Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is James 5:13

James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

While these conditions (suffering and cheerful) are in stark contrast to one another, every situation that confronts the children of God presents them with the same path; that path leads to God. The physical conditions in which we live, when blended with a heart filled with the Spirit of God, are not considered sufferings to be mourned, but rather offer the opportunity to prayerfully look beyond the conditions and see Christ. The perception of Christ, irrespective of the conditions, produces praise.

Here is a New Testament example: Paul and Silas were preaching in Philippi, Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl who had a spirit of divination. Her masters were not too happy as the girl was used to make money for them, so they incited the people against Paul and Silas. “And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.  And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:22-25

Paul and Silas perceived the presence of God, and in the midst of their suffering, they prayed and sang praises. The attention was shifted from their condition to God in whom they trusted and served. And as a result, they were powerful witnesses for Christ for “the prisoners heard them.”

This is the normal Christian life, to perceive the presence of Christ in every situation, and to offer prayer and praise to God regardless of the circumstances. In such a life God is glorified, a powerful witness is presented, and the child of God is blessed.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim