Becoming a Sabbath-keeper

By keeping the Sabbath, I acknowledge that God is on the throne of my life and he determines how I spend my days.

When I decide to stay on the job 24/7, as if the God of the universe can’t rule my world without my nonstop working, I’ve declared that I am in charge and God needs me—rather than the other way around.

God powerfully used the visit of Dr. Matthew and Nancy Sleeth of Blessed Earth to remind the pastors and leaders of the East Michigan District of the importance of being Sabbath-keepers.

The Sabbath represents the establishment of God’s Kingdom—his rule and reign— in my heart and life. There is nothing that more clearly indicates my full surrender to the King of kings than my obedience, including observance of the Sabbath!

As a workaholic who battles the temptation to be defined by my work—keeping the Sabbath is not optional. It’s a “must-do” if I’m to be holy as a sanctified disciple of Jesus Christ.

Sabbath-keeping—obeying the fourth commandment—is an incredible indicator of our love for our God and King! It’s one thing to sing our songs, say our prayers, sanctify our giving, and sermonize—all as worship in the Lord’s name. For many of us, it’s another matter to so surrender our hearts to God that he sits on the throne of our lives and determines how we spend our days.

I am, and will be, a Sabbath-keeper! Here’s why:

• The Sabbath fixes my problem – I surrender my kingdom of self-reliance!
• The Sabbath focuses my priorities – I stop to acknowledge who and what is most important!
• The Sabbath fuels my passion – I step deeper into God’s grace and his presence in my life!

Friday is my Sabbath. It’s the day my wife Crystal and I stop working so we can pray and play. It’s our time to rest and enjoy God’s rhythm for our lives. I take off my watch; I turn off my cell phone; I stay away from emails; I read for relaxation and spiritual growth – not to prepare for my next teaching session. I rest. I worship my King. He refreshes my soul.

God knows us. He knows we need this, and our relationship needs this. I am thankful that he has placed this before us once again so powerfully.