November 16, 2001

This week I've started two new sections.

The What to do when . . . offers key ideas from the Bible to help when you are faced with a problem.  Because of the liberal "permission to quote" policy of the New International Version of the Bible, I am typing out the quotations.

I know that as we expand our web site through the use of search engines, many will not have a Bible to refer to when they find our site.  And, realistically, many of you won't stop and look up scriptures.

Be sure and read the "How to use this guide" statement.

Also, a reader wrote and asked me what I thought of the Apocrypha.  He is interested in the Christian faith and is not sure why some Bibles contain the Apocrypha between the Old and New Testaments and some do not.

So, I have started the Ask Don section.  It's been my experience that when one person has a questions, others have the same question.

We need to keep praying for our leaders.  Indeed, the good news in Afghanistan must be followed up with a stable situation politically there.  We need to pray for all the leaders of the world and the leaders in the United Nations.  We need to pray for wisdom among the various tribal warlords in Afghanistan.  And, we must remember that winter is still coming.  The country has been devastated by war long before American attacks.  If we are wise, we will help the people rebuild and create a prosperous nation.

Poverty and injustice plus no power to change the situation breeds tragic consequences.  I know many Americans would like to forget the rest of the world, but as we have been reminded, we are a part of the world.  God will not allow us to enjoy our prosperity while forgetting others.

After all, the God revealed in Christ "so loved the world that he gave his son."

I know issues are complicated.  But, in principle we must remember that God loves everyone.  I firmly believe that God blesses a person in order to bless other people through that person.

So, if you are experiencing blessings today, it is not because God loves you more.  God wants to bless others through you.

I believe the same applies to nations.  God blesses us so he can bless others through us.  We need to remember that principle even though "the devil is in the details."

Don