The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child

[Richard Myers]

Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister.
     Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text.

[Beacon]

"Jesus is our example."

"There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth."

"The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God."

 "He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life."

"His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread."

"He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude."

"And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit,...

"Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighted' Isaiah 42:1.

Humble, steadfast, cheerful obedience is what God is looking for in His Remnant Church Family. Are "YOU & I willing to say "YES" Lord, by your Grace and Holy Spirit Empowerment I chose to follow you??

==========================
1
I hear my risen Savior say:
“Follow me, follow me, follow me”;
His voice is calling all the day,
“Follow me, follow me, follow me;
For thee I trod the bitter way,
For thee I gave my life away,
And drank the gall thy debt to pay,
Follow me, follow me, follow me.”
2
“I know thy life of guilt and pain;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!
I know each ache of heart and brain;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!
How often I have called in vain,
And offered pardon in my name,
And now I plead yet once again!
Follow me, follow me, follow me!”
3
“Though thou hast sinned I’ll pardon thee;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!
From every sin I’ll set thee free;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!
In all thy changing life I’ll be
Thy God, thy guide on land and sea,
Thy bliss through all eternity,
Follow me, follow me, follow me!”
4
“Come, cast on Me thine every care;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!
Thy heavy load I will upbear;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!
Come, look to Me—dismiss thy fears;
And trust Me through eternal years;
My hand shall wipe away thy tears;
Follow me, follow me, follow me!”
5
Dear Lord, I yield to Thee my will;
I’ll follow Thee, follow Thee, follow Thee!
Oh, bid my struggling soul be still;
I’ll follow Thee, follow Thee, follow Thee!
Lord, cleanse me, with Thy Spirit fill,
And keep me safe from every ill;
And all Thy Word in me fulfill;
I’ll follow Thee, follow Thee, follow Thee!

Lyrics:George D. Watson (1816-1898)
Music:Frederick Booth-Tucker (1853-1929)

[Dorine]

"The life of Jesus was a life in harmony with God. While He was a child, He thought and spoke as a child; but no trace of sin marred the image of God within Him. Yet He was not exempt from temptation. The inhabitants of Nazareth were proverbial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is shown by Nathanael's question, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" John 1:46. Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood."

It is said that the bible is silent on the childhood of Jesus yet what more is necessary to know than what inspiration does reveal to us. My imagination flows freely as I read each word describing Jesus' life from the cradle to manhood. It brings me to a place of reexamining my own life and rededicate it a new.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Every life has meaning and significance, and we see this clearly in how Jesus ministered to all.

"Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister." {The Desire of Ages, page 74, paragraph 1}

As we behold the loveliness of Jesus' character and surrender fully to Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow into our lives and then flow out to bless others! Jesus lived to bless others! Shall we not live the same way?

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends! What a blessing to understand how Jesus grew in knowledge and strength of character. So it is opened for us to grow likewise.

Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things. ....No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour....The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us....He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness. 

How many times do we hear this preached from human lips? Praise God that those who study to know God and His grace understand what we can become by beholding His glory. Does He not do all He can to help us attain to perfection of Christian character that we might be faithful witnesses of the power of His love.

[Beacon]

"Jesus is our example."

"There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth."

"The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God."

He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life."

"His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread."

"He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, 'Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth.' Isaiah 42:1."

What a Great Example Jesus was in His daily life while on earth. He provided a perfect pattern so that "WE" by looking to Him, can obtain hope and trust to pass on to all that "WE" come in contact with. Our Goal should be to Trust & Obey.

==========================

1
When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
    Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
  Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
  Not a doubt or a fear,
  Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
  Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
  Not a grief or a loss,
  Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
  The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
  For the favor He shows,
  And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
  We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
  What He says we will do;
  Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)
Music:Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919)

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

There is always more with Jesus! What a blessing it is to walk in His steps by surrendering the whole heart to Him! He gives us a new heart imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as long as we maintain that vital union and communion with Christ by faith in complete surrender! Such an experience with God opens up our life for constant growth in fruitfulness and usefulness!

"Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text." {The Desire of Ages, page 74, paragraph 2}

We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget how the Lord has led us and His teaching in our past history. Christ's life has been preserved as a sacred testimony to lead us to understand God's will and plan for us, as we behold His loveliness and are transformed by His grace from glory to glory, we grow from one experience of converted character to the next experience of converted character, ever becoming more like Him who is infinite in love, knowledge and benevolence! Praise God!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers!  How important that parents understand what we have read this morning! Jesus is the example of the blessing that God wants our children to experience.

   Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text.
     Yet Jesus shunned display. During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power. He sought no high position and assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. 

[Beacon]

"The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home."

"Often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text."

"Yet Jesus shunned display."

"During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power."

"He sought no high position and assumed no titles."

"His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson."

"The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength."

"During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power."

"He sought no high position and assumed no titles."

"His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength."

Jesus gave "US" a wonderful example Divine Humilty. Why not let Him be "OUR" Example ??

=======================
1
Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life He went for His own;
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.
    Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
  All things are possible, only believe.
2
Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead,
Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread;
The waters of Marah He’ll sweeten for thee,
He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.
3
Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, “the doors being shut”
He never forsakes, He never is gone,
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Lyrics:Paul Rader
Music:Paul Rader

[JimB]

Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister.

Always thinking of others He desired to make life better for all around Him. A wonderful example for us. Our family, our churches, our country would be so much better off if all followed this example.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon and Brother Jim! So many important lessons to learn, especially for parents with young children. What impressed me this morning was the suffering that Jesus endured from the very beginning of His short life on this wicked Earth.

     Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour.
     The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it.
     Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness......The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us. 

This strength of character is the imparted righteousness that God wants to give to us. Then what He has developed in us is not filthy rags. Yet, we are taught that it is. Our character is to reflect the character of Jesus. And, through our obedience and trials we are to reflect His character more perfectly day by day. It is our effort and His power by which this is to be done. Our character is to be perfect at every stage. Do not sit at the feet of those who teach otherwise. 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Remnant family!

How did He do it? How did Christ live a blameless life? Well would it be for us to contemplate the lessons of His early years, for they are immensely valuable in guiding us in the formation of a godly character. When we surrender the whole heart to Jesus to cleanse by His blood, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow in and through us to bless others!

     "The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, 'How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?' does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life." {The Desire of Ages, page 70, paragraph 2}
     "Thus to Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God was unfolded, as He was trying to understand the reason of things. Heavenly beings were His attendants, and the culture of holy thoughts and communings was His. From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth." {The Desire of Ages, page 70, paragraph 2}

What a joy to let Jesus guide us this day in the way He lived! He will live out His life through us by the importation of the Holy Spirit!

[Philip T]

The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it.


We see a lesson for us today, when we take idol time, we are opening the door for temptation from Satan, we need to follow Jesus' example and fill hour time with positive things, spending time in studying God's word, prayer, and helping others. To spend our idol time in thoughts of this world lead to sin an imperfects character.

[Beacon]

"His early years were given to the study of God's word."

"And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works."

"He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature."

"He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose."

"He lived to bless others." "For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God."

"The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life."

Jesus, our true example, spent time in nature. Do "WE" as parents try to follow His example with our children?? Or are they spending too much time on their I phones, Computers or Internet/TV ??

=====================
1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)

[Philip T]

    The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life.

    We see here Jesus did not attend the Rabbinical schools of His day, yet people asked how He was acquired such knowledge. He obtained it the same way we can as he is our example, through prayer, study of the scripture and knowledge. We should realize that Jesus purpose was to live to bless others. The cycle of benevolence. We should live the same way and can if we surrender to God and follow in the footsteps of Jesus - our characters are perfected as His was through the quidance of the Holy Spirit, the study 0f nature, scripture through prayer.  We will the be able as was Jesus to use nature to illustrate points mad in scripture.

[Dorine]

As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy.      With deep earnestness the mother of Jesus watched the unfolding of His powers, and beheld the impress of perfection upon His character. With delight she sought to encourage that bright, receptive mind. Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the development of this child, who could claim only God as His Father.     

From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much care to the education of the youth. The Lord had directed that even from babyhood the children should be taught of His goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law, and shown in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind. Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul. Much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings; and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study.

God works with the parents who are following His counsel giving them wisdom and understanding in the raising of their children for Him. There are a 'few' families in our area that believe and live this and their children are a delight to observe and interact with. It's wonderful to watch these children grow into an age where they are making decisions on their own for Jesus.  There are many children whose parents are not fulfilling their God given responsibilities and we see the results. God has given us responsibilities to be examples  for these young ones. Some are not easy to like but they have God's special care and attention. May they see in our lives the attributes of Jesus without one missing.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my brothers and sister. All parents need to know those truths we have shared today. What a difference it will make in rearing their children.

The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth." Isaiah 42:1. 

[Beacon]

"It was in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth."

"The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God."

"He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread."

"He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude." "And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit," "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth. Isaiah 42:1."

I want to be Like Jesus -- Don't You??

========================
1
Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
  I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
  I would be like Jesus.
 
Be like Jesus, this my song,
  In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
    I would be like Jesus.
2
He has broken every fetter,
  I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
  I would be like Jesus.
3
All the way from earth to glory,
  I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
  I would be like Jesus.

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Bentley DeForest Ackley (1872-1958)

[JimB]

Amen brother Beacon! He lived to please! A very similar thought that caught my eye.

The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text.

Not much I can add to this but it reminds me of a childhood song that had the phrase "brighten the corner where you are!"  Some may only need a smile, others a just a simple hopeful word. Easy enough to do.

2 Cor2: 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
            8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers! What a story often missed.

 Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness. 

Just one lesson of so many!