Amen.
Dear RBHW family. Didn't God admonished us to "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Cor. 6: 14, Furthermore, ""And can two walk together except they be agreed"? Amos 3:3. Happy & blessed Sabbath to all!
Amen Pastor Griswold.
Thank you Pastor Scott for reminding us how easy it is for our conscience to be buried and fall into a trap that we cannot seem to pull ourselves out of. It has been hard for me to understand how God's chosen people had so many ups and downs when it came to obedience and trusting God. Satan is such a subtle deceiver that we must be on guard at all times for his deceptions. He was able to deceive 1/3 of the angels in heaven which were virtually sinless until then, so, how much easier is it for him to deceive sinners such as ourselves?
Oh Father, I know I have a long road ahead of me to become a fit vessel for Your kingdom. Help me to surrender to Your method of molding me into the perfection that you need to promote a perfect, sinless world in Your kingdom to come. I so desire to be a part of Your perfect world. The thought of not being there because I chose to cling to any known sin is most devastating. Please help me to surrender before probation closes and I no longer have a chance to surrender. How do I overcome my desire to eat foods that are not good for me? You have promised that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Somehow, help me to know how to grasp Your promises and lean not on my own understanding, but to utilize Your power in my life, in Jesus holy name I pray, Amen!
I hope my post name changes somehow and get linked to my profile from "guest". something is not going right with all my posts
Good morning my RBHW family. The question for me is "What alliance are we entering into that will pull us away from God? May we learn a lesson from king Solomon, when he refused to allow his wife of political marriage to live in the city or the house of his father. joining with unbelievers or forming alliances that are not in keeping with our faith will lead to God turning away from us and allowing us to reap the rewards of the choices that we have made. Let us by God's grace determine to do only that which will bring honor and glory to God at all yimes, through His Holy Spirit.
Have a Spirit filled and Holy Sabbath.
I find two items of great interest that are not yet mentioned among the commentors to this chapter:
1) Re 2 Chr 8:6 and Solomon's building activities in Lebanon: Notice the words of 2 Chr 9:16, 20, "the house of the forest of Lebanon!" Consider the great Temple ruins at Baalbek in Lebanon! They were, I believe, built upon the order of Solomon by his chief building contractor Jeroboam. Please, consider the pictures and the words at this link: http://tinyurl.com/c9quhf2
2) Re 2 Chr 8:14 and the order of the priests, "according to the order of David his father, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service:" Please find some details re the dates pertaining to the timing of the services provided by these "divisions of the priests...!:" http://tinyurl.com/d93n5j7
3) Perhaps God has a most special message to those of us who claim to be among God's own Advent People in re to the importance of keeping His annual feasts as once and for all proclaimed to be kept "for ever?!!!" Cf. Ex 12:14, 17, 24; Lev 23:14, 21, 31, 41! That is, in contradistinction to such feasts as were introduced by the heathen people and even by Jeroboam, the king of Israel!
Please consider Ellen Harmon's vision and the message given her in the form of 50 Scripture texts written upon a slate with gold letter engravings. It seems to me that the importance of keeping all of God's own Sabbaths and all of God's feasts is the overall message given us, even us at this very time, by means of that experience of Ellen Harmon as she was being struck with dumbness in consequence of her hesitation to believe the vision given her by the angel. An experience that has many similarities to that of Zecharias, the father of John the Baptist!: Please consider the thoughts found under this link: http://tinyurl.com/cd3yukw
Could it be that we are, as a people of God, likewise being struck by dumbness? That is, such that we are not being heard by very many people in the Western world of today?
Consider it! Selah!
Consider this, brother Anders, you use the term "forever" to assume that we should be keeping all the Sabbaths that God gave the Jews; could it be that the same term used in Rev. 14:11 that the Church of Christ uses to preach that sinners will burn "forever and ever" is valid then? It says the same thing...It is also used in the context of Sodom and Gomorrah and other areas of God's word. Have you in your study noticed that Jesus gave His ten commandments as a criteria for obedience, and that the Sabbath mentioned there we are told to remember, as it tells us that He is our creator? If we were to keep all of the Sabbaths, wouldn't Jesus have referred to that fact when the rich young ruler came to him? Read Luke 18:18-22 What purpose do the other Sabbaths have to do with our salvation? The Sabbath given to us at creation serves to remember who God is and was also changed by Satan's deceptions. The creation Sabbath shows obedience to God's law, the changed Sabbath which most of the world worships, is kept by deception, Satan's.
When Jesus lived on this earth, he did many things that the Jews condemned. He set the example for us to follow. We are not saved by our many works, keeping of the old Jewish laws, etc.,(portrayed by the renting of the veil at his death), but we are saved by the sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour when He gave us the gift of life on the cross, taking our death that we might live. He gave us the example to live by and that was His 10 commandments. It is simple enough, why complicate it?
Thank you Pastor SG! solomon's decision to marry the Egyptian leaves to pointed you posed. What in my life am doing knowing it to be wrong?
I thought of the ''unpordonable sin'' which is actually a result of a siiner having fitted the entrance of his/her heart with ''barglar bars, surrounded with high walls with fitted electric fence'' to prevent entry by the Spirit of God .
God have mercy, give me the ability to resist sin with your power Amen
Today's chapter and comments speak directly to me and my situation. I have been married for twenty years. I have been an Adventist since 1983. My husband was baptized a short while before we were married. Over the years it is obvious that he lacks a meaningful relationship with God.
I am disappointed with the marriage. He no longer goes to church. We do not have family worship. Our relationship is less much less than it should be. There has been thoughts of divorce. The marriage did not produce any children, which is a blessing and lightens my burden. My request is that my husband will fall in love with God and seek a restoration of his spiritual relationship. Please pray for us.
praying
thank you for your story it has spoken to me, i am currently dating a non adventist though he is going to church a part of me feels its just all for show. the problem is wanting what I know is not good for me. Please pray for me too, to let go and let the Lord lead the way. Happy Sabbath
I dated a non-Adventist. He took studies, even was baptized. I married him and as soon as we were married, he quit attending church. I eventually left the church, also. I went back after some years later. He said that if I went to "that church" he would leave and take the kids. I told him I was going back. H could do what he felt he had to do, but I was going back to the church. We were together another 10 years. We were together 25 years. He never came to the Lord. I have been married for 26 years now to a wonderful SDA man. Don't ever date a non SDA Christian. It is not worth all the heartache and pain. May God bless you as you seek His will in this situation.
I will lift you up in prayer, that you will be submissive to God's will for your life. Happy Sabbath
I am praying for you Sister!
I was actually 2 yrs when you became an adventist, and for you to have kept at it until now, considering your situation is very commendable and encouraging, KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!
God knows the reason for everything and HE will come through for you and your husband!! I PROMISE.
Thanks for your support
praying for you my sister
Thanks for your prayers. I really need the support
Great day to my family. Today has been just wonderful your comments starting with Pas. Scott are just overwhelming in your desire for perfection before God. And I am encouraged, determined to labor on. I say again thanks to leadership for this forum, what a blessing. Thanks also for making the site more and more user friendly. Welcome back those who were absent and to those who joined the family. LET'S PRAY FOR ALL THE EVANGELISTIC PROGRAMS 2013 AND BEYOND. Blessed day to all.
Praying...
Commercialism is killing the missionary spirit!!!
I found a powerful comment in Prophets and Kings as I was searching out the underlying cause of Solomon's sin.
The missionary spirit that God had implanted in the heart of Solomon and in the hearts of all true Israelites was supplanted by a spirit of commercialism. The opportunities afforded by contact with many nations were used for personal aggrandizement. Solomon sought to strengthen his position politically by building fortified cities at the gateways of commerce. He rebuilt Gezer, near Joppa, lying along the road between Egypt and Syria; Beth-horon, to the westward of Jerusalem, commanding the passes of the highway leading from the heart of Judea to Gezer and the seacoast; Megiddo, situated on the caravan road from Damascus to Egypt, and from Jerusalem to the northward; and "Tadmor in the wilderness" (2 Chronicles 8:4), along the route of caravans from the east. All these cities were strongly fortified. The commercial advantages of an outlet at the head of the Red Sea were developed by the construction of "a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, . . . on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." Trained sailors from Tyre, "with the servants of Solomon," manned these vessels on voyages "to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold," and "great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones." Verse 18; 1 Kings 9:26, 28; 10:11. {PK 71.2}
We live in such a commercial world! Surrounded by it at every corner! May the LORD help us to turn away from worldliness and allow the Holy Spirit to implant the missionary spirit back into our lives!!!
There are many times we do foolish things but we try to convince ourselves that we are doing it for the sake of God. I'm sure that Solomon was telling himself, "If I marry this Egyptian woman she will surely become a believer in Jehovah. Then I might be able to reach all of Egypt through her.
What foolish lies we tell ourselves. We try to find ways to make our bad decisions right; but this is an impossibility. No amount of "good motives" can make disobedience acceptable. Marrying the pagan wife took Solomon down the slow and steady pathway to disregard God completely.
Look at some of the other small mistakes made within this chapter.Ellen white explains that Solomon started with missionary spirit but later was more concerned with the economy and safety of his kingdom:
"The missionary spirit that God had implanted in the heart of Solomon and in the hearts of all true Israelites was supplanted by a spirit of commercialism. The opportunities afforded by contact with many nations were used for personal aggrandizement. Solomon sought to strengthen his position politically by building fortified cities at the gateways of commerce." PK 71
and this quote
"The revenue of the king and of many of his subjects was greatly increased, but at what a cost! Through the cupidity and shortsightedness of those to whom had been entrusted the oracles of God, the countless multitudes who thronged the highways of travel were allowed to remain in ignorance of Jehovah." PK 72, 73
Amen...that is so true, we always try to excuse our sins
Amen to today's main comment. Our response should be "be merciful to me a sinner, Lord".
Pastor Scott thanks for sharing. Today's chapter is speaking to me................Family please pray with me. I was married to non-adventist man for 9 years and we have been blessed with 2 children. Last I decided to divorce because things were just not good in the marriage and I could see my spirituality declining. However, this year I am finding myself going back to him as the chidlren insist that they want to be with their faither. Please pray for me I am in a very confused state at the moment.
Praying...
in my prayers
I agree with Jas, prayer works, please pray continually
Amen and praying.
Hi Nels, I understand your issues, however, try to read Mark 10:12 and 1 Cor 7:16. If voilence is/was involved... that is an entirely different case. My sister, Prayer works... and do it without ceasing. God be with you.
Oh Jesus, Hear me today as I surrender myself to You again this morning. I ask You Holy Spirit to awaken in me the possible latent sin and apply Your cleansing blood to that innermost part of my soul, because I am determined by Your Almighty Power and grace that sin MUST die out in me. Amen Have a good day all my family members as you all prepare to meet our Creator on His Holy day, those who are already experiencing the Sabbath rest, please be blessed as you feast at the table.
Amen, my prayer as well...
Thanks for praying for me
Search us oh God, and know our hearts today...... Bring to mind oh Heavenly Father any unrepented sin, so that we can come to the foot of the cross with contrite hearts. We are Your people, and we have sinned and failed You so often. Hear from Your Holy throne and defer not to help us today. We do not wish to be separated from You , we are striving to see Your face and be with You eternally. Your people are crying out to You this morning Almighty, on behalf of my fellow church members, help us I pray.
Amen, my prayer also today...
Thanks Amen!!!
The issue is not why he married her, but God had told Solomon through Moses not to marry her because she would help turn his devotion from the Most High (Deut. 7:3,4 cf. 1 Kings 11:1,2). He did love her (1 Kings 11: 2)., but Solomon's love for Phararoh's daughter ended with him chasing after other gods (1 Kings 11:4-8).
God is so faithful in showing us the way, verse 11, its so amazing how all this is happening soon after the glory of God had filled the Temple that Solomon had built. After such an amazing act where God reveals his glory to him, after the wisdom, dominion and power that God had given him, he decides to marry a heathen, that's so ironic, Friends, how often is this fate ours??? REVIVE US AGAIN OH LORD!!
Amen.
Good morning! RBHW family: Our song of praise today is “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” in our New SDA hymnals #329/Old#596. “Take the world, but give me Jesus; All its joys are but a name, But His love a-bid-eth ever, Through eternal years the same. The 2nd verse, Take the world, but give me Jesus, Sweet-est comfort of my soul; With my Savior watching o'er me, I can sing, though billows roll. The 3rd verse, Take the world, but give me Jesus; Let me view His constant smile; Then through-out my pilgrim journey Light will cheer me all the while. The last verse, Take the world, but give me Jesus; In His cross my trust shall be, Till, with clear-er, brighter vision, Face to face my Lord I see. The Chorus says, Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love! Oh, the fullness of redemption, Pledge of endless life above." Happy Sabbath when it comes your way. Stay blessed!
Amen my dear sister.
Amen thank you Sis Leah & a Blessed Sabbath to you and all my RBHW family...
Oh Lord, These Many Caps We Wear!
Have you ever found yourself, or heard someone saying, "You can't lie, it's Sabbath," or "If it wasn't Sabbath I'd tell you something."
The Bible does teach that while some things are fine for six days, on Sabbath they are inappropriate. Working is one such example (see Ex 20: 8-11; Isa 58:13). There are some things however that notwithstanding season or the situation they are just not appropriate. The other nine commandments of Exodus 20 are examples of perpetual "Do nots."
There are some Christians who believe that they should lead compartmentalized lives; meaning they are at liberty to do things of vastly different sorts. There are others, however, who believe that their Christian principles should transcend all that they do... always. The latter Christians wear one consistent cap that says, "I'm a Follower of Christ"; the former set could with their many caps confuse you at points.
In today's text (1 Chron. 8) Solomon's decision to marry the Egyptian princess seems to put him in the mould of one who leads a compartmentalized life - where he literally puts her in a seperate accommodation than the house built by his father David (verse 11). But as his life showed, that was a poor decision. Paul's counsel in 1 Cor. 10: 31 is, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Is God only present in certain areas of your life, or is He everywhere? James tells in chapter 2 verse 10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
Father in Heaven, today we invite to occupy us fully; let no part of us be in any way unconsecrated to Your cause and glory. May we each wear just one cap, "I'm a Follower of Christ." In Jesus' name, amen.
Amen
Amen!
Amen. Brother Evans, this is truly the way some of us treat God. We split Him up into parts that will suit our Self In Need syndrome. But this will only block our entry into the Kingdom of Glory. May God help us.
Amen and Amen...
Amen
Amen
Amen elder it's our collective prayer and thanks for your comments.