Whatever

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart . . ." (Col. 3: 23).

     I grew up in a town so small that the sixties didn't get there until the seventies (actually it's where I still live).  As a teen back there and then, friends would often ask me the probing question, "what it is?" I remember feeling stumped, and usually responded with a question of my own, "yeah, uh, what's happening?" We would then end the philosophical dialogue at the same time saying "cool." 

     It all happened quick.

     Later in college I learned that the "what it is" question is such an important one that it has its own school of thought:  "Ontology"-the study of being ("what it is").  "It" can be a pretty big subject.  Really, it is.

     Groovy.

     Kids today continue to ponder the question "what it is."  The response of "cool" has now been replaced by a statement that is far more cynical, "whatever."  Who among us has not heard the juvenile response, "whatever," accompanied with a roll of the eyes and shrug of the shoulders, to some comment or request?  I think "whatever" is a twenty-first century kid's response to a "sixties"  kid question:  "what it is . . ."

     Not so groovy.

     Leave "it" to the Apostle Paul to bring clarity to the discussion, with his "whatever" discourse in Colossians, saying, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus (3: 17a) . . . and "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart . . ." (3: 23).  

     Paul acknowledges that it is a problem knowing what it is (whether "it" is a career choice, a marriage partner, a calling, a medical diagnosis, and etc.) but goes on to say that in the mystery of whatever we can know "who" (". . . in the name of the Lord Jesus") and "why" ("work at it with all your heart").  In other words the answers to the "who" and "why" questions may have to suffice until we get to Heaven and know "what."

     Many young adults today remain immature "adult-olescents."  Why?  They live in a world of options: so many colleges, majors, careers, potential partners, and etc., leading to "paralysis by analysis" and the response "whatever" to life's choices.  Paul might counsel, "don't just sit there in your parent's basement, do "something" and do it for the Lord and work at it with all your heart."

     The next time your teen responds, "whatever," finish the thought with "(whatever) it is do it for the Lord" and "do it with all your heart."

Blessings for a Sabbatical peace growing out of an understanding of the "Who" and the "why" in a vacuum of knowing "what"--

Pastor Tim

     

     

     

     

Our Mixed-Up World

"And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory" (Isaiah 66: 18).



     We live in a mixed-up world.  Fortunately, the Bible contains "mixed messages" for us to ponder.  Let me explain.

     The Old Testament prophets existed for two purposes:(1) they preached God's judgement toward sinners, and (2) hope that He would provide a Savior.  This mixed message of judgement and grace reflected not contradiction but coordination.

     The prophets wanted readers to know that the hardships they were facing were not by accident but design--i.e., that God intentionally used the plague or the Babylonians to punish Israel for her rebellion. Israel was not at the mercy of random and unrelated accidents of history.  God was in control.  Thus, He could bless or punish, using whatever or whomever He willed to be His instruments.  The Good News was that a God capable of judgement was also capable of mercy.  Judgement was redemptive in nature.  He disciplined those He loved.  But those who continued to reject Him would continue to reap His wrath.

     Isaiah has 66 chapters (the Bible has 66 books), of which the first 39 deal primarily with the judgement of God (as does the first 39 books of the Bible, the Old Testament), while the last 27 reveal the God of Mercy (as does the 27 books of the New Testament).  Isaiah wraps up his message at the end by forecasting Heaven and Hell, reminded that God is capable of wrath and mercy.

     Living here, East of Eden and short of Heaven, we respond to the "How's Life Question" with, "well, do you want the good news or the bad news first?"  Life's a mixed bag of good and evil, but it's comforting to know that God is Lord of both, and that evil has a short shelf life for the one who trusts in the mercy of Christ.  God can even use the evil acts of His adversary to accomplish His purposes.  The evil that God allows is relieved and redeemed for the repentant.

     Hell, itself, is good news for the saved.  God is preparing a place where Satan and all of evil will be contained and destroyed so goodness can triumph for eternity.  History (God's Story) is not random, but has a glorious beginning (because God is Creator), a mixed-up middle (because man is a sinner), and a decisive end (because God gets the last Word).  There is purpose and meaning all the way through.

Blessings for Sabbatical peace lived out in a mixed-up world, en route toward a new world of pure joy,

Pastor Tim

REMINDERS:
This week's meal is potluck soup.  Bring a pot of soup to share or cornbread, crackers or dessert.  Tea and lemonade will be provided for everyone.  Please let Julie or Pauletta know if you are bringing soup.  We just need to make sure we have plenty of the main dish for everyone.  If you are bringing crackers, cornbread or dessert, there is no need to let us know unless you just want to.

Also, we are excited for the beginning of our worship choir!  If you are a joyful worshipper, we need you to join us!  If you plan to sing, come a little before 6 to eat and join us in the sanctuary at 6:15.  Looking forward to an awesome time of worship Saturday night!

We would like to say a special "thank you" to all our faithful volunteers who come early to set up tables, help serve,  clean up after the service, help with the nursery, play /sing on the praise band.  We are so blessed to have such a hard-working group who love their Lord so much, they are willing to get their hands dirty and serve Him however needed.

   

True Peace

"We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53: 6).

     When it comes to ministry, is it typically your way to "over" or "under" commit?

     Do you easily say "yes" to requests driven by a desire to please or to attain, or do you tend to say a quick "no" having learned to spare yourself the trouble?

     When it comes to ministry, there is a peace which "passes understanding," but also a complacency that passes as peace.  In other words, it is possible to find peace with God being affirmed that we are living our lives in obedience to His commands--we know our spiritual gifts, have evaluated our natural abilities and have answered His call to be a steward in His kingdom.  We are able to say "yes" to the very best that is offered, and "no" to the good things that are an enemy to the best.

      Complacency sneaks in undercover as peace.  Complacency makes ministry decisions based on what's in it for us.  We say "yes"only to things that further our personal agenda or "no" to opportunities that challenge our sloth or desire to be spared the trouble.  We are complacent in our rut and call it peace.

     The Bible is our compass and the Holy Spirit our guide to help us chart a life path between the illusionary heights of selfish ambition and the swamp of slothful complacency.  We must be quick to hear and know our Shepherd's voice and confidently respond to His command.  In making ministry decisions we must guard against the "push" of personal ambition and the "pull" of sloth and irresponsibility.  We must constantly seek with discernment the One who knows and shows His way for us to follow.

Blessings toward a Sabbatical surrender of wills to the One who knows best,

Pastor Tim

REMINDER:

Saturday night Sabbath Eve service...Taco Salad at 6 PM and worship at 7 PM.  This is a great opportunity to invite your unchurched friends and neighbors.

ALPHA studies are in full swing on Sunday mornings, but that doesn't mean you've missed it and can't still come and participate!  We have a class for everyone...even the children!  Coed and children meet at the home of Tim & Julie Everett at 10 AM. Women and men's only classes meet at the home of Ruel & Pauletta Davis at 10 AM.  Make sure you are availing yourselves to regular Bible study.  We are hearing some awesome testimonies of what God is doing through these ALPHA studies...you don't want to miss it!

Bridge Building

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this, not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast ( Eph. 2: 8-9).

     Our new ministry is intended to be inter-denominational.  Why inter-denominational and not non-denominational?

     In my mind, non-denominationalism has become something of a denomination in itself.  Certain things come to mind when someone says I go to a church that is Baptist, Methodist, or Non-Denominational.  Non-denominationalism testifies, I think rightly, of the evils of religious tribalism, but may deny some of the achievements that various denominations have contributed to the Kingdom.

     Inter-denominationalism speaks to the fact that no sect of churches has a monopoly on God's will, and chooses to celebrate the value of each (each that is orthodox, of course, and consistent with the essentials of Scripture).

     Non-D. may be thought of as a "fence" that separates itself from others, while inter-D. can be viewed as a "bridge" that identifies and connects and learns from the traditions of others.  We should study history in light of Scripture and learn to borrow from the best and discard the rest.

     Four recent Texas Aggie graduates are on a quest to ride mustang horses from the Mexican border to Canada in order to shoot a documentary that portrays the plight of the American mustangs.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is still possible in America to travel 3,000 miles on public land void of fences.

     While fences must be built to separate ourselves from heresy and unbiblical models of doing church, it is imperative that we strive to connect with the very best that we can learn from others, and work together with them to obey God's commands and purposes.  The landscape of church life in America reveals far too many fences and not enough bridges.  May we extend the grace we receive from God toward others, and resist boasting of works as though we were the only one doing them.

     I dream of a congregation of members of various denominations that share a pew and a concern to reach the lost for Christ, and not to win "christians" to their particular denominational or non-denominational tradition.


Praying blessings for you as you seek a Sabbatical rest from striving to convert Christ followers to your brands be it Baptist, Charismatic, Methodist, Catholic, etc. and etc.,

Pastor Tim

Freedom

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5: 1).

     How can we, the church,  lead "philistines" to salvation in Christ without turning them into "pharisees?"

     Paul writes the letter of Galatians to warn of the tendency to use religion as an instrument to control and keep people in their place.  Paul's passion for freedom was grounded in his memory of living the Pharisaical life "BC" (before Christ).  He couldn't stomach the news that believers were cashing in their freedom in Christ for a false sense of security in conforming to the demands of the religionists. Paul did not want the Church's future to look like his past.   Paul the "freeman" had no use for Saul the "lawman," or for that matter, Christians demanding gentiles be circumcised to prove their worth to the church.  

     Believers must learn the Scriptures to counter the demands of a "Christ-less" religion.  Every church is cultic to the point it impedes or supersedes the example and teachings of Christ.  True worshippers of Christ will see through the efforts of those who use religion to manipulate and control.  The sad history of religion bears out the concern and warnings of Paul to the churches of Galatia.

May the Lord lead you into a sabbatical rest from the efforts of Satan to burden christians with demands that run counter to His Word--

Pastor Tim

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

We are so excited about the fish fry this Saturday night at 6 PM!  Make sure to give out those tickets to unchurched friends and neighbors to invite them to come be a part of what God is doing among us.  Jim, Ron, Smiley, Ruel, Grover, and Garrett promise to have plenty of delicious fish, fries, and trimmings for everyone...thanks guys!

Also, we need 4 more people to volunteer for dessert for Saturday night.  Be sure to let Julie or Pauletta know if you can bring something sweet.

Thanks again for the amazing way you all have worked together as a faith family to make Sabbatical Life the great success it is!  We have heard some powerful testimonies of how God is moving through this ministry, and it is such a blessing to be able to witness it first-hand!

Eluding "IT"

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you" (Psalm 56: 3).

     Remember as a child playing chase and trying to avoid being tagged by "IT"?  The only safe place from "IT" was a place called "base" where "IT" was not allowed.

     I heard from a quirky news report of some state that had outlawed the game of "tag, you're it."  I can't remember the reason it was banned, being distracted by the thought that in this state, some poor kid had just been tagged, and will now have to remain "IT" for the rest of his life!

     What is "IT" that scares you today?  As we age, we continue to run from "IT."  "IT" no longer is a best friend, with a goofy grin on her face, giggling while she chases . . ."IT" can be any number of things with any number of masks and names.  "IT" may even be a nameless, faceless dread that chases us in the day and haunts us through the night.  We fear that we will be tagged by this monster and become "IT'S" slave.

     The Bible gives us a full narrative of King David who knew what it was like to be chased by "IT."  But David also knew where his safe "base" was.

     Do you?


God's blessings as you flee to the Sabbatical Rest base, where "IT" can't pursue,

Tim

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

Sabbath Eve Service Saturday night....meal begins at 6 PM with red beans and sausage with rice, cornbread, and dessert.  Worship at 7 PM.  Garrett Ranz will be preaching in my absence.

After much anticipation, ALPHA studies begin this Sunday morning at 10 AM! Ladies only and Men only classes will be held at Ruel & Pauletta Davis' home and Co-eds will meet at our home.  There will also be children's Bible study and activities at our home.  Looking forward to this exciting time together!

Don't forget....we need volunteers for nursery during Sabbath Eve services on Saturday nights.  This is a very important, much-needed ministry.  If we get enough volunteers, we will only need to serve once every couple of months.  Please pray whether or not God would have you serve in this awesome ministry!

     

9/11

"Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy,  do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it"  (Isaiah 8: 12).

     Where were you on 9/11/2001?

     Today is the12th anniversary of the taking down of the twin towers--the "coming of age experience" of most Americans in realizing that radical Islam desired the end of western civilization.  America woke up to realize the threat of a "new" enemy.

      Zach and Hannah had just enrolled at Sarepta School and were staying with grandparents while Julie and I were finishing packing in Alexandria and preparing for our move.  It was a tough day to be separated from family and to be making a major transition in life.  We held to our faith and trusted that God was on His throne.

     Later we saw how our faith became sight in a very real way.

       Hannah had a man enter her 5th grade classroom on that same fateful day, to deliver a red New Testament with the date 9/11/2001 inscribed in the front.  The timing of this faithful Gideon and the gift of God's Word serves us still to know God is in control and remains vigilant in the watch-care of His own.

     Wars and rumors of wars of the past twelve years remind us that Islamic terrorism remains real.  But Isaiah, having witnessed the awesome presence of God enthroned in chapter 6, reminds us in chapter 8 not to fear what others fear and not to quake at every conspiracy theory we hear.  Isaiah testifies that when we have a holy, healthy, and reverent fear of God then we need not fear anything or anyone else.

Blessings as you pursue the Sabbatical Life experience and the comfort in knowing that peace is coming to the Middle East (and to your heart) when the Prince of Peace leaves His throne to call us to the new place He has prepared for His own . . .

Tim

Godly Sorrow

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death"  (2 Cor. 7:10).

     A. W. Tozer once said that if you want to be happy don't pray for discernment.  Assessment of "living east of Eden" causes one to sorrow over sin--cultural sins and one's own sin.  But while this may cause temporary unhappiness, discernment that leads to Christ creates permanent joy.  Let me explain:

     Paul reminds us of two very different kinds of sorrow--worldly and Godly.  The Apostle provides no prescription for earthly sorrow, but encourages us that Godly sorrow entails a process leading to a happy ending.  Godly sorrow leads to repentance (turning from sin to Christ), which then leads to salvation with no regrets.

    Complacency of sins leads to eternal condemnation while repentance that leads to salvation leads to eternal joy.  Thus the saying,  "God comforts the afflicted but afflicts the comfortable."  

     Every life outside of Christ can be summed up in three words: sin, sorrow and death.  Praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who breaks this cycle of violence with salvation that leaves no regret. Believers rejoice that Godly sorrow is but a pathway leading us through tough times toward a permanent place of peace and refuge.

     Praising the Prince of Peace as He guides you through the Valley of the Shadow toward the home He has prepared for you.  Don't forget to allow yourself Sabbatical rest stops along the way.

Tim


REMINDERS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

     Looking forward to our Sabbath Eve service and meal this Saturday night (meal at 6 pm, worship at 7) at the Trinity Worship Center.  The menu this week is smoked chicken, potato salad, baked beans, rolls, and dessert. Special thanks to Rusty Hines for smoking the chicken for us and also to those of you who have been asked to provide desserts this week! I pray that God will bring a face to your mind in need of an invitation to attend.  Praise God for the lives that are already being impacted!

     We are in great need of volunteers for nursery service for those children who are too young for children's worship and too young to remain in worship (birth - 3 yrs). If we had 8-10 volunteers, that would mean only serving every 2 months or so.  This is a need that is vital to the success of our overall ministry.  Please be praying about this area of service and let Julie or Tim know if you are available for this wonderful ministry.  Debbie Aycock is our volunteer this week for nursery service....thank you, Debbie!

     Sunday week (that's southern slang for "not this Sunday but the next") we will begin 3 alpha study groups.  One for co-eds (being taught in our home), one for men and one for ladies (both of these locations are TBA).

     God is tremendously blessing this ministry financially!  Praise God for faithful tithers!  We are striving to be good stewards of the resources God is blessing us with.  Pauletta Davis has graciously taken on the position of treasurer for Sabbatical Life Ministry.  She has August's financial statement ready for any of you who would like to have a copy to see how we are doing financially and where the funds were spent this past month.  Please contact Pauletta if you would like to receive a copy. Remember, if you need to receive tax credit for your giving, make your checks payable to Wild Goose Outreach with a memo to Sabbatical Life.  If you do not need tax credit, you can make your checks payable directly to Sabbatical Life.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

     And lastly, we need weekly volunteers for set-up and clean-up.  If you are available to arrive a little early to help set-up tables and meal prep...or if you can stay a little later and help clean-up and put things back in order, please let Pauletta, Tim, or Julie know.  It has been such a blessing to see everyone pull together like a family to get things done for the Kingdom!

   

Lord of the Sabbath

Therefore the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Mark 2: 28).

     "Monday," according to one cynic, "in a christian country, is the day following . . . THE FOOTBALL GAME!"

     Tonight, right before the LSU football season opener, some of us will be attending our Sabbath Eve service and lifting our hands in worship to Jesus--King of kings and Lord of lords, while others will be getting the party ready in hopes of lifting hands signaling, TOUCHDOWN, LSU!

     A blue grass singer sharing her life's story said that where she grew up Elvis was king and Jesus was Lord.  Great line.  But, in all seriousness, we know the Great Throne is not a love seat accommodating two occupants.  Paths separate.  Choices have to be made.  Priorities have to be set.

     What rivalries challenge Jesus as your King of kings, and Lord of lords?  Each of us must fight these  "throne pretenders."  Sabbath Day, is ground zero in the battle.

Praying a blessed, Sabbatical life for you as you prioritize King Jesus as Lord of your Sabbath . . .

Tim

REMINDER:
Tonight will be our second Sabbath Eve worship event!  You don't want to miss what God has planned for you!  We will begin will a taco salad meal at 6 and worship at 7 for all ages.

Tomorrow morning (Sunday), we will have 3 Bible study opportunities for you to choose from.  All will begin at 10 AM.  If you prefer to be in a men only class, Grover Ranz will be leading you, and if your preference is a ladies only class, Pauletta Davis will be leading you.  Both of these groups will meet at Ruel & Pauletta Davis' house this week in separate areas.  If you prefer a co-ed class setting, Julie & I will be leading and hosting this class in our home.  Children are welcome at the co-ed class and activities will be provided.
I hope you will take advantage of one of these Bible study options.

Many are the Wonders

     "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done.  The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare (Ps. 40: 5).

     Praise the Lord for the wonder of our first Sabbath Eve experience this weekend.  Over 110 worshippers of all ages and from all walks of life, shared a fellowship meal and awesome celebration of worship.  My high expectations paled in comparison to the reality of what we witnessed.  Strangers met and later left feeling like a faith family.

     Smiley and Shirley Nehls and their cooking team prepared a great meal that fed double what was anticipated.  Garrett Ranz and Caroline Adams and the children's team ministered ably to over 15 kids.  And Julie and her worship team sounded as though they had been playing together for years.

     In short, it was a God thing--may He receive glory!

     A new day has dawned in Springhill . . . a new work is beginning . . . hope is inspiring faith. . .  you prayed and God has answered.

     We will continue to walk in step with His spirit.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Tim

   

The Most Excellent Way

     Paul stresses unity in the church.  In 1 Corinthians 12-14 we have the famous discourse on how the Holy Spirit's gifts enable each church member to work out his unique calling into the life and ministry of the church, while acknowledging that the Lord is in control.
       
     "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men ( 12: 4-6).

     Paul speaks of the diversity of the church in areas of giftedness by saying that we don't all possess the same gifts:  "Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have the gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?" (12: 29-30).

     But then Paul interrupts his teaching to pen a beautiful poem (I Cor. 13),  reminding us there is something we can all do.  Paul says this is the most excellent way to live.  Paul points that this characteristic insures unity with Christ and in the church.

     LOVE.

     The gifts of the Spirit must be exercised in light of the fruit of the Spirit.  Love is the first fruit by which the others (joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) grow.

     An attitude of love contributes more toward a church's success than does an aptitude for giftedness.

     God's blessings on your effort to the live the Sabbatical Life in following Christ's example to minister out of love,

Tim


Announcements

I'm so excited-- our first worship event will be this coming Saturday night at Trinity Worship Center.  We will begin with an Agape Meal at 6 pm, and then begin worship at 7 pm.  There will be a fun-themed worship time for children of all ages, that includes Bible study, music, and games!  You don't want to miss what God has in store for us!


       

Sing a new song

          "Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre.  Sing to Him a new
        song; play skillfully, and shout for joy" (Psalm 33: 2-3).

     I like old songs.

     Old songs have the power to evoke strong emotions and memories.  Just hearing a familiar song can mentally transport me back to childhood at Mt. Union Church with Mama Everett, or jar loose teen memories from high school, or early marriage moments with Julie, and Zach and Hannah in miniature form.

     Old songs remind us of what was.

     But Psalm 33 says that the Lord likes new songs!  He desires songwriters and singers who testify to what they are experiencing in worship today.  Worship is the practicing of the presence of God in our life--not what God has done, or what God will do, but what He is doing.  When we say we only like the old songs, we are revealing that the presence of God was once stronger than it is today--that for us His name is "I Was" not "I Am!"

     Are you yearning to sing a new song to the Lord?  Are you tired of status-quo religion?  Are you done with going through the motions of playing church?  Are you tired of testifying of God in the past-tense?

     God is graciously designing a new work among the ruins of ICHABOD--(meaning the "glory has departed").  You have the opportunity to be on the ground floor of a new work, a new house (OIKOS), making room for the old message of the Gospel to be sung with a new tune, harmonizing with the Creator of music (and life) itself.  A song that evokes true spirituality and not mere sentimentality.

     Thursday night at 6 pm we invite you to our house for a meal and specific instructions of how Sabbatical Life is progressing.  I have great news to share, and want you present to hear it!

     Praying a Sabbatical Life for you my brother and sister--a life that makes room for new songs that enable you to practice the presence of God on a daily basis . . .

Blessings,
Tim

DETAILS FOR THURSDAY NIGHT:
We are keeping the meal simple this week.  We will need sandwiches, chips & dips, cookies or brownies, and drinks.  If you are able to help, please call or text Julie at 318-272-9688 so we will know what all food we have coming that night.  We will begin eating promptly at 6 PM and begin our worship time at 6:30.  Please come as you are, even if a little late.  You can eat as we are beginning worship.  We will have Children's Bible study and activities at our home as well. Now that we are in school, we are striving for an 8 PM ending time.  Looking forward to an exciting time with our Faith family!

Opposition

     Today's reading from Ezra in our One Year Bible tells the story of the opposition to rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, after the Jews were authorized to return by King Cyrus.

     King Darius, later, confirmed the authorization of Cyrus and warned that anyone who interfered with the building was to suffer the consequences ( see Ezra chapter 6).

     God's work will always be opposed.  But woe to those oppose it.

     It is not only missionaries efforts to spread the Gospel in hostile Islamic or Communistic countries that are opposed by the Enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy . . . God's work is opposed in our own culture and country as well.  The days ahead will reveal intense opposition to our ministry, coming from places and people that may be surprising to you.

     Sadly,  a spirit of competition, rather than cooperation, exists in the church.  The first wave of opposition will not come from an apathetic, secular culture (they couldn't care less), but from church folks, who see new work as threatening to their carefully, worked out comfort zones.

     "A man's steps are directed by the Lord," (Prov. 20: 24a).  If we prayerfully and obediently walk in the Spirit we have assurance that we will triumph over the opposition of Satan.  Yes, there will be conflict--but we follow the One who has already won the victory for His followers.

     May you experience Sabbatical peace as you face criticism and opposition to following God's will--

     Blessings,
     Tim


Congratulations!  Tuesday, Aug. 13,  the Wild Goose will have a grand opening by our Chamber.  Come out and support this joyous occasion.  Remember, service tonight at the Carter Credit Union Community Center and Sunday afternoon at 4 pm at the Goose.  Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6 pm we will meet at our house.

Crocodile Arms

     The wide receiver broke open across the middle but failed to fully extend to catch the quarterback's off-target throw.  "Looks like he has a bad case of the crocodile arms," says the TV commentator, explaining that the receiver failed to fully stretch for the ball fearing that he would get hit by the strong safety.
   
     Reminds me of many churches.

     Too many churches are afraid of the "hit" they will take in stretching out to win the lost.  Their outreach efforts are limited by short, "crocodile arms" that fail to extend to reach those people unlike themselves.

     That's why the Kingdom demands new churches and ministries to reach those who live outside the comfort zone of the typical, traditional church.  It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people.  Sadly, churches with the shortest arms are often the first to snap at efforts to begin new ways to reach outsiders with the Gospel that remains as relevant as ever to their needs.

     This Sunday morning a small group of us prayer walked and prayer drove through our neighborhoods.  Later,  during the 11 o'clock hour, I drove past most of the area churches and estimated   an attendance of maybe a thousand church attendees for an area of maybe 10,000 population (Springhill, Taylor, Cullen, and Sarepta area).  My suspicions were confirmed--less than 10 to 20% were in church this Sunday morning.  How many of this multitude would be welcomed in our near emptied church houses?

     Aren't you glad that Christ didn't grow crocodile arms when called upon to die on the cross.  During this transition of "Sabbatical Life" our prayers should focus on those who live within the reach of God's love but outside the reach of most churches.

     As we "Sabbatical Life" together, encourage one another to stretch to reach those Christ died for.

     Blessings,
     Tim

     Pray for us as we travel to spend time with family this week.  Wednesday evening at 6 pm, Mitch Stubblefield will lead a Bible study at the Carter Community Center (next door to the Wild Goose on main street).  Also, Sunday the Wild Goose will begin its first Sunday service at 4 pm.  On Thursday, Aug. 15, all are invited to our house.  Our first worship service at Trinity will be Saturday, Aug. 24th. Supper begins at 6Pm. Worship at 7.

   



   

Sabbath Eve Service

     Great news!  We are set to begin our Sabbath Eve worship services at Trinity Worship Center, Aug. 24, at 6 pm.  Pastor Tommy Brown has agreed to rent us the entire facility, enabling us to begin with a fellowship meal, worship in the sanctuary and children's activities in the gym.  We will continue to have weekly gatherings each Saturday night.

     These Sabbath Eve worship services and communion meals, along with a our small group Alpha Bible studies in homes, are at the heart of our vision for Sabbatical Life.  We believe God will direct our path toward the establishment of a new church if that is His will.

     Today's verses from the One Year Bible reading speaks a timely message to our task ahead:  "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 15: 5-6).

     If we simply and obediently follow Christ we will be united in purpose and direction.  We can't get lost if we know Who we are following!


Blessings on you as you chase the Wild Goose with endurance and encouragement towards a Sabbatical Life of peace and purpose--

Tim
   
         

   

Anxious Dreaming

     I had an anxiety dream last night.  I was traveling with Julie between Central (where we had attended a music service) and Trinity (where I was to preach, with the sermon simulcasted back to Central).
     I was feeling the stress.  Everything was going wrong--traffic seemed determined to wreck us; I forgot a mic I was to bring; I wasn't dressed right; and so forth.  I worried that I was about to let down the people I was called to serve.
     The dream is obviously relatable to the situation of leaving Central and beginning a new ministry.  I get that my decision forces you into a decision that some of you have not anticipated.  Leaving the old (however frustrating it may be) for the new (however exciting it may be) involves a certain amount of fear.  "Wild Goose Chase" type fear.  In my case, I worry about the impact of my decision on those who travel ahead with me, and those who remain behind.
     Then God spoke.  I needed to shift the emphasis from self to Christ.  He was not requiring me to be in control of the situation,  but to simply be mindful and obedient to the fact that He is in charge. It was time to see myself as a subject to Christ as King.  King Jesus will not allow me to do damage to His people and His church unless the damage is part of his discipleship plan.
     "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11: 28).
     God is teaching me that I must enter into a "Sabbatical Rest."  As pastor this means that I must first concern myself with following Him and then with leading you.
     Do you dream of an effective and God-honoring ministry?  When anxiety creeps into these dreams, allow Christ to crucify those doubts and resurrect a peace that is focused on Him and not self.

Praying for you a Sabbatical life and the peace that it offers--

Tim

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS WEEK'S MEETING:
Our upcoming meeting that we discussed this past Sunday night to be at the home of Jim & Kathy Hall, has been changed to Saturday night, August 3rd, at 6 at Jim & Kathy's (Machen Dr out past the Rodeo Arena).  As we approach the beginning of school for teachers and students, we thought this might be a better time and night for everyone.
We will have a soup supper.  We need about 6 - 7 pots of soup, 6 people to make cornbread or cornbread muffins, 4-5 people to make desserts, 3 gallons of sweet tea, and assorted soft drinks.  Please call Kathy Hall at 318-464-7412 and let her know if you are available to help out with the meal.  This will help us in assuring we have enough food for everyone.  Thanks to all of you for helping out with Sunday night's meal and time of worship.  What an awesome experience to feel the moving of God in such a mighty way!

Welcome!

Thanks for joining us!  We hope this blog will encourage you as we journey together through a transition of change.  We do not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds our future!

Please check back often for updates and info on future events and happenings.  We will begin some sort of regular online devotional in the near future.  Also, we will give you a heads up on some encouraging resources....like books and music.  Right now, Julie is listening to Gateway Worship's Forever Yours.  It has some anointed worship songs with powerful lyrics.  Feel free to comment below and share how God is speaking to you through His Word.

We want you to know that we love you and share your heart for worship and ministry to our community.  Let's commit to pray for one another and for those around us who do not know Jesus!

In Christ we find the break we need!

Blessings,

Tim & Julie