February 27

"Jesus carried into His labour cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labour, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home."

         Desire of Ages, page 73 from the chapter, 'As a child'

     We need friends. Recently we met a man who has a good smattering of Bible knowledge, it is likely that he knows much more than most people. He likes to study on his own. Imagine that all the strength that the man has comes from his study and his walk on his own with God.

     We need help. We need friends to go beyond being students of the word. We need friends who will walk beside us and cheer our hearts. You have a prayer partner for a purpose. Your prayer partner doesn’t just pray with you. Your prayer partner should sing with you and add cheer to your life. Your prayer partner should fill your life with praise and purpose. In fact you should be there strengthening each other so that you can have patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into your home – or any other home."