April 25 and 26

He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents, which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches. He weeded all vanity from life, and by His own example taught that every moment of time is fraught with eternal results; that it is to be cherished as a treasure, and to be employed for holy purposes. He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson that was appropriate to the time and the circumstances. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear.

          Desire of Ages, page 92 from the chapter, 'Days of Conflict'

     The typical picture of some Christians of other faiths is that there is a degree of guilt ridden angst. We could read in our own lives the picture that, “I’m not good enough for the Kingdom” or that “I have no spiritual gifts”. Then again, we do meet people in our daily lives people whose whole environment is a complete and utter mess. Nothing appears to go right for them.

     Can we recognise two things here on the assumption that Jesus knew exactly how to deal with the situations he faced even as a youngster. That is my assumption based on no evidence. You may choose to disagree with my assertion.

     The first thing we need to recognise is that some people get through life by drawing the sympathy of others. They say, “I’m no good”, when they want you to say, “but you are very good”. They get to feel good by being told they are good.

     There are other people who genuinely need the spiritual support which brings them closer to God. Jesus had the ability to draw the best out of people. Jesus knew exactly how to do that. Jesus did not tell people how good they were. Jesus told people how good God was.

     Tell yourself that you should, “look upon (yourself) as endowed with precious talents.” Recognise how good you are. Two, recognise that those precious talents come from God.

     Then find those people who need to be lifted up the remedy that you have found works in your life. As Aleksandr the Meerkat would say, “simples”.

When I was young there was a rock band called ZZ Top. There is a remnant of the facial style of that band in the Oak Ridge Boys. You will like them. Their song is Jesus Is Coming Soon. Bryn is choosing well. Please click on the picture to listen.

I have been feeling rather bad all day. Here we are, listening to good music and not paying a penny for it. From now on I will be giving a link in the names of bands or singers. Click on and you might choose to say, “I’d like to buy some of that" - after Sabbath of course.