April 3

"As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory." 2 Cor. 3:18”

         Desire of Ages, page 84 from the chapter, 'The Passover visit'

    That ‘thoughtful hour’ is what we come back to. We could think about the thoughtful thirty seconds or consider taking quality time with God. What on earth is quality time?

     It would genuinely be good to work towards that hour but to have a look at the content of that hour. Go back to what Jesus was trying to do as a youngster. He wanted to prepare His mother and foster-father for the sad days of death in the future. He directed his parents to the word of God and the prophecies which would help them understand what would happen.

     Then there is the advice to us. We should consider that the same advice is offered to us. In order to help us to cope with the future we are not directed back to the Old Testament prophecies, we are directed to the events of the cross.

     There may come a time when we face really difficult situations as Christians. We may wonder if we can cope. We may need to know how to cope. If the situation is potentially that serious that thoughtful thirty seconds will hardly help us through those dark times. Aim for the whole hour, and try not to fall asleep as the Apostles did.