Sunday
July 23
1. REACHing OUT
a. How far did Christ reach to save us from sin? Colossians 1:14–17, 21, 22; Romans 5:10.
b. What will motivate us to reach out of our nucleus to help others? Luke 15:8–10.
“In this work all the angels of heaven are ready to cooperate. All the resources of heaven are at the command of those who are seeking to save the lost. Angels will help you to reach the most careless and the most hardened. And when one is brought back to God, all heaven is made glad; seraphs and cherubs touch their golden harps, and sing praises to God and the Lamb for their mercy and lovingkindness to the children of men.”–Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 197.
c. What can we tell to those we reach out? 1 Peter 4:7.
Monday
July 24
2. CULTIVATING INTEREST
a. What are many individuals around us asking? Acts 16:30.
b. What is so important in any type of missionary work? Colossians 3:12.
“Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. The true heart expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ.”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 30.
“All who work for God should have the Martha and the Mary attributes blended– a willingness to minister and a sincere love of the truth. Self and selfishness must be put out of sight. God calls for earnest women workers, workers who are prudent, warmhearted, tender, and true to principle. He calls for persevering women, who will take their minds from self and their personal convenience, and will center them on Christ, speaking words of truth, praying with the persons to whom they can obtain access, laboring for the conversion of souls.”–Ibid., vol. 6, p. 118.
c. What is a simple method of missionary work that all can participate in? Luke 14:23.
“To all who are working with Christ I would say, Wherever you can gain access to the people by the fireside, improve your opportunity. Take your Bible, and open before them its great truths. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse. The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside, and in small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in winning souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to the moving throng, or even in halls or churches.”–Gospel Workers, p. 193.
Tuesday
July 25
3. KNOWING PEOPLE
a. If I don’t know my neighbors, how can I tell them of Jesus? Who gave us an example of how to get close to them? Acts 9:36; Proverbs 31:20.
“Let not the youth be ignored; let them share in the labor and responsibility. Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even the children should be taught to do little errands of love and mercy for those less fortunate than themselves.”–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 435.
b. All of us have some contact with some people. What way did Paul use to reach acquaintances and develop deeper relationships? Philippians 3:1.
“Women can do good work in the missionary field, by writing to friends, and learning their true feelings in relation to the cause of God.”–Welfare Ministry, pp. 147, 148.
c. Who is especially adapted to these types of missionary labor? Philippians 4:3.
“If there were twenty women where now there is one, who would make this holy mission their cherished work, we should see many more converted to the truth.”–The Review and Herald, January 2, 1879.
“[Our sisters] have tact, perception, and good ability, and will make successful workers for their Master. Christian women are called for. . . . Our sisters can serve as vigilant workers in writing, and drawing out the true feelings of friends who have received our papers and tracts. . . . Women of firm principle and decided character are needed, women who believe that we are indeed living in the last days, and that we have the last solemn message of warning to be given to the world. . . . These are the ones whom God can use in the tract and missionary work. . . . These can in many ways do a precious work for God in scattering tracts.”–Ibid., December 19, 1878.
Wednesday
July 26
4. HELPING HANDS
a. Doing missionary work requires something which few are ready to give. What is it? Matthew 16:24–27.
“Study Christ’s definition of a true missionary, [Mark 8:34 quoted]. Following Christ, as spoken of in these words, is not a pretense, a farce. Jesus expects His disciples to follow closely in His footsteps, enduring what He endured, suffering what He suffered, overcoming as He overcame. He is anxiously waiting to see His professed followers revealing the spirit of self-sacrifice.”–Counsels on Health, p. 511.
b. If we care for others, we will be willing to give of our time and energy. What are some other specific ways to get close to their heart and find out more of their needs? Titus 2:3–5.
“In ministry to the poor there is a wide field of service for women as well as for men. The efficient cook, the housekeeper, the seamstress, the nurse–the help of all is needed. Let the members of poor households be taught how to cook, how to make and mend their own clothing, how to nurse the sick, how to care properly for the home. Let boys and girls be thoroughly taught some useful trade or occupation.”–The Ministry of Healing, p. 194.
c. What Christian service fits the abilities of men? Titus 2:2, 6–10; 3:1, 2.
“Christian farmers can do real missionary work in helping the poor to find homes on the land and in teaching them how to till the soil and make it productive. Teach them how to use the implements of agriculture, how to cultivate various crops, how to plant and care for orchards. . . .
“Attention should be given to the establishment of various industries so that poor families can find employment. Carpenters, blacksmiths, and indeed every one who understands some line of useful labor, should feel a responsibility to teach and help the ignorant and the unemployed.”–The Ministry of Healing, pp. 193, 194.
Thursday
July 27
5. BUT I’M WORKING
a. How can we reach souls while working? Acts 16:14; 18:1–4.
“To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, ‘Here I am; send me’ (Isaiah 6:8). Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic–the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end.”–The Ministry of Healing, p. 148.
b. How can our Christian conduct in business be considered missionary work? 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12.
“Let the business man do his business in a way that will glorify his Master because of his fidelity. Let him carry his religion into everything that is done, and reveal to men the Spirit of Christ. Let the mechanic be a diligent and faithful representative of Him who toiled in the lowly walks of life in the cities of Judea. Let everyone who names the name of Christ so work that man by seeing his good works may be led to glorify his Creator and Redeemer.”–Christian Service, p. 27.
“Do not pass by the little things, and look for a large work. You might do successfully the small work, but fail utterly in attempting a large work and fall into discouragement. Take hold wherever you see that there is work to be done. Whether you are rich or poor, great or humble, God calls you into active service for Him. It will be by doing with your might what your hands find to do that you will develop talent and aptitude for the work. And it is by neglecting your daily opportunities that you become fruitless and withered. This is why there are so many fruitless trees in the garden of the Lord.”–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 129.
Friday
July 28
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Am I reaching out to people and sharing God’s truth with them consistently?
2. What can I do, and when shall I do the work of visiting my neighbors in order to really help them?
3. How can we encourage women in the missionary work at home and abroad?
4. What can be done by our families and churches to share practical knowledge with interested persons and win them to Christ?
5. How can the workplace be the best demonstration of Christian virtues?
Feeling for Others. “If you are in communion with Christ, you will place His estimate upon every human being. You will feel for others the same deep love that Christ has felt for you. Then you will be able to win, not drive, to attract, not repulse, those for whom He died. None would ever have been brought back to God if Christ had not made a personal effort for them; and it is by this personal work that we can rescue souls. When you see those who are going down to death, you will not rest in quiet indifference and ease. The greater their sin and the deeper their misery, the more earnest and tender will be your efforts for their recovery. You will discern the need of those who are suffering, who have been sinning against God, and who are oppressed with a burden of guilt. Your heart will go out in sympathy for them, and you will reach out to them a helping hand. In the arms of your faith and love you will bring them to Christ. You will watch over and encourage them, and your sympathy and confidence will make it hard for them to fall from their steadfastness.”–Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 197.
House-to-House Labor. “Those who engage in house-to-house labor will find opportunities for ministry in many lines. They should pray for the sick and should do all in their power to relieve them from suffering. They should work among the lowly, the poor, and the oppressed. We should pray for and with the helpless ones who have not strength of will to control the appetites that passion has degraded. Earnest, persevering effort must be made for the salvation of those in whose hearts an interest is awakened. Many can be reached only through acts of disinterested kindness. Their physical wants must first be relieved. As they see evidence of our unselfish love, it will be easier for them to believe in the love of Christ.”–Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 83, 84.