Greetings everyone,

You may notice a few changes to our weekly Sabbath letter. Same intent and purpose, just under a different heading. Credit goes to my sister, Amber Duran, for formatting this new look.

Part of our responsibility in keeping the Sabbath is to "remember the Sabbath day" (Exodus 20:8). The word for remember in Hebrew is zakar. It can be translated to think about, meditate, pay attention, declare, recollect or remember. The word is in what is called the infinitive tenses meaning it is not limited in time. A different way of translating this could be - always keep the Sabbath in mind. The Soncino Commentary says this about zakar "Always keep the Sabbath in mind during the week." Certainly, we should not forget the Sabbath in the course of our lives, but we also need to be mindful of the Sabbath throughout the week.

Let's consider the instructions in Isaiah 58:13-14. This is a pivotal selection when it comes to Sabbath observance. For us to properly preserve the intent of this Holy time, our focus needs to shift from doing our weekly work and pleasure, to thinking, speaking, acting, and delighting on the things of God. This is where our responsibility to remember comes in. During the week, we should be looking towards and preparing for God's Sabbath. Preparing for what? Preparing ourselves so we can give this day the focus God desires. The responsibility is reflected in what is called "the preparation day" (Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; John 19:14,31,42; Exodus 16:23).

In a physical sense, this means taking care of those things which could distract, and ultimately detract from this 24-hour period. By thinking on and taking care of these things, it allows us to better fulfill what God intends for this day. Perhaps a shortcoming of mine can serve as an example. Years ago, Tiffany and I were getting ready to leave for Sabbath Services and when we got in the car, I noticed that the gas gauge was nearly on empty. This meant a short detour to get gas, which was simple. However, as I stood filling up the car, and swiping my credit card, I could not help thinking that this could have been prevented. If I had given thought during the week, I could have easily filled up with gas Friday afternoon and avoided the unneeded distraction during Holy time.

Aside from physical preparation, we also have the obligation to prepare our hearts and minds. Many times, we find ourselves busy with our daily routines and come crashing into the Sabbath. Even if we have found the time to physically prepare for the Sabbath, we bring in the cares and worries from the week. The challenge is to try to turn that off and devote our thoughts to the things of God. Preparation during the week (especially on Friday) can allow us to give our whole attention to God. This can mean writing down what is on our mind to get it our of our system. It may simply mean taking some time in prayer and meditation before sunset to ask for God's help in clearing our minds.

As we wrap up this sixth day of the week and our final day to prepare for God's Sabbath, lets keep these things in mind. Have we properly prepared to keep the Sabbath? Perhaps this Sabbath is a good time to review how well we are remembering the Sabbath day. We can take a mental note of the things that pull our focus away from God. Once we have a starting point, Sunday we have an opportunity to make changes to our weekly routine.

I pray this Sabbath is one with a proper focus and is a delight to us all!

Devin Schulz