August 13, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Don't Miss What God Is Doing . . . . Gladiator Fire, AZ (MQ)

Bible Study Verses

Malachi 3:2 - 3 

But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness. (NIV)

Thoughts

For the last couple of weeks, we've had a fire blazing in northern Michigan right by one of my favorite fishing spots, the Two Hearted River. 

Apparently, the fire started with a lightning strike in the top of one of the Jack Pines and spread from there. In total, the fire destroyed over 21,000 acres of pristine forest. Over 300 DNR officers and firefighters were brought in to control this blaze.

(Dave M)

Action Point

Fire can bring about a tremendous amount of destruction. But, fire can also bring about growth!

In this morning's newspaper, a DNR officer was explaining that after the fire was over in this area, they had to do a survey of the forest to see what the condition of the land was. They were trying to find out if the top layer of the land was too scorched to grow new plants. The officer commented that as he walked around, he couldn't take one step without walking on new Jack Pine seeds that occurred because of the fire. You see, in the midst of the destruction, new life was already being prepared for through the seeds.

When we walk through our own fires in life, we can't always see that God is preparing new life for us and is using the fire to bring about changes in our character that absolutely need to happen. We may never understand why the fire needed to occur, but we need to have a teachable spirit and allow God to work on us. It's His way of refining us. 

If you are in the middle of a fire today, keep in mind that the fire will be over one day. Keep your eyes open walking through it and don't miss what God is doing with you!!!

  

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

If you are out camping or backpacking, make sure to dowse your campfire before you leave. If you don't have water readily available, use dirt to put the fire out.