The nation of Israel has long benefited from its geographical location.  A recent Stratfor report summarized the risks to Israel, based on its geography and its past.  Throughout its history, Israel has been able to defend itself against its neighbors, and even a combined attack by more than one neighbor was relatively easy to repel because of its unique geography.  What history reveals is that only external powers with clear military and financial advantage have been able to overthrow Israel (e.g., Assyria, Babylon, Britain, and Rome).

A special assembly of the German parliament just elected a new president to replace Christian Wulff, who recently resigned amid scandal.  The 72-year-old Joachim Gauck, a former Lutheran pastor, commented on the news of his appointment, “What a glorious Sunday!”  Angela Merkel is the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. Both also hail from the former East Germany.  Mr. Gauck has four children and is divorced.  His partner (not his wife), will take on the responsibilities of “first lady” (BBC.com, March 18, 2012).

Most of us have been asked the question, “Can you do me a favor?” We commonly reply, “Sure,” right before being confronted with a task we are not able or, frankly, willing to do. In today’s society, we often do not give such an exchange a second thought, even though in that moment we have given our word and broken it.

A Spanish newspaper reported, “Gathered around Germany, ten nations have formed the ‘Berlin Club’ to revive the European project” (presseurop.eu, March 21, 2012).

Social media services have become ubiquitous, and many Christians are asking whether, or how, to use them.  “If I use social media, should I talk about my faith?  If I do talk about my faith, what will my ‘friends’ think?  If I don’t post about my faith, am I guilty of not ‘letting my light shine’ (Matthew 5:16)?”  These are important questions!  What are the benefits, and what are the consequences, of using social media?