what I learned today

I continued my study of Sabbath Keeping this week. Amazing and thought provoking!

The most incredible description of sabbath in chapter 3 was where the author said, "Sabbath is a deep symbol of Israel's intimate relationship with God. Violating sabbath is like throwing your wedding ring in the face of your spouse." That is a powerful example of the fact the Sabbath is not another task to be checked off our list, but instead it is about our relationship with God. The sabbath day is dedicated time to further develop our relationship with God.

The Sabbath sounds more and more like something I really must begin to practice in a much more dedicated way than I have previously!

rest

As the Magnification Department continues to read "Sabbath Keeping" , I expected to be very convicted as I hesitantly agreed to read along with the group. But, what I'm finding is despite the fact that I have literally been in church since my first week of existence, I was totally unaware that sabbath even pertained to me!

I wish I had been taught this as I began my marriage. I hope to convince both of our kids to put this in practice from day one of their marriages!

One paragraph in this week's chapter struck me in particular. "When we work hard seven days a week with few breaks, we can subtly become convinced that we are earning salvation, that God's love and salvation come to us because we deserve it. THE SABBATH HELPS US KNOW EXPERIMENTALLY THAT NOTHING WE DO WILL MAKE GOD LOVE US MORE."

That is one of the most freeing statements I have ever read. I know in my head there is nothing I could ever do or need to do to earn God's approval or salvation. But to read that I can EXPERIENCE nothing I can do can earn God's approval was very freeing. It had NEVER occurred to me that I could become even more convinced of this fact by living it out. Especially by resting! That is amazing.

I can only imagine and regret how many things I have DONE in the name of Christ that has actually been the very thing that prevented me from experiencing God and reaching a greater understanding of Him.

I won't wallow in my regrets however. New, applied knowledge is a gift straight from the Savior and I'm thirsty for more!!

my day off

I began my day off appropriately studying the new book that the Magnification team at Crossroads is studying together, Sabbath Keeping. Many things jumped out at me as I began.

One of the most amazing sentences I read was the following...
"On that day I am a disciple, not a leader. On that day I am beloved, simply beloved."

My guess is that the spirit of those who lead will respond to this statement intensely.

This is what I miss so much as a leader...just being a disciple...just being able to worship not lead. I AM His beloved - I need to live as if I believe this everyday. The book says that continuous working can make us think God's love is connected to 'what I do'.

I was created with the need to organize my week so there is time to just 'be' in Him...I am so excited to study more!