the perfect storm

I've had lots of time to think this week about just how wonderful life is, and how quickly everything you love and own can be taken away from you. When I heard about the southern California fires this week, I got to praying right away. It's funny because that whole last weekend, my youth pastors had been preaching about the fire of God and the perfect storm. It was crazy to think they were calling the fire and wind "the perfect storm". We've started a new series at XG called "transformed" and it's based out of Romans 12:2. This verse is one of my favorites, and a huge remnant of intern memories lies around this verse. I think we quoted this one the most. We've been talking about how God's fire comes to tranform our lives, in the midst of life, and in "the perfect storm" as described through Acts 27, God shows Himself to be merciful. One of the things I've been praying for specifically is mercy, as requested by Jael, but also because something has got to break in the darkness of San Diego, and by the mercy of God, many will be saved, literally and spiritually.

As for me, I've been hanging around the books of Job and Nehemiah lately. Two very different books, and yet very similar. They both have to do with brokenness and rebuilding or recovering. I especially love the story of Job, although I'd never actually ever want that story to become my testimony. But this week with all the fires going on, I'm wondering just how many kind of Job-like situations there will be in southern California when these fires have been contained. I've been praying for anyone I can remember by name, and so far no bad reports. But I've gotten some crazy stories from some of you who have been evacuated and separated from family! Even so, I know God is getting ready to do great things in San Diego. Testimonies of God's goodness through this time are going to bring people to the church! How amazing is it that the fires were so close to the church? If we look through spiritual eyes, I believe God is getting ready to send revival fire to The City Church. I can't wait to hear all that's happening; I hope to visit soon and get to see what God is doing! And all the preparation and focus on the "local church" has not been wasted, because here comes your white field! Get ready for REVIVAL cuz it's coming. Keep me posted everyone and I'm still praying for you! Love you all!

"For You are God, gracious and merciful. Our God turned the curse into a blessing"
-Nehemiah 9:31, 13:2