The Godly Way

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.


But you reply, “No, that’s not the road we want!” Jeremiah 6:16

A Sabbath Reflection
The world tells us to seek the best and the biggest, it shouts to us pursue power and prestige, don’t stop until you are the best. The way of the world tells us we must be political correct, accepting the behaviors and lifestyles of all people. The world tells us if we move too slowly we will lose out. We are to trust no one and consider ourselves and our needs before the needs of our neighbor. The world encourages us to seek our own glory and give credit to no one. The world teaches selfishness, greed, lust, and impurities this is the path we are to take. Perfection in all we do be it good or bad is the goal. We are to go for the glory and claim it s our own, this is the mandate of the world we live. The consequence of this mandate is a restless, confused; un-joyful soul traveling a path full with superficial treatments for wounds which never heal.
It time to stop and shut out those voices which lead to a path of destruction. There is a voice your soul is longing for, it is restless because it is fighting to hear the voice of truth, the voice which will bring peace, the voice which leads to a righteous quietness. There is no better time than today during your Sabbath, your Holy Rest than to quiet your thoughts, rest your spirit and take your heart into the presence of a Holy God and listen.
This is what the Lord says, “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. You are standing at the crossroad and it is time to decide which way I will go, who will I be? Will I take the path of the world and settle for a superficial joy or will I take the old godly way and have an everlasting joy? Will I pursue the love and the righteousness of God? The old godly way says I will be obedient to the laws, and statues of God, His commands are my guide. The narrow path is my choice, the path paved with love, grace, mercy, poverty in selfishness, power and prestige; I will choose the path where my heart and soul is lifted to God in praise and worship. My worship is real it flows from my innermost being, my very essence. My praise is seen in the life I live, one committed to God and His ways; His way of loving and giving, His way of pouring out compassion and His way of being faithful to holiness. The godly ways of old says I trust God and His path is the road I will choose; the path where all idols are cast away because I will put nothing before my God. I stand at the crossroads and my soul is uneasy, seeking peace, my soul is anxious and troubled seeking a loving calmness. My soul is very restless seeking the voice of Truth. I look to the left, than behind me, and I ponder the road in front of me, and I search the horizon my
eyes see a blue sky with patches of white fluffy clouds, my thoughts go back to the ways of old; The Lord went a head of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud. The Lord told Moses “I will come to you in a thick cloud. And the glory of the Lord settled down on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from inside the cloud. Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. (Exodus 13: 21, 19:9, 24:15-16, 40:34-36) My feet began its’ journey walking on the “right road” they do not reject the path of old, the godly ways and my soul finds rest as it follows the path of Truth. Then Jesus said, “come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Sabbath Prayer
Father God, when life makes my soul restless and I reach the crossroads let me stop, look and ask You to lead me in the old godly way. The way of righteousness, let me always choose the path which leads to you. Father let me always see You in the cloud which goes ahead of me, let me quiet myself enough to her Your voice and let me walk in Your truth, casting aside the ungodly truths of this world. Jesus be the voice I put my trust and let my soul never quiet itself until it is resting in Your care. In Your Name Jesus my peace I pray. Amen

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Sunday Dinner

Sabbath Scripture
“My food,” said Jesus “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”. John 4:34

Sabbath Reflection
As a child Sunday dinner was the biggest dinner of the week, it was more special than supper because extended family usually gathered at one of grandmother’s houses. Family traveled in from the city, brothers sisters, in-laws talked about the past weeks’ events and cousins played childhood games and bonded. The meal was not really important to us as long as there was enough when we were called to the dinner table. Our food on Sundays was the joy of being with family and unknown to us at the time, creating memories to share with our own kids one day. Our food was the comradeship of family, and love poured out by “big mama” and ”Papa”.

One day Jesus and the disciples had been traveling from Judea to Galilee, the disciples went into the village to get food; Jesus continued on until He reached a well where He sat down alone to rest as He was weary and tired. In spite of His tiredness Jesus saw a work needing to be completed as a thirsty and hungry spirit approached the well. Here He feed the spirit of a woman from Samaria. The Samaritan woman had been in need of some real nourishment for years. Her food had consisted of bad decisions, wrong choices, poor judgment, loneliness, hiding, and avoidance. Her life didn’t consist of Sunday dinners and when Jesus offered her a life time of fulfillment (Sunday dinners) she could only focus on the short term results, (supper) no longer having to put herself out there for ridicule and judgment. Because she couldn’t imagine her life as Sunday Dinner it took her a while to recognize the authentic food Jesus was offering. How long does it take us to recognize the true and lasting food Jesus offers? How often do we lower His Sunday dinner to supper? How often do we fail to recognize His poured out love as food for our very souls?

When the disciples arrived they were concerned about Jesus eating, knowing He must be hungry they tried to persuade him to eat and Jesus responded “My food,” said Jesus “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work”. Jesus teaches us to move beyond the cares of this world; the physical food (supper) for which we rely to a deeper place, to everlasting food (Sunday Dinner). Food which will quench all hunger, only what we do for the Father will last. Jesus was saying my nourishment comes from a different place; I am filled by my connection with the Father. It fills me to please the Father when I please Him my hunger is satiate. In fact I just ate, I just brought a woman lost, living in darkness to a woman found and running in the light. This is my food to save the lost, to take away condemnation, to show you the God of truth. Our food should be on the things God
has instructed us to do, completing the assignments He has given and following His words for living. When we incorporate Jesus’ attitude and beliefs into our lives our vision changes and we see beyond earthly needs and goals we reach into the spiritual, for God desires those who worship in spirit. Reaching into the spiritual I pray in the spirit seeking God’s truth. I spent time in God’s word gleaming His lessons and directions, than I find I am no longer satisfied by earthly food, it only fills for a little while; it is only when I am living God’s will, fulfilling His plans for my life am I truly filled. The world will continue to try and persuade me to eat its food (supper) and my response prayerfully will be my food is to do the will of my heavenly Father and complete His purpose and plans for my life (Sunday Dinner).

Deeper Personal Reflection
Am I still feasting on supper or have I move to Sunday Dinner
In the spiritual what is your food?

Deeper Personal Study
John 4

Sabbath Prayer
Father God may I always choose food which brings You glory. May I always choose food which will minister to others, planting seeds of love, showing others Your truth. Fill me with thy Holy Spirit and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus Name Amen

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Let us Praise our God

Sabbath Scripture
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth even those who sail on distance seas. Psalm 65:5 (NLT,

Sabbath Reflection
David sings what mighty praise belongs to the God of Zion. Why do we owe God such praise?

Is it because
He answers our prayers
Forgives our sins
Brings us near to Him, allowing us to live in His holy courts
Gives us hope

Or is it because
He formed the mountains by His own power
Is armed with mighty strength
Quiets the raging seas
Silence the shouting of the nations
Inspire shouts of joy
Takes care of the earth by watering it making it rich and fertile
Sending rain which provides bountiful crops

Or is it because
He makes lush pastures from the wilderness,
Carpets the valleys with grain, clothing the meadows with flocks of sheep

Or is it because
With God even the hard pathways overflow with abundance
Yes, O God what mighty praise belongs to you in Zion,
We owe You praise O God because You are God, Creator, Salvation, Magnificent, Sovereign, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, Because You are the Almighty, Righteous God full of Truth and Grace
God all praise belongs to You because You are THE GREAT I AM, GOD.

Deeper Personal Reflection
Psalm 65
Genesis 1
Revelation 22














Sabbath Praise
Praise the Lord in His sanctuary
Sing to the Lord a new song
Praise the Lord from the heavens
Let all that we are praise the Lord
Let us exalt our God, praising our God and King
Let us praise His name forever
Praise the name of the Lord, all who serves Him
Praise the Lord, for He is good
Praise the greatness of the Lord, our Lord is greater than any God
Praise the Lord who is our Rock
Praise our God who is faithful, whose love is unfailing
Praise the Lord whose promises are backed by the honor of His great name
Praise the Lord, our God who is merciful and just
O praise the Lord with your whole heart let not your spirit rest until it lifts the Lord, our great God in praise
Enter His holy temple, bow down in worship and lift His Holy, Righteous Name because He is the God of all the earth, dwelling in the hearts of all who believes.

LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD, who inhabits the praise of His people.

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Trusting in the Lord

Sabbath Prayer
Let me Hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift my soul. Psalm 143:8

Sabbath Reflection
When I walk in the way of the unrighteous, I lift my soul to You O Righteous God.
Jesus becomes my righteousness and I am restored to Your holy presence. I am restored because of Your great love, which is unfailing and steadfast. It is with me always and it's seeks after me with open arms. I am restored because I place my trust in You, I pray to hear and know Your love early in the morning; I pray for your counsel to take me from the wrong path, where I am lost in darkness. I cry out to You O Lord, don't leave me here too long. Your kindness is poured out on me, You give me reassurance there are treasures of light in darkness. You tell me to be courageous and seek Your goodness. When I lift my soul to You I find my trust is well place, for You offer me peace and joy in the midst of my troubles. Now I cry out in praise, my lips are filled with adoration and I bow before Your holy temple in worship. I praise your holy name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness; I have learned all your promises are backed by all the honor of Thy great name. I called and You answered giving strength to my soul. (Psalm 138:2-3 paraphrased) You whisper to my heart 'I will not forsake the work of my hands, I the Lord will fulfill My purpose for your life, for my love for you endures forever. (Psalm 138:8, paraphrased)

The Lord, our God is with us in our troubles. When we call upon His great Name with a sincere heart He hears and He answers. The Lord desires to lead us, He desires to give us good counsel. We can find direction and comfort in His word. There is power in His word and in His name for He has exalted them above all things. Psalm 138:2b (ESV). Turn to God in your troubles, He will be there in the morning with loving kindness. You do not have to go through alone, Jesus is waiting with outstretch arms, He will take your hand and give you joy evermore.

Personal Deeper Meditation
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 32:8
Psalm 143
Psalm 138

Sabbath Prayer

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. I lift my soul to You O Lord in gratefulness. You are good and loving and kind. Your mercies are new every morning and Your love is ever flowing. You O Lord have set my path and You O lord will guide me to everlasting life. Thank You Father for being with me in all my troubles and for lifting my soul to You in love and adoration. You are my God, my Lord, my Savior, my Deliverer. In Your great Name Jesus I pray. Amen


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Sanctuary

Sabbath Scripture
I will put my Sanctuary among them forever. Ezekiel 37:26

Sabbath Reflection
God desires to be our God. His whole plan of salvation was to be our God. Everything God does is directed toward our seeing Him as the one and only true God who desires a relationship with His creation. From Genesis to Revelation God reveals Himself to us, inviting us to His Kingdom. He open the door by giving His only begotten Son, holding to His promise He made a new covenant with His creation, an everlasting covenant and He made His Sanctuary with us. God dwells with every believing heart. He is our heart, dwelling within to guide us, strengthen and keep us. When trouble comes, when hurt reveals itself God is ever so close to extinguish the trouble and ease the pains of an aching spirit.

God told Ezekiel “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord make Israel holy, when my Sanctuary is among them forever.” Ezekiel 37:27-28 The Lord God dwells with us to make us holy, He commands us to be holy as He is holy and He is so good He empowers us through His Holy Spirit to be holy. There is no need for a child of God to be troubled to the point of desperation in fear, worry, hopelessness for we have a God who has laid out the way and the answer for all we are confronted. Jehovah God has already worked everything out. When we trust in the God who has made His sanctuary among us we can rejoice in troubles because we understand trouble don’t last always and joy will surely come with the morning. We are aware God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called
according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28 Living holy means we do not dwell in our troubles, sorrows, hurts, anger, issues, but we seek the face of God who will deliver us and to Him we give glory. Living holy means we do not shame our God by doubting and worrying tossing about like the ocean waves, but we lift up our hearts and spirits and wait for the Lord of Host to rescue us. Living holy means I show up at the temple with a praise in my heart, worship in my spirit and I give my all to God dwelling in His holy Presence because I live His truths, I live in faith showing forth the reason for my hope and my salvation. We serve a caring, compassionate all knowing God who has done everything to make us His people and He waits with open arms for us to answer the call; “I'll make a covenant of peace with them that will hold everything together, an everlasting covenant. I'll make them secure and place my holy place of worship at the center of their lives forever.” (The Message) In the sanctuary of the Lord I am safe, my heart is filled with peace, knowing the Sovereign God is my hiding place, the place where I dwell.

Deeper Personal Reflection
How does your life reflect God as a dwelling presence in you?
Does you life evidence God dwells in your heart in times of trouble?

Deeper Personal Study
Ezekiel 37:15-28

Prayer of the Heart
Precious Father in me You have put Your Holy Sanctuary, dwell with me Father all my days and Lord God I pray by Thy Spirit I will be a sanctuary, holy and true for You. I need Your Holy Presence Lord, for You are my Keeper and at Your Right Hand are pleasures evermore. May I dwell daily in the everlasting temple. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen


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Lord take delight in me!

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
She came unto the king no more, except the king delight in her, and that she were called by name. Esther 2:14


SABBATH REFLECTION
Jesus call us to serve Him, all believers have an assignment to reveal to others kingdom space. We are to live in a manner others will want to be a part of God’s wonderful kingdom. Jesus sometimes has special assignments to be carried out in His name; He than looks to His disciples to determine whom He will use. This scripture from the story of Esther which tells us the young girls seeking to be queen only had one night with the king and if he didn’t find delight in her and called her by name she came unto the king no more. It would break my heart if I didn’t please my King, Jesus and He never again called me to an assignment or took away my gifts because He no longer took delight in me. The difference in Jesus and the king of Persia is Jesus will give me another chance; He does not give up on me after one try. Even though Jesus does not give up on us if we do not bring Him delight after one try He expects us to strive to bring delight and glory to His name. How do we bring delight to our Lord, let us look back at the pages of time and find examples of those whom the Lord took delight. David the second King of Israel was not perfect, but the Lord took delight in him, called him the apple of His eye. David learned if he repented from his sins, God would again find favor with Him. Repentance is essential to our relationship with Christ and necessary to claim the Lord has delighted in me. Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” 2 Samuel 12:13 “Have mercy on me, O God because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion it haunts me day and night. Psalm 51:1-3 Repentance is more than confession; it is a change of mind, a commitment to live differently with a new attitude.

Not only must we live in repentance of our sins, we must be obedient to the Lord as was Noah. When God gave Noah instructions to build an ark, He did so without hesitation. I believe God called upon Noah because He delighted in him. He found Noah to be righteous, and blameless. Noah arrived at this place with God because he remained in closed fellowship with Him, therefore when God called upon him he was immediately obedient. Noah gives us a clear roadmap to delighting God; righteous living, fellowship with God and obedience. “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” Genesis 6:22As a result Noah and his family were blessed to be the only family alive following the flood. God trusted Noah with two huge assignments, to build the ark and to carry on the human race.

To delight the Lord we must follow the example of Mary of Bethany, who put aside worldly issues to set at the feet of Jesus to learn of Him. We must seek our King; learn from Him that we may know Him
Mary’s desire to delight the Lord resulted in God choosing her to anoint the Savior, what a blessing and what a memorial to leave for us. “Her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught.” Luke 10: 39 God commands us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33 God knows each of us by name and He desires to delight in us, but will not force Himself on us He desires not only for us to have an attitude of repentance, and obedience, seeking Him above all else He delights in us when we put on the garments of Christ, love our neighbors and open our hearts and spirits to His will.

DEEPER PERSONAL REFLECTION
Please STOP- bear with me today go back and read the anchor scripture again, slowly and then read it again replacing your name where there are pronouns. What are your thoughts?

DEEPER PERSONAL STUDY
Psalm 51
Genesis 6
John 12:1-7

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. Psalm 16:3

but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24 -

But now, this is what the Lord says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3

PRAYER OF THE HEART
Most gracious Lord, upon Your holy name I call asking forgiveness of my sins, Merciful God cleanse me from all my guilt, purify me from my sin, grant me a clean heart and renew in me a loyal spirit. Lord it is my heart desire to know You, when I seek You O Lord please reveal Yourself and guide me to true repentance, and obedience. Lord I thank you because You are a Just God forgiving me of my wrongdoings when I confess them to You. Lord please never forget my name and take delight in me, knowing it is the ultimate will of my soul to serve You. In the name of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus The Christ, I pray. Amen


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Sabbath Rest- Believe

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
So they rushed back from the tomb to tell His eleven disciples-and everyone else-what had happened. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the Mother of James and several other women who told the apostles what had happened.
But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. Luke 24: 9-11

SABBATH REFLECTION
It sounds like nonsense, it’s absolutely crazy, and it makes no sense. It is just a story created by man because people need something to believe in order to live life. If the disciples who had been with Jesus, actually were eyewitness to healings, changed lives, the transfiguration, Jesus turning water to wine, stilling the waves, giving the dead life and Jesus own testimony He would be raised from death to life after three days didn’t believe such nonsense how in the world am I going to get those who cross my path and a few in my inner circle to believe when I have never even seen this man Jesus, whom I call Savior?

BELIEVE

*BOLD- I must be bold and confident in my belief. I must walk out my belief, bringing honor to God with my life, allowing my life to bring forth good fruit. Living to bring Him glory and to be a witness that all I am and all I do which is good is because Christ lives in me. “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ. Philippians 1:20a My bold confidence is evidence it was not nonsense.

*EVIDENCE- I must have evidence- Peter didn’t believe but something in him made him want to check out the story. "However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings." Luke: 24:12.
Before Christ my life was filled with sin, junk, dirt, wickedness, and all kinds of wrongdoings, I was dead. Jesus poured out His blood on the cross and God took His work and emptied me of my sin and put in me the desire to
live righteously. Now when you look closely at my life you will see the linen wrappings of sinfulness is empty. My life is evidence, the tomb was empty.

*LIGHT-I must have a heart flooded with light. I must continually be the light of Christ, reflecting His light that others will see and know there must be a God in me molding and shaping me. “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called-His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18 My heart reflects an empty tomb.

*IDENTITY- I must have an identity. Christ has identified me as His own. “And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago.” Ephesians 1:13. The Holy Spirit living in me is additional evidence, it was not nonsense.

*EXPLAINING- I must be ready at all times to explain this Christian life. I must always be ready to explain in a gentle and respectful way why
I choose to live a life which worships Christ as Lord. I must stay focused on living a life in which I will have a clear conscience, and then if others speak against me they will be ashamed when they see what a good life I live because I belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (Paraphrased) I couldn’t belong to Christ if He had not died on the cross.

*VALUE- I must value knowing Christ. When I value knowing Christ and my life reflect intimacy with Him and true knowledge of Him, others must look at me and wonder what is happening. She cares naught about the offerings of the world, only the offerings of Christ. “I once thought these things were valuable, but now consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. “Philippians 3: 7-9a He is the resurrection, He raised me with Him to a new life.

*EARNESTLY- I must earnestly seek after God, that I might find Him. If I am not earnestly seeking God with all my heart and soul, I can not require another to seek Him or even desire to know Him or His beloved Son. “Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. They earnestly sought after God, and they found Him. 2 Chronicles 15:12, 15b. The tomb was empty, He was raised by the power of God on the third day and He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on my behalf. I know this because God has revealed it to me.

SABBATH PRAYER
Father God, Heavenly Father, I believe, help me to plant the seed that those who cross my path and those in my inner circle who have chosen not to believe will come to believe by my life which Christ is living through me. Lord God let me bold in my Christian walk, reflecting the light of Christ daily. Help me to show how much I value Christ Jesus by living as a true daughter always ready and able to explain my belief.
Let my life be evidence to all because I have been seal with the Holy Spirit and given identity in You. Father God may I earnestly seek you with all my heart and soul every day I am gifted. By the power of the Holy Spirit and in the glorious name Of Jesus I pray. Amen

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It is Finished

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
Jesus said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head and released His Spirit. John 19: 30

SABBATH REFLECTION
Jesus life was not taken, it was freely given. He gave it for you and me. “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6

Jesus fulfilled God’s plan for salvation. He became the sacrificial lamb, meeting all God’s standards for sacrificial offerings. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, 1Peter 1:18-20

We all have been taught and know the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. John 17:3

God so loved us He gave His one and only son, the Christ; Jesus so loved the Father He was made us His passion by becoming obedient even unto death. What can we do to repay this debt? All we can offer back to God is a heart of gratitude, wrapped in obedience. So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2


SABBATH PRAYER
Lord my heart is overflowing with love for you because You have loved me so completely. You gave me Your very best gift, Your very own Son. He went through an agonizing death so I could be reconciled to You. He brought me fellowship, He brought me intimacy. He gave His all for me. Lord my pitiful thank you is not enough, so I ask You to fill me with Thy Holy Spirit to lead me to giving all of my body to You, a living and holy sacrifice. Father God help me to fully embrace all You have done for me by being obedient to Your every command as Christ my Lord my Savior, my Redeemer has model for me. In Jesus magnificent and awesome name I give praise, worship and offer this prayer. Amen

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Spiritual Sunday-Lift Him Up

SABBATH SCRIPTURE
“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven”! But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
Luke 19:38-40

SABBATH REFLECTION
He is our King, let us rejoice, and let us lift joyful voices in praise to His holy name. Praise Him with the highest praise and give glory to His name. He is our Savior. He left heaven for us. He is worthy of our praise. He carried the shame of the cross for us. He was ridiculed, mocked, and brutally beaten for us. He took on every sin, every disease, unkindness, lie, rebellion, every transgression, and all of our iniquities. He bore the cup of suffering for us; a cup filled and over flowing. We became His passion.


GO DEEPER
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God Romans 8:10

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21

For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. Romans 3:25

SABBATH PRAISE
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find
protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Praise the Lord; praise God our SAVIOR! For each day he carries us in his arms. Psalm 68:19

SABBATH PRAYER
Most Holy One to your name we give all praise, glory and honor. You O Lord are worthy of our praise. Lord God never do we want the stones of the earth to lift their voices in praise of You because we fail to give You the glory and honor due You Majestic name. We lift up Your name, the One who said If I be lifted up I’ll draw all men unto me. Thank You Lord Jesus for drawing us into You. Thank You for making us Your passion, may we daily seek to make You our passion by living as true children of the King of Glory, Who is the King of glory? The LORD Almighty – he is the King of glory. Jesus in Your Saving Name we pray. Amen


DON’T LET THE ROCKS CRY OUR FOR YOU!

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Sabbath Rest-Quiet Hope

Sabbath Scripture
It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. Lamentation 3:26 Message

Sabbath Reflection
When life is tough and you are in distress how do you hope in the Lord? Is your hope filled with tears, anxiety, restlessness, worry, confusion? What does your hope look like? Is it dressed in complaining and grumbling with a coat of isolation? Does your hope stand alone or does it bring faith and trust with it for company? Does your hope grace itself with praise, prayer and worship? Does it seek the strengthen words of the Lord? My friend what does your hope look like?


Does it resemble the quiet hope of Anna the Prophetess who quietly waited in the temple to see salvation come to Jerusalem in the flesh? (Luke 2:36-38) Does your hope bear a resemblance to the hope of Mary of Bethany who quietly sat at the feet of Jesus and took in all He had to pour into her as she sought understanding? (Luke 10:39) When you examine your hope is it similar to the Widow's Offering who gave all she had, hoping God would turn her little into much. (Luke 21:1-3) Can your hope stand up to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refuse to trust, bow down or serve any but the God of all hope; quietly entering the furnace. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, The God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. (Daniel 3:17-18, 23) Does your hope match that of the Woman with the issue of blood who quietly made her way through the crowd to touch the hem where all her hope dwelled? (Mark 5 21:25-32)

It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.

Quietly meditate upon these words and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart.
Where does your hope dwell?
Does your hope know its' help comes from the Lord God?
Are you hoping for something from God right now? What does it look like?

Sabbath Prayer
Holy Father, sometimes our hope is not quiet. We let worry, anxiety, and yes doubt and fear get in the way of our hope. Lord we know You will come through but sometimes we allow the enemy to plant blocks that throw us off course. Lord forgive us and bring us back to pleasing hope where we quietly wait for your deliverance. Jesus in Your Holy name we pray. Amen

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-A Sabbath Rest- "I will restore your soul!"

Spiritual Sundays
I will restore Your Soul

Sabbath Scripture
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.


Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

God’s Promise
When your heart feels heavy, overwhelmed, worn-out, I promise to bring refreshment to your soul. I will make you rest where it is quiet and peaceful. I will lead you to where you can be renewed. I will restore your soul to a state of health and soundness. (Heather Kopp- God’s Little Book of Guarantees)

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows; you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. The Message

God’s Promise
Whatever your need I’ve got it. There is no need for you worry, your needs are held in the palm of my hands. When you need a place to rest I will provide you a lush green space to rest your soul, you will be able to drink from my waters of refreshing, soaking in my word leading you to a fill table where I will fill your cup until it spills over and you will know my love and see my beauty all the days of your life because I will bring you into my holy house to dwell.

God’s Beauty
God is my Supplier; I never have to stand in need.
God is my Leader; I am lead along His path where I find a place of rest.
God is my Director; I am direct to spaces of stillness.
God is my Restorer, my soul is restored.
God is my Righteousness; Christ in me makes me righteous before God
God is my Companion. I never walk alone
God is my Courage; I walk fearlessly with Him at my side.
God is my Comforter; I am consoled in my sorrows.
God is my Nourishment, my table is always filled, my enemies scatter because they see God’s awesome care of me.
God is my Anointer; He constantly anoints me to do His will
God is my Source, my cup is ever overflowing.
God is my Goodness; He fills me with goodness and shows me how to pour it out on others
God is my Love, He fills me with Himself and His loves flows from me.
God is my Dwelling Place; I am kept under the shadow of His wings.

Sabbath Rest Reflection
Where do you go when you need to rest your spirit?


Do you seek a space where you can connect to God?

Do you ever allow yourself moments to take a breath?

When you are afraid by what life is offering you do you invite God to walk with you?

Reflect upon the ways and times God has filled your cup when you went to Him for restoration.

How do you see God’s beauty in these scriptures?

Sabbath Praise
Great God, You are My Lord, my keeper, my love. It is You who guide my heart and You who bring me to quiet places of rest when this world becomes too much for me. You keep me in the shadow of Your wings where I am protected; You are my strength and my provider. You O Lord are my strong tower, I look to the hills from whence cometh my help, because I know my help always comes form You O Lord, King of Glory. I love you. Jesus in Your Name I give this offering of praise. Amen

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Spiritual Sunday-Resting

Sabbath Rest

The Lord calls us to observe the Sabbath, to keep it holy; to not engage in any work. Today I invite you to rest with these words, reflect upon them. How do they speak to your heart? What do you believe God is saying to you? How will you apply these words to your life? Study each translation and gleam more and more as God speaks to your heart as He spoke to mine.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 KJV

One thing I always wanted from the Lord, and I will now seek after it. I want to dwell in His house all the days of my life. I want to experience His beauty up close and reflect upon His sanctuary. Not every other day, not some days but I want this every day of my life.

Just one thing have I asked of ADONAI; only this will I seek: to live in the house of ADONAI all the days of my life, to see the beauty of ADONAI and visit in his temple. Complete Jewish Bible


I am only going to seek one thing, to live with the Lord in His house. I shall devote each day to living with the Lord. This means I will put on His clothes of righteousness, holiness, love, grace, mercy, compassion, and peace. I will walk gently and humbly with a peaceful heart, giving generously, obeying the commands given to me by Adonai. This way I will see His beauty for I will be living it as He daily fills me with His Spirit.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. NIV

I will search for the Lord in His temple, His dwelling place, His sanctuary. I will daily search my heart and my spirit, the place where God Holy Spirit dwells. I will cleanse myself of those things which are not of God and does not bring Him glory. You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred - and you, remember, are the temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

The one thing I ask of the LORD – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. NLT

I will rejoice in the Lord as I daily mediate upon His word. I will seek quiet moments to dwell upon His perfect and good ways. I will still my heart and spirit and dwell upon His beauty. I will open my lips in delightful praise.

I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet. The Message

I will spend time in deep thought, meditating upon His great beauty. I will rest at His feet, listening for His voice as I study His holy word.

Prayer
Thank You Lord for a Sabbath rest, may I rest with your word all the day long. Lead me to Your sacred sanctuary show me Your beauty as I dwell at Your feet, let me hear Thy sweet voice. Jesus, Lord and Savior in Your Name I pray. Amen

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Spiritual Sundays- Living A Godly Life

Sabbath Rest

Rest with the Word of God
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11

Sabbath Soaking
 God has given me everything I need not only to live life but to live a godly life. A life of righteousness, a holy life.
 I can live godly because I have knowledge of God. He has shown me Himself in Christ.
 Through His own glory and goodness He has given me very great and precious promises. These promises help me to live godly and to escape the corruption of this world. I escape because I have cast aside evil desires, for the Lord has placed His godly desires in my heart.
 I walk in faith; I wrap faith around my heart so I become faithful in the things of God. In my faithfulness God brings me to goodness and with His goodness He gives me more and more knowledge of Him and as my knowledge increase I want to please Him more and more so I learn self-control which leads me not to give up, I am able to control my thoughts and controlled thoughts enable me to persevere, continuously wrapping godliness around my life and in godliness I can give kindness to all God allows to cross my path and God opens my heart showing me what love in actions looks like when it flows from His heart to mine.
 As God increases in me I increase in faith, goodness, knowledge of Christ, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love all of this combined keeps me from being ineffective and unproductive in my Knowledge of Christ.
 I seek to always remember I have been cleanse from my past sins; always eager to make my calling and election to join the great witnesses of faith and salvation sure so I cannot fall but walk surely to the eternal kingdom of God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and receive a glorious welcome.

Sabbath Reflection
How do I grow in my knowledge of God?

Which of these do I fall short of giving God glory; faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, kindness and love?

Sabbath Prayer-Praying the Scriptures
Holy God, Holy Father, Holy Savior thank you O Lord for cleansing me of all my sins, thank you Father for providing me everything I need for godly living. Thank You Lord for Your promises which allows me to participate in Your divine nature. Increase my faith Lord, shower me with a greater knowledge of You, and as my knowledge increase let goodness, self-control, perseverance, kindness and love wrap themselves around my spirit ever flowing into the earth where Your great Name will be glorified, and magnified in the hearts of all people. Lord I love You and I lift my heart in worship for by Your own goodness and glory You called me to life in the earth, but more importantly life eternally with You. Jesus in Your sweet and precious name I pray.

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Spiritual Sundays- True Fasting

Sabbath Rest Scripture
1 "Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Tell my people Israel of their sins! 2 Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to hear my laws. You would almost think this was a righteous nation that would never abandon its God. They love to make a show of coming to me and asking me to take action on their behalf.
3 'We have fasted before you!' they say. 'Why aren't you impressed? We have done much penance, and you don't even notice it!' "I will tell you why! It's because you are living for yourselves even while you are fasting. You keep right on oppressing your workers. 4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. 5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like a blade of grass in the wind. You dress in sackcloth and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? 6 "No, the kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn. 7 I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give
clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 "If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. 9 Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. "Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! 10 Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. 11 The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. 12 Your children will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as the people who rebuild their walls and cities.
13 "Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the LORD in everything you do, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. If you do this, 14 the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and give you your full share of the inheritance I promised to Jacob, your ancestor. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Isaiah 58

Sabbath Reflection
What are your thoughts as you read the Lord’s definition of fasting?
How different is God’s thoughts on fasting than the world’s/than your own?
Why was God displeased with the Israelites fasting? Why might He be displeased with your fasting?
Whom does God call you to serve?
What will God do if you fast according to His guidance?
Why do you think God included keeping the Sabbath Holy with these instructions about fasting?
What will you change today as you seek to be obedient to God’s instructions to keep the Sabbath Holy?

Sabbath Prayer
Father God I give thanks for your word. Thank you for instructing me, though I may find it easier to give up food than to seek and serve those in need I ask for your help. Help me to no longer close my eyes to the hungry and homeless. Help me to
share my many clothes with those who have none. Help me not to take the easy way out and just drop off clothes and those things which you have so graciously bless me at the nearest thrift store, but help me Father God to find the nearest shelter or Church Clothes closet, better yet Father God help me to find the person who stands in need. Father when I eat today help me to remember there are many with nothing, and Lord those meals I am fasting to show penance let me give those meals to someone who knows true hunger. Lord as you pour out Your wonderful blessing on me help me to remember I am blessed to be a blessings to others. Let me share my blessing with those You place in my path. Father God help me to reflect Jesus today by moving outside of myself and reaching out in love and compassion. Help me Lord to be as generous in my giving as You were in giving Jesus the Christ for me. I love You Lord and help me to show my love by being obedient to your word, that my fasting will be pleasing in Your sight. Lord Thy God help me to keep this Sabbath Day holy and look to Your interests rather than my own. Help me to delight in this glorious day and share your goodness with praise and worship in community and in my quiet time. Jesus in Your precious and loving Name I pray. Amen!


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Spiritual Sundays---Redeemed

Sabbath Scripture
O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:58

Sabbath Prayer
O Lord thy God, the time draws close where I move to remember all You have done for my soul, You O lord have redeemed me. Prepare me O Father by speaking to my heart and to my soul those things You would have me to do to reflect my gratefulness for Your Passion. You willingly suffered and endured for my salvation, may I freely give back to You by living holy and righteously that Your Name be glorified, Father God help me make this my passion. Jesus in Your Name I pray.

Sabbath Learning
The soul is rebellious, full of pride and seeks to have it own way. It cries for peace, joy, love, comfort, relationship and yet it often turns from the very One who can answer the cry. This is just what the nation of Israel did, they rebelled against God, forgot His commandments and He judge them. Even earlier there were two who had fellowship with God, who experienced His peace, joy and love up close in a way that few have been given the opportunity to know. Adam Eve and the Israelites gave away control of their souls and walked in disobedience. The result God judged them and their souls couldn’t handle it. Adam and Eve blamed the crafty serpent and the Israelites blamed Moses, at the time of Lamentations they blamed their forefathers and said they were suffering for their sins. Whom do we blame when we are walking in disobedience, when we forget those commands God has given us to protect and guide us. The easiest and most acceptable answer is that crafty serpent; the devil. We give him too much credit; truly it is our own rebellious soul we should look. Lord I don’t want to admit or accept I still walk in rebellion in spite of all I know of You and in spite of all You have done for me. Lord I don’t want to accept my soul still wants to have it own way. The truth is the soul will always want to have it own way. A greater truth, God will always look upon our sin and judge us guilty; He has no choice for He is holy. Therefore God had to give us a way to stay in fellowship with Him. He had to develop a plan which would answer our souls’ cry. He searched and in His great wisdom knew He was the only answer and He prepared the way; Jesus. Jesus made us the center of His life. He followed every command from the Father and made us free. We became His passion and He didn’t waver, all the way to Calvary He walked to redemption.

Sabbath Reflection
“Only a nail-scarred hand could pay the debt that sets us free. We are redeemed.”

What does Jesus nail scarred hands mean to you?
What does living redeemed mean to you.
What changes do you need to make to begin living as passionately for Christ as He lived and died for you?

Application
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Many will put ashes on their foreheads to show they belong to Christ. Many will move into a period of fasting. Consider what your ashes will be, move your ashes from your forehead and bring them to life. What will your ashes look like on you? If you are moving into a period of fasting determine where you want to be at the end of your fast. Identify the steps you need to take to get you there. Daily implement the steps.

Prayer of Change
Father God I no longer want to walk in ritualistic ways, engaging in activities because it sounds Christian. Lord I want to reflect Your holiness in my life please lead me to the place where I become real rather than ritualistic and my actions will reflect true change. Father let me see those places in my life which need Your touch. Father You are my Helper, help me to fast from those things which do not bring You glory. Help me to move the ashes from my forehead and put them in my heart where You will be reflected in all my ways, lead me to holiness. Father as I take this journey to see Calvary, Your passion for me and the world draw me closer, and bring me to Your Holy Temple renewed, refreshed, restored and resurrected with a passion to walk redeemed that You will be glorified. Jesus in Your Name I pray. Amen


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