What do you like to do on the Sabbath?

[DreamWeaver]

What are a few things that you like to do on Sabbath?

[Gail]

Read :)

[Outta Here]

Hiking and bicycling!

[whbae]

Under legalistic theology where I grew up had lot of "don'ts".  Now the clock has been swung the other way and living under the relationship theology people are doing lot of things on Sabbath.  I would not call them they are not acceptable.  Every individual has to make one's own decision as to why, and motivation of doing things on Sabbath.  For instance, hiking and bicycling on Sabbath is acceptable but it could be a strenuous physical exercise rather than leisurely walk and appreciation of the nature of God's creation.  It is o.k. to dip your feet in the water, but you should not go swimming.  Where can you draw a line .  I suggest that leave these matter to an individual decision never mind what others say.  Another example is that there was someone who went snorkel diving to look at the underwater creatures on Sabbath, but this involves more than diving into water.  So, what is my answer to this kind of question? Leave the matter between God and you.  He will guide you.

[DreamWeaver]

So, what is my answer to this kind of question? Leave the matter between God and you.  He will guide you.

As someone who hasn't been keeping Sabbath forever like some SDAs, this response is always the vaguest response ever. And the funny thing is, I ALWAYS get this response on this topic. (Nothing personal, whbae.) How is someone like me supposed to be careful about not braking it if I can't even get practical ideas from others who have been keeping it far longer than I have?

[whbae]

I recommend you read some books about keeping sabbath written by different authors, especially Ellen White.  The Bible says do not seek your pleasure on Sabbath, do things to please God.  I cannot give you "dos" and "don'ts" list.  This would be a legalism.  Once you establish good relationship with God you will know, just like your relationship with your spouse or girl friend/boy friend.  You will know what you are wanted to do to please them.  Too many guys will do anything to please their girl friends and even bend down on their knees to gain their hearts, then down the road the guys go own ways and  break up the relationship. 

[DreamWeaver]

I'm not asking for dos and don'ts, I was looking for creative ideas to jog my mind a bit on the subject. That's why I phrased the question the way I did so no one would come here swinging a legalistic/liberal hammer.

I also realize that the Sabbath is sorta like time that you spend with a significant other (sorta, kinda.... not really. I wish people would stop using that as an example. God is a father figure to me, not a boyfriend. Too weird.). I wish people would understand that it takes a little more than knowing the day to keep Sabbath right. I'm trying to have the right spirit when it comes to keeping the 4th commandment. The Sabbath is so forgotten in our society and as a person who comes from a family that doesn't keep it at all, I often suffer from a lack of understanding on this commandment and I find myself unable to generate wholesome Sabbath activities that I can do.

Also, could you please tell me which books in particular to read from? I don't know a lot of authors concerning SDA beliefs and when it comes to Ellen White in particular, she mentions the Sabbath so much that like almost 13000 results came up for every sentence she mentions the word. I was looking on one of her online libraries when I got those results. A lot of the results were just sentences that mentioned the Sabbath in some small way with no additional ideas on what one can do to keep it fun besides the vague use of the term: go out in nature.

I understand the Sabbath should not be kept like it was kept when the pharisees was around, but is it too much to ask for a little tip or two in order to spice things up? Especially when no one else among your family and friends worships with you?

Edited August 9, 2015 by DreamWeaver

[Naomi]

I look forward to attending SS & Church ... the worship and fellowship is very inspiring and uplifting to me. That being said, on Friday evenings is a time which I enjoy either playing the piano or some good Christian music on the stereo. I usually read, study my SS Lesson one last time, have a personal devotion. Sometimes I read, sometimes watch 3ABN or HOPE. Other times talk on phone with family and friends. Sabbath afternoons (after fellowship at church) a nice nap is appreciated. Then I enjoy doing some visitation or sometimes go to a park or historical site. Here again sometime, reading a good Christian book, watching 3ABN or HOPE or playing music completes my Sabbath. There is always so much to do that when the sun sets on Sabbath I wish it had lasted longer. time to return to the other world :) That is probably more than you needed to know but hopefully it gives you some ideas.

[Gail]

My hubby feels closest to God when he is out in nature. I like to rest... If friends and family are near that is even better  :)

[Lauralea]

 

I understand the Sabbath should not be kept like it was kept when the pharisees was around, but is it too much to ask for a little tip or two in order to spice things up? Especially when no one else among your family and friends worships with you?

That is hard but I would try to make some Adventist friends. Going on nature hikes with Adventist friends is good, some nature study, I listen to Youtube for Adventist/Christian things some or talk to SDA friends long distance, invite people over for lunch if you have your own place, look online for interesting seminars at SDA churches nearby,,, Sometimes I research Bible topics or other ideas online on the online Bible or Ellen White database.

 

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

my Dad and I used to take a Geiger counter and go out looking for gold... never found any, but we had a lot of fun...  

[Liz]

We like to go the park and feed the ducks and squirrels. When my uncles were alive(they were not SDA) we would get together and play music. I should say they played, the musical gene skipped me. In the winter time, the kids and I would play board games. We also watch (gasp) Biblical movies, and we play the game (what's the difference between the movie version and the Biblical one).

[DreamWeaver]

That sounds like a lovely bible game. And looking for gold and other rocks sounds fun!!!

Please keep the ideas flowing! I'm loving the posts!

[Aliensanctuary]

I like to play FreeCell or Solitaire on the computer while listening to the audio Bible on Sabbath, but I do that throughout the week, also. I'm with sick people every day at work, so I don't visit the sick on my days off. If the DVR records a creation-oriented or some other spiritually-oriented program of interest I watch those. Of course, there is always CA to think about, but without internet at home, I may just jot a thought or two down.

Sabbath-keeping rules for Christians may be less than clear, but in the next life, what we are permitted to do will be perfectly clear. After working at our jobs for six days, it might be important to kick back and relax for a day.

Back in the days of Moses, one man had the misfortune of getting caught while gathering firewood on the Sabbath.

Num 15:36

So the whole community took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

The Sabbath laws given to Moses point us to those in the next life: no gathering food or firewood, and no work, just rest. Those laws will be programmed into our minds, so we won't have to worry about breaking them and getting stoned.

Seems like the more we get away from the artificial and into nature on the day of rest, the better off we will be. I think that listening to a running stream or hearing the wind in the trees and feeling the wind and the sun on our faces tends to quiet our spirits and bring us closer to our Creator.

[Lauralea]

Since you asked about books, I especially like Desire of Ages. While it does include things about the Sabbath, I like it because it really helps me understand what Jesus is like better- compassionate patient and understanding. I think to me the Sabbath is about relationship and not mainly about rules, although there are certain things I do on Sabbath and others I only do in an emergency then. 

[phkrause]

The Sabbath and what to do! If we look at the 4th commandment, I like the CJBs translation:

8 "Remember the day, Shabbat, to set it apart for God.

9 You have six days to labor and do all your work,

10 but the seventh day is a Shabbat for ADONAI your God. On it, you are not to do any kind of work -not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property.

11 For in six days, ADONAI made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. This is why ADONAI blessed the day, Shabbat, and separated it for himself.

Seems pretty much all is on the table to do except work!!

I know that the Jews have taken this to a new level, as far as what they perceive as work. Like don't flip the lights on, don't turn your computer on, etc., etc. If we really want to get technical, maybe putting on clothes is work as well. It seems to me that what we do on Shabbat is between ones self and God. Some would call that a copout, but I believe its not. For one person going swimming on Sabbath might be a no no, but for another it might not be. I believe its in our attitude that makes the difference. For me its, lets not make the Sabbath a burden! So we should be spending the day with him! No? And at the same time all are not at the same place with our walk with God either.

[JoeMo]

I like doing anything except what I do at my Mon. - Fri. job; as long as it's not a sin anyhow.  I play my guitar and listen to Christian music a lot, sometimes go to the mountains or the zoo or a museum (I even pay to go - GASP!  But I use a credit card; so technically I'm not really paying until the end of the month ).  Sometimes, if my wife and I are alone, we might "rest" a while. Afterwards, a nap is nice.  I cruise Club Adventist sometimes.  I am good with anything that brings me close to family, friends, or God.

Edited August 11, 2015 by JoeMo

[Tom Wetmore]

I am more or less in the same camp as Joe on what I do on Sabbath.  Since my job can easily consume me during the rest of the week,  I like to do things that I simply do not have time to do during the week. Relax.  No need to be in a hurry.  Hanging out with friends, enjoying a good meal, not feeling rushed to get something done or be on a schedule.  I think faithfulness to the commandment mostly means putting aside the work I do to make a living.  From there, it is about doing things that are enjoyable, that bring joy and happiness to others and to the day.  Playing with the kids when they were little.  Riding bike, hiking, stopping to smell the roses.  I don't see a need to stress over things I shouldn't do.