1. A TALENT EVERYONE HAS Sunday July 26

a. Even in the fast-paced era in which we live, what does God mercifully provide–and why? Ecclesiastes 3:1. Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time.The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away. We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin. It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment."–Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342. b. What factors should we take into consideration as we plan our use of time? James 4:13–15. The shortness of time demands an energy that has not been aroused among those who claim to believe the present truth.–Counsels on Health, p. 506.If all would use their time to the best account, very much means would be saved to the cause of truth. When the heart is in the work, it will be done with earnestness, energy, and dispatch. All should be awake to see what needs to be done, and apt and quick to execute, working as though under the direct supervision of the great Master, Jesus Christ.–Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 451.

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2. WISE TO THE ENEMY’S STRATEGY Monday July 27

a. In seeking to advance God’s work, what must we realize? 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12. We have no time to lose. The powers of darkness are working with intense energy, and with stealthy tread Satan is advancing to take those who are now asleep, as a wolf taking his prey. We have warnings now which we may give, a work now which we may do, but soon it will be more difficult than we imagine.–Evangelism, p. 218.Oh! we must be terribly in earnest to impress upon every soul that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. Every energy of the soul must be aroused to force their passage, and seize the kingdom by force. Satan is active, and we must be active too. Satan is untiring and persevering, and we must be the same. There is no time to make excuses and blame others for our backslidings; no time now to flatter the soul [that] if circumstances had only been more favorable, how much better, how much easier [it would be] for us to work the works of God. We must tell even those who profess to believe in Christ, that they must cease to offend God by sinful excuses.–Manuscript Releases, vol. 12, p. 336. b. What does Inspiration teach about the struggle before us? Ephesians 6:12; Matthew 24:13. With intensified zeal and energy we are to carry forward the work of the Lord till the close of time.–Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 548.

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3. RESOURCES MADE USEFUL Tuesday July 28

a. What does our Master want us to understand about the various talents entrusted to us? Luke 19:13. However large, however small the possessions of any individual, let him remember that it is his only in trust. For his strength, skill, time, talents, opportunities, and means, he must render an account to God. This is an individual work; God gives to us, that we may become like Him, generous, noble, beneficent, by giving to others. Those who, forgetful of their divine mission, seek only to save or to spend in the indulgence of pride or selfishness, may secure the gains and pleasures of this world; but in God’s sight, estimated by their spiritual attainments, they are poor, wretched, miserable, blind, naked.–Counsels on Stewardship, p. 22. b. What lesson should we learn from the experience of Solomon? Ecclesiastes 2:10, 11. We must turn away from a thousand topics that invite attention. There are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing. The highest interests demand the close attention and energy that are so often given to comparatively insignificant things.–The Ministry of Healing, p. 456.The energy now concentrated on cheap, perishable goods should be enlisted in the work that is to enlighten the world. Let every energy God has given be used in the work which bears with it the blessed satisfaction that it is for time and for eternity.–Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, p. 267.

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4. A PURCHASED POSSESSION Wednesday July 29

a. Why is the attitude of the rich man with his barns a warning for us? Luke 12:16–21. There is a sad withholding from God on the part of His professed people. The means and efforts that should be given to Christ are devoted to self-pleasing. God is robbed of time, money, and service. Self-love, self-gratification, exclude the love of Jesus from the soul, and this is why there is not in the church greater zeal and more fervent love for Him who first loved us. So many indulge selfish ease, while souls for whom Christ died are perishing.–The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1890. b. What should always remain foremost in our minds? 1 Corinthians 3:23; 6:20. Whether or not we give mind, soul, and strength to God, it all belongs to Him. God speaks to each human being, saying: ‘I have a claim on you. Give me your zeal, your capabilities, your energy, your means.’ He has a right to ask this; for we are His, redeemed by His boundless love and by the agony of the cross of Calvary from the service of sin.–The Signs of the Times, January 2, 1901.

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5. PREPARING FOR THE LATTER RAIN Thursday July 30

a. What realization should awaken each one of us to action? 2 Corinthians 6:2; Matthew 10:7. We need greater earnestness in the cause of Christ. The solemn message of truth should be given with an intensity that would impress unbelievers that God is working with our efforts, that the Most High is our living source of strength. In this great work, not one-third is accomplished that might be done, because a few willing ones take the burden, and the careless and ease-loving shirk all responsibility. This is not in the order of God, neither is it well-pleasing to Him. He has not selected a few to become efficient laborers and bear all the burdens of the cause of God, to do all the praying and all the watching, all the winning and entreating of sinners, while the majority of professed Christians have nothing to do but to look on. He does not want the powers of the workers taxed to the utmost to counteract the influence of worldly-minded, halting, doubting ones, who bear no burdens and show no efficiency as workers.Is this indifference to continue from year to year? Is Satan always to triumph, and Christ to be disappointed in the servants whom He has redeemed at an infinite price? We are looking forward to the time when the latter rain will be poured out, confidently hoping for a better day, when the church shall be endued with power from on high, and thus fitted to do more efficient work for God. But the latter rain will never refresh and invigorate indolent souls, that are not using the power God has already given them. Spiritual laziness will not bring us nearer to God. There must be energy and zeal as well as devotion and personal piety, woven into all our works."–The Signs of the Times, December 9, 1886. b. What is God’s call for us today? Isaiah 60:1, 2; Matthew 5:14–16. A working church is a living church. Church members, let the light shine forth. Let your voices be heard in humble prayer, in witness against the intemperance, the folly, and the amusements of this world, and in the proclamation of the truth for this time. Your voice, your influence, your time–all these are gifts from God, and are to be used in winning souls to Christ. Visit your neighbors, and show an interest in the salvation of their souls. Arouse every spiritual energy to action. Tell those whom you visit that the end of all things is at hand.–Medical Ministry, p. 332.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS Friday July 31

1. Why is time so valuable? 2. What common trap may be preventing us from laboring for Christ? 3. What tendency could be rendering us spiritually poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked? 4. What should give us incentive to labor for Christ? 5. Why will many miss out on receiving the latter rain?