What Can We Learn from the Wildfires in California?

Photo belongs to the right owner. 

The wildfires in California have left behind significant destruction and loss, but in the midst of this tragedy, there are valuable lessons we can reflect upon. I have three in mind: 

1. The Importance of Safety and Preparedness

The devastation in California was exacerbated by a lack of preparation in certain areas. One major issue was the scarcity of water, which could have been a vital resource in preventing the fires from spreading. There weren’t enough water hydrants, pumps to add pressure to the water, or even automatic water systems installed around homes to prevent fires from catching. I can't imagine that this is happening in America. In fire-prone areas, we should always be vigilant and proactive. We must recognize the dangers and take necessary precautions. The Bible reminds us to be wise and prepared: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). If we know the risk, we should not ignore it.

This Year, 2025, is the Year of Jubilee

By Ianpassion

The picture was taken while I was preparing breakfast on the balcony of our accommodation. 

This picture speaks to me about the future as I look at the horizon where the mountain ranges and the blue sky meet. 

This year, I believe will be the Year of Jubilee, which a year of restoration, reaping, and spiritual renewal. In the Scripture, the Year of Jubilee is a time when the Father Almighty commands a release of debts, restoration of land, and freedom from burdens. It is a year of celebration, forgiveness, and a fresh start. I believe this year will be a time for us to harvest what we have sown, the efforts, prayers, and hard work we’ve poured into our lives, families, careers, and ministries over the past years. I am filled with excitement and anticipation as I see in faith that this year will bring increase and fruitfulness, as the Father promises come to life in our lives.

In the past, I’ve thought about the prophet Habakkuk, who struggled to see the fruits of his labor, much like many of us do. He worked hard, yet he couldn’t immediately see the results. But he didn’t lose hope, he chose to trust the Father's plan. Habakkuk knew that even though it may not seem like things were happening in the natural, The Father was working behind the scenes. He had faith that the Father's timing and plans are always perfect, even when we can’t yet see or feel it. In this, I see a powerful connection to the Year of Jubilee, because sometimes we feel like we are sowing in tears, facing hardship, or waiting for restoration, but the Jubilee reminds us that in the Father's timing, the harvest comes. The debts are forgiven, and restoration follows.

Christmas Season: A Time to Worship and Give

Nana and Nemi are setting up our Christmas tree by themselves. 

As I watch them doing this, I reflect on how fast my children are growing. 

We used to do it for them, and now they do it on their own.

 

Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year. There’s a unique joy and peace that fills the air during this season—an intangible warmth that manifests in decorations, lights, music, the giving of gifts, and even in the coolness of the weather. However, this joy is most profoundly experienced by those who recognize and appreciate the true origin of this holiday.

In different cultures, Christmas is celebrated for various reasons. For many business people, it's seen as an opportunity to increase profits, with consumers out buying gifts and decorations. But for me, every year I ask myself: What is the deeper meaning of Christmas? To understand this, I always turn to Scripture.

Family is like a raincoat that protects us from rain

 

                By Ianpassion

                My daughter Nana is using a sack of fertilizer to protect herself from the rain.

I listened to a Rick Warren podcast about having an awesome family. He uses the raincoat as an analogy to describe the concept of an awesome family. We use a raincoat for protection from the rain; imagine if you didn’t have a raincoat when you were outside. Just as a raincoat protects us from the rain, a family provides protection and support in the face of life's challenges and problems.

In this illustration, the raincoat represents the family, and the rain represents the challenges or problems we encounter in life. Imagine our children suffering rejection, loneliness, fears, and more without the support of a family. It's no wonder that when Satan wants to destroy a nation, he starts with the family. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), so when a family is broken, we lack protection when the rain comes.

Embracing Life's Fleeting Moments

By Ianpassion 

This morning, we were saddened by the news of someone we knew in the village passing away at the age of 38. He was rushed to the hospital last night due to a heart problem. During the day, everything seemed normal, and he appeared healthy. However, last night he struggled to breathe, and later we found that he had passed away.

Instances like these remind me that life is a precious gift. Some are on the brink of death, yet their time has not come, and I believe I am one of those. I always consider my life on earth as temporary, and as long as I have life, I live not for myself but for the One who has given it to me.