I wanted to share with you a short Bible verse I happened to read yesterday morning. It made me think of the war which we have just begun. .While people may disagree with the way the Iraqi situation is being handled, no one believes that Saddam Hussein is a fair and just leader of his country. The news said several days ago that 2/3 of the American people have close friends or family involved in the conflict. So many of us have someone whom we are close to, actiive in the military right now:

Psalms 5: 6 - 11:

"Lord, lead me as you promised me you would; otherwise my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, which way to turn. For they cannot speak one truthful word. Their hearts are filled to the brim with wickedness. Their suggestions are full of the stench of sin and death. Their tongues are filled with flatteries to gain their wicked ends. O God, hold them responsible. Catch them in their own traps; let them fall beneath the weight of their own transgressions, for they rebel against you.

But make everyone rejoice who puts his trust in you. Keep them shouting for joy because you are defending them. Fill all who love you with your happiness. For you bless godly man, O Lord; you protect him with your shield of love."

Bible Commentary:  When David was in trouble because of lies against him, he prayed confident that God's love would not only console him, but defend and shield him. We often make the mistake of thinking of love only in terms of gentleness. But God's love is stronger than any evil we might face.