New Year, New Habits with the Best Chronological Bible Reading Plan + Resource Bundle
Welcome to 2024! A year for growth, introspection, and building some strong spiritual habits. What better way to kickstart your year than by diving into the wisdom of the Bible? Imagine having all the tools at your fingertips to not just start a new Bible reading plan but to cultivate lasting, healthy spiritual habits. Intrigued? Let me introduce you to the ULTIMATE Bible Study Bundle. It’s a comprehensive group of my most-requested resources to propel you forward in faith.
The Ultimate Bible Reading Toolkit
In this fast-paced digital age, we understand the need for simplicity and convenience. That’s why I curated the ultimate toolkit for your spiritual growth—all in one, easy download. Unpack SEVEN invaluable resources designed to jumpstart your spiritual journey and foster a deeper connection with God. Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside.
The Bible calls us to spiritual maturity, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had trouble in the past sticking to a reading plan, or cultivating healthy habits of being in the Word on a daily basis. Things really changed for me when my mental health was at its worst. I knew I couldn’t just “pray away” the depression that was actively eating me alive. But I also knew I desperately wanted the joy, peace, and contentment God promises those who follow Him. I began to study Scripture in a new way, and the web of lies that had ensnared my mind, mental health, and wellbeing began to loosen. Eventually, it fell away completely.
This bundle–is a collection of SIX of my all time favorite resources, and I’m thrilled to offer them to you, for free. Let’s check out the bundle.
1. See the BIG Picture with the Best Chronological Bible Reading Plan
Ever felt lost in the vastness of the Bible? Here is my favorite Chronological Bible Reading Plan—a roadmap through time. Experience the narrative, Psalms, and prophets in a sequential flow, making comprehension a simpler. This has become my favorite way to read the Bible. It’s perfect for beginners or folks looking for an easy plan to follow. It’s not a year-long plan, so simply read as much as you like each day, until you’ve worked through the whole book.
2. 90 Days to Transformation: The Bible Reading Challenge
Challenges breed growth, and I’ve got just a good one for you! Dive into an intense 90-Day Chronological Bible Reading Challenge. This 90 day Bible reading challenge has been updated with a bookmark checklist format for easy reference, as well as the classic one-sheet. This is more than just a reading plan; it’s a transformative journey. I’ll be launching a summer challenge in June–so be sure to subscribe to emails or join me on Instagram and Facebook for details.
3. Reshape Your Sabbath and Reclaim Your Rest
Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened (See Matthew 11:28-30). Developing healthy spiritual habits does not mean adding weight to our already full plates. Ours is a God of blessing, grace, and rest. Make this the year you embrace Sabbath rest–a practice that cultivates trust in God, while giving you the gift of time and peace. The “Reshaping Your Sabbath” worksheet, empowers you to carve out meaningful moments of rest. Unplug, rejuvenate, and enjoy the rhythm God designed for us. Read more about creating a Sabbath routine here.
4. Unravel the Old Testament: Your Guide to Understanding
The Old Testament can be a challenging terrain. Some might even use the word “boring.” Fear not! The Ultimate Bundle equips you with a study guide focused on appreciating Old Testament Law. You’ll gain understanding, but also gain an appreciation for these foundational portions of Scripture. This simple resource enhances the chronological Bible reading plan.
5. The Easiest Way to Journal: Quiet Time One Liners
Creating a habit of reading and understanding Scripture shouldn’t be complicated. Further increase healthy spiritual habits by incorporating the SIMPLEST, most sustainable journaling technique ever. This printable journal page—Quiet Time One Liners is the easiest way to capture your thoughts, reflections, and prayers in a format that seamlessly integrates into your daily routine.
6. Inductive Bible Study Made Easy: Infographic Guide
Inductive Bible Study is a powerful method to dive deep into Scripture. While the inductive method can get very complicated, it doesn’t need to be. I’ve simplified this effective study technique with an easy-to-understand infographic. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reader, this guide will revolutionize the way you approach Bible study.
Why Settle for Less?
Sure, there are free chronological reading plans out there, but none offer the comprehensive support and resources packed into this bundle.
Ready to Pursue Truth with the Best Chronological Bible Reading Plan? Sign Up Now!
If you’re feeling stuck, seeking clarity, or simply yearning to move forward in faith, start here. This New Year, let’s mature in our faith, and cultivate healthy spiritual habits. Sign up now to unlock this exclusive bundle and embark on a transformative journey. Make 2024 the year you embraced God’s Word, and all the goodness it holds.
Enter your email below, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
The Bible is a BIG book. Now you’ve finished reading the Bible in 90 Days. That’s a BIG accomplishment. Don’t let your momentum go. If you’re wondering what’s next read on.
We did it! (Or we’re on our way to finishing!) Over the weekend we passed the “official” 90th day of the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge. It’s wild to think that summer is nearly over and it’s been three months since the challenge started.
As always, I’ll remind you: If you aren’t done, that’s totally okay! It’s more important that you are reading through the Bible in a condensed timeline, than the actual amount of days it takes. The goal here is to get a good overview and understanding of what the Big Picture of the Bible looks like. When read in a short span, we are less likely to forget details.
So whether it took 90 days or you are more on track to finish in 100 (or 150), keep going! You can do it! And you’ll be so glad you did.
With the challenge over and fresh in my mind, I wanted to share some follow up/reflection with you. And if you didn’t join in the Challenge, that’s okay too–maybe some of these reflections will sell you on the idea and you’ll give it a try through the fall. (Get the reading plan here.)
What Now?
Anytime you finish a Bible study or reading strategy, I recommend some reflection before moving on. The rest of the post is an example of my reflection and questions I use to decide what to do next.
Things I’ve Noticed About Myself After Reading The Bible in 90 Days
Whenever I complete a challenge for reading the Bible in 90 days, I ALWAYS notice positive change in myself. Inevitably I think–I should do this more often! But life comes up, and cyclically reading the entire Bible every 90 days isn’t sustainable in my life.
No matter. Every time I complete a cycle I’m reminded of just how powerful God’s Word is. Here are five things I’ve noticed in my mind, attitude and heart through the challenge.
Captive Thoughts. I have had more control over my thoughts. Taking my thoughts captive (II Cor 10:5) now comes with relative ease. Anxiety, worries, lies–they are taken captive, bound, tossed aside and replaced with Truth. Listening/reading big portions of Scripture also leaves little space for those lies to creep into my mind.
Godly Musings. When I wasn’t listening to Scripture, my thoughts were still there. The things I’ve wondered about and talked about have been godly. This practice has made it habit to “set my mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col 3:2)
Demeanor. My demeanor is calmer. I organically have more patience and understanding. I see the fruit of the Spirit naturally growing and manifesting in my life.
Intentionality. It’s been so rewarding to see that I can set a goal and achieve it. God has shown me when I pursue Him intentionally, He will make space. The excuses of being in the midst of a remodel, or caring for a 2 year old or being pregnant didn’t stand in the way. With determined intentionality, reading Scripture became a natural part of the day that felt nothing like work.
God’s Voice. I’ve been able to discern God’s voice and inspiration in my heart more clearly.
Ways My Understanding of Scripture Deepened While Reading the Bible in 90 Days
Any purposeful reading of Scripture will deepen our understanding. But here are some specific things (I limited myself to only five) that stood out to me during this reading. Yours will probably be different than mine!
The Sabbath. I gained a deeper understanding of the Sabbath, its meaning and importance. I was so inspired I wrote a series all about Sabbath rest. You can read more here.
The Prophets. This reading plan helped me understand where the prophets fit into the Old Testament narrative, and the Big Picture of the Bible.
Remembrance. Frequently God tells His people to remember. Specifically, to remember the history of Abraham, Moses and Egypt. This history is used throughout Scripture to rebuke, remind, and persuade others of the credibility of God as Yahweh and Jesus as Messiah. It’s important to have an understanding of OT history to explain and defend the credibility of Christ.
The Epistles. The letters to churches recorded in the New Testament are written to different audiences from different authors at different times in different places. Yet so much of the instruction and language is nearly verbatim in its overlap. While each letter is unique, reading them all in a short time opened my eyes to how cohesive these teachings are. This gives deep credibility to their message and testifies to the fact that they witnesses of Jesus. (For more on eye-witness credibility, I highly recommend Cold Case Christianity by J Warner Wallace.)
Sanctification. People are truly only sanctified (set apart, special, made righteous) by God. Through everything, God demonstrates that no person or people group is special on their own. They are special because HE sanctifies them. People cannot and will never be able to achieve righteousness apart from God.
What Next?
Now that this big challenge is drawing to a close it’s important to have a plan for what comes next. Don’t let the new habits and momentum you’ve built up fade away. Be intentional and create a plan that will move you forward now that you’ve finished reading the Bible in 90 days (or maybe a few more.)
Here are some things to ponder as you decide how to move forward. Start with prayer. Where is He calling you to deepen your understanding? Is He calling you to step out as a study or small group leader? Spend time chatting with Him.
What stumped you? What was confusing or raised questions? Dig deeper and search until you’ve got answers have reached a place of understanding.
What was fascinating? Which books or chapters do you wish you could have slowed down and spent more time in? (For me it’s Kings and Chronicles!)
Big chunks or little pieces? Did you enjoy big chunks or are you ready to slow down and dig deep? Reflecting on this will give you a good idea of how to continue in your Bible reading.
Themes. Were there themes that stood out to you? Maybe you’d like to explore them more deeply. (A prime example for me is the Sabbath.)
People, places and times. Is there a person you would like to know better? Is there a place you’d like to know more about? Or is there an era that stood out to you? (Like the divided kingdom, exile, early church, etc.) These are great places to launch an individual study–or track down an organized study that will help you dig deep.
Try journaling your answers. This will help you visualize where you’d like to go next in your Bible reading journey.
Connect and Join the Community
I want to get to know you. Please connect with me on Instagram to get daily encouragement, devotionals and tips for living intentionally in the Kingdom of Christ. You can also find me on Facebook. Or join the email mailing list to be sure you never miss a post. (Just sign up below!)
However you do it, know that I truly, honestly want to know you and encourage you along your faith journey. Together we can be learn to be inspired by God in our daily lives, excited by His Word and motivated to walk in faith–no matter what our circumstances.
This post is last of a series on Sabbath rest. Today we’ll cover some final thoughts and action steps for practicing the Sabbath, including a FREE downloadable guide. Here are the previous posts:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Practicing the Sabbath isn’t Legalistic
Today we are wrapping up the Reshaping Your Rest series with a FREE downloadable worksheet and a few final thoughts. The worksheet will walk you through assessing how you currently spend your “day of rest,” auditing your Sabbath activities and an action plan for creating a Sabbath that is both holy to the Lord and refreshing to you.
Best of all, our God cares more about our heart posture than our actions.
It’s easy to let our Sabbath rest become something legalistic. To lay out a list of things we are prohibited from doing. That’s missing the point. The Sabbath is a gift from God, Mark 2:27. (More verses on the Sabbath here.) It’s not meant to be drudgery. It’s not meant to enslave us. (Great commentaries and study resources here.)
The Sabbath is a day of rest and freedom. A day to look back and remember what God has done, enjoy the present and the place God has brought us to, and look forward to a future when things will be perfect and we will truly rest in paradise. The Sabbath doesn’t require us to be stagnant or mindless. (More on symbolism of the Sabbath in Part I and Part II.)
Your Sabbath May Look Different Than Mine.
The way you observe the Sabbath should be obtainable in your own house. In order to keep the day holy (literally: set apart), you need to be able to execute it and enjoy it. Having a Sabbath plan will do you little use if it’s an unobtainable ideal. That will eventually stir up guilt and exhaustion as you strive for rest. As you consider Sabbath rest for your own household keep it simple. (Here are some of my takeaways for inspiration.)
Your day of rest may look different than mine. And that’s okay.
Make a Plan for Practicing the Sabbath in Your Home
This is broken down in greater detail in the worksheet, but here are the steps our house took to Reshape Our Rest.
Prayerfully consider the Sabbath. Ask God to open our hearts to the truth of what He desires our rest to look like. Thank God for inviting us into the Sabbath. Repent of disobedience.
Choose a day that will be our Day of Rest.
Discuss what a “regular” work day looks like. Since the Sabbath should be “set apart” our rest day needs to look different than a work day.
Discuss what feels laborious or oppressive, like work to each of us.
Examine how we currently spend time on the Sabbath.
Filter activities through what Scripture says about the Sabbath.
Brainstorm what activities are acceptable and enjoyable for us on the Sabbath. Again, drawing from Scripture.
Create an action plan of what needs to be done before the Sabbath in order for us to enjoy and observe the Sabbath. This takes a little intentionality and forethought.
Our Sabbath Plan
If this still feels overwhelming I’ll give you an example. We decided to be intentional about the Sabbath over the past year. Previously our day of rest had no plan. Things felt unanchored. Sometimes stressful. Sometimes lonely, if we were busy with our own tasks and “unable” to enjoy our family together. Once in a while, resentful if I perceived that I wasn’t getting the rest I so desperately craved after a long week.
Communication has been key to reshaping our rest. Understanding what is burning us out, what brings refreshment to our family, and how we each effectively commune with God guided our plan.
Practicing the Sabbath looks a little different each week, but we prepare, communicate and examine our hearts before we step into our day of rest. Here are things we do or prioritize on our Sabbath:
Church
Pursue fellowship/edifying conservation/community outside the walls of the church.
Time doing something fun as a family.
For me, working on a house projects. It’s a time when I feel close to God and inspired by Him. **However, if projects become something I’m stressed about or burdened by, I do NOT work on them during the Sabbath. Instead I offer my concerns and stress over getting things done as a sacrifice to God. I choose to trust Him that the work will get done–and enjoy my day.
For Derek, working in the yard or taking care of a few things around the house is refreshing. He is joyful as he provides for our family in ways he cannot during the regular work week.
For Derek, intentional one-on-one time with Gideon is important during his Sabbath. For me, it’s important to step away from Gideon for a bit and have a little time to do something quietly alone.
Now It’s Your Turn
You can get the worksheet for intentionally reshaping your Sabbath over in the resource library. It’s totally FREE. It will walk you through the process we’ve used to set apart our Sabbath as a holy day to God.
For more intentional living, Bible geekery and daily motivation to walk in faith, be sure to join the community on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to get to know you. Or, sign up for my emails (below), and you’ll get new posts straight to your inbox. Thanks for being here, friends.
Reshaping Your Rest:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Today I’m happy to bring you part III of the Reshaping Your Rest series. For once, I’ll be piping down to let others do the talking. I’m sharing a few commentaries and resources that have helped me further understand what setting apart a day of rest really means.
All posts in the series are right here:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
An Overview of the Sabbath
Do you know the Bible Project? If you don’t, get to know them. I’m a HUGE fan of their work. They produce great, short videos that cover all kinds of Biblical topics. (I’m especially fond of their videos that give a “nutshell” perspective on each book of the Bible. Those are great for anyone, but especially families and young students of the Word.)
Anyway, the Bible Project has a great video on the Sabbath and its origins.
If a few things went too fast, or you’d rather read than watch, see this quick article. It links up all the verse references used in the video.
Is the Sabbath Still Relevant Today?
Is keeping the Sabbath still something relevant to the modern church? This is an excellent question. And while we’re talking about the Bible Project–here is an excellent article that covers a wide range of questions about keeping the Sabbath. (Excerpt below.)
Jesus reminded the people of God’s actual intent for the Sabbath: unity with God, creation, and each other that was first found in Eden on page one of the Bible. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was about mercy and was purposeful. It was supposed to point to him, the one promised through all of Israel’s prophets, the one who would restore the rhythm of creation.
When followers of Jesus observe the Sabbath, we live as if this restoration has already taken place. We take a break from the broken rhythms of hustle and hardship to set aside a time of submission to his rule and enjoyment of his presence and to extend these things to the world around us. When we observe the Sabbath well, we become little resting places of God’s presence.
…As followers of Jesus, we aren’t required to follow the laws given to Israel by God exactly. These were given at a specific time to a specific people group for a specific purpose. Yet the wisdom of those laws is enduring, and the law of the Sabbath is pure gold. It is not a commandment we are bound to; it’s a promise we’re invited to.
Sometimes looking into the meanings of specific words used in the Bible can help glean a deeper understanding of what the text is meant to communicate. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. Here are a few Hebrew and Greek words I found helpful for understanding the Sabbath as I studied.
How to read interlinear references:
If you’ve never Bible geeked out over an interlinear reference, this could be your first time. At the top is the word we are studying. Next is a section of definitions and uses. At the bottom is concordance results. This is a list of every verse in the Bible that uses the word we are looking at.
**Always remember to read in context and apply the definition as meant by the author. The Word is powerful. We should read to find truth–not arguments that support our own opinions and ideas.**
Shabath: First seen in Genesis 2. This is the word used to describe how God rested on the seventh day.
Nuwach: To rest or settle down. This word has the connotation of comfort, being placed in order, knowing your place and being able to rest securely. (Missy Takano also covers nuwach in her article.)
Shabbath: The word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath.
Sabbaton: The Greek word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath in the New Testament.
Katapausis: A calming of the winds, a resting place. This word is used primarily in Hebrews 4–describing the rest of God.
Be diligent to enter that rest: The rest is there, but God does not force it upon us. We must enter that rest. Clearly, the rest is entered by faith; but it takes diligent faith. This shows us that faith is not passive; it takes diligence to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus and His work for us.
This directs us to contrive family affairs, so that they may hinder us as little as possible in the work of the sabbath. Works of necessity are to be done on that day; but it is desirable to have as little as may be to do, that we may apply ourselves the more closely to prepare for the life that is to come.
Get Ready to Reshape Your Rest by Keeping the Sabbath
Next week we’ll wrap up our Sabbath series. I’ve got a quick study guide and worksheet for you that will help you reshape your own rest–and more fully align it with the rest God wants to give us.
Until then, I’d love to get to know you! Join me on Instagram or Facebook to connect with me and a growing community committed to striving to live intentionally, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens. I post *almost* daily encouragement and devotionals–and you can get a behind the scenes look at what I do when I’m not writing in my stories. You can also connect by subscribing to my emails. You’ll be notified every time a new post comes out and have access to the resource library!
As always, thanks for being here. If this series is teaching you or touching your heart, I’d love to hear from you–and I’d love if you shared with friends to help grow this sweet, encouraging corner of the Internet.
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
Welcome back to the Reshaping Your Rest series. Today we will dive into 10 key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath.
Here are all the posts in this series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
The Right Mindset About The Sabbath
The thought I keep coming back to is that God tells us it is a sacrifice to deny ourselves the work we think needs to get done. We created in God’s image. God Himself is a creator and worker. It’s natural for us to work, to have goals, to want to achieve.
The trouble is that those things can become idols. Something we value higher than God’s command to “honor the Sabbath.” Something we think is more important than slowing down, putting aside and obeying.
At first, the idea of a day of rest viewed as a “sacrifice” seems counterintuitive. But it doesn’t take too much thought to connect the two. Especially in our material, secular-success driven culture.
Key Bible Verses for Understanding the Sabbath.
Here are 10 verses/passages that have helped me understand Sabbath rest, as seen from a Biblical perspective.
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Ex 31:17
Key takeaways: God rested. We are to emulate God in all we do. God was refreshed after He rested. How much more will we be refreshed after true rest? Also, just because “He rested…” doesn’t mean God stopped working, caring, or being relational. Likewise, our Sabbath rest should be a rest from work–but not a complete halt to life, relationships or doing Kingdom work.
You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. Ex 34:21
Key takeaways: Being in a “busy” season or needing to get things done is not an excuse for neglecting the Sabbath.
This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselvesand not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you— because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance. Leviticus 16:29-31
Key takeaways: Laying work aside is to sacrifice and deny ourselves. God has already done (and will do) the important work of atonement. (Note: in context this verse pertains to an annual celebration of atonement–not just a traditional weekly Sabbath.)
…but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. Deut 5:14-15
Key takeaways: Sabbath rest means refraining from traditional work and reflecting where we’ve come with God’s aid. We should also respect others’ right to observe Sabbath rest.
Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy. Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws—by which the person who obeys them will live—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the wilderness. Ezk 20:12-13
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift and sign from God for us. Observing the Sabbath illustrates our trust in God. God is passionate about the Sabbath. He is hurt when it is not observed and honored.
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Matt 12:12
Key takeaways: Observing Sabbath rest is not an excuse to not do good, be kind, do Godly work, or be helpful to others. (See Matthew 12:9-14 for more context.)
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift for us. Something God made for us.
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. Luke 23:54-24:1
Key takeaways: This is a great passage for understanding proper reverence for the Sabbath. It takes intentionality and self-discipline to observe the Sabbath. If the work of these women can be put on hold to honor the Sabbath, our work can also wait.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15
Key takeaways: Fellowship, teaching, fulfilling the great commission, being outdoors, prayer and building relationships are all welcome on the Sabbath.
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:4
Key takeaways: Do not use the Sabbath as an excuse to lay around idly or to fill your mind with idle thoughts. New Testament examples of activity on the Sabbath include using spiritual gifts, fellowship, building relationship, teaching, sharing our witness and reflecting with others.
Start Reshaping Your Rest With These Verses and Passages
These Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath are a great place to start reshaping your own rest. Read them, pray over them. Dig deeper by seeing what else Scripture has to say about the Sabbath. (To get you started I ran a quick search for every reference to “Sabbath” on BlueLetterBible.org.)
As you study, remember to think critically about what Scripture is saying. What does the text say? Who does it affect? What actions are taking place? What are the consequences or God’s opinion on those actions? Specifically, what does each verse teach you about who God is and what His character is like?
And, don’t forget to read verses in context to get an accurate understanding of the true meaning of the text.
Coming Up in the Reshaping Your Rest Series
We’ve looked at some background and key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath. Next week, I’ll be sharing resources, commentaries, and a little Hebrew that will help you understand the rest God wants to give us even more deeply. Then, we’ll finish up with a worksheet that will help you intentionally reshape how you accept this gift from God.
In the meantime, I’d love to get to know you better, by connecting with you on Instagram and Facebook. There, you’ll find a community striving to live intentionally, while viewing life through a Christ’s Kingdom lens. You’ll also get daily inspiration and motivation for living intentionally with a Kingdom mindset (and fun anecdotes and mishaps from my home.) If this series is hitting your heart, I’d love if you shared. If you’d like to get all the latest posts straight to your inbox, just sign up below!
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
This is the first installment of a series on the Sabbath. Here are all the posts in the series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
I just got back from vacation. It was nice, relaxing. All the things you want a little time away to be. But there was something deeper going on in me. I’ve been thinking about rest. Real rest. Something we can all relate to (and many of us struggle with.)
Weeks ago, toward the beginning of the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge, I started turning over the idea of Sabbath rest. Every time I read anything about the Sabbath my heart skipped a beat, the verse became ingrained in my mind. I thought about it through the day. I brought it up with my husband in the evening. This felt like a call to deepen my understanding and change my patterns.
Vacation forced me to set aside work. And allowed me to set aside lots of things that feel like work. This seemed like the ideal time to share what I’ve been learning at start fresh, when it comes to true Sabbath rest.
The Challenge is nearly over. And I’ve been surprised how often Sabbath rest comes up, and how serious God takes it.
I want to be more intentional about observing the Sabbath. As a family, we’ve started to intentionally act on what the Bible tells us about how to take a Sabbath Rest–but I still have a ways to go. Luckily, God sees the heart. He knows I’m earnestly trying to do better, to enter into the rest He wants me to have.
A New Understanding of Sabbath Rest
Until recently I have never attempted to fully understand the Sabbath. However, I’ve spent a lot of my extra time cross referencing and burrowing into what the Bible says about Sabbath rest. I’ve read verses, revisited chapters, looked at commentaries, and prayed.
I’ve learned a lot. This is a practice introduced at the beginning of the Bible and continues through the New Testament. When Israel falls short or turns her back on God–and God becomes angry–He almost always cites neglect of the Sabbath as one of their infractions.
Interesting right?
Obviously, this is close to His heart. Yet, I think it’s one of the most overlooked commandments in our culture today. We are taught not to have other gods, murder, worship idols, steal, commit adultery, covet, or bear false witness. We know we are supposed to honor our parents and never use the Lord’s name in vain. But when it comes to the Sabbath, we can be surprisingly blasé.
Honoring the Sabbath almost seems like a forgotten commandment.
As I’ve studied, I’ve fallen in love with God’s design for Sabbath rest. It’s beautifully simple, yet so profound it sets our God apart from all others. A sacred day of rest was unique to Israel, a gift from her God. Other Ancient Near Eastern religions and gods did no such thing.
The Sabbath is beautifully symbolic. It symbolizes God’s good-will and care for mankind. By observing it, we show our trust in His care. By setting aside work, we demonstrate an understanding that we are not saved by works–God grace is enough and Christ accomplished the work on the cross.
I could chat for days about how beautiful the Sabbath is. But I’ll let you do some critical thinking of your own.
Some of My Sabbath Takeaways
The idea of “self care” is so hot right now. It seems like everywhere I look I see suggestions and social media posts with ideas for self care. Don’t get me wrong. Self care is fun–and important. But don’t confuse it with the Sabbath. Sabbath rest is deeper and sweeter. Sabbath rest looks outward–turning our eyes toward God, others in need, and expanding the kingdom. In no way is taking Sabbath rest a selfish pursuit. I’m excited to share more with you next week.
First, here are my own bullet points summarizing my new understanding of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is important and dear to God’s heart, therefore it should be important and dear to our hearts as well.
A day of rest refreshed God. How much more will it refresh me?
The Sabbath is a type of sacrifice. We are to intentionally choose to refrain from work and choose rest. This shows devotion to God and trust that He will provide time and means for our work to be completed–despite sacrificing time away from work to Him.
The Sabbath is metaphorical. Refraining from work and choosing rest is an outward symbol that our works do not earn us favor with God. Christ did the only work that really mattered, and He finished it on the cross.
Sabbath rest is not an excuse to be lazy and binge watch TV. It is not an excuse to be unkind or avoid helping others. The Sabbath is a time to turn our minds to God-honoring thoughts and our hands to God-honoring activities. This means, if I’d be uncomfortable committing an act to the Lord, or partaking in an activity with Jesus in the room–it shouldn’t be done on the Sabbath.
Fellowship, teaching, reflection, enjoying nature, enjoying God’s provision, sharing your experiences with God with others, cultivating relationships…(the list goes on) are all welcome during a day of Sabbath rest.
Observing Sabbath (and gleaning the benefits God wants us to have from it) takes intentionality and practice. Create a plan for how you will observe the Sabbath and get your family on board.
Start Reshaping Your Sabbath Today
Next week we’ll be exploring verses that explain the Sabbath, but I encourage you to start reshaping your take on the Sabbath today. Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with reflection. Here are a couple ideas.
Are you exhausted? Does the word “refreshed” make your soul leap? Do you feel weary?
How do you currently observe the Sabbath? Is it just about church, or is there something deeper happening?
Pray that God would open your eyes and heart to what He wants the Sabbath to look like in your life and home. Ask God to give you a teachable heart and a discerning mind as you reexamine rest. Start a conversation in your home about Sabbath rest.
Coming Up: More on How to Take a Sabbath Rest
Next week I’ll be sharing 10 verses/passages that have reshaped the way I view Sabbath rest. Here are all the posts in the series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
In the meantime, I hope you’ll start thinking about how you can take a Sabbath rest. I’d love to have you share this if it touched your heart today–and I’d love to get to know you personally by connecting on Instagram and Facebook. There you’ll find daily encouragement and a community of others striving to live life with intentionality, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens.
If you are reading through the Bible, plan to, or have read it–you know that reading Old Testament law can be tricky (or nap inducing). Today I’m excited to share a few ways you can refresh your mindset toward the law. (You can get a couple reading plans here, or read about my love for chronological reading and the 90 day reading challenge.)
Reading Old Testament law is hard. It can be hard to comprehend and appreciate. Even harder to understand how it ties into the New Testament, modern church and our faith walk as “post-resurrection” believers.
I get it. I’ve been there–trying to keep my eyes open while reading Old Testament law, or simply letting my eyes move over chapters describing the sacrifices expected at feasts. It can be really, really hard.
Along the way I learned a few things that changed my mindset about these sections of Scripture. These things changed me. Not only could I read them and stay awake, but I came to like them. If you aren’t as big of a geek as me, like may be going a bit far. But I believe we can all come to a place of understanding and appreciation.
Refreshing Your Mindset For the Law + Free Study Guide!
Today I’m sharing seven points that shifted my mind and altered my attitude toward the “drier” sections of the Old Testament. I’ve also turned these points into a FREE printable study guide. You can get it over in the resource library or at the bottom of this post.
A Fresh Take on Reading Old Testament Law
God Is Speaking
Years ago someone encouraged me while I was struggling through the laws and details of the Pentateuch. She said, “I think those books are really cool. I mean, most of the just a record of God Himself speaking.”
I’d never thought of that before. These sections of text are dense with God’s direct communication to His people. It’s reading God’s actual words, to actual people!
God is Equipping a New Nation
After leaving Egypt, Israel was to become a new nation of its own. This was a huge undertaking, but God did not expect them to take it on alone. He didn’t expect them to figure it out on their own or make it up as they went along or copy other nations. Instead, He painstakingly told them everything they needed to know about living as a nation of their own, God’s chosen people.
The Law Assures Us That God Will Provide a Framework to Live Holy Lives in Any Culture
The laws in the Bible reflect in large measure the way ancient societies were structured. God’s revelation speaks into that context. The laws in the Bible do not seek to restructure society, but to affect how people live and think in the societal structure they have...The laws of the Bible seek to transform how people live in whatever sort of society they find themselves. No societal structure is flawless; it is always subject to the nature of the people who are part of it…
Consequently, when we look at the laws of the Bible, we are not looking for the picture of a perfect society nor should we think that God is endorsing such a society. We will find that the shape of Israelite society is often very much like those of her neighbors, but we should be attentive to the ways that the Bible goes further to protect the rights and dignity of those who might be vulnerable. In this way the Bible can pioneer new moral ground even while being situated in the familiar social structures of the ancient world…
While Biblical laws describe a society very much rooted in the ancient world, God calls his people to higher standards. The areas of commonality do not suggest that the Bible has borrowed from the legal literature of the ancient world; only that God addressed their society as it was, but sought to show them a pathway to holy living within that framework.
“Ancient Laws, Scripture and Modern Issues” Zondervan’s Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible
How comforting that God will provide a way for us to live holy lives within the framework of any culture or societal structure!
The Law Reveals God’s Heart
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of specifics laid out in the Law. But the law reveals God’s unchanging heart. Here are a few things the law reveals about God’s character:
While other Near Eastern cultures believed that gods relied on humans to serve them, it’s clear the God of Israel does not need the provision of humans. His desire is a relationship with man, not servants.
God does not expect perfection. Rather, His desire is our heart, trust and devotion. The law draws a clear line between those with appropriate and inappropriate heart posture. Our heart, not our actions or wealth have always been more important to God.
The law reveals God’s desire to show the world what it looks like to be in relationship with Him.
Jesus Valued the Law
References to the law are found throughout Scripture. This alone makes a general understanding of Biblical law relevant to us. Even more, Jesus valued the law and understood it. In Matthew 5:17-18 he says,
Do not think that I’ve come to abolish the Law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
A friend who is well versed in OT law recently told me that understanding the different categories of law helped her appreciate the laws overall. There are three types of laws laid out in Scripture: Ceremonial, Civil and Moral Laws.
Ceremonial laws aren’t observed anymore because the temple is no longer standing and many were prophetic and fulfilled in Jesus’ coming and atonement for our sins.
Civil laws were specific to life in Israel and in that time and culture.
Moral laws can still be applied today and are seen in teachings/letters sent to the early Church in the New Testament.
Atonement is Messy and Personal
Old Testament law clearly shows us that the atonement we desperately need to bridge the gap between us and God is messy. Atonement is personal, messy and serious. The law points to our need for a more lasting solution. The gap between us and God is wide and we are need a redeemer to help us: Jesus.
Reading Old Testament Law
I hope one or two of these will help refresh your mindset about reading Old Testament Law. If you are joining in on the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge, you may have already passed through the thickest part of books of the law–but there is still plenty left. Remember, the law is quoted over and over throughout Scripture. Having a basic understanding (original readers would have had a deep understanding) will help you better understand the rest of the Bible.
Grab the FREE Old Testament Law Study Guide: 7 ways to refresh your mindset about the law
Enjoy the 90 Day Plan!
Remember to head to the Resource Library to grab your study guide!
Remember to join me for more Bible geekery, everyday devotions and intentional living life through a Christ’s-Kingdom lens on Facebook or Instagram. I’d love to have you be part of our community there!
Once upon a time I was drawn like a moth to a flame when it came to spiritual gift assessments. I wanted so badly to understand my God given gifts and what they meant for my life. It took years of learning and letting go of some selfish ambition to understand that God offers our souls big freedom when we let go of the list and grab onto His purpose.
Trying to understand my God given gifts left me confused. I did lots of things and had lots of skills–but what was my gift? What job did God have for me to do?
Answering the Question: What Do You Do?
I spent a lot of time during my early Christian walk stressing about spiritual gifts. I’d eagerly take the spiritual gift tests. Anxiously read the descriptions in the inventory–hoping I’d fit in somewhere.
But often the test came back inconclusive. I’d measure equally for multiple gifts and nothing really stood out.
This mirrored real life where I had lots of interests and talent, but no one clear direction. Much of my life (both adolescent and adult) was spent searching for what I should b doing. What was my calling? What career should I pursue? Why didn’t any of my God given gifts bring in an income? How would I ever have a respectable answer to my least favorite question, “What do you do?”
I’m a mixed bag of tricks. Comfortable in the throws of a remodel. Speak contractor lingo fluently. Happy in the church kitchen. Loves dinner parties and formal holiday gatherings. Fearless of public speaking. Chronically curious. Fast learner. Skill gatherer. It’s all very mixed up and incongruous. Where did that leave me? Where would I ever fit? What gift label applied to me?
The time spent grappling to understand the gifts God had given me felt like wandering around in the dark. Why did it seem like everyone else had a path that fit them? Instead of walking in freedom, I a slave to comparison. Comparing my walk to others’. Comparing my (nonexistent) income to others’. I was sure that God had given me gifts, but I didn’t see them.
If I was good at so many things, why didn’t any of it amount to success? Why didn’t I have a “real job?” Or a “real” paycheck?
Maybe one or two of you can relate.
Clarity on God Given Gifts
Years later, I was honest with God about this struggle to find worth in career and my confusion about my God given gifts. He provided clarity to me. This week when reading from Exodus for the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge intersected with a study of Ephesians I remembered my years of turmoil over God given gifts.
Spiritual Gifts in Ephesians
In Ephesians Paul lists out several “spiritual gifts” given to the Church. (This is one of the passages often quoted during my spiritual gift test exercises.)
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers…
I looked at the list. Options of gifts that I might have. (Also in 1 Cor 12, Rom 12.) Wondering which ones I was given. Thinking if only I could figure out my gifts, I’d be more fit to serve, more capable of finding a “real job,” more content in my own life.
The Purpose of Our God Given Gifts
But the freeing truth God showed me isn’t in the list. Let’s look at the complete sentence from Ephesians 4. (Emphasis mine.)
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13
What my selfish heart overlooked during those early years of searching for purpose was right there all along. It’s not about the list. It’s about the purpose.
The purpose of our God given gifts is equipping other believers for their service. Building (both encouraging and expanding) the Church. And–Our gifts are to be employed until we all attain unity of faith, knowledge of Jesus and the “body of Christ” grows into a mature man.
We are free to use our gifts in any way they manifest, as long as serve this purpose. God doesn’t require our gifts to gain fame, define our career or even pay the bills. Changing our mindset makes us free to live and serve joyfully–instead of feeling like a failure because our gifts don’t fit or aren’t in the career aptitude test.
Gifts in Exodus
Exodus lists lots of other specific gifts given to craftsmen while they are building the tabernacle. Perfumers, those who work with gold, weavers, builders…The jobs listed are extensive, but Scripture is clear that all of these gifts are given from God. (Emphasis mine.)
Moses continued, “So Bezalel and Oholiab will do the work as the Lord has commanded. They will do this with the help of every other craftsman to whom the Lord has given the necessary skills and talents. They will know how to do all the work for constructing the holy place.”
Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every other craftsman to whom the Lord had given these skills and who was willing to come and do the work.
I was hoping to be put in a box, given a label–all so I could serve my own interests. I wanted to put my gifts to use for myself. But really–God’s purpose for our gifts (whatever they may be) is to serve others and build His body up.
I thought I needed to find a gift that fit from a list on a test. But really–all our interests, natural inclinations and abilities are from God, to be used for His glory.
Don’t be frustrated because you don’t do it all or wish you were like someone else. The unique makeup of YOU is evidence that you were designed intentionally by an intelligent God.
Don’t be fooled by the lie that God is hiding your purpose. Making His will difficult to find and easy to overlook. I thought to “find God’s will for me,” meant knowing my gifts and exactly how to employ them in a career.
Gifts can look many different ways. A gift can manifest in the ability to preach before a congregation or weave beautiful tapestries. No matter what the gift is, the purpose is more important than the gift itself.
Friends, you are gifted. But we are called to turn those gifts outward. Remove the stress and burden of figuring out how to use your gifts to further yourself–instead, employ them the way God intended. To equip others for work and build the church until we attain unity of faith and the body of Christ grows into a mature man. When you reshape your mindset, you will find that your heart has room to breathe and you feel more free to use your giftings to their fullest.
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