30 Jul, 2008

Are you shrinking or growing?

Is the World's Largest Shark Shrinking?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Is the World's Largest Shark Shrinking?
Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News


July 25, 2008 -- Humans have over-exploited the whale shark -- the world's largest living fish -- to such a degree that the ocean giants are actually shrinking in size, according to new research.

"We are all very alarmed at our findings, which really did defy our expectations," co-author Ben Fitzpatrick, a University of Western Australia biologist, told Discovery News.

The researchers analyzed the largest-ever database of sightings and size information on whale sharks. The database represents a long-term, continuous record of sightings -- 4,436 in total -- as well as photo ID information concerning age and size, all pertaining to whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

Fitzpatrick and his colleagues not only detected the population drop at the reef, but they also discovered the sharks have shrunk in body length by an average of over 6.5 feet. The overall reduction appears to be due to the disappearance of older, larger females, along with some males, within whale shark groups.

"I think it is mostly because the larger animals are being hunted for food and other products, such as for soup fins," explained Barry Brook, another co-author of the study and director of the Research Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability at The University of Adelaide.

These latest findings counter a study late last year by Brad Norman and Jason Holmberg of ECOCEAN, a research education and conservation organization. That report, based on multiple underwater images of the sharks, concluded that Ningaloo Reef whale sharks are thriving. Norman did, however, admit to Discovery News that the species is "rare" and "vulnerable to extinction."

Story courtesy xanga.com & Photo courtesy images.google.com

Numbers 33:1-2 (NLT)

Remembering Israel's Journey

1This is the itinerary the Israelites followed as they marched out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. 2At the LORD's direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places they stopped along the way.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about spiritual growth?

The world's biggest fish is getting smaller. Researchers know this because they keep records. This got me wondering about my own spiritual growth, or lack there of. (That's bad grammar, but you get the point!)

Once again, God's Story has practical insight on just about every topic, including the importance of checking our spiritual maturity (or lack of). Look at the lesson to be learned from Moses and the Israelites in today's Old Testament scripture passage:

33:2 Moses recorded the Israelites' journeys as God instructed him, providing a record of their spiritual as well as geographic progress. Have you made spiritual progress lately? Recording your thoughts about God and lessons you have learned over a period of time can be a valuable aid to spiritual growth. A record of your spiritual pilgrimage will let you check up on your progress and avoid repeating past mistakes.*

*study notes courtesy Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE

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

We read in the opening story that the researchers describe the shrinking fish as being "vulnerable".

  • Are there areas in your life where you are vulnerable to spiritual shrinking?
  • If you aren't keeping a written journal, try it for at least two weeks. One month would be ideal, because new habits can be formed in thirty days. Here's a sample of what to write down: (1) Something that God taught me today... (2) I will apply it in my life with Jesus by... (3) Prayer requests... (4) Prayers answered...
  • Find a pastor, friend, or trusted adult to be an accountability partner to help keep you on track.

Pray right now... Admit to Him your spiritual "shrinking". Renew your desire to grow in spiritual maturity and admit your need to totally depend on Jesus. Thank Him. He will grow you.

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

  • Ask your friends and family about their journey. Listen and be willing to share times when God has made an impact on your journey.
  • Ask your friends or those in your "storysphere" what they keep record of, journaling, blogging, etc.
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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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