The Active Sabbath

The blessings of keeping Sabbath are not about inactivity but about being focused on and committed to the special work that God has for us today.

Most Christians believe that because we live in the era of grace, not law the idea of keeping Sabbath is an unnecessary custom. This coupled with the relentless demands of our 24/7 – 21st century world has caused the subject of a Holy day of rest to fall into our collective sea of forgetfulness. But Jesus said quite clearly on multiple occasions that He had come not to abolish the law rather to fulfill it. For example He taught us that refraining from murdering our neighbors was not enough, He said we must deal with the hatred in our hearts. Jesus was in no way implying that in the New Covenant we are now free to murder irritating neighbors! In the same way God has not changed His mind about remembering the Sabbath to keep it holy. When we disregard the Sabbath we are placing a part of our will outside of His. God rests and He waits for us to take notice. When we rush down our paths so immersed in our own busyness we are missing out on our need for quietness. It is in the quietness of Sabbath that we will hear His still small voice. If we pause long enough for the dust to clear we will see Him on the road ahead beckoning us to follow. That is when we may make the shocking discovery of a Holy activity far beyond anything we could come up with on our own. As we enter into our Father’s activities we will find there a yoke of wonderful rest that He has prepared for us to share with Him!

Odd Socks Day!

This year March 21 is Odd Socks day. Why not wear socks  (Not just black and brown) but of wildly different colors to support Down’s Syndrome children and their unique gifts. It is time for us to stand up and stand with them as the special gifts of God that they truly are. If you know someone with Down’s think of them as your odd socks day friend. A little baby in our church named Laura is my own odd socks day child. Who will yours be?

Psalm 139:13-14ESV  For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/5-yr-old-chloe-wants-you-to-wear-odd-socks-to-celebrate-world-down-syndrome-day_2467555.html

No Winter is Forever

We in the Northeast are so worn out with winter that even our local radio talk show host broke down during the weather report. “Snow again today accumulating 1-5 inches.” she began then there was a pause. “I just can’t read this!” she suddenly blurted out. Then over the radio came the sounds of paper being crumpled up accompanied by nervous laughter. It was the best local broadcasting I had heard all winter!

Sometimes my life feels like that, replete with it’s unending prognosis of gray skies, snow showers and overnight temperature in the 20’s. Don’t we all harbor a dark deep longing for a warm snow drift melting rain? Wouldn’t it be lovely to look out the window and see even one robin? Are you struggling like I am to recall the colors of daffodils and tulips? It’s okay because God has written into our hearts and souls that desire. It is neither sinful nor childish to wish for spring. Are you facing a seemingly unending wintery time? Those piles over snow covering your flower beds will not last. God promises us a springtime. The song of the turtledove will again be heard in your life. If Christ is our hope then no Winter can last forever!