of multiple disasters and threats worldwide. These are the time the Bride of Christ must rise and shine before a crumbling and frightening world. This is the right time to reveal the peace of God to others by living out the Truths of Psalm 46. I pray for Your church, LORD, pour Yourself out into her so that she may pour herself out for all others. May Your Bride reflect godliness, purity, and great hope instead of evil. I pray that the people of God shine His light in these darkest of times.
I pray for the salvation of souls as Your people follow the Spirit’s lead in sharing their faith, as during disasters and times of difficulties, people are often open to the Gospel. They need hope, and You, LORD, have the hope of eternal life; the refuge that everyone needs.
Now Father, I am concerned for the very lives and the homes and the possessions of those in the paths of these raging infernos. Please extend favor to all in harm’s way. Please protect those who are risking life and limb battling all these extreme fire threats. For those who have been injured, comfort and heal; for those who have lost life in sacrifice to others, have mercy on them and grace and comfort for the surviving families. All we have is You, LORD God, and You are all we need. We call upon You in the Victor, Jesus’ name, Amen!
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California scorched by a fire so strong it created its own weather system
Los Angeles Times
The tower of billowing cumulus clouds and smoke rising above Northern California’s Carr fire said it all. Read the full story
