October 31:  Happy People.

The Joy of Providing for Those in Need.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.  For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.--2 Corinthians 8:1-4, NKJV

NEARLY ALL THE MACEDONIAN BELIEVERS were poor in this world's goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and His truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel.  When general collections were taken up in the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish believers, the liberality of the converts in Macedonia was held up as an example to other churches....

The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian believers came as a result of wholehearted consecration.  Moved by the Spirit of God, they "first gave their own selves to the Lord" 9(2 Corinthians 8:5), then they were willing to give freely of their means for the support of the gospel.  It was not necessary to urge them to give; rather, they rejoiced in the privilege of denying themselves even of necessary things in order to supply the needs of others.  When the apostle would have restrained them, they importuned him to accept their offerings.  In their simplicity and integrity, and in their love for the brethren, they gladly denied self, and thus abounded in the fruit of benevolence.--The Acts of the Apostles, 343.

                         For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
                    that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
                          that you through His poverty might become rich.
                                                                                  --2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJV

October 30:  Happy People.

The Gentiles Believed and Were Glad.
For so the Lord has commanded us: "I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth."  Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord.  And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.--Acts 13:47, 48. NKJV

PAUL AND BARNABAS visited Antioch in Pisidia and on the Sabbath day went into the Jewish synagogue and sat down....Being...invited to speak, "Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hands said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience."  Then followed a wonderful discourse....

The Spirit of God accompanied the words that were spoken, and hearts were touched.  The apostle's appeal to Old Testament prophecies, and his declaration that these had been fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, carried conviction to many a soul longing for the advent of the promised Messiah.  And the speaker's words of assurance that the "glad tidings" of salvation were for Jews and Gentiles alike, brought hope and joy to those who had not been numbered among the children of Abraham according to the flesh....

The interest aroused in Antioch of Pisidia by Paul's discourse brought together on the next Sabbath day, "almost the whole city...to hear the word of God.  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

"Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth."

"When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."  They rejoiced exceedingly that Christ recognized them as the children of God, and with grateful hearts they listened to the word preached.--The Acts of the Apostles, 170, 172, 173.

October 29:  Happy People.

Gladness at Peter's Liberation.
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.  When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.--Acts 12:13, 14, NKJV

TO PETER, IN PRISON AND CONDEMNED TO DEATH, God's angel appeared;...past the armed guards, the massive doors and great iron gateway with their bolts and bars, the angel led God's servant forth in safety.--Education, 255.

The apostle made his way at once to the house where his brethren were assembled and where they were at that moment engaged in earnest prayer for him.  "As Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.  And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.  And they said unto her, Thou art mad.  But she constantly affirmed that it was even so.  Then said they, It is his angel.

"But Peter continued knocking: and when they opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.  But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison."  And Peter "departed, and went into another place."  Joy and praise filled the hearts of the believers, because God had heard and answered their prayers and had delivered Peter from the hands of Herod.--The Acts of the Apostles, 148.

                                  And when Peter had come to himself, he said,
                             "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel,
                                      and has delivered me from the hand of Herod
                                  and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
                                                                                                      --Acts 12:11, NKJV

October 28:  Happy People.

Gladness for New Believers.
Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.  When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.--Acts 11:22, 23, NKJV

AFTER THE DISCIPLES had been driven from Jerusalem by persecution, the gospel message spread rapidly through the regions lying beyond the limits of Palestine: and many small companies of believers were formed in important centers....

Among the places mentioned where the gospel was gladly received is Antioch, at that time the metropolis of Syria.  The extensive commerce carried on from that populous center brought to the city many people of various nationalities.  Besides, Antioch was favorably known as a resort for lovers of ease and pleasure, because of its healthful situation, its beautiful surroundings, and the wealth, culture, and refinement to be found there.  In the days of the apostles it had become a city of luxury and vice.

The gospel was publicly taught in Antioch by certain disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came "preaching the Lord Jesus."  "The hand of the Lord was with them," and their earnest labors were productive of fruit.  "A great multitude believed, and turned unto the Lord."

"Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch."  Upon arrival in is new field of labor, Barnabas saw the work that had already been accomplished by divine grace, and he "was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord."--The Acts of the Apostles, 155, 156.

October 27:  Happy People.

The Joy Found in Conversion.
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away.  The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way way rejoicing.--Acts 8:39, NLT

AND, BEHOLD, A MAN OF ETHIOPIA, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet."  This Ethiopian was a man of good standing and of wide influence.  God saw that when converted he would give others the light he had received and would exert a strong influence in favor of the gospel....By the ministration of the Holy Spirit the Lord brought him into touch with one who could lead him to the light.

Philip was directed to go to the Ethiopian and explain to him the prophecy that he was reading....

The man's heart thrilled with interest as the Scriptures were explained to him; and when the disciple had finished, he was ready to accept the light given.  He did not make his high worldly position an excuse for refusing the gospel.  "As they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.  And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  " And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."--The Acts of the Apostles, 107, 108.

                              The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this:
                                        "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
                                        And as a lamb is silent before the shearers,
                                                   he did not open his mouth."
                                                                                       --Acts 8:32, NLT

October 26:  Happy People.

Joy Comes to Samaria.
Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.  When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.  For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.  So there was great joy in that city.--Acts 8:5, 8, NIV

AMONG THOSE TO WHOM THE SAVIOUR had given the commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19), were many from the humbler walks of life--men and women who had learned to love their Lord and who had determined to follow His example of unselfish service.  To those lowly ones, as well as to the disciples who had been with the Saviour during His earthly ministry, had been given a precious trust.  They were to carry to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ.

When they were scattered by persecution they went forth filled with missionary zeal....The Lord wrought through them.  Wherever they went, the sick were healed and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.

Philip, one of the seven deacons, was among those driven from Jerusalem.  He "went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits...came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  And there was great joy in that city."--The Acts of the Apostles, 105, 106.

October 25:  Happy People.

Great Joy After the Ascension.
Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.  And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.--Luke 24:51, 52.

CHRIST HAD ASCENDED TO HEAVEN in the form of humanity.  The disciples had beheld the cloud receive Him.  The same Jesus who had walked and talked and prayed with them; who had broken bread with them; who had been with them in their boats on the lake; and who had that very day toiled with them up the ascent of Olivet,--the same Jesus had now gone to share His Father's throne.  And the angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen go up into heaven, would come again even as He had ascended....

When the disciples went back to Jerusalem, the people looked upon them with amazement.  After the trial and crucifixion of Christ, it had been thought that they would appear downcast and ashamed.  Their enemies expected to see upon their faces an expression of sorrow and defeat.  Instead of this there was only gladness and triumph.  Their faces were aglow with a happiness not born of earth.  They did not mourn over disappointed hopes, but were full of praise and thanksgiving to God.  With rejoicing they told the wonderful story of Christ's resurrection and His ascension to heaven, and their testimony was received by many.--The Desire of Ages, 832.

October 24:  Happy People.

The Joy of the Disciples When They Saw the Risen Lord.
When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side.  Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.--John 20:20, NKJV

ON REACHING JERUSALEM the two disciples enter [returning from Emmaus] at the eastern gate, which is open at night on festal occasion.  The houses are dark and silent, but the travelers make their way through the narrow streets by the light of the rising moon.  They go to the upper chamber where Jesus spent the hours of the last evening before His death.  Here they know that their brethren are to be found.  Late as it is, they know that the disciples will not sleep till they learn for a certainty what has become of the body of their Lord.  They find the door of the chamber securely barred.  They knock for admission, but no answer comes.  All is still.  Then they give their names.  The door is carefully unbarred, they enter, and Another, unseen, enters with them.  Then the door is again fastened, to keep out spies.

The travelers find all in surprised excitement.  The voices of those in the room break out into thanksgiving and praise, saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."  Then the two travelers, panting with the haste with which they have made their journey, tell the wondrous story of how Jesus has appeared to them. They have just ended, and some are saying that they cannot believe it, for it is too good to be true, when behold, another Person stands before them.  Every eye is fastened upon the Stranger.  No one has knocked for entrance.  No footstep has been heard.  The disciples are startled, and wonder what it means.  Then they hear a voice which is no other than the voice of their Master.  Clear and distinct the words fall from His lips, "Peace be unto you."...

They beheld the hands and feet marred by the cruel nails.  They recognized His voice, like no other they had ever heard...."Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord."  Faith and joy took the place of unbelief, and with feelings which no words could express they acknowledged their risen Saviour.--The Desire of Ages, 802, 803.

October 23:  Happy People.

Great Joy at the News of the Resurrection.
The women ran quickly from the tomb.  They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel's message.--Matthew 28:8, NLT

THE WOMEN WHO HAD STOOD by the cross of Christ waited and watched for the hours of the Sabbath to pass.  On the first day of the week, very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them precious spices to anoint the Saviour's body....

The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction.  Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place; and upon seeing the stone removed, she hurried away to tell the disciples.  Meanwhile the other women came up.  A light was shining about the tomb, but the body of Jesus was not there.  As they lingered about the place, suddenly they saw that they were not alone.  A young man clothed in shining garments was sitting by the tomb.  It was the angel who had rolled away the stone...."Fear not ye," he said; "for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead."...

He is risen, He is risen!  The women repeat the words again and again.  No need now for the anointing spices.  The Saviour is living, and not dead.  They remember now that when speaking of His death He said that He would rise again.  What a day is this to the world!  Quickly the women departed from the sepulcher "with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word."--The Desire of Ages, 788, 789.

October 22:  Happy People.

The Seventy Disciples Rejoiced in His Power.
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.--Luke 10:17, NKJV

LIKE THE TWELVE APOSTLES, the seventy disciples whom Christ sent forth later received supernatural endowments as a seal of their mission.  When their work was completed, they returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name,"  Jesus answered, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."  Luke 10:17, 18.

Henceforth Christ's followers are to look upon Satan as a conquered foe.  Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own.  "Behold," He said, "I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."  Verse 19.

...It is true that Satan is a powerful being; but, thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven.  Satan is pleased when we magnify his power.  Why not talk of Jesus?  Why not magnify His power and His love?--The Ministry of Healing, 94.

                          In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said,
                          "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
               that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent
         and revealed them to babes.  Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight."
                                                                                      --Luke 1021, NKJV