Lately, I’ve noticed a subtle shift in my Sabbath rhythm. Most days, my devotions begin at the dining room table—Bible open, verse cards spread out, commentary nearby. But on Sabbaths, I used to step outside, settling into my lawn chair as the sun began to rise, breathing slowly and simply being with God.

These last couple of weeks, though, I’ve started my Sabbath mornings indoors, following my usual weekday pattern—Scripture memory, devotionals, reading. All good, life-giving practices, yet something felt different. Harder. Less peaceful.

As I’ve reflected, I realize what’s been missing. My Sabbath is meant to begin not with doing, but with being. Not with reading, but resting. Before Scripture study or memorization, before devotion or reflection, I need to first quiet my soul and just enter God’s presence.

It’s a gentle reminder that even our most sacred habits can become substitutes for the One they point us to. The heart of Sabbath—and really of all spiritual formation—is presence. To sit, breathe, and simply be with Jesus. Everything else flows from there.

Hidden in the Heart

This week brought a breakthrough worth celebrating! After weeks of steady practice, I’ve moved all my Bible memory verse flashcards into the “memorized” pile. Now begins the joyful work of reinforcement—seeing the verse and recalling its reference, or hearing the reference and reciting the verse.

I don’t share this to boast, but to testify that it can be done. Scripture memory is slow, sacred work—an act of formation that integrates mind and heart. Over time, the Word begins to dwell richly within us, ready to rise in prayer, in conversation, and in moments of need.

A pastor friend remarked recently, “Wow, Dave, it’s like you’re bam-bam reciting verses so quickly.” His words were affirming—not because I was trying to impress, but because the Word is becoming part of me, flowing naturally into everyday life.

I’m deeply encouraged and want you to experience this same joy. When we commit Scripture to memory, we build a hidden well of truth within us—a reservoir from which the Spirit draws living water to nourish our souls and strengthen our walk with Jesus.

In His Presence, First

This Sabbath, as I re-read Jack Deere’s Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, one paragraph pierced my heart (p.198):

“Even if you have vast quantities of biblical knowledge, you will only become proud and clever at hurting people if you do not consistently come into God’s presence. Even if you have powerful spiritual gifts, you will only wreak havoc in the church if you do not come into his presence on a consistent basis. We will never grow in passion for the Son of God, nor be ultimately profitable for his service, if we do not come into his presence on a consistent basis.”

Wow. What a powerful and necessary statement. And so relevant in this moment.

As I sat with those words, I sensed the Holy Spirit connecting the threads of my Sabbath. Earlier that morning, during my reflection on resistance, I realized that I’ve often prioritized activity—devotions, Bible reading, and even celebrating Scripture memorization—before simply entering God’s presence. Yet, through this reading, I felt the loving presence of Jesus inviting me back to being before doing—to start by sitting quietly with Him.

It felt orchestrated—perfectly aligned. The Teacher Himself was guiding me gently, reminding me that spiritual formation flows not from effort, but from abiding. My heart returned again to one of my memory verses:

“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4–5, NIV)

Indeed, He is faithful to teach, to guide, and to form us—when we begin by dwelling in His presence first.