The Stockholm Institute for Peace Research is celebrating a world without war between sovereign nations. Regular Times feature columnist Simon Jenkins stated: "In 1997 we contemplate a second year in which, for the first time since proverbial records began, nothing that could be called a state of hot war exists between sovereign countries. Guns are not firing across borders."

Sometimes friction among the nations of the former Yugoslavia may stretch this point a bit, and civil war certainly exists at several points on the globe. Also, tensions are much in evidence between sovereign states; witness the Middle East.

Still, we have to be thankful for whatever peace does exist while keeping a wary eye on Jeremiah's ancient prophecy of national leaders proclaiming, "Peace, peace!" when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11). The apostle Paul also referred to a time when people would say, "Peace and safety!" yet sudden destruction would soon follow (1 Thessalonians 5:3). (Source: The Times.)