Devotion Remember God’s Day—Do We?

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.--Exodus 20:8
(Read Exodus 20:1-17)

The word Holy as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means spiritually pure, commanding devotion, and sacred.

One summer as I prepared to teach 1st and 2nd graders, I studied what following the fourth commandment actually involved. Did I keep God’s day holy? I thought so.

But as I considered, I recalled the Saturday night, my husband and I stayed up past midnight watching an intriguing movie with some dubious elements. The next morning I was so exhausted, I groaned as I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for church.

I had to keep from dozing off during the service that seemed to go on forever. I got next to nothing out of the sermon and had no idea what God had for me during that service. If keeping God’s day holy meant a day of refreshment and renewal, I failed--miserably.

What about all those sports played or broadcast on Sunday that may keep some from church to participate or watch or might take up the afternoon with an intensity of focus that shuts out God and family? Is God my priority on Sundays, or are sports?

What about times I substituted family time for fellowship with God’s people? If we travel for a family gathering on a Sunday, do I take time first to worship God and read His word? Do we, as a family, take time to pray over our meal and acknowledge Him?

If I forget God at such times, what example do I set for children or grandchildren? Aren’t I saying by my actions that I don’t think spending time with God on His day all that important?

As I look at what I really do and how I behave, I realize how far short I come from truly remembering the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. How far I fall from keeping God’s day sacred and devoted to the Christ I claim to serve. As I have often heard, God didn’t give us 10 suggestions we could follow or not on our whim, but 10 Commandments to be honored, obeyed and followed.

Help me, Lord, keep your day a day of worship and praise to You. In my Sunday activities, help me to first honor and spend time with You and set a positive example to family and others that I truly serve You. But more, Jesus, help me honor You not only on Sunday but on every day of the week. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Leviticus 26:1-12
Tuesday: Psalm 118:14-24
Wednesday: John 20
Thursday: Acts 20:7-12
Friday: Romans 14:1-13
Saturday: I Corinthians 16:1-14

(C) 2018, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Listen! Who Me?
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Devotion The Trust Factor—Respect

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. —Joshua 21:45

We don't trust or respect God. We don't trust He is good, that He has our ultimate best in His plans, that He actually cares enough to answer our prayers. We don't trust or we'd make different decisions.

Often, we are determined to do things our way, in our time and on our schedule.

We consult and listen to those we respect and trust. The truth of how much we truly honor God is in time spent with Him, time in His Word, time seeking His will, listening when He speaks, and following His principles and guidance.

When was the last time you asked...and waited for an answer. When did I? It is a matter of respect, of trust--and choice.

Help me, Jesus, not just claim to follow You, but actually do so. Amen.

(C) 2016 Carolyn R Scheidies
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From First I Bow