8 Jan, 2009

Israel has made 60 air strikes on the Gaza Strip in a single night after the first daily truce to allow in humanitarian aid expired.

Targets included police sites, 10 Hamas tunnels, weapons storage facilities, launching pads "and a number of armed gunmen", the Israeli army said.

Nearly 700 Palestinian and 11 Israeli lives are said to have been lost since the offensive began 12 days ago.

Peace efforts move to Cairo shortly, with an Israeli envoy due in the city.

But Israel is prepared to go even deeper into the Gaza Strip in the coming hours, BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen reports from the Israeli border near Rafah.

Israel's army added that naval and artillery units had "continued to support the ground forces" overnight and reported one soldier lightly wounded.

Palestinian sources say an air attack destroyed a mosque in Gaza City but there has been no independent confirmation of this.

Unconfirmed reports also spoke of a tank advance with helicopter support towards Khan Younis, also in the south, shortly after midnight.

Story courtesy bbc.com & picture images.google.com 01/07/09

Are you Alert?

Keeping a sober mind in chaos

1Peter 4:7-8 (TNIV)

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

What does God's Story scripture teach us about loving and praying for others?

No one knows when Jesus will come back however, we do know we are living in end times, regardless of how long it takes. There are horrible and tragic things happening all around the world, in the lives of those around us, and possibly even in our own lives. Yet we have hope in Christ and can actually do something! Peter gives specific direction to pray and love each other deeply.

How can we connect today's God's Story Scripture to our lives?

When Peter says to "be alert and of a sober mind" what do you think he is talking about? How many things in our daily life can cause our mind’s to be clouded or distracted?
Try taking 5-10 minutes every day for the next week to be silent before you pray. Ask GOD to clear your mind of the things of this world and make you attune to the Holy Spirt. Then pray as you feel led.

Peter also says, "Above all, love each other deeply." How often in today's language is the word love thrown around? We "love" a song, color, video game, someone's outfit, all sorts of inanimate objects. And we can be so quick to get angry with others. Ask GOD to reveal his heart for others to you. Weather it is one person you need a little help with or a group of people you don't even know. Then, try praying for them!

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?

If you know someone who is anxious about things going on around the world or even in their own circle share with them the Peace that Christ brings in your life. After hearing what they are worried about ask to pray for them.
Pray for those around the world who are living in fearful war zones.
Ask a fellow believer to hold you accountable in keeping a "sober mind." Make time to sit in silence together and then pray. Who knows what GOD will do!

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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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