The Sabbath - How are you keeping it?

[Victor Hafichuk]

Hi everyone! The Sabbath approaches for some while others are into it. How are you keeping it? Are you grateful for it and are you “remembering to keep it holy?”

We’ve discovered recently that the Bensons weren’t keeping the Sabbath holy, not that they regarded any other day as unto the Lord – they most certainly didn’t. Do you realize the penalty for not keeping the Sabbath? Now the Bensons are out of power, authority, privilege and comfort at HH. They’re finished; they’ve lost everything but the right to be there, which may also go soon. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of our Living God, Who is a Consuming Fire.

On another topic, God has graced us in many ways. Thus far (and this could change this year, hopefully not), Canada has been granted to stand with Israel and to recognize the threat of militant Islam within and without Canada’s borders. Here’s some information for those interested. I want to say that what happens with Israel, Canada and Harvest Haven affects all of you who are with us as it does us. Do you know and believe it? It’s true.

________________________________________
From: PMO [mailto:pm@PM.GC.CA]
Sent: January-30-15 11:48 AM
To: ALLNEWS_E@LSERV.PMO-CPM.GC.CA
Subject: News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)
________________________________________

PM announces anti-terrorism measures to protect Canadians

January 30, 2015
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Introduction
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Government has introduced legislation to protect Canadians from the evolving threat of terrorism and keep our communities safe. The Prime Minister made the announcement at Richmond Hill’s Bayview Hill Community Centre. He was joined by Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence.
The world is a dangerous place and, as most brutally demonstrated by last October’s attacks in Ottawa and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism. The proposed legislation will provide Canadian law enforcement and national security agencies with additional tools and flexibility to keep pace with evolving threats and better protect Canadians here at home.
In line with measures taken by our allies, the Government is taking additional action to ensure our law enforcement and national security agencies can: counter those who advocate terrorism; prevent terrorist travel and the efforts of those who seek to use Canada as a recruiting ground; and disrupt planned attacks on Canadian soil.
The proposed legislation includes checks and balances to ensure it respects the rights of Canadians and complements other legislation passed by our Government in order to better protect Canadians and secure institutions, including the Combating Terrorism Act and the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act.
Quick Facts
• The proposed legislation includes a comprehensive package of measures that will:
o criminalize the advocacy or promotion of terrorism offences in general;
o counter terrorist recruitment by giving our courts the authority to order the removal of terrorist propaganda online;
o enhance the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)’s powers to address threats to the security of Canada while ensuring that courts maintain oversight;
o provide law enforcement agencies with enhanced ability to disrupt terrorism offences and terrorist activity;
o enhance the Passenger Protect Program by further mitigating threats to transportation security and preventing travel by air for the purpose of engaging in terrorism;
o make it easier for law enforcement agencies to detain suspected terrorists before they can harm Canadians and to toughen penalties for violating court ordered conditions on terrorist suspects;
o enable the effective and responsible sharing of relevant national security information across federal departments and agencies to better identify and address threats;
o Although not part of this proposed legislation, we are also working with communities to prevent radicalization and intervene when individuals show signs of becoming radicalized.
o ensure that national security agencies are better able to protect and use classified information when denying entry and status to non-citizens who pose a threat to Canada; and,
o provide witnesses and other participants in national security proceedings and prosecutions with additional protection.
Quotes
“Our Government is serious about taking action to keep Canadians safe. Recent attacks in Canada, which led to the deaths of Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, as well as attacks in France and Australia, are reminders that the world is a dangerous place and that Canada is not immune to the threat of terrorism. Recent terrorist actions in Canada are not only an attack on our country, but also our values and our society as a whole.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“Our Government understands that extreme jihadists have declared war on us, on all free people, and on Canada specifically. Our Government will continue to protect the rights and safety of all Canadians. We will not, however, privilege the so-called rights of terrorists and others who would harm Canadians over the rights of law-abiding citizens. The proposed legislation would provide our security and law enforcement agencies with the required tools and flexibility they need to effectively detect and disrupt national security threats before they happen, keeping Canadians safe.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

[Simon Mwebaze]

Hi Victor and all

Already the Sabbath here in SA. How am I keeping it? Usually, I make sure my food for Friday supper and Saturday lunch is prepared before 7pm Friday. I try to finish any activities like shopping for groceries before Friday evening.

What do I do during the Sabbath? Usually, I read teachings from TPOT or spend time reading the Bible...more recently, I have been reading the theoautos on the Sabbath. I also nap sometimes so that I can stay up longer during the meetings.

I haven't honored the Sabbath always as I have liked to. Sometimes I haven't been thankful or excited for it when things haven't been going well for me but mostly I've looked forward to it and even when I haven't, I've been blessed many times when observing it.

I also have used the Sabbath as a day to catch up with people through texting but I don't believe that's good anymore especially where I have initiated conversations (not that its been wrong in all cases). There have been some good conversations and some useless ones.

I do believe we're affected by what's happening all over the world, we're connected. Just a thought I had is that as God promised Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you," so it is in the world. Doesn't that show we are connected based on where we stand toward Israel? Not because of them but the Lord who's with them?

Its great to hear what's happening for Canada!

[Victor Hafichuk]

Thank you, Simon, I appreciate your report.

[Beryl Knipe]

Hi all - thanks Simon for your input re the Sabbath.

I have a "tradition" that I keep, all by myself as no one in my family or any of my friends, colleagues or acquaintances believe it. For years, on a Friday, as the sun goes down, I light candles and thank God for the week past.

My "home" is a "house/business" so there are always, people around, sometimes at 7pm there are still people working on a Friday night and sometimes there's work going on, on a Saturday. I do begin reading from TPOT and must confess, I don't read from any of my Bibles - maybe now and again, to check up on something but then I rather, most times, check from e-Sword.

A friend or two might visit on a Saturday and we discuss the Scriptures. I really don't do much on a Saturday and keep away from shops/shopping/visiting at all costs. I try and have a nap but that's not always possible and a lot of times by 9pm on a Saturday night, I'm quite exhausted and simply go to bed. Normally have meals that might be left over from the night before.

I DO backslide sometimes and will watch an interesting programme on television; either nature, or history or animals programmes. I don't keep the Sabbath as I should. It would be interesting and helpful to know what others do.

Beryl.

[Beryl Knipe]

Hi Victor,

I have been reading and noting the correspondence and at some Sabbath meetings about what's been said about the Bensons. The statement this morning is heart-breaking and disturbing:

"We’ve discovered recently that the Bensons weren’t keeping the Sabbath holy, not that they regarded any other day as unto the Lord – they most certainly didn’t. Do you realize the penalty for not keeping the Sabbath? Now the Bensons are out of power, authority, privilege and comfort at HH. They’re finished; they’ve lost everything but the right to be there, which may also go soon. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of our Living God, Who is a Consuming Fire."

It's difficult to try and understand why - with living right at HH and with being able to speak to you, personally - that not ONE of the Benson family would TRY to keep the Sabbath holy? What is it that they do, then? Just asking. Thanks.

Beryl.

[Beryl Knipe]

Hi all,

Wow! If only more governments, prime ministers and presidents would follow Canada's stand against terrorism. Well done to Mr Harper and the Canadian government. May God bless Canada, its government and its citizens, further.

Beryl.

[William Woeger]

This Sabbath I won't be able to keep because I will be working from 9a-6p.

In a way... I think this may be a sign or warning - If I don't keep the Sabbath holy, then I may not get to keep the Sabbath at all.

It is a disappointment and unrestful to not have the Sabbath. Ever since I have been regarding this day in my life I can say I have been blessed restored. It feels right, it feels natural.

Maybe some without faith would claim it is just a mind thing, but I believe resting on the seventh day is a law of life. I honestly believe I feel more restored to tackle a new week just because of the Sabbath. Maybe I'm thinking in fleshly ways here. I don't know.

Months ago, last year sometime, I went to my supervisors and told them via request sheet that I observe Saturday as the Sabbath and it was important for me to have it off. They gave it to me no problem. I can only recall two or three times since then that they really needed me you work, and whenever I had to, the following week didn't feel right. It felt more out of order and I felt more tired. Maybe it was because of a broken weekly routine. Perhaps so and more.

I haven't always kept the Sabbath holy, though I've been blessed to observe it. I've hardly kept the other days holy though I've been blessed to know the right.

Again, I fear, by not honoring God, as we've been blessed with the wherewith to do, the opprotunities and occasions may be taken away to live right and holy for and with Him.

To live right and holy, to have and observe the Sabbath, is a great blessing. It's rest and life.

[Scott Sandell]

Hello Victor and everyone,

Keeping the Sabbath is new to me. I stopped doing things like getting work done, running errands I can on a different day or doing something I believe He would not have me do. I like to read emails from our group, read the forum and read on the website. It is nice to rest like this, I am thankful.

When Victor talks about the Bensons, something Victor said in an email come to mind:

In one of the early years after receiving the Spirit of the Lord, He spoke words such as these to me (not precise wording, but certainly the precise spirit and essence):

“They will come to you accusing, crying 'Law! Law!' But they hate My Law because they hate Me. They will come to you declaring 'Grace! Grace!' calling iniquity 'grace.' They will have the fruits of their supposed 'grace,' but I will give you and those with you to bask in the grace I have granted you.”

To have the opportunity to be around someone that the Lord spoke those words to is a chance most people do not get. It seems like the Bensons are not giving to understand now. Bensons, heed Victors words before it is too late. I believe Victor only wants good for you not evil. To bask in grace? Sounds good to me.

About Canada, it is good they are taking a stand for Israel and against evil. Yes I believe it affects us all.

Scott

[Edwin Romero]

Good Sabbath day to all!

I normally find the Sabbath to be a very different day of the week, not only because of my change in activities, but because I "automatically" set my mind on what the Lord has been doing among us, here and there, and I reflect on my week, my thoughts, my attitudes, etc. Not that I don't do that other days, but on the Sabbath it feels as if it were not my decision to set my mind on those things. I totally forget about school work, and I don't miss it!

Most often I start my morning checking my mail, to catch up with any correspondece from TPOT, including all of your greetings. I spend some time reading, then I have breakfast, go back to my computer, and I make some phone calls to make arrangements for the meeting, whether it's in my house or somewhere else. If ready, I print any new translations for our people and make copies, and soon, I need to go get lunch. We don't make lunch on Saturday; I buy from a nearby place where they make good food (my mom's style) for a very reasonable price ($3 or $4 for a good plate of chicken soup with vegetables, for example).

After lunch, I go pick some of our people up to bring/take them to the meeting. Then I have an afternoon when I have to talk more than all here, and after a somewhat physically tiring meeting, I feel RESTED, replenished, and ready for another week.

As for others here, Oscar and Cesar have to work on Saturday. Oscar tries not to whenever possible, but sometimes he needs to finish a car (he's a mechanic) and deliver it to a client who can only pick it up on Saturday. Sometimes, Reyna does her business if there are meetings or trips planned with people who can best attend on this day. As far as I know, the other ladies do a little housework and cooking. Or sometimes, they need to put clothes in the washer if there is running water; our water service is given only 2 o 3 times a week, so they need to use it when on.

I understand Yony spends his morning reading and attending to his family. He is thankful they give him Saturday as his only day off at work. He didn't ask for it; he had it before he came to TPOT.

Edwin

[Jeff Wilschut]

Hi Everyone,

Very sobering happenings at Harvest Haven and globally, is that a coincidence, I do not think so, and believe It is all working for good. As for me I have a heighten awareness of the state I am in currently before God that there is much needed attention to the things God has put before me, that I recognize it has a purpose of bringing me out of darkness, and for that I am thankful.

I am back and forth from Elkford where I work, and Harvest Haven which really breaks up a seven day cycle. It has been an issue with regards to keeping the Sabbath day holy, one that I am concerned about, yet I believe if I take care of what is given me to do, rid myself of wants then He will make a way so that Saturdays will be free to honor Him as I aught. When I become anxious over such details I realize that my trust is not in Him, but in me to do something about it. Not to say that I should not seek out a solution to any given issue, (especially one as important as keeping the Sabbath day holy), but to put my trust in Him that it manifests itself into being a reality as He sees right for His purposes, He will make a away were there is none.

For me I find it is good to have this day to “REST”, to put aside all the struggles, worries, etc, of the week passed, to think on Him and know it is all in His hands, (feeehyewww). Threw the week it is easy for me to get caught up in my “life”, to dwell on what I think is important, but my “life” is not where it is at. I do find that I have been spending more time in thoughts of my death of self, and it has been easier to rid myself of strife, which is in itself restful, thanks be to Him.

[Eric Courtemanche]

A typical Sabbath for me. I read at TPOT, check facebook for anything dealing with what He's given me to do, read any unread TPOT mail from the week and then go to bed. I sleep in on Saturday morning as I'm usually sleep deficient by Saturday. When I get up I deal with feeding the children breakfast, and then look for responses to make at any sites I've made comments on. I then interact with the kids until meeting time. Somewhere during the beginning of the meeting I feed the children lunch and all during the meeting I'm interacting with them when necessary. After the meeting it's time to make dinner. By the time dinner is done and any mess is cleaned up Sabbath is usually over.

We do cook dinner on Saturdays, but not the other meals(except for toast). Some Saturdays I do one load of sheets because we do still have two intermittent wetting the bed children(but for some reason this rarely happens Friday night). I've taken to doing all the other laundry Sunday-Thursday, so I'm not encouraged to do laundry during Sabbath. Since He's in control and I'm not, sometimes this doesn't work out and I have to do some laundry on Friday. Because Friday is a very busy day, I sometimes forget the load in the washer until late that night. I don't like it when I do that because I detest leaving wet clothes in the washer overnight, so I move them to the dryer, where when dry they stay until Saturday night.

I don't require the children to do chores during Sabbath except food related cleanup. If they take toys out, then I do require them to put them away. I don't do chores on Sabbath except for feeding and watering the dog. I schedule no clients during Sabbath, and haven't been for a couple of years now. I no longer fix things during Sabbath. I only remember one Sabbath where we had a water leak that had to be taken care of at that time. I've learned that if I don't even think about doing those things during Sabbath, the time will impossibly appear during the week for me to get them done.

I'm sure when I'm doing things wrong, He'll correct me in any way He sees fit. Every time something happens to me, I think about what I've been doing, and ask Him what I'm doing wrong.

Eric C.

[Martin Van Popta]

On Friday night, I try to finish my work early and get home for dinner.

After dinner I take care of my goats and help get the kids in bed. Soon after, Jeannie and I meet with Paul, Sara, Victor, and Marilyn on the phone and read the scriptures/discuss the spiritual matters at hand. When the phone call is over, we have a snack and spend some time together and then head off to bed.

In the morning we often have somebody from the farm over for breakfast and afterwards we join the meeting. During the meeting, we are often writing mail to people the Lord has brought our way.

The day is peaceful and refreshing. In the evening when the Sabbath is over we start working again, getting things going again for the week.


I did want to say, however, that the Sabbath is kept in the heart.

I remember when we started keeping the Sabbath that although it was markedly different and restful, I have always had a hard time sitting still and not working. I felt bad for wanting to get back to work and not appreciating His rest. I felt like the Sabbath was a day for not doing anything, and for me, that's agony.

If I was just sitting there at the meeting, I would fall asleep. Not that it was boring, but because I was sitting still for too long. I learned to get up and move around. Or whittle a spoon or knit something. It helped to keep my body busy, but my mind on the Lord.

Lately,with all the situations and people the Lord has brought my way and all the things He has given me to say to them, I have no shortage of His work to do on the Sabbath. I am very thankful for this. I am very thankful that His work has become my rest.

And I am very thankful for all of you! Good Sabbath!

[Diana Laumbach]

Hi Victor and All,

I am thankful for what the Lord is doing with Canada and Israel and I do believe it affects all of us. How am I keeping the Sabbath? I really appreciate your question and concern Victor as this is serious more serious then I think I even realized til now.

I am thankful for the Sabbath and I do look forward to the Sabbath day and seeing what He has to give at the Sabbath meetings. I usually focus and coming to the Sabbath meetings to hear what the Lord is doing among us. There have been times though where I have had to tend to my family and I have cooked and cleaned some dishes. A Majority of the time I am home on the Sabbath and at Sabbath meeting but there have been times past where I have been with my family or we went to the store.

The Sabbath is fairly new to me since I have come to know the Lord and walk with Him day by day. I never really thought about the Sabbath in depth but this warning has got my attention! I do take the Lord seriously. I can't say I have kept the Sabbath. I ask the Lord's forgiveness. I know the Lord is serious and not to be taken lightly. May His will be done with me as He chooses.

The reason I don't think I have kept the Sabbath is because their are many times I have cooked or not thought to prepare meals for that day and also a few times we went to the store before in the past. I have no excuse for these things and I am sorry.

Diana

I will be reading from TPOT about the Sabbath

[Beryl Knipe]

Thank you all for your Sabbath Day responses and what we all do on the day. I praise and thank God for what He's doing with and for all of us.
Berl.

[Victor Hafichuk]

I appreciate your reports on keeping the Sabbath.

[Dena M Dahl]

Hi all,

We have changed how we keep the Sabbath somewhat here at Harvest Haven a few months ago. In the past, we wouldn’t eat our Sabbath supper until chores were done at the farm. Mark, in particular, would push the workday as far as he could as he “needed to get something done”, and then everyone at the farm would get together for the Sabbath meal.

Typically this meant the Sabbath wouldn’t start until 8:30 or 9:00 pm. Late for the children and even later for the few of us that cleaned up and washed dishes afterwards. I often wasn’t getting to bed until 11:00 and sometimes later when all was said and done. This usually led to me sleeping later in the morning, usually getting up between 8:30 and 8:45 am. I would then make breakfast and supper for everyone on Saturday, with Sean sometimes making supper or helping me with its prep.

On the Sabbath day, I would read through TPOT correspondence, check FB for any convos I had been involved in that would need addressing, and join chat. I typically did these things in conjunction as I didn’t seem to have time to spare to handle these things separately.

I’d also take a nap on most Sabbaths, or at least try to, as circumstances sometimes made it difficult to so do. This usually meant taking time away from the meeting for a while, not that I was an active participant anyway.

After Saturday supper, I’d help Lois clean up in the kitchen while the others went and did chores, while waiting for the Sabbath to end before attending to the tasks in the store and getting prepared for the week ahead. This meant another late night because of the timing of our Sabbath, resulting in me starting my work-week already tired.

Well, reading what I just typed makes me tired just thinking about it! My Sabbaths were far more restful prior to coming to Harvest Haven than after, although you would expect it to be otherwise. However, it changed a few months ago for the better and I am really thankful.

For starters, we now have supper at the same time as the rest of the week, about 6:30 pm, with Mark and Mariko eating at home, and then do chores afterwards. Sometimes it means heading out to the store to finish some necessary work, putting away produce, but at other times it has been done prior to heading in for supper, so I am able to read through TPOT emails on Friday night instead of going back to the store.

I also no longer make breakfast on Saturday mornings, leaving that task to Lois. Instead, I spend some time reading Scriptures, Sabbath greetings, work on correspondence with others, if I have any, things like that. I also tend to get up early, like I do on other days of the week. Occasionally I will have a nap after breakfast but I don’t feel the need to do so regularly any more.

I partake of the Sabbath meeting and then occasionally make supper although Sean (or Lois) usually tends to that meal. I believe it is better to have Lois tend to the meals on the Sabbath instead of giving her a “free pass”, freeing up those of us who want to partake of what the Lord has in store, although it is nice to cook occasionally.

After Saturday supper, I head out to the store to do some things and get prepared for the week ahead. It is nice to do this at a reasonable hour.

I also spend some Sabbath days at Martin and Jeannie’s or James will have us at his home. This offers a nice, occasional break from the goings on at the farm. We usually have our meals, talk, and partake of the Sabbath meeting.

For the rest of the week, my usual fashion is to try to head to bed early (9:30, if possible) and then get up early (could be any time but I aim for 5:00 am).

I usually spend time every morning reading Scriptures (using E-Sword because I enjoy comparing different versions), reading at TPOT, or writing emails about various things, before I get officially get down to business. I feel grounded when I do so instead of rushed and harried.

[Dan Lysthauge]

Hello,

I try and do as little as possible on the Sabbath. It is good to be still.

I do try to get everything squared away before Sabbath, if not it usually sits till Sabbath is over.
I am thankful for Sabbath, it has become more apparent to me in the last few months how good and needed it is. It Is a gift.

As far as food goes, I have items to eat that do not need any prep.

Dan

[Dan Lysthauge]

Hi Dena,

Reading the first half of your letter made me tired.

Good to hear of the changes at the farm.

Dan

[Lynn Farris]

Hi Everyone,

I appreciate what everyone has shared concerning their keeping of the Sabbath.

When I first started observing the Sabbath, it took a little time for me to get used to it. It was a little difficult to just “do nothing” all day. And it took a mental adjustment to start doing chores and errands on Sunday. Not that I totally rested on Sunday, but I tried to avoid working , spent time at church, took a nap, etc.

I have come to appreciate having the Sabbath rest. I’ve noticed that by Friday afternoon, I am tired out and ready to take a break. I try to get any chores/shopping done before sundown. Sometimes I barely make it and sometimes I am over it. I eat a little dinner and may watch some tv, and just wind down.

I usually sleep later on Saturday than the rest of the week. During warmer weather, I like to go take a walk in the park. I always intend to read more than I actually do on Saturday. It’s hard for me to sit in front of the computer a lot on the weekend, since that’s what I do at work, and also the Sabbath meeting usually lasts several hours. I decided to try to read the Bible through this year, so it’s helped having a reading plan. And I do some reading at TPOT, on FB, emails, etc.

I don’t know that I have kept the Sabbath “holy” as I ought. I believe I need to be more diligent with my reading and am moving toward that end. I am very thankful for the Sabbath and look forward to whatever the Lord has for me as time goes on.

[Beryl Knipe]

Hi everyone,

Thank you, again, for explaining your Sabbath days. Somehow, I can't really explain how, but it helps to hear all this as it seems to keep us all focused and understand one another better. It's kind of like we actually "met" one another.
Beryl.

[Marina Carnat]

I like to think that I keep the Sabbath but not sure how holy. The Lord made me know it is Saturday and not Sunday, 6 months before I came to the TPOT... I used to keep it as Adventists, very strictly what concerns the physical work. Then, being fed by the Lord through His servants, I understood that the Sabbath must be kept holy in the heart first of all. I wory to not be a legalist. This is why, I do anything during the Sabbath which doesn't make me feel tired or which is very light for me. (it is my day spent with my kids, because my husband is usually busy on Saturday with his workouts, but he knows I keep it and that at night I have the Sabbath meeting on TPOT... so we read, write, play, sing, learn different things and I always tend to connect everything with Their Creator)

[Marina Carnat]

It looks like the topic of this discussion should me changed...

[Paul Cohen]

You bring up a good point, Marina.

Sara and Ronnie, can you relabel this thread to make it about the Sabbath?

[Sara V Schmidt]

Done! Thanks, Ronnie.

[Victor Hafichuk]

We certainly needed a change of title. My fault for bringing 2 subjects at once; I apologize. As you may have guessed, the question on the Sabbath was an afterthought, but became the issue!