I find it strange how some prefer computer games, movies and other forms of fiction to the real world. But, that's the way we humans are. After all, God has given us an imagination and it's only natural that we would want to use it. However, we soon learn that if we spend too much time in our imaginations, we can lose sight of reality and the real dangers that surround us. And if we Christians aren't careful, this natural, human tendency can adversely effect our spiritual life too.

The Lord taught me this lesson early in my Christian experience. At the time, I was driving a syrup truck for a soft drink company. While driving, I would often spend my time praying and singing silent praises. Once so occupied, I didn't see the light change to red. By the time I noticed, it was too late to stop the heavy truck. All I could do is steer it through an opening in the line of vehicles stopped before me. As the truck was about to penetrate the crosswalk, an elderly lady with a shopping cart jumped backward to let me by. Fortunately, it was just in time. There was no accident and no one hurt. But, I learned an important lesson. While seeking the things of heaven, we must remain awake to the world around us.        

Perhaps it's partly because of this early experience that I have come to where I find real world events more interesting than fiction. Although I still seek the things of heaven as much as ever, I don't forget to stay alert to the natural world. And for me, it's been Bible prophecy where our two worlds -- the spiritual and the natural -- have been able to meet.

This brings us to the news. Today's geo-strategic puzzle is fascinating. I can see how those involved could become totally engrossed in the game. In order to bring peace to the Middle East -- which appears to be the goal -- a circle of inter related deals will have to be made and joined together.

You see, all the players want something. So, the secret to peace in the Middle East is finding a way to give everybody what they want. For a starting point, there can be no Palestinian state without a unified Palestinian government. So, the international community wants an agreement found between rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah. However, Hamas continues to call for the destruction of Israel. Fatah, on the other hand, continues to refuse Israel's demand that a Palestinian state have temporary borders Read about it here. And U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice appears to be shying from Israel's demand in favor of granting Fatah's call for permanent borders Read about it here. Looking at all these contrary desires, it seems unlikely a way can be found to make all players happy.

However, even while all this negative news is pouring out, we find British Prime Minister Tony Blair saying a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process could soon be made Read about it here. When I read this, I thought about how the EU's Javier Solana recently said pretty much the same Read about it here. Friends, what do Blair and Solana know that we don't?

Perhaps here is where we find our answer. Evidently, Solana is talking about another breakthrough. As you may recall, the EU and Russia have failed to reach agreement over energy. The EU depends on the vast flow of energy that only Russian can supply. But, Russia has begun making demands that alarm some EU member states. You see, Russian wants a strategic partnership with the EU -- one like the EU has with America. Nevertheless, according to Solana, a deal between the EU and Russia could finally be in the works Read about it here  I  And here. If so, that brings up an obvious question: What is Russia really getting in return?

And as far as Solana making peace in the Middle East, there's more to consider. His new deal between the EU and Russia may bring us full circle back to a possible deal between Hamas and Fatah. You see, Hamas is controlled by Syria, and Syria already has a strategic partnership with Russia.

Yes, it's a circle of deals.