history behind earth day

What could be the cause behind Tsunami? (A laconic elucidation from Bible) Millions of people lost courage on December 26th, 2004. The entire mankind was horrified on the deep effect of Tsunami, which traumatized the whole world. It has become a burning issue discussed by the nations of the world. The death toll reached millions due to the effect. The same Tsunami hit the mankind 40 years ago and wiped out 35 thousand people. Though man is on his scientific and hi-tech journey, all his evaluations were unable to save the affected. Nations, government personnel and scientists are to be pitied for not guesstimating the sudden disaster. Though they have their scientific elucidation there is still more to be evaluated for the question, why they are engulfing the mankind? As a Bible literate I would like to give an apt answer for the above question, which is to be meticulously scrutinized because, though these intellectuals have eyes, ears and brains they are unable to delve into the strong reasons behind these calamities. Acts 13: 40-41 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: "'Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.'" If man stops looking at Bible with a religious glance and endeavors to understand the concepts in it he may be on the better way. Because of this serious situation among the mankind, to prove the authenticity of Bible I roar and throw my challenge at every intellect of the world to condemn my concepts in an open debate. But till this day none have dared to come before Bible but keeping themselves in a mummy and dummy stage. Man is very much worried about his future and is taking too much of precautions to save himself but alas! he is in vain. Though every city holds a fire fighters troop they can only arrive after the disaster and water the entire house and to fell down the burned walls. Dear reader if you are a caring person for you and your world then go through the entire topic, which gives you a clear truth regarding all these disaster targeting mankind. Today science is unaware of the precincts of the universe. Speaking about universe the Bible, creator of world says, “ Circle of Universe ”. It takes many more years for the modern science to know that the whole Universe is in a form of a sphere. From second century onwards Ptolemy and many more scientists explained the Geocentric Theory, which was set at naught by many modern scientists. For people like these I would like to give them a tit-for-tat treatment. Human body posses many internal organs among those Brain, Heart and Kidneys play a vital role in keeping man alive. If any of these organs are infected then such person may die of brain and heart attacks if neglected which ultimately results in death. It is to be understood that those organs are not centralized in one’s body and though they exist in various places of human body, their failure may lead the entire body to death. For this the organs are not literally needed to be located in the center of one’s body. In the same manner the whole universe is based on the environment of Earth. If anything worse happens to Earth that might destruct the entire universe. For these situations Earth may not practically be in the center of the universe. Damage to earth may damage the whole universe because the earth is the core for the entire creation. This theory was taught in Bible thousands of years ago before Christ. Amos 9:6 he who builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land- the LORD is his name. Job 38:33 Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up [God's] dominion over the earth? The above words justify the geocentric theory in judging the Earth as the key and foundation to the universe. Man living on this centralized Earth is to care for the creator and to lead his life in a safe way, which should not spoil the creation. Modern Science is cautioning many scientists and countries not to spoil the soil and environment. Man with his corrupted ideas is corrupting the system and the cycle of the environment. If any person is infected with fever he will not show interest in eating, drinking and pleasure living. In the same way the effected environment is infected with man’s explorations and is changing its path in giving a pleasant life to man. Man’s lust for new experiments made the environment to heat up resulting in the damage to the Ozone layer near Antarctic causing diseases to mankind. Due to the ultra violet rays streaming down directly towards the snow in those poles the ice is gradually melting causing the raise in the sea level which in turn causing floods and major disasters. In the year 2002 the glacier naming ‘Laurence B’ has melted and started to move towards the Antarctic Ocean. According to the analysis and satellite study the temperature on Earth is gradually increasing every year growing the sea level on earth. Due to the rise in temperature in 1995 and 2002 in Antarctica region many glaciers melted away. ‘Global warming’ is the word which we hear often these days. Man instead of knowing the reason behind his birth is analyzing the universe causing the Earth to warm up with his hectic experiments. If the entire universe is centralized on Earth then for whom the Earth is centralized? I have already given the answer for this question in my previous writing. “Is Man the Core of the Universe?” The entire creation including the Earth is made purely for Man because he is the image of God. The world exists today only for the sake of Man. Without man there is no universe, but man today has forgotten his Heavenly Father, the creator who created everything for the pleasure of his life. What punishment should be imposed on such people? Man has to inhabit the whole Earth and to utilize the fruits of it. He is to inhabit the whole earth according to the will of God. He has every right to delight himself out of its fruits. If man commits a mistake the law punishes him. If the law itself commits crime, then who will judge the law? God, after creating the creation made man and handed over him to the creation to feed His son what all he needs. If man himself departs God then whom would God order to punish him? After the effect of Tsunami modern science is taking only few precautions to save mankind but it cannot stop tsunami from appearing once again. This is a bare fact. Man has to change his way of life after such disasters but not new experiments to stop that. Heb 3:17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? Thousands and thousands of dead bodies flocked the cities and shores. All the dead bodies were cremated at once. The uproar reached the pinnacle. Many were buried in the sand itself Thailand and Malaysia are the most effected. Man cannot control the nature until he captures the heart of God. Jer 23:19-20 See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a whirlwind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly. On Christmas Eve, 24th December when many are in busy celebrations disaster suddenly struck them. This disaster shook the countries like India, Srilanka. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore etc. The disaster occurred in the sea, if this had occurred on land the death toll would have been much more. Jer 30:23-24 See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart.In days to come you will understand this. Recently news was heard on television that parents had murdered their own son and surrendered to police. The statement given by them was “ We want to make many to live happily by murdering our son for his behavior.” What does God do on looking today’s generation? Every human being is indulged in pleasure seeking life but no one is caring to know the will and mind of God. If man rebels on God then He may order the nature to bury him with fury. Luke 19:42-44 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." If man transforms his mind and deeds then God may also change his mind from punishing the mankind. In the beginning due to the disobedience of man towards God, He cursed the nature. The curse on man affected the nature. Gen 3:17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. If man disobeys God nature rebels against him. Jer 5:21-25 Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear: Should you not fear me?" declares the LORD. "Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it. But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.' Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. Man is surrounded by 3/4th of water. All the boundaries are not of cement but only sand. God made boundaries to 1/4th land with sand so that sea may not cross its boundary set forth by God. He ordered the sand to save his children from the water but not to engulf them. But today the sea has crossed its boundary and penetrated dry land to cover them with water partially. It is not a big deal for the 3/4th of water to cover the entire human and submerge them in sea if God permits. The nature obeys the word of God and acts as a protector but if he disobeys God it becomes a destroyer. Man is not caring for God but is high on heels denying God. If man refuses to comply then what does God do? Amos 5:8-9 (he who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns blackness into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land- the LORD is his name- he flashes destruction on the stronghold and brings the fortified city to ruin), Ps 104:7-9But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. Job 26:12 By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. Isa 51:15 For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar--the LORD Almighty is his name. Jer 31:35 This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar--the LORD Almighty is his name: By all the above verses it is very clear that God rebukes His children with nature when they disobey. If nature rebels on man where can he run and hide himself? Though he is more technologically advanced he cannot save himself from the ferocity of nature. Once God destroyed the whole world with water on seeing the wickedness of man and grieved in His heart. He wiped away the entire human race saving only 8 out of them. Gen 6:5, 17 The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. Acts 7:4 "So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. 2 Peter 2:5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; God pays for the wickedness of man with a disciplinary action. Without knowing the exact cause for the calamity science is under experimentation to know the reason of disaster. Man instead of estimating these disasters as wrath of God is adjusting himself as natural calamities. With his minimal knowledge man is explaining Tsunami as the tuning of tectonic plates but never searches himself whether he is in tune with God or not. Volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes are defined as natural calamities by man but not as the wrath of God on all His disobedient children. All the learned and unlearned has to accept these words. Now I would like to bring to your notice the marveling word of God unveiling the secrets of universe. Read these words with the eyes of understanding and be enlightened to experience the riches and abundance of the word of God. Now-a-days majority of population in the Christian world have not yet enlightened their minds to know these facts but are confined to the four walls of the church worshipping their lord for an hour or two once in a week. They may not know the worth of truth even if we offer Bible classes at a free of charge. A Bible intellect can evaluate the exact reason for every catastrophe trouncing mankind from the birth of universe. For every disease in a human body these would be a strong reason behind it, in the same way there also might be a strong reason behind for the destruction of Tsunami. To know the exact reason we have to research on the changes that occur in the nature. If a body is infected with a disease, doctor force the patient to undergo many testes to give him the correct cure. The same procedure has to be considered for the universe to know the reason for the calamity. This Biblical explanation in finding the reason for the calamities is to be studied by all the nations, their personnel, scientists and the intellectual society. To protect our only Earth from such catastrophes, seminars are to be conducted by the Bible scholars, which are to be attended by all the intelligentsia of the world. If this does not happen the entire universe may explode to ashes. Today’s modern man is very relaxed that though the earth may explode he is preparing to live on Moon or Mars purchasing flats over there. All such crazy people have to note an important point i.e., as the earth baring the government of the entire universe, if blown up, collapses the entire universe. We all know about diabetic patients. If that disease strikes at toe, it must be removed and if neglected it passes to leg, but if it enters the body then no medicine can save such person. The same way if the earth is infected and destroyed then it might be a danger to the entire universe. So, at present the earth being infected has to be treated carefully. Luke 21:25-26 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Ps 18:7 The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Judg 5:4 "O LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. Isa 13:13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. By all of the above verses it is very clear that the entire universe is interconnected. Any happenings on earth may influence the powers in the universe. Any actions in universe may ultimately affect the earth. When there are signs in Sun, Moon and Stars then the nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of sea occurs on earth. There is an unseen interaction between the earth and sun, sun and stars, stars and galaxies and galaxies and universe. If the world realizes and comes to the Bible after the Tsunami then they may find a way to shun such disasters. The earthly knowledge has to get down few steps and prostrate before the heavenly knowledge to save the world and all the human beings. Please go through few of the Bible references. Amos 9:6 he who builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land- the LORD is his name. Job 38:33 Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up [God's] dominion over the earth? Ps 148:1-6 Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away. Jer 31:35, 37 This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar--the LORD Almighty is his name: 37 This is what the LORD says: "Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done," declares the LORD. The unseen forces between the earth and the universe govern the entire creation. Every defect on earth is only the result of man. Since man being the core of the entire universe for its creation is also liable for its destruction. Every wrong step of man is affecting the earth and the forces within. Every country in the world upholds navy, military and air force to protect them. In the same way the whole universe is governed and protected by various invisible forces within it. Without proper government no society could be run properly. Atheists among the world have to carefully note down this point that no train, bus or aeroplane can run by itself unless the crew drives it. The entire universe cannot run by itself so there is an unseen power, which drives the whole world. To see that power their eyes of brain have to be enlightened by the word of God. Eph 1:17-20 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. Man with his half-baked knowledge is rejecting the existence of the Almighty. The reason for this is 2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. It is all nothing but blowing a trumpet before a deaf person. Now let us study the various unseen forces within the universe. Sun: - It takes 25 days, 9 hours and 7 minutes for the sun to take one rotation. It revolves around the Milky Way galaxy with a speed of 250 kilometers per hour. The calculation for the sun to take a revolution in its orbit is estimated as 0.25 billion years, which is called as a cosmic year. Planets Mercury: - It takes 58 days, 15 hours, 30 minutes and 34 seconds for one rotation. It revolves around the sun 88 days with a speed of 1 lack 76 thousand kilometers per hour. Venus: - For a rotation it takes 243 hours, 14 minutes and 225 days for a revolution. Earth: - For a rotation 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4,091 seconds (1 day) and 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45.51 seconds (1 year) for a revolution. Mars: - For a rotation it takes 24 hours, 37 minutes and 22.633 seconds and 687 days for a revolution. Jupiter: - For a rotation it takes 9 hours, 50 minutes and 30 seconds and 4332.62 days for a revolution. Saturn: - For a rotation it takes 10 hours, 14 minutes and 10759.06 days for a revolution. Uranus: - For a rotation it takes 16 hours, 10 minutes and 30707.79 days for a revolution. Neptune: - For a rotation it takes 18 hours 26 minutes and 60199.63 days for a revolution. Pluto: - For a rotation it takes 6 days, 9 hours and 18 minutes and 248.54 years for a revolution When we look at the pace of visible and invisible matter starting from planets to galaxies they all are running in their orbits and are governed by the super natural power. Vehicles driven by man are always delayed whereas the planetary and the starry hosts of the universe are never late and are accurate in their arrivals and departures. Lazy man has to know all these rotations and revolutions to know the power of Almighty who safeguards His beloved ones. All the starry hosts are run not by the power of man but by the supremacy of God. Man is interested to know the news and happenings all around the world daily in the morning but never reads Bible to know the hidden secrets of the universe. This topic must be eye opener to all such blind people. Heb 6:5-8 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even the believers are searching Christ and God only for their carnal pleasures but never estimate the power of Christ in proving His existence. Col 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand-with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Rom 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Cor 15:24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. Eph 1:20-21 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Christ is invincible in controlling the power existing in the universe. By His lordship the entire creation is bound and governed by His laws. If such all-powerful Christ is denied then a catastrophe may hit the mankind to know his fury. What are these Powers? : - Within no time the disaster struck the people creating chaos all around the effected cities. Geographical boundaries of areas have been changed. Dec 26th 2004 has become a tragic day in the history of mankind. Thousands and thousands have lost their lives. The Tsunami left its trails after its effect. 1. Two huge icebergs hit one another causing harm to Penguins. 2. North pole moved towards east Siberia to a distance of 2.5 cms. 3. The earths pace in rotation caused delay in speed up to 2.68 microseconds. 4. The effect of Tsunami caused vibrations for few weeks extending 20 – 30 cms. 5. The Tsunami changed the Geographical outlook of Asian continent permanently. Few islands have moved nearly 20 meters. The changes in heavenly bodies cause the Earth to change its outlook. The above examples are few of them. Though man is hit by such disaster he never tends to change his heart towards God but still take pleasure in denying the laws of God. Rom 1:27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Rev 6:14 The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Bible explained the reasons for such halaucosts, which engulf man. But man never turns his heart towards God and pleads to save him from such situations. He never corrects his way and pleases God to show love towards him. Man instead of correcting is preparing future plans to save himself from Mega Tsunami. Until he changes his mind Metropolitan cities will be transformed into forests and graveyards. I warn these people in advance to bow down before the Lord to be shown grace and mercy because He is the only protector and annihilator. Our heavenly Father is feeding every man with those powers and if rebelled He orders the same forces to destroy him. Isa 14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! Isa 14:16-17 Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: "Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, the man who made the world a desert, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?" Joel 2:3 Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the Garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste- nothing escapes them.

Begin with the United States of America., the greatest force for freedom and change in history. We, the American people, are humankind's pioneers. Our ancestors cultivated a natural wilderness. Americans of the twenty-first century confront a wilderness of flesh and blood in a world terrified by the virtues that we treasure, from religious tolerance to the rule of law, from the dignity of every man and woman to the rejection of hereditary power. Erupting with freedom, America challenges the world. We expose lies that justified thousands of years of tyrannies, proving that birth need not determine destiny. We demonstrate freedoms potential for all. And those we robbed of authority will never forgive us. Each day we expand the frontiers of human possibility. Those who insist on limits are our enemies. It is their choice, not ours. The great struggle of the twenty-first century will rage between those, led by America, who believe that men and women have the right to shape their own lives, and those who believe themselves entitled to shape the lives of others. We will prevail, but the rearguard actions fought on behalf of decayed traditions and murderous beliefs will rage beyond our lifetimes. Without the sacrifices of our forebears, most human beings - perhaps all - would live under tyranny. Without teh Americans of today and our English speaking brethren, dictators would again rise without hindrance. Because of us, freedom an dthe dignity of the common man and woman have become the ideal of a reordered humanity. We have lifted the weight of history from the shoulders of many millions. And we are far from finished. Our country is a force for good without precedent. We embody the revolutionary proposition that men and women can govern themselves from below, to the benefit of all, instead of being governed from above, to the benefit of few. Our pride does not rely upon purity of blood or religious monoploy, but uopn what multiple races and creeds have built with sweat and sacrifice. Our ancestors were not children of privilege,but men and women who refused to accept the limits of the lands they left behind. The new Americans who arrive to increase our strength are the spiritual kindred of teh earliest colonists. Old and new, Americans rejected the saftey of submission for a chance to stride upright. And we have learned to live together without hatred, if not without passing rancor. It is an achievement few other lands can claim - and none could claim it but for our example. Our progress has not been easy. Some of our ancestors fled chains. Othewrs arrived in chains. Some wore chains as they lived upon our soil. Our past has been imperfect. But unlike others, we do not deny our mistakes. We do not embrace history as an excuse for continued failure. That alone sets us apart from the rest of the world. When Americans stumble, we get back up. We do not wallow in a self-made mire and call it the will of God or the hand of fate. To err may be human, but to roll up your sleeves and fix what went wrong is American. We bear with us all the faults humanity can manifest. But we do not surrender to those faults. While others cling to past glories, we know that our greatest days still lay ahead. For all the complaints we must bear about America -the price of our success and the product of human jealousy - only imagine what this world would be like without us. Some may answer that proposition smugly, mocking us from foreign realms of failure. But their children line up by the millions to apply for U.S. Visas. And those who complain about their American birthright rarely leave to live their lives abroad. All men and women dream. Americans forge their dreams into reality We are not hated for what we have done to others, but for what we have done for ourselves. The example of our success is humiliating and bitter to all those who cling to traditions our power reveals as inadequate. Even the American capacity for hard work excites the hostility not only of our enemies , but of fair weather allies. Perhaps the cruelest thing European governments have done to their citizens over the past half century has been to destroy the sense that work fullfills a life. An unemployment payment is no substitute for a job, and welfare for the able robs human beings of their dignity, creating moral slaves. Most Americans ,on the other hand, cannot imagine a life without work. We win the lottery, then get back behind the wheel of the delivery truck. Our passion for work and achievement is a tremendous source of our strength. As an American citizen, I see quiet heroism in the parent who labors at a grinding job, year after year, in order to raise a family, in the common citizen who will never enjoy celebrity or financial wealth, but whose steadiness and moral intergrity make this country go. America has no greater reserve of strength than the honest man or woman who, instead of scheming to beat the system, keeps that sytem running day after day. Of course few of those Americans see themselves as revolutionaries. Yet we live in the most revolutionary society in history. We upset oppressivetraditions that endured, unchallenged, for millennia. Defiantly, we created new possibilites. The average American with an SSN, a drivers license , and a mortgage is a revolutionary to a degree that reveals Karl Marx and Che Guevara as dilettantes. While revolutionaries elsewhere sought to impose arid philosophies on humankind - at the cost of hundreds of millions of lives - we created a perpetual revolution of the people, by the people, and for the people. The American Revolution isn't a single event summed up by the date 1776. Our revolution began when the first colonists arrived with their backs turned to an old, limiting world and began to carve a new Jerusalem from virgin timber. Our revolution never stopped - even our Civil War was a revolutionary struggle, the only civil war ever fought to free a never enfranchised, powerless group. We have changed nearly every aspect of the social and economic orders that prevailed fo rcenturies. An dour openess to the new threatens those whose allegiance lies with the barren, dying order - even within our own population. As we pioneer change each day of our lives, those who fear and reject change yearn to stop us, whether we speak of Islamic terrorists in love with a punitive god, French presidents embittered by the loss of status for which their citizens lacked the courage to fight, or the dwindling ranks of domestic bigots. The distance between us and the rest of the world is growing greater, not lessening. Consider how much has changed in a half century of American life, in this great age of revolutions, and you begin to understand how threatening our society appears to those who live their lives in thrall to yesterday.. May God continue to Bless America.

Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with it. This article does not deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and depression, nor is it a clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not alone. It has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective. Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved ones. These were just some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah faced in the seventh century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely tribal and polytheistic Makkah. Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling. Hate Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some of the challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors in Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure, more than ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims who were brought here as slaves faced worse than what we can even imagine. 1. Ask Him. He Listens: DU`A Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi). The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God's forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari). Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi). "Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56). 2. Tie your Camel: DO YOUR PART One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi). Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face. Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding solutions to the problems you face. "Verily Allah does not change men's condition unless they change their inner selves" (Quran 13: 11). Turn each worry into a Du`a and each Du`a into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction. 3. Remember that human responsibility is limited While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not. Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played. However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah (blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path. 4. Leave the world behind you FIVE TIMES A DAY Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair. When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and all of its worries and stresses behind you. Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy, praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article...ramadan page) 5. Seek help through SABR Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused struggle to achieve one's goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds. Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. 'We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances' is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check. 6. Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, HE is. It is important to remind ourselves that we don't control all the variables in the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the mysteries behind God's decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of knowing Him. "God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him, unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255). The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each prayer, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are part of this verse. 7. Birds Don't Carry their Food Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider). "How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)." By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a job or providing for your family in these economically and politically challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to be fired, is in God's Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran: "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3). 8. God controls Life and Death If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran: "Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!" (Quran 4:78). 9. Remember that life is short It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective. This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are, Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us for it. 10. Do Zikr, Allah, Allah! "... without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find tranquility" (Quran 13:28). If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale of good deeds in the Hereafter. When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah, including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and reading Quran. "And your Lord says: 'Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)..." (Quran 40:60) By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties. "Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not" (Quran 2:152). 11. Relying on Allah: Tawakkul When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah' (Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips. Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing. "When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159). Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I die and become alive". 12. Connect with other human beings You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds. These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively, post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we endured harassment and discrimination. We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them. Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety. 13. Compare your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim). Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have. Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what we do. 14. Say it Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. 15. Pray in congregation (Jamat) Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray together. This is a great morale booster. 16. How is your Imam's Dua? Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask him to supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him to make. Ask him to make Dua for other people. 17. Work for the Unity of Muslims Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through. Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim community. 18. Sleep the way the Prophet slept End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good, restful night. 19. Begin the Day on a Positive Note Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Or Let Dawud Wharnsby's joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you like. Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest. (Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal Alee ul Azeem).The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib prayers. 20. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent that it ruins your day or your mood. (similarly, when you are in a sad mood, refrain from wallowing and listening to sad songs) 21. Pray for Others to Heal Yourself. The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims, and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love. 22. Make the Quran your Partner Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds. Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in different recordings of the Quran and their translations. "O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men's hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57). 23. Be thankful to Allah "If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7). Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily. 24. Ideals: ONE STEP AT A TIME Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time. 25. EFFORTS not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah! http://www.imanway.com/en/page.htm

Author David Currie grew up convinced that one day all true Christians will suddenly be snatched up to heaven. The unfortunate souls left behind by this ?rapture? will endure seven horrible years of tribulation, at the end of which Christ will return to earth for a glorious thousand-year reign. Today, millions of Christians accept this end-times theology, assuming ? as Currie did ? that the Bible clearly teaches it. Many plan their whole lives around it. But, after studying Scripture for decades, Currie has come to see that if you accept the Bible, you have to reject the rapture. In these remarkable pages ? which constitute the world's most careful and thorough scriptural study of the rapture ? Currie demonstrates why. He considers all the relevant verses (and there are hundreds!) and examines them in the light of ancient history, the writings of the earliest Christians, and the claims of rapturist theologians. With painstaking thoroughness, he unlocks the meanings of the key biblical prophecies that culminate in Christ's Messianic Kingdom ? including those verses in Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation that rapturists turn to most. Marshalling evidence that?s as startling as it is compelling, Currie argues that these prophecies of war and tribulation don't point to some still-unrealized apocalyptic future. Rather, most of them were fulfilled long ago: the spiritual, priestly Kingdom prefigured in the Old Testament was inaugurated on Calvary, consummated in 70 A.D. with the destruction of the Temple, and continues to exist today . . . in the Catholic Church! That may surprise you. Yet, shows Currie, it's the only conclusion that fits all the scriptural and historical evidence. Rapture: The End-Times Error That Leaves the Bible Behind makes Scripture, prophecy, and history come alive; and it demonstrates that if you open your Bible, you'll find that God's plan for the future of the world is not filled with darkness and disaster, but with light, mercy, and hope. ?We can all learn much from David Currie, not only from what he says, which is wise, but from how he says it, which is Catholic and Christian.? From the Foreword by Scott Hahn Special features: Over 1,300 references to Scripture, the early Church Fathers, authors and events in ancient history, and contemporary rapturist theologians Ten detailed timelines relating biblical prophecy to key historical events The biblical case for the rapture (showing why so many accept it) A survey of the thoughts of the early Church Fathers about the end-times A history of the development of rapturist theories, showing how this heresy has been refuted time and again by the Church A short course in the proper methods of reading Scripture A survey of end-times hypotheses from the first century through 9/11/2001 Nine ground rules you must follow if you are to make sense of biblical prophecy and relate it to salvation history A 10-page annotated bibliography of rapturist sources ancient and new Plus, much more to help you understand and evaluate the claims of rapturists Among the sources cited: Julius Africanus - St. Athanasius - St. Augustine -Pope Benedict XV - Andreas of Cappadocia - St. Clement of Alexandria -G. K. Chesterton - St. John Chrysostom - St. Clement of Rome - St. Cyril of Jerusalem - St. Epiphanius of Salamis - Josémaria Escriva - Catechism of the Catholic Church - Dei Verbum - Enchiridion Symbolorum - Eusebius - St. Hippolytus of Rome - St. Ignatius of Antioch - St. Irenaeus - St. Jerome - Flavius Josephus - St. Justin Martyr - Tim LaHaye - Pope Leo XIII - C. S. Lewis - Hal Lindsey - Lumen Gentium - Origen - Blaise Pascal - Pope St. Pius X - Pope Pius XII - Bertrand Russell - St. Polycarp - St. Thomas Aquinas - St. Sulpicius Severus - Tacitus - Tertullian - Victorinus ♥allecat♥ †EWTN† , Exactly! If you accept the Bible, you have to reject the rapture.