April 21   Jesus is still Risen!

"From the time when the parents of Jesus found Him in the temple, His course of action was a mystery to them. He would not enter into controversy, yet His example was a constant lesson. He seemed as one who was set apart. His hours of happiness were found when alone with nature and with God. Whenever it was His privilege, He turned aside from the scene of His labour, to go into the fields, to meditate in the green valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest. The early morning often found Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer. From these quiet hours He would return to His home to take up His duties again, and to give an example of patient toil."

          Desire of Ages, page 90 from the chapter, 'Days of Conflict'

     The lady over the road sets off to work on her bike most mornings. Your average Pastor tries to get to know people and their interests. The lady over the road is a triathlon coach so we talk triathlon.

     I learned, from Paul Monnier, that there was a process we could use to get to know people. To help remember the process an acronym was created – FORT. Family, Occupation, Religion and then Testimony. I have gone past the family stage, I have gone further than talking about the lady's occupation. The lady over the road and I talk about religion. The lady over the road can speak fluent Shona, she used to work for the Methodist church, was a leader for Guides when she lived up north and fondly remembers hearing the Adventists singing in the next village from her. She wants to go to church but she is too busy. I have a feeling she will go to church in the near future, but for now she doesn’t have the time.

     Jesus was no triathlete but was familiar with a number of great athletes in the Bible, one of whom was Samson and another went by the name of Elijah. I’m not sure if Jesus was an athlete but He made sure that in order to have time with His Father – He took the time out to make sure He was up early enough to have time with His Father.

Old-time country music wasn’t cool when I was younger. Is it my age or have I realised that uncool is now cool? This time Bryn has chosen to extend our spiritual music education with a song by Ralph Stanley - Cry From The Cross. You will enjoy this, click on the picture to listen.