Normally I say Yes, you are in. Definitely thanks for choosing to listen in. Extra thanks when you give us input at FriDudes.com. We hear you. More group and interviews on the way. As for today and the subject of fires, I call Southern California home. Yet even if you live in Alaska this will apply to you. A reflection on fires, you all have them in life either figuratively or literally. Here you go...click here for the audio version of below.....
Shout out to Marcus Rogers on that opener. I bought and listening to his albums. Some of my fave new music. Please do the same if you dig that opening hook. Give thanks for what is worthy. Phil 4: 6-8, good segue as we talk fires.
What fires do you have in your life? Relationships stressed? Finances? Addiction? You do have fires. How do I know this? Rom 3:23.
Granted some worse than others. On January 7, 2025, the LA fires have been a huge wake up call and some serious humble pie for some of the most proud and rich. Instantly makes me think of an Insta post shared by my wife of a LA celebrity. This celeb is known for her brashness. I'm not going to name her. For she has been humbled. During the peak of the LA fires, she asked that others avoid shallow posts based on beauty, shallow life, etc.
Ironic part, didn't ask to pause those during the hurricanes in FL or pick your disaster-of-the-day on this broken planet. Truth, there are disasters and tragedy everyday for somebody on this broken planet. For most, you only get proper perspective when it happens to you. Think Job or any other MVP in the Bible. That book is a tough read.
Speaking of perspective, my wife would easily trade her cancer for a burnt home. Ponder that. Odds are some of you also have figurative fires that you wouldn't mind trading for literal fires. So what is your mind consumed with?
"Whatever gets your mind gets you. " -Rick Warren
So many verses and so many directions we could go with this. What gets your mind? Which fire, good or bad? Your wealth or desired wealth? Your health? Your home? A relationship? A drug? Phil 4: 6-8
Lastly, back to the MVP's, bad things do happen to good/great people. A news bite I recently watched was of a man who lost his home in the Eaton Fire (Atladena). Next to him was his neighbor's house that looked untouched and now called 'Touched by God". The reporter asked him why God didn't save his house. His reply, "I guess God doesn't care about me.".
I do get that initial reaction. I'm sure some of you do too. Yet, it is a lie he is believing. Versed ones, you know what Jer 29:11 says. You know what happened to Job and Moses and Elijah and Jacob and David and Daniel, jump ahead the disciples and Paul and most important God's own son. Did God not care about seeing his son who was tortured and nailed to a cross? Terrible things happen to the best. Yet versed ones, you know Rom 8:28. This podcast alone is full of stories of Hope and redemption out of awful.
Back to the LA fires, if you want to help. Lots of options. We have chosen to support Convoy of Hope. As for further ideas hit us up and/or stay tuned.
Learn from these fires. Palisades started with a spark. And apparently a lack of preparation (water!) and resources. Ironically, I can relate to that when my finances caught on fire. I'm still working on that fire. That's how big it was. It's another reason I'm so passionate about Greg's GCrossSurf ministry, life planning with the Lord and infusing accountabilty in our lives. Something I see sorely lacking in most small groups.
Now go Love God with all your heart, soul and mind. That includes confessing your fires (you created) and fighting them earlier. Next love others, help them with their fires where you are gifted. Matt 22: 36-40. I love you. Now go...