Sabbath Afternoon - February 17, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Psalms 119:1-16; Psalms 90:1-17; John 3:16; Psalms 95:7-11; Psalms 141:1-10; Psalms 128:1-6. 


Meditation Thought:
 Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.  {EW 280.1}  


Memory Text:

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalms 90:12). 


This week's SSLesson will explore on the origin of wisdom and how could man attain it. This includes the challenges along the way, that test us to achieved being wise.


Study Outline:

Sunday - February 18, 2024

Your Word I Have Hidden in My Heart - The Wisdom of the Commandments (Ps. 119)

Psalms 89:15; 119:1-16, 77, 174, 161-168; 101:2; 101:6; 18:32; 111:10; 1 Chronicles 22:12; Exodus 12:5;  Romans 12:1;  Matthew 4:1-11.  


Monday - February 19, 2024

Teach Us to Number Our Days - The Origin of Wisdom (Ps. 90)

Psalms 90:1-17; 91:9; 102:11; 103:14-16; John 1:29; John 3:14-21. 

Tuesday - February 20, 2024

The Lord's Test - Wisdom in Trials (Ps 95, 81 and 105)

Psalms 81:7-8; 95:7-11; 105:1-45 ; 95:8-9; 81:1-16; Exodus 17:1-7;  Genesis 37:5-10.


Practical Wisdom

Wednesday - February 21, 2024

Deceitfulness of the Wicked Way -  The Path to Evil (Ps. 141)

Psalms 141:1-10;  1:1, 4-6 ; 141:4.  


Thursday - February 22, 2024

Blessings of Righteous Living - The Blessings of Doing Good (Ps. 1, 112 and 128)

Psalms 1:1-3; 112:1-9; 128:1-6; 122:6-8; 128:5-6;  Micah 4:4;  Hebrews 11:14-16;  Matthew 26:29. 

Friday - February 23, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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Sunday - February 18, 2024

Your Word I Have Hidden in My Heart - The Wisdom of the Commandments (Ps. 119)

Psalms 89:15; 119:1-16, 77, 174, 161-168; 101:2; 101:6; 18:32; 111:10; 1 Chronicles 22:12; Exodus 12:5;  Romans 12:1;  Matthew 4:1-11.  

Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11) 


False Practices and Human Inventions Take the Place of Pure Teaching of God

How different would have been the Scriptural record of the history of Israel, a nation so highly favored of the Lord, if they had carried out the instruction given them from the pillar of cloud by the Son of the living God. But they did not diligently follow the admonitions given. They failed to teach their children the requirements of God; and the sad results are pictured before us in a nation rejected of God. They separated so far from the wisdom of God that when the Great Teacher, Jesus, the world's Redeemer, appeared, they cried, "Away with Him!" The tradition of men was more highly revered than the commandments of God. False practices and human inventions had taken the place of the pure teaching of God. That which was to have become a part of their being, was regarded as of small consequence and little worth.  {CSW 47.1} 


The Supreme Authority and Wisdom of the Divine Law

The wisdom and authority of the divine law are supreme. . . . The ten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and good laws. Those who love God's commandments will conform to every good law of the land.  {FLB 240.4}  

We are not required to defy authorities. . . . We are to go forward in Christ's name, advocating the truths committed to us. If we are forbidden by men to do this work, then we may say, as did the apostles, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19, 20.  {FLB 240.5}  


Consider the Following

The main theme of Psalm 119 is God's commandments as expressed in His Word.

As in many other places in the Bible, in this psalm life is compared to a path that each person travels. This path can lead you to eternal life, or eternal damnation. How to choose the right path?

The Word illuminates the right path (Ps. 119:105); cleanses it (Ps. 119:9); guide our steps (Ps. 119:133); and prevents us from the dangers of the evil way (Ps. 119:101).

Living according to the Word necessarily implies keeping the divine commandments (Ps. 119:4). We do not have the capacity to do so, but we are assured that, by meditating on them with the help of God, we will be able to acquire more and more wisdom to keep them and be protected by them (Ps. 119:5-6).

Keeping the commandments is not just an external attitude, it implies a disposition of the mind and heart (Ps. 119:7, 148).


Monday - February 19, 2024

Teach Us to Number Our Days - The Origin of Wisdom (Ps. 90)

Psalms 90:1-17; 91:9; 102:11; 103:14-16; John 1:29; John 3:14-21. 

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)


Every Moment are Precious, Its Value is beyond Computation

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.  {FLB 158.2}  

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.  {FLB 158.3}  


Connection with the Source of Peace, Light, and Truth Through His Spirit

Seek to begin this year with right purposes and pure motives, as beings who are accountable to God. Ever bear in mind that your acts are daily passing into history by the pen of the recording angel. You must meet them again when the Judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened....  {OHC 7.4}  

 If we connect with God, the source of peace, and light, and truth, His Spirit will flow through us as a channel, to refresh and bless all around us. This may be the last year of life to us. Shall we not enter upon it with thoughtful consideration? Shall not sincerity, respect, benevolence, mark our deportment toward all?  {OHC 7.5}  


Consider the Following

We live for a short period of time that, compared to the Creator's eternity, is but a breath (Ps. 90:2, 4, 9).

In this short time, we live in sin, under the wrath of God (Ps. 90:8-11). But God extends his grace to us, and satisfies us with his mercy (Ps. 90:13-14).

When we allow ourselves to be taught by God, we learn to “number our days.” In this way, we acquire true wisdom, and are transformed into the image of our Creator, whom we learn to fear and revere (Ps. 90:12, 16; 111:10).

Acquired wisdom leads us first to repent and then to do the works God wants us to do (Ps. 90:3, 17).


Tuesday - February 20, 2024

The Lord's Test - Wisdom in Trials (Ps. 95, 81 and 105)

Psalms 81:7-8; 95:7-11; 105:1-45 ; 95:8-9; 81:1-16; Exodus 17:1-7;  Genesis 37:5-10.

“You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah.” (Psalm 81:7)


The Realization as Instruments in the Hands of the Master

The worker who knows the meaning of union with Christ, has a constantly increasing desire and capacity to grasp the meaning of service for God. His knowledge enlarges; for to grow in grace means to have an increased ability to understand the Scriptures. Such a one is indeed a laborer together with God. He realizes that he is but an instrument, and that he must be passive in the Master's hands. Trials come to him; for unless thus tested, he would never know his lack of wisdom and experience. But if he seeks the Lord with humility and trust, every trial will work for his good. He may sometimes seem to fail, but his apparent failure may be God's way of bringing him true advancement, and may mean a better knowledge of himself and a firmer trust in Heaven. He may still make mistakes, but he learns not to repeat these mistakes. He becomes stronger to resist evil, and others reap benefit from his example. . . .  {LHU 200.3}  


Trials and Persecution is the Salary of those who Follow Him

How reads the word of God? Turn from the opinions of men to the law and to the testimony. Shut out every worldly consideration. Make your decision for eternity. Weigh evidence in this important time. We surely need not expect to escape trial and persecution in following our Saviour; for this is the salary of those who follow Him. He plainly declares that we shall suffer persecution. Our earthly interests must be subservient to the eternal. Listen to the words of Christ: "Then Peter began to say unto Him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed Thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Eternal interests are here involved.  {2T 495.2}  


Consider the Following

❖ Facing trials without wisdom:

At Meribah, Israel tested God: “because they put the Lord to the test, saying, Is the Lord then among us or not?” (Ex. 17:7). However, from God's point of view, it was He who tested Israel (Ps. 81:7).

Israel did not pass the test, but stubbornly remained in its rebellion, for which it had to be punished (Ps. 95:8-11). Despite everything, God gave them the water they asked for (Ex. 17:5-6).

But, if they had been wise, they would have passed the test. Then, God could have done great wonders with them (Ps. 81:13-16).

❖ Face trials with wisdom:

Joseph was imprisoned in irons, mistreated and afflicted. But he had made a wise decision: to serve God no matter the circumstances (Ps. 105:16-18; Gen. 39:7-9).

Once he passed the test, God exalted him (Ps. 105:19-21). His wisdom was so evident that Pharaoh commissioned him to teach his elders the wisdom with which God had endowed him (Ps. 105:22). Through Joseph, God gave life to the entire family of Israel (Ps. 105:23).


Practical Wisdom

Wednesday - February 21, 2024

Deceitfulness of the Wicked Way - The Path to Evil (Ps. 141)

Psalms 141:1-10;  1:1, 4-6 ; 141:4.  

“Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works With men who work iniquity: And do not let me eat of their delicacies” (Psalm 141:4)


Maintain the Constant Battle with Self

The directions laid down in the word of God leave no room for compromise with evil. The Son of God was manifested that He might draw all men unto Himself. He came not to lull the world to sleep, but to point out the narrow path in which all must travel who reach at last the gates of the City of God. His children must follow where He has led the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or suffering, they must maintain a constant battle with self. {AA 565.3}  


Sow Lawlessness, Reap a Harvest of Crime

Many of the popular publications of the day are filled with sensational stories that are educating the youth in wickedness and leading them in the path to perdition. Mere children in years are old in a knowledge of crime. They are incited to evil by the tales they read. In imagination they act over the deeds portrayed, until their ambition is aroused to see what they can do in committing crime and evading punishment.  {AH 407.1}   


Close the Door of Opportunity for Evil by Prayer

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. . . . {CSA 27.1} 

There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. . . . The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received. . . . {CSA 27.2} 


The Best Way to Prevent the Growth of Evil is to Preoccupy the Soil

The greatest care and watchfulness is needed in cultivating the mind and sowing therein the precious seeds of Bible truth. The Lord, in his great mercy, has revealed to us in the Scriptures the rules of holy living. He tells us the sins to shun; he explains to us the plan of salvation, and points out the way to heaven. He has inspired holy men to record, for our benefit, instruction concerning the dangers that beset the path, and how to escape them. Those who obey his injunction to search the Scriptures will not be ignorant of these things. Amid the perils of the last days, every member of the church should understand the reasons of his hope and faith,--reasons which are not difficult of comprehension. There is enough to occupy the mind, if we would grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  {CE 188.2}  


Consider the Following

Psalm 141 is a prayer to ask God to deliver us from internal and external temptations (Ps. 141:1-3, 9-10). In our own strength, we cannot overcome temptation, because our very heart’s desire sin. We need to pray continually to be able to resist temptation. Psalm 141:4 and 1:1 show us the process of temptation:

(1) The heart leans towards evil

(2) The person commits sin

(3) He delights in evil

The psalms describe the progressive, seductive and cunning character of temptation. Only total dependence on the Lord can guarantee victory (Ps. 141:8-10). However, the final victory over sin is still in the future (Ps. 1:5-6).


Thursday - February 22, 2024

Blessings of Righteous Living - The Blessings of Doing Good (Ps. 1, 112 and 128)

Psalms 1:1-3; 112:1-9; 128:1-6; 122:6-8; 128:5-6;  Micah 4:4;  Hebrews 11:14-16;  Matthew 26:29. 

“Behold, thus shall the man be blessed” (Psalm 128:4)


Our Course of Righteousness, Leads to Bestowal of Blessings of Privilege and Prosperity

Rebekah was acquainted with Isaac's partiality for Esau, and was satisfied that reasoning would not change his purpose. Instead of trusting in God, the Disposer of events, she manifested her lack of faith by persuading Jacob to deceive his father. . . .  {CC 62.3}  

If Esau had received the blessing of his father, which was bestowed upon the first-born, his prosperity could have come from God alone; and He would have blessed him with prosperity, or brought upon him adversity, according to his course of action. If he should love and reverence God, like righteous Abel, he would be accepted and blessed of God. If, like wicked Cain, he had no respect for God nor for His commandments, but followed his own corrupt course, he would not receive a blessing from God but would be rejected of God, as was Cain. If Jacob's course should be righteous, if he should love and fear God, he would be blessed of God, and the prospering hand of God would be with him, even if he did not obtain the blessings and privileges generally bestowed upon the first-born.  {CC 62.4}  


Claim the Right to His Blessing by Virtue of the Promise

You may come to Jesus in faith, and without delay. His provision is rich and free, his love is abundant, and he will give you grace to wear his yoke and to lift his burden with cheerfulness. You may claim your right to his blessing by virtue of his promise. You may enter into his kingdom, which is his grace, his love, his righteousness, his peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. If you feel in deepest need, you may be supplied with all his fullness; for Christ says, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Jesus calls you to come. "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for their's is the kingdom of heaven." {ST, August 1, 1895 par. 16}  


Correct Principles Maintained - a Righteous Character Developed

Some seek to erect large buildings in order to give an impression of the blessing of God, while in their hearts they devise every possible plan to take from their brethren that which is their due. They have evidenced they have no conscientious scruples in regard to receiving all that they can possibly grasp, for Satan gives them the impression that in their cruel business dealing they are doing God a service. Large buildings can give no Christlike character to the work, be they ever so imposing. Correct principles maintained, a righteous character developed by those in God's service, firm resistance against evil--these will do more to honor God than the finest building. {17MR 189.3}  


Consider the Following

The main function of wisdom is to conduct ourselves in a right way, in accordance with the will of God. What blessings will we receive by acting like this?

(1) We will be blessed (Ps. 1:1; 112:1; 128:1)

(2) Our works will prosper (Ps. 1:3; 128:2)

(3) Our descendants will be powerful (Ps. 112:2; 128:3)

(4) We will receive good things and riches (Ps. 112:3)

(5) We will walk in the light of God (Ps. 112:4)

(6) We will govern our affairs well (Ps. 112:5)

(7) We will not slip, and we will be remembered (Ps. 112:6)

(8) We will not fear bad news (Ps. 112:7)

(9) We will defeat our enemies (Ps. 112:8)

(10) We will be exalted in glory (Ps. 112:9)

The current conflict between good and evil sometimes prevents us from enjoying all of these

blessings, or from only being able to enjoy them partially. However, the time will come when we can be fully blessed, in the Kingdom of God.


Friday - February 23, 2024

Insights and Further Study

If we are Christians at all, we must be Christians always, looking constantly to Jesus, practicing His lessons, doing His work. Then we are safe. Those who live the word of Christ, as well as hear it, will in due time reap that which they have sown. God's Word, carefully and prayerfully studied, will keep all well-balanced. The Ruler of the nations has protested against man working out his own will, trampling on righteous principles and ignoring the wisdom of God. He declares, "He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent" [Proverbs 28:20]. The books of heaven mark him as one guilty of fraud. "Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" [1 Timothy 6:17]. "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life" [Proverbs 22:4]. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" [Hebrews 13:5].  {15MR 69.3}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“When I think of the work that God is doing for fallen man, I am lost in wonder that God will take poor, fallen beings and bring to them moral power, that there will be the internal workings of His grace, transforming the character and making men fit for the mansions God is preparing for them—beings fitted for the presence of God, fitted to be companions with angels, and to hold communion with God. Oh, how my heart yearns to be one who shall walk with Jesus Christ in the earth made new!” EGW (Every day with God, April 18)