Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
When I was a kid, we had aspirin for a headache, hydrogen peroxide for deep cuts, and maybe if we were really sick, a prescription for penicillin for major infection and pneumonia. Today, kids at an early age are already acquainted with and using drug products such as Ritalin, Prozac, and antipsychotics such as risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine and paliperidone. Yeah, I can’t pronounce them either. It seems acceptable to sedate children for some peace and quiet. Peace is not a chemical product produced in a lab. Peace is a gift that comes from a real relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Interesting words in this verse where Jesus says, “Not as the world gives.” The world’s method of giving always has major strings attached. It always overstates and underdelivers, just like a bad stock promoter. If you buy this dream home, you will be the happiest family on the block; however, in a short time, you will realize that you have a nightmare mortgage. You do not own the home; it owns you, and the dream fizzles.
Peace is not found in stuff or lame activity; it is found in the person of Jesus. The world cannot give you the peace you were created to live in. Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I heard someone say the worst thing that ever happened to them was having a wish granted. They were basically saying, “The only thing worse than a wish not granted was having a wish granted.” His reason for saying this was that, through a family member, he was able to get a down payment on a house.
Shortly after moving in, the same family lender was demanding payment of the loan because of the mess he was in. It caused a great strain on finances and family relationships. He said, “He should have waited until he had all the monies needed and had done the down payment right.” His new wish was that his old wish had not been granted. The world had promised the home buyer peace, but he got family strife.
Interesting words in this verse where Jesus says, “Not as the world gives.” The world’s method of giving always has major strings attached. It always overstates and underdelivers, just like a bad stock promoter. If you buy this dream home, you will be the happiest family on the block; however, in a short time, you will realize that you have a nightmare mortgage. You do not own the home; it owns you, and the dream fizzles.
Peace is not found in stuff or lame activity; it is found in the person of Jesus. The world cannot give you the peace you were created to live in. Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I heard someone say the worst thing that ever happened to them was having a wish granted. They were basically saying, “The only thing worse than a wish not granted was having a wish granted.” His reason for saying this was that, through a family member, he was able to get a down payment on a house.
Shortly after moving in, the same family lender was demanding payment of the loan because of the mess he was in. It caused a great strain on finances and family relationships. He said, “He should have waited until he had all the monies needed and had done the down payment right.” His new wish was that his old wish had not been granted. The world had promised the home buyer peace, but he got family strife.
We have got to see further than what the world offers. That is why the Lord admonishes us to seek first the Kingdom and the Lord’s righteousness. This will help us see farther and beyond the world’s bobbles of temporary fun. Matt. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. If we are looking at God’s kingdom and righteousness, then the world’s stuff looks insipid. Oh, give me the peace of God that I may see farther and see what God sees.
Blessings miss Jami. May God give us the desires of our hearts after God has looked at them:)
We got our wish too, and it went together so well that we thought it was a blessing from God. Now we're not so sure. Sometimes it feels more like a thorn.
Thanks for the great perspective.
Good morning Norm,
Awesome blog this morning! Appreciate your, diligence, time and love.
Thank you.