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I was born to reflect the image of a God who is powerful enough to create my universe, attentive enough to hear my prayers and loving enough to be defined by self-sacrifice. I find my greatest fulfillment on a journey toward purpose and wholeness.

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Seventh-day Adventist beliefs are meant to permeate your whole life. Growing out of scriptures that paint a compelling portrait of God, you are invited to explore, experience and know the One who desires to make us whole.

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April 14

" Jesus was misunderstood by His brothers because He was not like them. His standard was not their standard. In looking to men they had turned away from God, and they had not His power in their lives. The forms of religion which they observed could not transform the character. They paid "tithe of mint and anise and cummin," but omitted "the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith." Matt. 23:23. The example of Jesus was to them a continual irritation. He hated but one thing in the world, and that was sin. He could not witness a wrong act without pain which it was impossible to disguise. Between the formalists, whose sanctity of appearance concealed the love of sin, and a character in which zeal for God's glory was always paramount, the contrast was unmistakable. Because the life of Jesus condemned evil, He was opposed, both at home and abroad. His unselfishness and integrity were commented on with a sneer. His forbearance and kindness were termed cowardice."

          Desire of Ages, page 89 from the chapter, 'Days of Conflict'

     We saw yesterday that eventually at least one of Jesus’ brothers had a renewed mind. James became a Christian.

     How on earth are you going to cope at work? There is the man who sits in the corner, you know he is a Christian because you have been witnessed to by him. You were a little concerned the first time because the teaching was right but that was all there was. There was a touch of a judgemental attitude. The tone was all about, “doing the right thing”. Sad to say the man didn’t really mention Jesus. You would have agreed that the man would surely tithe mint, anise and cumin but might have struggled with a correct view of, “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.”

     The advice could well be to do as Jesus did. Jesus kept on being a continual irritation. What that means is that like Jesus we should continue to be unselfish and show a great deal of integrity. We should be kind and forebearing. All of that implies a long term relationship, the quick-hit kind of witnessing doesn’t work. Jesus spent years helping his brothers. You might need to do the same with one of the people you are praying for.

     Bryn has chosen 'The power of your love' for our song today. Please click on the picture of the flower to listen to the song.