God Inside The Fire: An Amazing True Story

by Greg Stelley

"GOD INSIDE THE An Amazing True Story" is a dazzling supernatural journey, a personal voyage of spiritual discovery, a photo documented treasure box of the impossible. Step aboard for the trip of a lifetime. . . Joni is no stranger to miracles. Her prayers and even her dreams have a habit of coming true. Her husband is regularly amazed by her strong faith and her "I had a dream, Greg. There's going to be a fire. I saw Kathy and Frank in the middle of it." Frank Scalari is a physicist. Frank, his wife Kathy, and their four children, along with their horses, goats and chickens, have just moved onto their new five acre ranch high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, 60 miles northeast of San Diego. On October 25th, 2003, the ravenous Cedar Fire sweeps down into San Diego on strong Santa Ana winds. Two days later, the largest firestorm in California history reverses course and takes direct aim at the Scalari family's ranch. By 9:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, flames the size of skyscrapers are climbing the steep western face directly below the Scalari's ranch. Joni, and Danielle, her 9-year-old daughter, each pray for a miracle. They're praying for more than just a horse ranch—they're praying to open their friends' hearts and minds to the reality of God. The impossibilities within this amazing true story will astound you. If you look, you just may find. . .GOD INSIDE THE FIRE. "I CRIED & CRIED as I read this powerful true story. If you are in need of encouragement to give you hope on the journey that The Lord has called you on, this book will certainly be beneficial. I highly recommend it." Caring for lost souls,10/22/14 "IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, read this book. If you believe in miracles, read this book. An incredible story of faith, prayer, and God's sovereign power over nature." Amazon Customer, 9/19/14 "A POWERFUL, AWE INSPIRING BOOK. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is almighty and is in control of all things. Glory to his name." Nancy, 8/4/14 "I'VE READ HUNDREDS of books of all kinds and this is clearly one of the best and most interesting books I have read in years." R. McCuistian (Alabama), 5/22/14 "INCREDIBLE STORY, could not put it down. Amazing first hand account of days that for San Diego county residents will not be soon forgotten. We were all impacted in some fashion. This story is almost unbelievable, however it is packed with facts and pictures as proof!" Cinco Tamayo, 5/1/14 "GOD CERTAINLY AIDED in the writing of this book. Superbly told in simple, thought provoking language. God's truth is so simple, yet confounds many. Everyone needs to read this book; joyous for all." Tommie Redington, 5/2/14 "COMPLETELY COMPELLING, I simply could not put this book down until I was finished reading it, and that in itself speaks volumes for this powerful story. In short, the book is a testament to the power of love, faith, and prayer against the backdrop of one of California's greatest disasters." common sense (Sonoma CA) 5/18/13 "FROM THE TIME I picked up this book, I was captivated by the story and couldn't put it down! The author brings his reader directly into the story and details the visual and emotional experiences from inside the fire." Christine Smith@LifeVerse (VINE VOICE), 5/29/13 "THIS IS A WONDERFUL BLESSING of a true story. . .a great message from a wonderful God. . .a supernatural God who will do anything to show who He is, no matter where you are, even in the most devastating and horrible circumstance. . ." Christian Fiction Guru (Victoria, Australia), 4/26/13 "THE AWESOMENESS OF GOD is what made the book so compelling! Whether you are a believer or not, your life will never be the same after reading this book." gregg carter, October 16, 2013 "ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I have ever read. This book is so well written, I could feel the terror the residents were feeling. I was moved to tears often and had goosebumps alot of the time." luv2nit

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Inspirational

234 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2012

Reviews

[Jan Hegelein · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who thinks God is not intimately involved in the lives of His people, this is a must read! If you read with an open mind, your faith will be challenged and you will gain a clearer understanding of the awesome power of prayer! Disasters do not negate the presence of God. For those who will seek, God can be found even in the most dire circumstances. Explore the rock solid truths of God portrayed through this story and you will be deeply encouraged. God still works miracles. He hears your prayer. This true account has strengthened my faith and challenged me to once again trust in God for everything!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered if God is still in the miracle business? Scripture states, “And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.”

I believe that God still performs miracles. God Inside the Fire is a true story of one obvious miracle. Joni Stelly has a remarkable gift of extraordinary spiritual insight and discernment. She also has incredible faith. So when she dreamed that she saw family friends Frank and Kathy running from a deadly fire, she did what she always did. She prayed.

Frank and Kathy aren’t believers but they have a deep friendship with Greg and Joni. Their mutual love and respect, combined with the prayers of the faithful, led to a miracle in the hills of San Diego County during the 2003 Cedar Fire.

Greg Stelly has written a remarkable chronicle of the Cedar Fire miracle. Greg’s writing is descriptive and flows naturally from scene to scene. The characters and their situations come to life on the pages of God Inside the Fire. I couldn’t put this book down once I began reading it, and I can’t stop recommending it to friends.

We can witness miracles, but we must have faith that miracles can occur. “For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith” (Ether 12:12). Joni, Greg, Danielle and Juliette Stelly have faith. They acted on their faith by prayer. They witnessed a real miracle. Read God Inside the Fire and you’ll witness a miracle, too. Maybe next time you need a miracle you’ll have just a little more faith as a result of this remarkable story.

[Kevin W. Jerrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

This was a truly inspiring read. Seeing a true miracle (photos included) in the midst of death and destruction was definitely refreshing.

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
God Inside the Fire
By Greg Stelley

Make a pot of coffee, find yourself a comfortable chair and plan to relax for a while. This is one of those “Hard to put down” books you love to get your hands on. I read the book for free via Amazon’s Lending Library, but I liked it so much that I purchased my own copy of it in the Kindle format.

We all know our God is a God of miracles. If you do not believe that, just take a look at my testimony at http://gatheredinprayer.blogspot.com/... .
God has performed many miracles in my life, but none quite as spectacular as what you will read about in God Inside the Fire by Greg Stelley.

This is the kind of book that invites the reader to be a part of two families. The reader will meet the Stelley and Scalari families.

The reader gets to hear of a young girl’s love and patience with some very lovable animals and to fret over a chicken named Chocolate.

As a reader, I got to meet an abused horse who was in need of someone to love him and a girl who saved him from a fate he did not deserve.

The author provides full color photos and some very helpful background information so that the reader can fully appreciate the situation that the families caught in the fire are going through.

I was a volunteer fireman years ago and I know how amazing fire can be. I also know how scary a fire can be.

One of the most touching parts of the book is when a fire department from my home state of Texas arrives on the scene to help the Scalari family with the lingering hot spots, and to reinforce the facts of what should have taken place in a fire and what did not. I would love to know where in Texas that fire company came from.

Our local fire department has a motto “Whatever it takes” and they mean every word of it. Whatever it takes, they are there for the community around the block and around the world because everyone knows that Texas has your back.

It is amazing what a very detailed prayer can do. It is equally amazing what a simple prayer can do. The simplest prayer I have ever prayed was “God, please”. God did not need me to spell out for Him what I needed and how I needed it. When I prayed that simple prayer, God opened up the floodgates of heaven.

When little Danielle prayed a very specific prayer, she gave complete details of what was needed and God listened. It is as if God used Danielle’s prayer as a checklist of what to do.

This is an outstanding book and is very entertaining. It is impossible to explain how such a miracle could take place unless God was inside the fire.

FTC Required Notice
The author of this book suggested the book to me after reading my review of Heaven is for Real. I did not receive a copy of the book from the author or the publisher. I borrowed the book in Kindle format free from Amazon’s Lending Library. I liked the book so much that I purchased my own copy so that I could share it with friends. It is just that good.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Peter Younghusband · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book, whether fiction of non fiction, impacts your life on one level or many levels, then you are blessed and made a better person. This is what the author, Greg Stelley has achieved in this true account of one of America's most devastating fires and the impact it had on the community, and the miracle that followed. This has impacted me greatly and challenged my attitude towards my relationship with God and my family.

As a first time writer, Stelley writes well and describes the fire, its pace, ferocity and devastation just as well. From this angle, this books reads like a novel. I love fiction so I was in my element here. He has done every reader, himself and his family and the family, Frank and Kathy, at the centre of this true account justice by portraying them as they are, real people and as true to how they are as real people and not as two dimensional as some characters are portrayed in fictional stories. This adds so much credibility to himself as author but also to the main characters and the true account of this devastating fire and miracle that occurred as a result of the faith expressed by the Stelley family.

I agree with the author that this story needed to be told. What happened to Frank and Kathy's property defies logical, scientific and rational explanation. Everything points to the supernatural. When you read the specifics of the prayer that Danielle, Juliette and Joni prayed and then to see that in reality, after the fire, this evidenced exactly as prayed, is truly wonderful. For Christians, this is not surprising as to the Author of this miracle. To those who do not know God in a personal way, it will be used by God as a great witness and example of who He is, what He is capable of in a wonderful and benevolent way and to lead those seeking purpose and meaning to why they exist, to Him.

I applaud Greg Stelley in writing this to honour and give God the glory for what He has done for Frank and Kathy. I can say this also for any Christian to be challenged in their faith and to take God out of the boxes we enclose Him in due to our own failings, fallen and sinful nature and use what God has done in this account to challenge us to see Him in a deeper way with a deeper faith.

I was very scared at reading the fire account and the experiences the victims went through. I got anxious, frustrated, angry and cried at those accounts. I also cried, but with tears of joy, at the miracle that unfolded after the fire. I was rejoicing in this wonderful God I love and follow! It is really hard being on a train commuting to work and trying to conceal the fact that you are crying!! I got some very strange looks for fellow commuters!!

This is a wonderful blessing of a true story, a great message from an wonderful God. Faith, hope, redemption, supernatural power from a supernatural God who will do anything to show who He is, no matter where you are, even in the most devastating and horrible circumstance anyone could be in.

Highly Recommended.

[Betty Murdock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracles still happen

If you don't believe in miracles, read this book. If you believe in miracles, read this book. An incredible story of faith, prayer, and God's sovereign power over nature.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by my cousin. Her husband is a Fire Fighter for the National Forestry Service and has worked on many wild fires. She read this hoping that she would learn some things about what he does and the kinds of fires he faces. Unfortunately, for her, she didn't learn as much as she was hoping, but still found the story intriguing and told me about it.

As a believer, I love hearing about God's miracles and this story provides just that. I won't tell you what the miracle or miracles were as I don't want to spoil anything for the reader, but this book definitely made me stop and think about His great power in our lives.

The book is heavily Christian based and quotes Scripture throughout as a means of sharing the story. Joni and Frank are not believers like their friends Kathy and Greg, but their friendship is still strong and thriving. I found this part of the relationship very interesting as Kathy and Greg certainly didn't hide their faith and yet Joni and Frank didn't seem interested either.

Since this is a true story, I found so many facts of the fire horrifying. I thought Stelley described the scene, the emotions and the fear of the residents so well that I was finding it hard to breathe as those in the story were breathing through the smokey air.

Christian or not, I really think you will find this story fascinating. I barely remember the Cedar Fire happening. I had a 3 year old, a 2 year old and our house was on the market at the time, so I barely had time to brush my teeth let alone watch the news. But, I remember other wild fires in recent years and I will certainly be more interested as fire season begins soon.

I think there is much we can learn from this story and it would encourage a great discussion about your faith. This would make an excellent book for a book club or a Bible study group.

The things I took away from the book include: prayer works, your things mean nothing compared to family and friends, and God can do amazing things...if we just ask him to. I am certainly going to try to be more specific in my prayer time with God.

At the time, I was able to get this as a free book for my Kindle. GOD INSIDE THE FIRE is also available on paperback and is currently $3.99 for the Kindle.

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch This On YouTube
We read and reviewed the original version of God Inside the Fire and we were blown away. Usually when there is a revised edition, it really does not improve the story that much. However, God Inside the Fire: Revised & Expanded Edition by Greg Stelley takes a truly awesome story and kicks it up several notches.

The miracles in the first edition were great. Stelley hit it out of the park with this revised edition as he added some dialogue that really makes the true life characters come to life for the reader. He also adds some back story to help us get the true impact of what was going on in the story.

We feel that this book is very well-written and deserves all five stars. It is a factual account of a real life event told as close to the facts as can be told.

Our Kindle ereader tells us it takes about six hours to read the book. This being the case, you might want to potty first, put on a cup of coffee, and grab a comfy place to sit because you won’t want to put down God Inside the Fire.




We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Notice: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

[Ann237 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two or more...the powerful and the never doubting faith of a friend,the innocence of a child to ask from the heart for something we as adults would see as impossible, even for those that believe. It made me realize that as a one of Faith, my faith put God and what he WOULD do in a box. Not thinking he couldn't,, this was a inspiration for me, we need to approach our father like an innocent child. The amazement of the MESSAGE of the MIRACLE was not just for the family who owned the property, but for the fire fighters, friends family, the author who had more shown to him as he was preparing the book, Gods message of such magnitude is not ever for just one! It's for all to see, and not honestly be able to say there is no God! Each person I pray will enter into reading this powerful book with a open mind, heart, and Spirit!

[Harriet Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title chosen for this book could not be more appropriate. It could not have been written by anyone else, either, as the author asserts. The book documents well the story of 2 families and their experiences as friends and survivors before, during and after the huge fire in 2003 in San Diego County. The author’s knowledge of the characteristics of fire also show in his descriptions of the fire itself. Photos from the family’s home which was not destroyed show where the fire was actually contained.
The book records the attempts to share the Good News about Christ from one family with another. There is no earthly explanation for the reason that this home was saved from the fire. Yet, also, the book shows how some will not believe, regardless of the evidence.
I recommend this book to everyone. It is a true story of one of the worst events in California history.

[Marcy O'Rourke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book and the last chapters proved a real disappointment. The first part covering the horrible fire that burned thousands of acres, destroyed thousands of homes and took 13 lives, is very interesting and well told. Also, the relationship between two families, one of faith and one leaning more toward science is engagingly portrayed. The miracle is well documented and fascinating. Certainly the author's wife Joni has some very special spiritual gifts.

However, in the aftermath of the miracle, the author subjects us to many long, tedious pages of his personal theology. He leans toward hell fire and damnation as God's surest method of recruiting. The miracle of love that occurred is lost. I even begin to wonder if the author wasn't a bit of a pyromaniac.

Anyhow, it is a good story, up to a point.

[Pamela Hall-Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Stelley is a brilliant writer. Gregg's visionary images shows us just how powerful the fires can be that sweep through such areas. This story proves that miracles are happening and also that they are wrapped around faith and belief. I really like the story, but, I couldn't finish the book because this is where Gregg and I differ. My beliefs in the universal laws show that there is only love and through that love our beliefs and thoughts are where the power is. This means (to me) that preaching fear of death through the idea that we will burn in hell if we do not conform to a Christian view, is meaningless. This is a form of ransom. Universal laws is about unconditional love whether it is in the physical or non physical. Our Source, God, inner belief says there is no ransom to pay.

[Jan Hegelein · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who thinks God is not intimately involved in the lives of His people, this is a must read! If you read with an open mind, your faith will be challenged and you will gain a clearer understanding of the awesome power of prayer! Disasters do not negate the presence of God. For those who will seek, God can be found even in the most dire circumstances. Explore the rock solid truths of God portrayed through this story and you will be deeply encouraged. God still works miracles. He hears your prayer. This true account has strengthened my faith and challenged me to once again trust in God for everything!

[Desiree Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe how this book affected me. If you are a believer then this book will only reinforce that Miracles do happen everyday and that God is always not only with us but listening to our prayers. If you are a non believer then you should read this and see if you can explain the unexplainable. I'm glad I downloaded this book and read it. It was a great reminder that everything happens for a reason and even tho we don't know why it is someday if we are willing to face it then it will all become clear to us. Thank you Greg for sharing this incredible story with the world. It was nice of your friends to let you share their story.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story written, not by a renowned author, but simply a witness. If you have questions about who God is, if He is still in "the miracle business," answers prayer and is specific, read this book!! I couldn't wait to get back to it each day. It will encourage the heart of the believer and lead doubters to look deeper. Well written, honest and inspiring. God answers prayer. He is a God of miracles still. I bought the book, but after reading the sample provided, I needed to know what happened next and ended up buying it on Kindle as well. I will be buying additional copies to give to others.

[Celia Lisby]

Spiritually inspiring

For those who have faith this is a comforting reassurance of God's power. For everyone else hopefully this gives you something to consider. I believe we all have little miracles that happen in our lives every day. If we are more grateful it's possible we may experience them even more. This is a great true account of a miracle.

[Lisa-marie Fredericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this! True story of the wildfires in California and a family who was spared. Photos don't make up this stuff. Does God still do miracles, big ones? Yes and this one is truly amazing!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing,faith-building true story relative to the terrible fire near Sean Diego in 2003. Very well written. The authors knowledge of flames plus his ability to visualize enabled him to do a great job of describing even the events/situations he did not personally witness.

[Kristine Brezenski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking spiritual journey.

The author creates an amazing picture of what it means to have real faith in God. The story makes the reader stop and think about their own faith. How strong is it?

[Reggie Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad this story was told

5 Stars
So glad I read this book!! In a world full of heartbreaks this book is a detailed account of how God is at work today and how He is answering prayers of His children.

[Basil Cheddar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miracles still happen

The book gives the reader an insight into the power of prayer and the faith of individuals you believe. It also shows how God uses these miracles to draw people to him.

[Mawmaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book - a real "page turner"!

[Jeff Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fascinating true story. Really enjoyed this one. One of those cannot put down till its finished books. Highly recommended.

[Holly Hilbrands · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspirational story about the power of prayer and the miracles God can create if you just believe.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly is an amazing book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful inspiration of how God's presence is forever in our lives.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cedar Fire 2003

It has been a while since I read a book that wouldn't let me put it down but that was true of this powerful story.

[GLADYS PREAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great true story

It was a great book! As someone who loves true stories,I hated to put it down. I went to bed each night an hour before my husband to read this story.I just turned 75 years old and have read a lot of books. This was one of my favorite ones. Am so happy you wrote it.

[Fiery · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I thank the author for taking courage to write this story in a book and share it with us. Book is written in a brief, constantly drawing reader's attention style. After the introduction of main characters and places, we are put in the middle of the Cedar Fire - a devastating California's wildfire that starts on October 25, 2003 and stops on November 3. Thousands of residences and dozens of commercial properties are destroyed, a few remain undamaged, but a particular residence, which this book covers most, is miraculously spared from wildfires. What I liked most is that this house is spared after simple, fervent prayers of two people. Situation seems impossible, even fire insurance is at risk, but some of the owner's friends reach out and dare to put their faith in the invisible God who can help in any situation. And the answer to those prayers happens to the letter in a very visible, touchable and factual way, no one could deny. I recommend this book to anyone interested in true stories.

I took one star, because some photographs are edited by the author with additional burning objects which is not well noticed on or below the photographs. Adding notes, lines and markers is fine, but adding objects that look as a part of the scene may only cause confusion especially on e-Ink Kindles. Fortunately both edited and original photographs are present.

What I found additionally to this book which may be interesting for those reading it. First, it appears that there are three wildfires at the same time in the San Diego area - Cedar (south of Ramona), Paradise (valley center) and Otay fire in the south. Next, following the directions in the book, I found that exact property on the google maps. It looks fine on the satellite map, but there are other houses all around the road which means that some of them are already rebuilt. What appears at west and southwest of the property seems a bare land. Satellite pictures of the whole area look most green now, but when traveling with the google car, landscape is not very compelling. There are still dead trees here and there. Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant seems to be rebuilt, but the recent reviews sound like a stay away from it (especially the one that mentions anti-semtic jokes and nazi salutes of the staff).

I read the Kindle edition. ASIN: B008EXKXIO

[Stanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost stopped reading at the imploring of God to recover $200 sunglasses and again at the use of profanity in an early chapter. There are several instances where I felt things were being inferred rather than reported? I did finish the book and it is a wonderful testament to the power of God. I particularly like the bit about the scorching of the goat pen. The many pages of photographs are too small to view on my kindle. I don't want to write a bad review and not recommend this book just because the books I read prior to this one were of a different style and genre.