daily life as life goes on . . .

The sermon today was actually mostly words from another day and another person.  I have chosen to focus on Biblical passages that are familiar while trying to come at them from a different direction. Today was Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ.  As I was going into this week I have been reading David Eckman's, Becoming Who God Intended.  Unintended was the reading this week -- right on the path for Galatians 2:20.   So I took much of what was there and spoke it out. Somehow, God can use others thoughts.  In fact, maybe when I am "less" God uses what I say more.  I've been trying to learn what it means to know that I can't do everything.  Only God in His wisdom and others as He directs can truly bring about the best. I'm on a learning curve.  I just pray I don't step off the curve and settle for just a little when so much more is available.

Two intersecting events created a serendipity this week. Our denomination has a 5th S!  We have missions work in four particular areas of the world -- each symbolized with an S.  We have just added a 5th S - from Sea to Sea -- a desire to multiply churches through our churches in Canada within Canada.  That's what is called church planting! I arrived back in town from a session on this 5th S to a phone call to be returned.  A fellow and his family have arrived in town from BC.  They feel called of God to plant a church in Kindersley.  There background is independent Baptist.  They've bought a place and hope to begin meetings soon.  He sat and told me of this adventure this morning. I have conflicting emotions.  On one hand I know we need to see a community come to know who Jesus is -- and God opens all sorts of ways to do this.  On another front, I see that we have a number of evangelical churches in town that could and should be doing this work (and a new sense of cooperation has arisen in these last few months in that regard).  On yet another front, I wonder what it would be like for our denomination to drop into another town around this country and hope to be accepted in an effort to plant a church. So, here we are.  I'm glad God knows where the next step will land!

The ride  from Regina to Kindersley began at 3:40 -- I arrived back at 7:40.  Keeping the speed limit all the way! My days have been very relaxing and hope-filled.  As pastors, we met to discuss our lives and to review a current church survey called "REVEAL."  Great stuff.  I still need to process some, but the initial ideas are thrilling.  Maybe you'll hear a bit in the coming weeks. So, unpacking done -- now I'm just unwinding!

Today we talked of the 5th S - from Sea to Sea.  Really just a reworking of what is the work of the church in Canada!  Now, I'm relaxing.  Hopefully this work time will also afford a bit of time to unwind and refocus.  So far, so good!!