Sabbath Thought: Helpers of Joy

     Tomorrow in North Canton we say “Goodbye” to a dear sweet lady and Sister in Christ, Rose Szymkowiak. Rose will be moving to Knoxville, TN to be closer to her children and grandchildren. The last few months have been very difficult for Rose as she has been adjusting to a life without her husband, Joe. This wonderful couple had many plans that were to take place in the Canton area, but sadly in the blink of an eye, those plans became overshadowed with grief and many uncertainties. Thankfully, because of God’s wonderful plan of salvation and her faith, Rose never lost hope. Because of God’s gift of a spiritual family, Rose was not left to carry this burden alone.

     To be honest, sharing that burden at times can be bitter-sweet, as it was this week. As part of that spiritual family, those who were able, came together to help Rose pack and prepare for the big move. During one of the breaks, Freeman Kuhns mentioned, “Many Hands make light work” concerning those who were there, and we were thankful for those many hands. However, it was obvious those hands were strengthened by the many prayers of those who could not be there. We all came together, physically and spiritually, to support our dear sister in Christ.

      With each box that was placed in the truck, with each minute that passed by in that hot sun, with each smile, joke, and laugh we shared, we all knew that it would end with a bit of sadness. Thankfully, there was one thing that brought comfort to our sadness and that was the reality of what we were doing for Rose. In a time of great trial and destress, we came together to love, to support, and to bring joy to a fellow family member who was in need.

     In 2 Corinthians 1:24, the apostle Paul speaks about being, “… Fellow workers of your joy…”. We find in other translations the term, “Helpers of your Joy” is used. Paul is not just speaking about his role as an Apostle, but who he was, his identity in Christ. It’s the same identity we share to this day, one defined by Truth and of Love, (John 17:17, John 13:24-25, Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16).

     Have we actually taken the time to considered the importance of being a source of joy to one another? Have we considered the level of joy we introduce to our own lives and to the lives of each other by allowing that identity to shape and develop our character?

     I read a quote on a motivational picture that speaks to this, “If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them. If you see someone being ignored, find a way to include them. If someone has been knocked down, lift them up. Always remind people of their worth. One small act could mean the world to them.”

     These words remind me of what’s record in Proverbs 11:25, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” God’s principles go far beyond what this world portrays as fulfilment. We don’t just read the scriptures, we believe and live them. That in returns shapes and develops our character. So, when we serve our brethren, our family, as God and Christ serve us, it not only changes the recipient, it also changes us.

    In John 15:11 Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” It’s a fact, the knowledge of the truth does bring us a great sense of joy, but what Jesus is emphasizing here is it’s the application of that truth that will fill us with that level of joy He offers. It’s a joy experienced by those true members of the family of God. 

     I’ll end with some encouraging words penned by the Apostle John that not only express his personal feelings, but words that capture what God must feel when lives are transformed by the truth and the love He reveals and expresses toward them. 3 John 1:3-4, “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

I pray you all have a Joyful and Spiritually enriching Sabbath,

Ryan Hall
For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. What was called Ebenezer by Samuel, the prophet?
*Hint: 1 Samuel 7:10-13

2. What kind of wood did God instruct Noah to construct the ark out of?
*Hint: Genesis 6:8-16

3. How did God supply food for Elijah while he was in the wilderness?
* Hint: 1 Kings 17:1-6

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (June 124h): 2:00 PM - (Potluck Cancelled)
2. Next Sabbath – (July 1st): 2:00 PM
3. Sabbath service change: Starting July 8th, sabbath services for the second sabbath of each month will be at 11:00 AM.
4. Dave Ritter: Dave suffered another mild Heart Attack earlier today. He has been admitted to the hospital for observation. Linda reported that he is in no pain or destress. Please pray that the test reveal what is causing these attacked and that Dave makes a full recovery.
5. Festival Assistance: For those who will need festival to attend the Feast of Tabernacles this year. Please let myself, John, or the festival advisor know so that we can get the request in asap.
6. West Michigan Camping/Tubing Weekend, July 7–9: You are invited to join the West Michigan UCG congregations for a weekend of fellowship, camping and fun-filled outdoor adventure! There is a special outdoor Sabbath service on July 8 at Sandy Beach County Park in White Cloud, Michigan, and an organized tubing trip on the Muskegon River for Sunday morning, July 9. If you would like further details or a copy of the flyer advertising the event, contact Christina Morris at 269-903-1902 or stinamsu@yahoo.com.

If I’ve overlooked anything, Please let me know ASAP.