Colorado has once again hit wildfire season. With five fires raging through the state this morning, each person, whether affected directly by the fires or not, are prompted to evaluate personal property and to be prepared for an event.

For those who have been evacuated today, my prayers are for peace and safety for yourself and those you love. For those who are battling these wildfires, I pray that you would be safe in the pursuit of these fires. Thank you for your service.

A few more planning ideas have come into play with this particular wildfire season. Last season, folks were asked to be prepared by gathering certain items (irreplaceable items such as photographs or documents) and placing them in vehicles. They were asked to keep vehicles filled with gas for immediate evacuation and to keep those vehicles turned so that a quick exit would be available.

This season, they’ve gone one step further to aid with the process of evacuation. Here are their suggestions.

• Decide where to go.
• Check on Red Cross shelters.
• Decide on an evacuation route.
• Make a meeting place for family.

These sound simple enough and maybe even obvious to some. But there are others who need this simple advice in order to remain safe and calm during a hectic situation.

As I thought of these four guidelines, I wondered how I might relate them to our salvation…and I think I’ve got it.

Decide Where to Go

We have two options. We can choose to spend eternity in heaven or in hell. We can choose to spend eternity in God’s presence or outside of God’s presence. Oh, the misery described in Scripture about hell would be horrible in our earthly state, but the real tragedy would be separation from God. For me, this is an easy choice. I want God.

Check on Red Cross Shelters

Red Cross shelters provide safety, security and a haven for those who are hurting or in need. The Church can do the same for a hurt and dying world. The message shared by God’s Church is that of hope, love, acceptance and grace. I can’t imagine going through this life without a church family who I know I can count on when things get tough. Do you have this support system?

Decide on an Evacuation Route

Jesus is the route. He tells us in the Book of John of His plan. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 – NIV) We must know Jesus. Don’t follow others on a detour. Know Jesus through what Scripture teaches about Him. Stick to the route. It’s the only way. Jesus is the only Way.

Make a Meeting Place for Family

Well, you’ve already heard my decision. I’m meeting my family and friends in heaven. I look forward to the day when I see my loved ones who have gone before me. My grandparents, my child, my grandson. Friends who were faithful here on earth to God’s kingdom. But I will also join all of God’s family in worshipping God for eternity. I look forward to being in the throne room of heaven and saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8 – NIV) What a wonderful place our heavenly Father is preparing for us. Why would we want to miss it?

We have the opportunity while on this earth to make preparations to spend eternity in heaven. We must choose our final destination. We must seek a place where we can learn of God’s ways and come to better understanding of Jesus. We must stick to narrow path and not be misguided through our spiritual journey. And we must plan to meet up with God in heaven for eternity. These may seem like simple steps to becoming a faithful Christian, but if just one person finds grace through this little piece then I have done my job. I’ve shared God’s message clearly and precisely. And that is always my goal.

Please join me today in praying for those affected by the wildfires in Colorado and across the globe. Please join me today in praying for those who are affected by the storms crossing our country. Please join me today in praying for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. May God’s hands comfort, protect, and keep us all safe today.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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