Pretzels. 

Dearly Beloved,

Pretzels. 

Most of us either love them or hate them.

If it's a bag of Munchies Snack Mix, I avoid them at all costs and just give my time to the cheetos, sunchips, and doritos (can I hear an amen?). But if we're talking fresh baked soft pretzels, then I'm in! 

A few months back, with little to no baking experience at all, our daughter Lucy felt inspired (must be from above!) to try baking soft pretzels. We didn't have the best ingredients on hand for her to work with, but she gave it a go anyway. AND THEY TURNED OUT AMAZING (truthfully, not just saying that with my proud dad hat on).

It kind of left me with the thought: If she can do this with that, there's no telling what Lucy's baking abilities are capable of! And, over the past several months we have discovered that Lucy can bake all kinds of wonderful things! 

It's interesting how what someone can do in one setting can open our eyes to all that just might be possible. 

Last Sunday concluded our four weeks of going deeper into our church's mission statement (can you remember it off by heart? "Bringing the message and...). And this past Sunday we took a second look at the story of the raising of Lazarus in John chapter 11. The big thing happening in John 11 is that Jesus both SAYS He is the resurrection and the life (vs 25) and then SHOWS He is the resurrection and the life by raising Lazarus from the dead. 

This is no small thing. 

It's incredibly significant. 

What underscores the point even more is considering WHERE does Jesus announce this? If you had news that could change every life forever, where might you consider announcing it?

Jesus DIDN'T do this in Rome or Sepphoris (seats of power and politics), but instead in the vicinity of Bethany in Judea. Judea, the region so unwanted that Roman soldiers dreaded assignments there. Bethany, the town whose name means "Home of Poverty" or "Home of Affliction." Hmmm...

If Jesus can do THIS THERE, of all places, there's no telling what could be possible; His message and ministry can GIVE LIFE anywhere! 

This should give you hope for your neighbourhood, your workplace, your school, or wherever you spend time with people who don't know Jesus yet. Everyday life is pregnant with opportunity for Jesus to bring life-giving words and actions THROUGH YOU! 

So, as we asked last Sunday: 

• What would you love to see Jesus do in your neighbourhood, workplace, school (or, you name it — local mission-field) in the next year? 
• Holy Spirit, what would you have me do about it this week? 

Don't overcomplicate it! Who knows what Jesus could do through even a simple act like inviting a coworker over to watch the game and opening a bag of munchies to share, or baking some soft pretzels and bringing some next door. 

Let's bring the message and ministry of Jesus into everyday life. 

Pastor Mike