Let me start with this if you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or leader who loves Jesus but also loves building and moving with vision, the traditional idea of “Sabbath” might feel a little… rigid. In this blog, I am still processing this topic aloud and discovering the Father’s heart, albeit in some ways still in a reflective state.
I get it. For a long time, I struggled to reconcile what honoring the Sabbath really looked like in a world where creativity flows on a Saturday, and rest doesn’t always mean doing nothing.
But over time, as I leaned deeper into God’s heart and stepped away from the noise of religion, I began to experience a different kind of Sabbath. One that wasn’t about a list of rules or rituals but about relationship, resonance, and real rest.
This blog isn’t just about what I do it’s about what I discovered. And if you’ve ever wrestled with “Am I honoring God if I’m doing something others might call work?” this is for you.
Let’s dive in.
What Even Is the Sabbath… and Why Does It Matter?
In the Old Testament, the Sabbath is a command: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. So the Jewish people followed that rhythm: from Friday evening to Saturday evening, no work, no travel, no business. Complete rest.
It was a covenant symbol between God and Israel. And to this day, many still honor it the same way.
But here’s where it gets interesting. When Jesus showed up, He didn’t cancel the Sabbath He fulfilled it. He even said:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath… and the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27–28)
That means the Sabbath wasn’t meant to become a burden it was meant to bless us. To realign us with God, remind us we’re more than what we produce, and help us return to the original rhythm we were created for. 🌅
My Personal Wrestling Match with the Sabbath
A good friend and mentor of mine has a deep conviction about observing the Sabbath as it was initially intended. Friday to Saturday, no work, complete rest. And he’s not Jewish, he’s a full-on follower of Jesus. (Which I greatly respect and love my brother from another mother deeply). His heart for people is sincere, true, and is authentic to his core. He still makes himself available to this day for ongoing dialogue on this subject. His love, much like Christ’s love, knows no bounds.
Now, I respect that. In fact, I’ve learned a lot from his walk with God and his devotion. But it got me thinking…
- If I sit down on a Saturday and start working on a landing page…
- If I’m designing something beautiful that lights up my spirit…
- If I feel closer to God in those moments than in any religious activity…
…am I breaking the Sabbath?
I wasn’t trying to find a loophole. I was trying to find the truth behind the law not just the letter of it.
So I asked God directly:
“If I’m in flow with You, if my heart is Yours, and I’m building something that brings life… am I out of alignment just because it looks like ‘work’?”
And what I kept sensing in my spirit was this:
“Son, I made you to create. Don’t confuse religion with reverence.”
That’s when everything shifted.
LET’S LOOK TOGETHER
The Sabbath Jesus Modeled
Jesus flipped the whole idea of Sabbath on its head.
- He healed people on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1–6)
- He fed the hungry (Matthew 12:1–8)
He walked with His disciples and taught in the synagogues.
To the Pharisees, He was breaking the law.
To the hurting and hungry, He was bringing life.
He wasn’t ignoring the Sabbath. He was reframing it.
It seems Jesus wasn’t just giving people a day off. He was offering them a way in into rest, healing, wholeness, and truth.
He didn’t just observe a day…
He became the Lord of the Sabbath the One we rest in, every day.
The Kingdom Builder’s Sabbath Framework
A Spirit-Led Rhythm for Rest, Realignment, and Renewal
Here’s how I now honor the Sabbath in a way that actually fills my soul, strengthens my relationship with Jesus, and honors the intent behind the command without falling into a pit of performance or guilt.
1. Friday Evening: “Sacred Signal”
As the sun sets, I take a few moments to pause and shift my heart into Sabbath mode.
- I light a candle (or dim the lights)
- I say a prayer like:
“Lord, I release this week. Thank you for being my rest. Speak to me however You want to.” - I may put on worship music, go silent, or crack open a Psalm.
- I silence distractions and tune in to Presence (Grounded, Mindful, Reflective, and in something new I have learned Stillness.
The goal here isn’t to be “holy.” It’s to be available. – Stephen Scogggins
2. Saturday Morning: “Be Before You Do”
I wake up slowly. No phone. No pressure.
I let the morning set its own pace. Sometimes that looks like:
- Making a real breakfast
- Reading the Word (or something that feeds my spirit)
- Taking a walk in nature
- Listening to worship or silence
I ask:
“What does my soul need today to be whole?”
This isn’t laziness, it’s alignment.
3. Saturday Midday: “Sacred Creation Time” (Optional)
This is where it gets unconventional.
If I feel the nudge to create, build a brand asset, write a message, sketch a strategy I give myself the green light…
As long as it’s not about performance.
This isn’t a hustle. This is holy expression.
I set a timer or sacred block 1 to 3 hours max and I create with God, not for outcome.
If it feels like co-creating with the Creator, it’s worship.
If it starts to feel like striving, I shut it down and reset.
4. Saturday Afternoon: “Reflection & Realignment”
Before the day fades, I make space to journal and reflect.
No agenda just truth.
Here are a few prompts I love:
- Where did I feel closest to God today?
- What burden do I need to lay down before the week begins?
- What truth is God anchoring in me right now?
- What do I hear you say, Lord?
This is where I process what God whispered earlier and plant it deep.
5. Saturday Evening: “Closing with Communion”
To seal the day, I’ll often:
- Share a meal with someone I love (or solo in reverence)
- Take communion (bread and juice/wine)
- Say a simple prayer of gratitude and expectation for the week ahead
This is my exhale. My reset. My reminder that it’s all about Jesus.
A Few of My Guiding Principles I Want to Share
If you’re stepping into this rhythm for the first time, keep these in mind:
1. The Sabbath is a Gift, Not a Guilt Trip.
If it starts to feel like pressure, pause. Reconnect to Presence.
2. It’s Not About What You “Don’t Do”… It’s About Who You’re With.
This isn’t about avoiding activity. It’s about entering intimacy.
3. Jesus Is the Lord of Your Rest.
He’s not waiting to punish you. He’s waiting to pour into you.
4. You Get to Design with God.
Sabbath isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a flow. Let Him show you your version.
Final Word: Rest Is the Weapon
The enemy loves to keep us in performance mode. Always grinding. Always proving.
But Sabbath rest reminds us:
- We are loved without earning or performance
- We are whole without striving, hustling, or grinding.
- We are safe without production.
And that’s why I’m learning to fiercely protect this space, not because I have to, but because I’ve tasted the fruit of it.
And now? I want you to experience it too.
Let’s freaking rest, grow, and walk with Jesus together. 🌅
Much Love & Light, God bless
Stephen
