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We’re in a tough place, but we’re in a good position to see it through.

Those are the words I heard in a news broadcast this evening.  Attributed to the University of Saskatchewan president.  Regarding such minor things as finances, etc.

I’ve been thinking that’s not a bad Christian position to take.  Our opponent figures he has us up against the wall.  And some circumstances would appear to be that way.  Finances are tough, job situations are intolerable, health is precarious, relationships are fragile, church circumstances test our faith.

But, we are in a good position to see it through. 

I’m still working on the picture of a God of the universe expansively waving his hand.  He slices delicately through whole galaxies.  His breath blows gently upon one tiny speck of dust called earth.  The curls of the breeze land next to us and somehow lift us up into the heavens so that we see with a greater awareness who God is and what He can do.  That’s  a good position in which to see “it” through.

May God lift you on His breath, His Spirit, to see that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.

Oh, and if you’re not on the wind with Jesus, consider that He is the one that can take a tough place and turn it into a good position to see the world the way He sees it!  Let the breeze of Jesus fill your sails!

As the elders met this evening, we talked about reaching into our community.  We are a church.  From that perspective, we have Christians who make up the core of the group.  In biblical terms, these are the ecclesia — the “church”. 

Of course, in our society we have another definition of church.  This definition allows in all sorts of people, beliefs, understandings, and variety.  So, you might ask the person on the street if they are part of a local church.  Drunkard, upstanding business person, mayor or waitress — the answer would be “yes!”  I’ve had someone talk to me at the church door.  They explain that they have attended another church in town once or twice, but they have decided that this is their church.  I’ve seen them once or twice in the last year.  I’m not even sure what they believe.  But they are part of our church!

Then, one of those concepts that I’m still working on!  Can we consider everyone living in an area to be part of our parish?  They are part of the church, just currently not active, committed or aware of being a member of the church!  So, we provide our service (ministry) as a church to the whole community.

Each of these definitions provide a different approach. 

In the end, I’m after seeking out (going into the whole world) those who need God.  Some need to enter into knowing God through Jesus, others know Jesus and need to grow in their understanding, others need to get out there and bring others in.

Right now, I think we as a local church need to get out there.  I’m not sure I like the term “missional” as it is being thrown around these days, but I guess it serves as well as any term. 

My current picture is driving the main street of my town.  On either side I see someone.  Someone I’m pretty sure doesn’t attend a gathering of God’s people at any time during a week.  Wouldn’t it be great to see them added to a gathering in this town.  What about having them added to the gathering I’m part of?

Imagine if every month two people joined each gathering in the community.  Pretty soon we’d see a change in the heart of the community, as well as in the heart of the individuals.

Want a challenge?  I’m calling this the “2+” challenge.  What would your community look like if this happened?

A quick trip to our old home town, Prince Albert, reaped great rewards.

So, here is a picture of our new granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Opseth.  Cute as anything – and no bias at all!

Every few months Cal calls.  Just been on his heart. 

So, he fires up the phone.  Rings our house.  And chats for a decade or two of minutes.

Nothing unusual.  Just the type of talk that we all need every once in a while.  Things like kids.  Engagements, grandkids, and parental pride.  Things like jobs.  Getting let go, dealing with disappointments and excitement, finding balance.  Things like wives.  Irreplaceable!

Then we hang up.  But the wires remain open.  And I pray for him and he prays for me.  For forty years this communication, in various forms, has been going on.  May it go on until death do us part!!