I thought of the same verses you quoted in #15. Although tragedy tempts some people to imagine God's judgement on the victims, the truth is, apart from Jesus we all deserve judgement.
It's a good time to take stock.
it IS a terrific time to take stock, as you wisely put it.
‘HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD IN HIS HANDS’ : SHAKING UP WITH EARTHQUAKES
http://jgrantswankjr.blogspot.com/2010/01/hes-got-whole-wide-world-in-his-hands.html