October 8:  Happy People.

Joy at the Passover Feast.
So the children of Israel who were at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing to the Lord, accompanied by loud instruments....Then the whole assembly agreed to keep the feast another seven days, and they kept it another seven days with gladness.--2 Chronicles 30:21, 23, NKJV

IN HIS ZEAL to make the temple services a real blessing to the people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient custom of gathering the Israelites together for the celebration of the Passover feast.--Prophets and Kings, 335.

On the appointed day of the Passover was observed, and the week was spent by the people in offering peace offerings and in learning what God would have them do.  Daily the Levites "taught the good knowledge of the Lord;" and those who had prepared their hearts to seek God, found pardon.  A great gladness took possession of the worshiping multitude; "the Levites and the priests the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments;" all were united in their desire to praise Him who had proved so gracious and merciful.

The seven days usually allotted to the Passover feast passed all too quickly, and the worshipers determined to spend another seven days in learning more fully the way of the Lord.  The teaching priests continued their work of instruction from the book of the law; daily the people assembled at the temple to offer their tribute of praise and thanksgiving; and as the great meeting drew to a close, it was evident that God had wrought marvelously in the conversion of backsliding Judah and in stemming the tide of idolatry which threatened to sweep all before it.  The solemn warning of the prophets had not been uttered in vain.  "There was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem" [2 Chronicles 30:26].--Prophets and Kings, 337.

October 7:  Happy People.

Rejoicing at the Restoration of the Temple Services.
"Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly."--2 Chronicles 29:36, NKJV

HEZEKIAH CAME TO THE THRONE determined to do all in his power to save Judah from the fate that was overtaking the northern kingdom....

...No sooner had he ascended the throne than he began to plan and to execute.  He first turned his attention to the restoration of the temple services, so long neglected; and in this work he earnestly solicited the co-opperation of a band of priests and Levites who had remained true to their sacred calling....

It was a time for quick action.  The priests began at once....They engaged heartily in the work of cleansing and sanctifying the temple.  Because of the years of desecration and neglect, this was attended with many difficulties; but the priests and the Levites labored untiringly, and within a remarkably short time they were able to report their task completed.  The temple doors had been repaired and thrown open; the sacred vessels had been assembled and put into place; and all was in readiness for the re-establishment of the sanctuary services.

In the first service held, the rulers of the city united with King Hezekiah and with the priests and Levites in seeking forgiveness for the sins of the nation.  Upon the altar were placed sin offerings "to make an atonement for all Israel."  "And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him bowed themselves, and worshiped."  Once more the temple courts resounded with words of praise and adoration.  The songs of David and of Asaph were sung with joy, as the worshipers realized that they were being delivered from the bondage of sin and apostasy.  "Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly" [2 Chronicles 29:24, 29, 36].--Prophets and Kings, 331-333.

October 6:  Happy People.

Rejoicing in God's Goodness.
Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great assembly from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven days and seven more days--fourteen days.  On the eight day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the good that the Lord had done for His servant David, and for Israel His people.--1 Kings 8:65, 66, NKJV

OF SURPASSED BEAUTY and unrivaled splendor was the palatial building which Solomon and his associates erected for God and His worship.  Garnished with precious stones, surrounded by spacious courts with magnificent approaches, and lined with carved and burnished gold, the temple structure, with its broidered hangings and rich furnishings, was a fit emblem of the living church of God on earth, which through the ages has been building in accordance with the divine pattern, with materials that have been likened to "gold, silver, precious stones," "polished after the similitude of a palace."  1 Corinthians 3:12; Psalm 144:12,.--Prophets and Kings, 36.

"So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God."  2 Chronicles 7:1-5.  For seven days the multitudes from every part of the kingdom, from the borders "of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," "a very great congregation," kept a joyous feast.  The week following was spent by the happy throng in observing the Feast of Tabernacles.  At the close of the season of reconsecration and rejoicing the people returned to their homes, "glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lord had showed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel His people."  Verses 8, 10.--Prophet and Kings, 45.

                        When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down,
                                     and the glory of the Lord on the temple,
                                 they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement,
                                      and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying:
                                                            "For He is good,
                                                     For His mercy endures forever."
                                                                                         --2 Chronicles 7:3, NKJV

October 5.  Happy People.

The Joy of Giving to Build God's Temple.
Then the people rejoiced because these had given willingly, for with single mind they had offered ferry to the Lord; King David also rejoiced greatly.--1 Chronicles 29:9, NRSV

WITH DEEPEST INTEREST the king had gathered the rich material for building and beautifying the temple.  He had composed the glorious anthems that in afteryears should echo through its courts.  Now his heart was made glad in God, as the chief of the fathers and the princes of Israel so nobly responded to his appeal, and offered themselves to the important work before them.  And as they gave their service, they were disposed to do more.  They swelled the offerings, giving of their own possessions into the treasury.  David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy.  But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people.  He, not man, must be glorified.  It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple.  It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king's efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.

All that man receives of God's bounty still belongs to God.  Whatever God has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in the hands of men to test them--to sound the depths of their love for Him and their appreciation of His favors.  Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus; the giver saying, meanwhile, with David, "All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee."--Patriarchs and Prophets, 752, 7563.

October 4:  Happy People.

The Joy Found in Deliverance.
And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them.  Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.--Exodus 18:8, 9, NKJV

NOT FAR DISTANT from where the Israelites were now encamped was the home of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.  Jethro had heard of the deliverance of the Hebrews, and he now set out to visit them, and restore to Moses his wife and two sons.  The great leader was informed by messengers of their approach, and he went out with joy to meet them, and, the first greetings over, conducted them to his tent.  He had sent back his family when on his way to the perils of leading Israel from Egypt, but now he could again enjoy the relief and comfort of their society.  To Jethro he recounted the wonderful dealings of God with Israel, and the patriarch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with Moses and the elders he united in offering sacrifice and holding a solemn feast in commemoration of God's mercy.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 300.

                          Jethro said, "Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you
                    from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh.  Now I know that the Lord
                is greater than all gods, because he delivered the people from the Egyptians,
                                          when they dealt arrogantly with them."
                              
                                                              --Exodus 18:10, 11, NRSV

October 3:  Happy People.

The Joy of an Answered Prayer.
Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord.  I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.--1 Samuel 2:1, NKJV

HANNAH'S PRAYER WAS GRANTED; she received the gift for which she had so earnestly entreated.  As she looked upon the child, she called him Samuel--"asked of God."  As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she fulfilled her vow.  She loved her child with all the devotion of a mother's heart; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about him more closely.  He was her only son, the special gift of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure consecrated to God, and she would not withhold from the Giver His own.

Once more Hannah journeyed with her husband to Shiloh and presented to the priest, in the name of God, her precious gift, saying, "For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord."...

The mother's heart was filled with joy and praise, and she longed to pour forth her gratitude to God.  The Spirit of Inspiration came upon her; "and Hannah prayed, and said:
                'My heart rejoiceth in the Lord;
                Mine horn is exalted in the Lord.' "
                --Patriarchs and Prophets, 570, 571.

                              "O Lord of Heaven's Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow
                       and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.
                                         He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign
                               that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut."
                              
                                                                    --1 Samuel 1:11, NLT

October 2:  Happy People.

The Joy at the Birth of a Child.
And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me."--Genesis 21:6, NKJV

THERE WAS GIVEN TO ABRAHAM the promise, especially dear to the people of that age, of a numerous posterity and of national greatness: "I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing."  And to this was added the assurance, precious above every other to the inheritor of faith, that of his line the Redeemer of the world should come: "In thee shall all families of the4 earth be blessed."--Patriarchs and Prophets, 125.

When Abraham was nearly one hundred years old, the promise of a son was repeated to him, with the assurance that the future heir should be the child of Sarah.  But Abraham did not yet understand the promise.  His mind at once turned to Ishmael, clinging to the belief that through him God's gracious purposes were to be accomplished....Again the promise was given, in words that could not be mistaken: "Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish My covenant with him."...

The birth of Isaac, bringing, after a lifelong waiting, the fulfillment of their dearest hopes, filled the tents of Abraham and Sarah with gladness.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 146.

Isaac was her joy and pride; her life was bound up in him.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 148.

             And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me."
                               She also said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah
                            would nurse children?  For I have borne him a son in his old age."
                              
                                                                      --Genesis 21:6, 7, NKJV

October 1:  Happy People.

The Joy of Seeing Christ.
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."--John 8:56, NKJV

ABRAHAM HAD GREATLY DESIRED to see the promised Saviour.  He offered up the most earnest prayer that before his death he might behold the Messiah.  And he saw Christ.  A supernatural light was given him, and he acknowledged Christ's divine character.  He saw His day, and was glad.  He was given a view of the divine sacrifice for sin.  Of this sacrifice he had an illustration in his own experience.  The command came to him, "Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest,...and offer him...for a burnt offering."  Genesis 22:2.  Upon the altar of sacrifice he laid the son of promise, the son in whom his hopes were centered.  Then as he waited beside the altar with knife upraised to obey God, he heard a voice from heaven saying, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me."  Genesis 22:12.  This terrible ordeal was imposed upon Abraham that he might see the day of Christ, and realize the great love of God for the world, so great that to raise it from its degradation, He gave His only-begotten Son to a most shameful death.  


Abraham learned of God the greatest lesson ever given to mortal.  His prayer that he might see Christ before he should die was answered.  He saw Christ; he saw all that mortal can see, and live.  By making an entire surrender, he was able to understand the vision of Christ, which had been given him,  He was shown that in giving His only-begotten Son to save sinners from eternal ruin, God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever man could make.--The Desire of Ages, 468, 469.

September 30:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Words of Help and Encouragement.
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.  Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!--Proverbs 15:22, 23, NLT

THE POWER OF SPEECH is of great value, and the voice should be cultivated for the blessing of those with whom we come in contact.--Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 240.

As followers of Christ we should make our words such as to be a help and an encouragement to one another in the Christian life.  Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience.  We should speak of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Saviour's love.  Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving.  If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation.--Christ's Object Lessons, 338.

Precious indeed in the world of sin and ignorance is the gift of speech, the melody of the human voice, when devoted to the praise of Him who hath loved us and given Himself for us.--Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 245.

The love of Christ in the soul is as "a well of water, springing up into everlasting life."...Those who possess this love will delight to talk of the things that God has prepared for them that love Him.--Messages to Young People, 390.

                                  The wise at heart have a reputation for understanding;
                                       pleasant words make the lips more persuasive.
                              
                                                                     --Proverbs 16:21, VOICE

September 29:  Make a Joyful Noise.

Be Careful What You Say and How You Say It.
The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive....From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.  Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.--Proverbs 16:21, 23, 24, NLT

WORDS OF CHEER and encouragement spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is low--these are regarded by the Saviour as if spoken to Himself.  As hearts are cheered, the heavenly angels look on in pleased recognition.--The Ministry of Healing, 159.

The grace of Christ is to control the tempter and the voice.  Its working will be seen in politeness and tender regard shown by brother for brother, in kind, encouraging words.--Christ's Object Lessons, 102.

The influence of the mind on the body, as well as of the body on the mind, should be emphasized....The depressing and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown....

..."Pleasant words" the Scripture declares to be not only "sweet to the soul," but "health to the bones."  Proverbs 16:24.--Education, 197.

                                   "And I tell you this, you must give an account
                                on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
                          The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."
                              
                                                               --Matthew 12:36, 37, NLT