16 Apr, 2008
Big quake likely in California...60 die as car bombs rip through Iraq
NOTE: These two stories were both headlines on the same day at news.yahoo.com:
LOS ANGELES - California faces an almost certain risk of being rocked by a strong earthquake by 2037, scientists said Monday in the first statewide temblor forecast.
New calculations reveal there is a 99.7 percent chance a magnitude 6.7 quake or larger will strike in the next 30 years. The odds of such an event are higher in Southern California than Northern California, 97 percent versus 93 percent.
"It basically guarantees it's going to happen," said Ned Field, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Pasadena and lead author of the report.
The 1994 earthquake in the San Fernando Valley was magnitude 6.7. It killed 72 people, injured more than 9,000 and caused $25 billion in damage in the metropolitan area.
BAGHDAD - Car bombs ripped through crowded areas in Baghdad and former insurgent strongholds to the north and west of the capital on Tuesday, killing nearly 60 people and breaking a recent lull in violence in the predominantly Sunni areas.
photos & stories courtesy news.yahoo.com, 4/15/07
Signs of the end?
Mark 13:3-8 (NLT)
Signs of the Close of the Age
3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, 4 “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”
5 Jesus replied,
In today's God's Story scripture, is there a connection between Jesus' words and what's happening in the world today?
Of course there is! When Jesus gave these words to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, he was not talking specifically about the current war in Iraq or the rumors of one with Iran. Jesus was not commenting on the prediction of the next big earthquake in California. BUT...there is a connection.
Every day that goes by brings us one day closer to Christ's return. Wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes are all part of what's coming - the end of the world as we know it today.
But don't freak out! Actually, Jesus used the idea of "panic", but it means the same thing. If you are a follower of Jesus, meaning that you have received his gift of salvation and you strive to live for him every day, you can have peace in a very troubled world. That's a promise from Jesus!
Also, don't get sucked into believing anyone who claims they know exactly when the world will end and Jesus will come back. Many false teachers have already misled people by claiming to have revelations from God and have given out many dates - none of which were true, because Christ's followers are still here!
How can you apply God's Story scripture to your story?
- Thank Jesus every day for being in control even when the world seems more out of control.
- Memorize verse 7 as a reminder of why you don't have to freak out with all the crisis in the world.
- Keep up with what's happening in the world. Look at current events in light of God's Word.
- Don't listen to 'religious' leaders and others who claim to know the exact time of the end of the world.
- Talk to God right now... Heavenly Father, thank you that you sent your Son Jesus to give me life, both now and forever. Thank you that you already know the exact perfect time of when Jesus is coming back to get His followers. Jesus, thank you for your promise to never leave me and to give me peace because you have already overcome the world. Jesus, use your power to bring a peaceful solution to the turmoil around our world. Give world leaders the insight and courage they need. Give me the courage I need to represent you in a troubled world. In Jesus' name....amen.
How can you connect all of this to your friends and family who need Jesus?
- Keep praying for them by name every day. God often uses change and difficult circumstances to help people recognize their need for Jesus.
- Someone you know may have fears about the future and the end of the world. You could use the war in Iraq or the prediction of the big earthquake in California to start up a conversation about world events and future events. Don't worry about knowing all about every crisis or all about the Biblical explanation of the end times. Just give others the opportunity to express themselves. Remember to listen to their hearts. Remember to listen to Jesus guiding your thoughts and words. Simply talk about the peace and confidence you have in knowing that God is in control. This is part of telling your story!
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