July 18:  The Joy of Service.

Happiness Found in Serving Others.
Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.  And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.--Philippians 1:25, 26, NLT

THE SPIRIT OF UNSELFISH LABOR for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character, and brings peace and happiness to its possessor.  The aspirations are elevated.  There is no room for sloth or selfishness.  Those who thus exercise the Christian graces will grow and will become strong to work for God.  They will have clear spiritual perceptions, a steady, growing faith, and an increased power in prayer.  The Spirit of God, moving upon their spirit, calls forth the sacred harmonies of the soul in answer to the divine touch.  Those who thus devote themselves to unselfish effort for the good of others are most surely working out their own salvation.--Steps to Christ, 80.

Seize every opportunity to contribute to the happiness of those around you, sharing with them your affection.  Words of kindness, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would to many a struggling, lonely one be as a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul.  A word of cheer, an act of kindness, would go far to lighten the burdens that are resting heavily upon weary shoulders.  It is in unselfish ministry that true happiness is found.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, 49.

                                "What does the Lord your God require of you,
                     but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him,
                        to serve the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul,
                              and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statues
                                           which I command you today for your good?"
                              
                                                           --Deuteronomy 10:12, 13, NKJV

July 17:  The Joy of Service.

Joy for a Change of Heart.
I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.  Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways.  It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.--2 Corinthians 7:8, 9, NLT

PAUL...HAD HOPED to meet Titus at Troas and to learn from him how the words of counsel and reproof sent to the Corinthian brethren had been received, but in this he was disappointed.  "I had no rest in my spirit," he wrote concerning this experience, "because I found not Titus my brother."  He therefore left Troas and crossed over to Macedonia, where, at Philippi he met Timothy....

This faithful messenger brought the cheering news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers.  Many had accepted the instruction contained in Paul's letter and had repented of their sins.  Their lives were no longer a reproach to Christianity, but exerted a powerful influence in favor of practical godliness.

Filled with joy, the apostle sent another letter to the Corinthian believers, expressing his gladness of heart because of the good work wrought in them: "Though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent."..."Now I rejoice," he continued, "not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance."...

For some time Paul had been carrying a burden of soul for the churches--a burden so heavy that he could scarcely endure it....

But now one cause of anxiety was removed.  At the tidings of the acceptance of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul broke forth into words of rejoicing....

...He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God in Corinth, and in words of praise he poured forth the gratitude of his heart.--The Acts of the Apostles, 323-326.

July 16:  The Joy of Service.

We Should Be Sources of Joy.
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again.  I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me.--Philippians 4:10, NLT

DIVINE WISDOM HAS APPOINTED, in the plan of salvation, the law of action and reaction, making the work of beneficence, in all its branches, twice blessed.  He that gives to the needy blesses others, and is blessed himself in a still greater degree.  God could have reached His object in saving sinners without the aid of man; but He knew that man could not be happy without acting a part in the great work in which he would be cultivating self-denial and benevolence.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, 382.

God positively enjoins upon all His followers a duty to bless others with their influence and means, and to seek that wisdom of Him which will enable them to do all in their power to elevate the thoughts and affections of those who come within their influence.  In doing for others, a sweet satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a sufficient reward.  When actuated by a high and noble desire to do others good, they will find true happiness in a faithful discharge of life's manifold duties.  This will bring more than an earthly reward; for every faithful, unselfish performance of duty is noticed by the angels and shines in the life record.  In heaven none will think of self, nor seek their own pleasure; but all, from pure, genuine love, will seek the happiness of the heavenly beings around them.  If we wish to enjoy heavenly society in the earth made new, we must be governed by heavenly principles here.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 132.

July 15:  The Joy of Service.

Showing Respect to Ministers and Leaders.
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.--Hebrews 13:17, NKJV

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT requires children not only to yield respect, submission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give them love and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their reputation, and to succor and comfort them in old age.  It also enjoins respect for ministers and rulers, and for all others to whom God has delegated authority.--Patriarchs and Prophets, 308.

Men and women are to be brought under the influence of true, earnest, wholehearted workers, who labor for souls as they that must give an account.  All who are baptized into a measure of the apostolic spirit will be constrained to become God's missionaries.  If they will be true, firm in the faith, if they will not sell their Lord for gain, but will ever acknowledge the divine supremacy and superintendence, God will prepare the way before them and will greatly bless them.  He will help them to represent His goodness, love, and mercy.  And the glory of the Lord will be their rearward.  There will be joy in the heavenly courts, and joy, pure, heavenly joy, will fill the hearts of the workers.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 58.

                                           "He changes times and seasons,
                                           deposes kings and sets up kings;
                                                he gives wisdom to the wise
                                    and knowledge to those who have understanding.
                                            He reveals deep and hidden things;
                                            he knows what is in the darkness,
                                                   and light dwells with him."
                                                                                     --Daniel 2:21, 22, NRSV

July 14:  The Joy of Service.

Watchful of Opportunities to Bring Joy.
"I helped those without hope, and they blessed me.  And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.--Job 29:13, NLT

GOD CALLS NOT ONLY for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp.  When Christ healed the sick, He laid His hands upon them.  So should we come in close touch with those whom we seek to benefit.

There are many from whom hope has departed.  Bring back the sunshine to them.  Many have lost their courage.  Speak to them words of cheer.  Pray for them.  There are those who need the bread of life.  Read to them from the word of God.  Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal.  Pray for these souls, bring them to Jesus.  Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there.--Christ's Object Lessons, 418.

We should lose no opportunity of performing deeds of mercy, of tender forethought and Christian courtesy, for the burdened and the oppressed.  If we can do no more, we may speak words of courage and hope to those who are unacquainted with God, and who can be approached most easily by the avenue of sympathy and love.

Rich and abundant are the promises made to those who are watchful of opportunities to bring joy and blessing into the lives of others.--Prophet and Kings, 327.

                               Finally, all of you should be of one mind.
                    Sympathize with each other.  Love each other as brothers and sisters.
                            Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
                                                                                      --1 Peter 3:8, NLT

July 13:  The Joy of Service.

Making Others Happy.
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.--2 Corinthians 1:24, ESV

HE WHO IS FOLLOWING the divine guidance has found the only true source of saving grace and real happiness, and has gained the power of imparting happiness to all around him.--Messages to Young People, 264.

You are not placed on earth merely to delve for self, to dig and build, to toil and spin, but to make life bright and joyous and beautiful with the love of Christ--like the flowers, to gladden others lives be the ministry of love.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 97.

There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself.  No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life.  There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry.  Every animal could live; and man and animal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf....The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds.  The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give.--The Desire of Ages, 20.

Seeking to make yourself happy...is poor work, unprofitable business.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 56.

The greatest happiness experienced will be in doing others good, in making others happy.  Such happiness will be lasting.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, 161.

July 12:  The Joy of Service.

Exalting Christ.
But that doesn't matter.  Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being produced either way, so rejoice.  And I will continue to rejoice.--Philippians 1:18, NLT

THE DUTY AND DELIGHT of all service is to uplift Christ before the people.  This is the end of all true labor.  Let Christ appear; let self be hidden behind Him.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 147.

The heart of the true Christian is imbued with true love, with a most earnest hunger for souls.  He is not at rest until he is doing all that is in his power to seek and to save that which is lost.  Time and strength are spent; toilsome work is not shunned.  Others must be given the truth which has brought to his own soul such gladness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

When the truly converted soul enjoys the love of God, he will feel his obligation to yoke up with Christ and work in harmony with Him.  The Spirit of Christ rests upon him.  He reveals the Saviour's love, pity, and compassion, because he is one with Christ.  He yearns to bring others to Jesus.  His heart is melted with tenderness as he sees the peril of the souls that are out of Christ.  He watches for souls as one that must give an account.  With invitations and pleadings mingled with assurances of the promises of God, he seeks to win souls to Christ; and it is registered in the books of record.  He is a laborer together with God.--Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 122.

                          Be diligent to present yourself appointed to God,
                             a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
                                       rightly dividing the word of truth.
                              
                                                --2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV

July 11:  The Joy of Service.

The Greatest Joy.
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' "--Luke 15:4-6, NKJV

THE PARABLE OF THE STRAYING SHEEP should be treasured as a motto in every household.  The divine Shepherd leaves the ninety and nine, and goes out into the wilderness to seek the one that is lost.  There are thickets, quagmires, and dangerous crevices in the rocks, and the Shepherd knows that if the sheep is in any of these places, a friendly hand must help it out.  As He hears its bleating afar off, He encounters any and every difficulty that He may save His sheep that is lost.  When He discovers the lost one, He does not greet it with reproaches.  He is only glad that He has found it alive.  With firm yet gentle hand He parts the briers or takes it from the mire; tenderly He lifts it to His shoulders and bears it back to the fold.  The pure, sinless Redeemer bears the sinful, the unclean.

The Sin Bearer carries the befouled sheep; yet so precious is His burden that He rejoices, singing: "I have found My sheep which was lost."  Luke 15:6....

...We must bear in mind the great joy manifested by the Shepherd at the recovery of the lost.  He calls upon His neighbors: "Rejoice with Me; for I have found My sheep which was lost."  And all heaven echoes the note of joy.  The Father Himself joys over the rescued one with singing.  What a holy ecstasy of joy is expressed in this parable!  That joy is your privilege to share.

Are you, who have this example before you, co-operating with Him who is seeking to save the lost?  Are you colabors with Christ?--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 124, 125.

July 10:  The Joy of Service.

Treating Christ's Servants Well.
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem.--Philippians 2:29, NKJV

THE MISSION OF CHRIST'S SERVANTS is a high honor, and a sacred trust.  "He that receiveth you," He says, "receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me."  No act of kindness shown to them in His name will fail to be recognized and rewarded.  And in the same tender recognition He includes the feeblest and lowliest of the family of God: "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones"--those who are as children in their faith and their knowledge of Christ--"a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in nowise lose his reward."--The Desire of Ages, 357.

To all who, in time of trial and want, give sympathy and assistance to others more needy, God has promised great blessing.  He has not changed....No less sure now than when spoken by our Saviour is the promise, "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward."  Matthew 10:41.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  Hebrews 13:2.  These words have lost none of their force through the lapse of time.  Our heavenly Father still continues to place in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy.--Prophet and Kings, 131, 132.

                              "And the King will answer and say to them,
                           'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it
                     to one of the least of these My brethren, you did to Me."
                                                                                       --Matthew 25:40, NKJV

July 9:  The Joy of Service.

Let Us Not Build Walls of Separation.
"You did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything."--Deuteronomy 28:47, NKJV

GOD CHOSE ISRAEL to reveal His character to men.  He desired them to be as wells of salvation in the world.  To them were committed the oracles of heaven, the revelation of God's will....

But the people of Israel lost sight of their high privileges as God's representatives.  They forgot God and failed to fulfill their holy mission.  The blessings they received brought no blessing to the world.  All their advantages they appropriated for their own glorification.  They shut themselves away from the world in order to escape temptation.  The restrictions that God had placed upon their association with isolators as a means of preventing them from conforming to the practices of the heathen, they used to build up a wall of separation between themselves and all other nations.  They robbed God of the service He required of them, and they robbed their fellow men of religious guidance and a holy example....

The Jewish leaders thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ.  The Saviour turned from them to entrust to others the privilege they had abused and the work they had slighted.--The Acts of the Apostles, 14, 16.

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), is Christ's command to His followers.  Not that all are called to be ministers or missionaries in the ordinary sense of the term; but all may be workers with Him in giving the "glad tidings" to their fellow men.  To all, great and small, learned or ignorant, old or young, the command is given.--Education, 264.