Making It Real: Practical Steps for Sabbath and Service

We've talked about the why of Sabbath and service all week. But now comes the hard part: the how.Hi everyone! I'm Paul Fowler, the Lake Forest Campus Pastor, and this is our final devotion in this week's "Holy Habits" series on Sabbath and Service. We've covered the theology, the biblical history, and the heart behind these practices. But if we don't know how to actually live them out, it's just information.So today, we're getting practical.In this video, we walk through simple, actionable steps to help you actually do the thing:For Sabbath:First, decide on a day. Is Sunday your best option? Saturday? A weekday? There's no one-size-fits-all answer.Then, decide what you'll do—and more importantly, what you'll stop doing. The Sabbath was made for you, not you for the Sabbath. What brings you refreshment and helps you connect with God?Start small. Maybe it's just a morning without screens. Maybe it's an afternoon with no commitments. And remember: the Israelites prepared before the Sabbath. Give yourself time to set it up.For Service:Start at home. Serving isn't just a church activity—it's a posture. How can you serve your spouse, your kids, your roommates, your coworkers this week?Find a place to serve formally. The church and the community need you. You have a spiritual gift that is meant to be used.If you're not sure where to serve, reach out! Contact a campus pastor. Let us help you find the place where your gifts can make a difference.Your life with God stands before you. God gave you the Sabbath as a gift. He gave you gifts to serve the church. The question is: How will you embrace them?Take some time today to pray through this. And if you're looking for a place to serve at Christ Church, please reach out—we'd love to help you get connected.Don't forget to like and subscribe as we continue our Holy Habits series with more topics in the weeks ahead!