…there's a cloud. At least it seems that way this morning. Today's Wall Street Journal provides abundant examples. John Mark Karr confessed to killing 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey in 1996, bringing an end to 10 years of agony for her family. But now DNA tests refute his claim, and the investigation must go on. There's a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, but U.N. secretary-general Kofi Annan faults both for transgressions of the agreement. Suicidal thoughts have declined among Katrina survivors, but mental illnesses have nearly doubled.The New York Times picks up the theme: tropical storm Ernesto will not strike the Gulf Coast, still recovering from Katrina. But it will probably escalate to hurricane strength before attacking Florida. $900,000 was paid by the Army to reservists. However, it went to deserters who have not reported for duty since late 2001.

Today's Dallas Morning News reports that gasoline prices fell 7.9 cents last week to a four month low. However, prices are 23.5 cents higher than a year ago, and auto makers are predicting that gas will stay at this level through the decade. Bankruptcy filings hit a five-year low, but bankruptcy lawyers explain that the drop is primarily due to a federal law making it harder for individuals to seek protection from creditors.

Closer to home, Dallas has received as much as two inches of rain in the last two days. However, we need another 20 inches to return to normal. Local television news reports that BlackBerry handhelds and similar devices are helping people use unproductive time more efficiently. However, "BlackBerry thumb" is the result, as more and more patients are receiving treatment for tendon damage caused by typing on the things.

It seems Oswald Chambers was reading this morning's news when he wrote in today's devotional, "Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith. Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict. What is your faith up against just now? The test will either prove that your faith is right, or it will kill it. The final thing is confidence in Jesus. Believe steadfastly on him and all you come up against will develop your faith. Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that he will not stand by us" (My Utmost for His Highest, August 29 reading).

What cloud behind a silver lining are you facing this morning? How will it strengthen your faith today?

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