FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Even ordinary faith produces outstanding people, though not all church members are notable examples of its galvanizing power. Some are still at the growth stage, where they declare they would go through fire and water for God – but only if it does not rain. Paul and Silas in Philippi, sick with horribly mutilated backs, had a celebration meeting in the pitch dark prison, and then conducted a baptismal service before they had recovered from their terrible mauling. That is not all, for we read that when they left, ‘they [that is Paul and Silas] encouraged them.’ Paul and Silas, battered and wounded, encouraged the brethren they left there (Acts 16:40). This is rather different from staying away from worship on Sunday, in case the cold, caught in the rain at the football match on Saturday gets worse; or to catch up with work that we did not do during the week when we were watching interesting nonsense on television; or because we feel tired. ‘They that honor Me I will honor’ says the Lord. Believe it and our habits will change – and our health! God bless you. REINHARD BONNKE