Meriden Seventh-day Adventist Church

05/30/2026

Meriden SDA - 2026-05-30 - Sermon:‘Wilderness Wanderings’ Pastor Frentzen Pakpahan

05/30/2026

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
I John 1:9
He who has the spotless robe of righteousness, woven in the loom of heaven, in which is not a thread that sinful humanity can claim, is at the right hand of God, to clothe His believing children in the perfect garment of His righteousness. Those who are saved in the kingdom of God will have nothing of which to boast in themselves; the praise and the glory will all flow back to God. . . .
It is not now the work of the sinner to make peace with God, but to accept Christ as his peace and righteousness. Thus man becomes one with Christ and one with God. There is no way by which the heart may be made holy, save through faith in Christ.
Good morning. Happy Sabbath. Father God, thank you for waking us this morning to a blessing of a new day of life and the promise of eternal life. Please help us to come to you and ask for forgiveness. Praying for God’s leading, peace, comfort, health and blessings in our lives my dearest family of God.

05/30/2026

Don’t Tell Me, Show Me

All too often, someone will share a personal heartache or struggle, and we are quick to respond by saying, “I’ll pray for you,” then walk away as if we’ve done all we could. Although praying for others is always a good thing to do, it may not be all you can do. If you see a homeless person sitting on the cold sidewalk, do you say, “I’ll pray for you,” or do you bring them a warm blanket and some food? If your child falls down and breaks their leg, do you merely say, “I’ll pray for you,” or do you get them medical care? When Jesus was here on earth, He met the physical needs of people before He preached to them, setting a wonderful example of “living” God’s love and not just “speaking” it. “Don’t tell me - show me,” is a good motto to live by. Matthew 25:35 tells us, “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in.” And in Matthew 25:40 we’re told, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Be kind, be generous, be gracious, and let your actions speak louder than your words.

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Whether it’s a struggle with substances, technology, or food, the journey to freedom starts with a single step. Adventist Recovery Ministries (ARMin) uses a Christ-centered, 12-step approach to help individuals reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.
You are not alone. Find a support group or access recovery resources that focus on total healing—mind, body, and spirit.
🔗 Access Recovery Tools: https://www.adventistrecoveryglobal.org/

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Our lives are infected with sin, which separates us from God. However, God invites us to know and love Him with all of our mind, heart, soul, and strength. When we do this, we’ll naturally have more love for others. Such love for God and others is captured in God’s law, which was given to protect and preserve our relationships with Him and those around us. God’s law is a beautiful reflection of His character, and when we understand His law, our relationship with Him will grow stronger.
Good morning. Happy Friday. Father God, thank you for waking us this morning to a blessing of a new day of life and for loving us. Please help us to love each other. Praying for God’s leading, peace, comfort, strength, health and blessings in our lives my dearest family of God.

05/29/2026

Brightly Shining
By Jenni Poling | May 28

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

One day I found an online posting of items for sale at an auction and saw a set of silverware. And since our current stock of silverware was at an all-time low, I decided to place an online bid, and I won! To my surprise, the silverware was exactly that—silverware. Having never dealt with real silver before, I dutifully went out and bought some polish. It’s amazing what a little polish can do!

Over time, however, the silver began to tarnish again, and somehow, I had misplaced the polish. I already had plenty, and not wanting to go out and purchase more, I allowed that silver to get darker and darker. Finally, it became so tarnished that anyone who reached for a utensil would take one look at it and immediately exchange it for a stainless steel one.

Fortunately, around this time, I found the polish again. I looked at the silver, all blackened and stained, and wondered if anyamount of polishing would restore its former luster. As I began to rub the polish over the sad-looking pieces, the silver began peeking through. I was amazed to find that its brightness was soon completely restored with just a little extra attention. Quickly, I scoured the cupboard and dishwasher for more pieces to polish!

The silverware had also come with a monogram—another after-purchase surprise. I smiled as I looked at the letter once again. My smile broadened into a grin as I recognized the significance of the letter “I” that was stamped there.

“Hmmm…” I thought to myself as my mind raced. "Yes, I was the one blackened and stained with sin! I was the one who appeared hopeless. I was the one in a downward spiral, unable to help myself. I was the one waiting to be restored. I was the one in need of polishing and elbow grease. I was the one who could be transformed from darkness into light. I was the one purchased as is, at an infinite cost. I was the one awaiting the touch of the nail-scarred hand of the only One who could set me free.” How could I contain my joy? I wanted to search for others in need of the heavenly polish!

Oh, let us daily place ourselves in the Master’s hand so that our luster need never grow dim

05/28/2026

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”
The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame—the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” (John 8:32; 7:17, R.V.) Through faith in these promises, everyone may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.
All of the human race are free to choose what power they will have to rule over them. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ.
Good morning. Happy Thursday. Father in heaven, thank you for waking us this morning to a blessing of a new day of life and for your words, the bible. Please help us to spend some time in them so we can know your will for our lives. Praying for God’s leading, peace, health, comfort and blessings in our lives my dearest family of God.

05/28/2026

Using Your Talents

James 1:17 KJV - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Did you know that your talents are actually God’s gift to you - and how you use them is your gift to God? He has given each of us talents to use for His honor and glory, and as we develop and utilize those talents, He blesses us with more. However, some people are not satisfied with their talents and become envious of others. Perhaps they feel that God doesn’t love them because their talents are less visible, and they may even fail to recognize that they have any talents at all. But because they choose to bury their talent, it never develops into the blessing God intended for them. The Bible tells a story in Matthew 25:14-30 about talents and how they were used. It’s a wonderful parable demonstrating how God wants us to live and shine for Him. And in 1 Peter 4:10 we’re told, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” Embrace the talents God has given you and ask Him to use each one according to His will. Avoid looking at the gifts God has given others. Instead, focus on what He wants you to do with yours and don’t forget to thank Him for each one He has given you! Using your talents for the glorification of God will not only be a blessing for others - but for you as well.