The tsunami in the Indian Ocean and Hurri-cane Katrina in the Gulf States are solemn reminders that life is so fleeting and we never know when a disaster may strike us. Many are wondering, “What in the world is going on?” The Bible tells us that there will be an ever increasing frequency and intensity of disasters. Jesus prophesied these disasters in Matthew 24:3 – 35 and Luke 21:1 – 36. Matthew 24:3 “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’ 4. Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. 5. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen but the end is still to come. 7a. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” More people were killed in warfare in the 20th century than at any other time in history. World War I had 18 million casualties and World War II had 60 million. Seven million people have died since the 1970’s due to war. In the 1990’s 56 wars, in which there were at least 1,000 confirmed dead, took place in 44 countries. Luke 21:11 “There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (epidemics) in various places, . . .
* Earthquakes
Earthquakes measuring 5.5 and up on the Richter Scale:
1800 -- 1900 645 earthquakes in 100 years
1900 -- 1994 1,845 earthquakes in 94 years (2.8
times higher than 1800 -- 1900)
1994 -- 2000 1,163 earthquakes in 7 years (175
times higher than 1800 -- 1900)
The number and intensity of earthquakes this century
is at a level higher than any other time in history.
A staggering number of seismic events occur around the
world daily. By contrast, in the years 1890 to 1900
there was only one major earthquake in the world. As
of January 8, 2005, there had been 406 earthquakes of
greater than 4 magnitude in the world during a period
of only 30 days.
* Famines
Famines are often caused by floods, droughts, locust
infestations, political corruption and the resulting
poverty, and the growth of drugs instead of life
sustaining crops (as in Afghanistan). In addition
many farmers have died in Africa because of AIDS.
Currently these various situations have caused famine
to spread across many nations in Africa, and in Haiti,
and North Korea.
* Pestilence (epidemics)
This is only a partial list: AIDS, STD, Anthrax,
threat of biological warfare, etc. AIDS has become a
pan-demic in Africa infecting up to 90% of the
population in some villages. SARS (Asian Avian
Influenza) may become the next pandemic of the 21st
century through international travel.
Luke 21: 25 “ . . . On the earth, nations will be
in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing
of the sea.” We saw that anguish in many nations at
first because of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean and
then later with Hurricane Katrina in the USA. People
are perplexed as to why there is such an increase in
the number and strength of the hurri-canes, floods,
and other natural disasters.
Matthew 24: 8 “All these are the beginning of birth
pains.” Jesus was comparing the earth to a woman in
labor whose contractions increase in fre-quency and
intensity. Likewise these disasters will continue to
increase until the end of the age.
Luke 21:27 “At that time they will see the Son of
Man (Jesus) coming in a cloud with power and
great glory. . . .29. He (Jesus) told them this
parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees.
(Most Bible teachers believe the fig tree and all the
trees refer to Israel becoming a nation again on May
14, 1948 after 2,000 years of dispersion and to the
Jews who are returning to the land.) When they sprout
leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that
summer is near. Even so, when you see these things
happen-ing, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
I tell you the truth, this generation (the generation
that is alive and sees Israel become a nation) will
certain-ly not pass away until all these things have
hap-pened.”
We all need to be spiritually ready to meet God either through death or when Jesus comes back. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever be-lieves in Him should not perish but have ever-lasting life.” Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Have you made Him your Lord and Savior? If you want to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you may pray now.
“Dear Jesus, forgive me of all my sins and save my soul. I repent of my sinful ways and ask You to come into my heart, be my Savior and the Lord of my life. I give myself to You, so mold me into the person You have always wanted me to be. Thank You for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.” If you have sincerely prayed to the Lord, you can sign your name here and date it as a personal reminder of the commitment you have made to God.
________________________ _______________Name Date
We also have to be physically ready for emergencies. Let’s prepare ourselves and be ready to help others. Then we can pray, trusting and depend-ing on God to do the rest. This is a list of the basics. God Bless You!
Emergency Supplies for You and Others *
Family plans for contacting and meeting each other
Health plan numbers, insurance, phone numbers, etc.
Canned and prepared food – enough for least 4 days
Water – 1 gallon per person for 4 days
* Medical supplies – prescriptions, first aid kits,
pain medicine, latex gloves, and extra glasses
* Battery radio and flashlights – extra batteries
* Plans and supplies for toileting
* Sanitation supplies – disinfectant wipes, tissues, safety pins, and feminine supplies
* Fire extinguishers, Ax, shovel, broom, heavy gloves, crow bar, pocketknife, and scissors
Cooking supplies, hand can and bottle opener Blankets -- Mylar “space” blanket for the car
* Snack type food and water for yourself and others
* Maps, cell phone, and charger
* Change of clothes and comfortable shoes
* Tool for breaking the window & cutting the seat belt
* Full tank of gas
* Heavy pair of gloves
* Whistle to signal for help
* These supplies should be in your car also.