Happy Sabbath, my friends!

As many of you know, Gia and I keep the traditional Sabbath, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. The Sabbath is a time set aside from work and busy-ness so that we can rest and recover from our week, and study the Word, praise God in our devotions and prayer, and focus on what He is putting on our hearts.

It has become incredibly important and has made a tremendous difference in our family and home!

I just want to share 2 quick things with you concerning the importance of the Sabbath…

One, the enemy LOVES that we are busy, stressed, frazzled, running on caffeine and sugar, working and “hustling” non stop. I did if for my entire adult life until a few months ago… you know the mentality- can’t stop, won’t stop…. #beMORE #doMORE… be on my grind… I’ll rest when I die- it’s stuff that all the “successful” people tell us they do, and that we should to. And sure- that is how the world may define the path to success, but what is the motivation for it? What are you giving up to devote all that energy to the hustle? Are you motivated by what the world is telling you to be, or what God is calling you to be?

Are you taking time to disconnect from the world and the grind to connect with God, your family and yourself? That is the purpose of the Sabbath, and why it’s so important.

And two, pursuing Jesus will give you a peace that passes ALL understanding. I love the verse in this picture, because Jesus calls it out for us, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” The peace the world teaches us a peace full of self empowerment and gratification, and too often comes from a place of selfishness instead of selflessness. “I know we need to save for _________, but I have been working so hard so I’m just going to get this________ because I deserve it.” “I know that the kids really want to spend time with me, but I am so exhausted from working all week that I need some ‘me’ time.”

The world teaches a peace that revolves around ME, while Jesus gifts us a peace that revolves around HIM. In the previous verse, John 14:26, He is telling the disciples about the job of the Holy Spirit, who will “teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” Jesus gives us a peace that soothes our soul, that causes our heart of hearts to pour out praise and gratitude. And it is a calm that can’t be explained; the peace of Jesus truly passes all understanding. And because of His sacrifice, it is available to all of us; we just need to accept it!

And honoring the Sabbath is a wonderful way that we connect to His peace in our home.

We all need to slow down, rest our weary hearts, and listen to His calm, quiet voice. Allow yourself to rest, to connect with the creator of the Universe, and let Him be your guide.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Happy Sabbath, my friends!

#loveMORE