Meditate.
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 Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Isaiah 58:13
Shabbat shalom. Sabbath of Peace. When do you celebrate the Sabbath day…or as it is known in Israel, Shabbat? Most Christians, other than those affiliated with the Seventh Day Advent church, celebrate their sabbath on Sunday in commemoration of the day that their Savior, Jesus Christ, was raised from the dead.
As part of the
Ten Commandments and other directives, God commanded Moses to instruct the
Israelites to keep the Sabbath day.
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Remember to observe the Sabbath day by
keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the
seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that
day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and
daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners
living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the
sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the
LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11
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You have six days each week for your ordinary
work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day
for holy assembly. It is the LORD's Sabbath day, and it must be observed
wherever you live. Leviticus 23:3d
So what do you do to observe the Sabbath Day? Isaiah notes that we are to “enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day.” By observing the Sabbath on Sunday and attending a church service—whether on-line or in person—is a way to focus on the Lord and honoring Him in a holy worship. Some people use the Sabbath to spend the day just reading Scripture and other religious books. No work. No entertainment, like TV or movies. To some people one day is like any other—they work, play and enjoy leisure activities on any days of the week. Others enjoy the Sabbath, after a time of worshipping the Lord, they spend time with family and friends—and that may include watching TV and movies, playing games like baseball, basketball or tennis, swimming or boating in the summertime, or skiing in the winter, and eating good food. Life is so often focused on food. Jesus enjoyed good food. Look at all the dinners and banquets He went to…including a wedding where He turned into wine.
As you observe the Sabbath, are you honoring God—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and your relationship with Him?
Prayer ~ Lord, as the Sabbath Day approaches inspire me—along with my family, friends and neighbors—to see ways that will honor You. The Ten Commandments indicate that no one should do any work—but Jesus Himself healed a man on the Sabbath. What is considered work? How do I explain that to non-believers and new believers?
Verse of Salvation ~ …When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4-5
Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table
We can’t live on bread alone. Consider the health benefits of
grape juice, the basis of red wine like Jesus created. 
The Fruit of the Vine
Studies have shown that drinking Concord grape juice is just as
beneficial as drinking red wine for lowering the low-density lipoprotein (LDL),
reducing blood clots, lowering blood pressure and preventing heart blood vessel
damage. The red juice which is loaded with antioxidants also has the ability to
improve brain function along with anti-aging benefits for those drinking one to
two glasses each day. Those antioxidants have been found to improve reflexes
and memory as well as slow the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Miraculously, it
also can reduce the incidence of colon and other cancers. Jesus did a miracle turning
water into wine…but for all of us who appreciate good grape juice another
miracle is the exceptional health benefits that this fruit of the vine provides.
Enjoy some today—maybe even squeeze some fresh grapes.
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