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!