June 16, 2016

I found the following outline on the web from Ray Scott, Pastor at Priscialla Baptist church. I thought it was a good one as we prepare for Father’s Day. I give it below. My comments are italicized. 

“How To Be A Good Father” 

1. LOVE YOUR WIFE – Ephesians 5:28 – “So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.”

Children learn by example. They are watching your every move. This directive is true also for the divorced dad and single dad. You may not be married anymore, but you can still treat her with respect and honor your x and mother of your children.  

2. DON’T EXPECT PERFECT CHILDREN – Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, don’t make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.”

This requires humility and maturity. Avoid living your unfilled life through your kids. Love them, even when they embarrass you. 

3. ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN – Psalm 127:3 – “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is your reward.”

 As an act of the will, choose to enjoy and participate with your children at every stage they are in.  It goes very quickly, so enjoy the moment. 

4. LISTEN TO YOUR CHILDREN – Proverbs 1:5 – “A wise man will hear and increase in learning.”

Listening doesn’t mean you have to agree, but it does mean hearing their heart.  Practice this by repeating back to your child what you are hearing and questioning him/her if this is what they are saying. This exercise will do more than all the rules and regulations you can come up with. 

5. PROVIDE FOR YOUR CHILDREN – 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.”

- Don’t rob your children of the blessing of WANTING, WORKING and WAITING for material things.

- Providing TOO MUCH is as bad as providing TOO LITTLE. 

6. TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN – Ephesians 6:4 – “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

You are their parent, not their friend. 

7. PRAY FOR YOURSELF – 1 Chronicles 16:11 – “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.”

We need God’s help. 

8. PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN – Psalm 55:17 – “Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.”

Don’t leave this up to the women. God wants fathers praying too. When mom and dad pray, you have a powerful team.

9. BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL – Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Children will do what you do, not what you say. Deal with it.

10. PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN – Proverbs 23:24 – “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise son will be glad in him.”

You are the CEO of the greatest team in the world – your family. Embrace it and develop your team for the future. 

11. I am adding one more. Be a father to a child that is fatherless.

Each of the ten items above could easily apply to a child that is fatherless. Why not embrace a child today that is emotionally abandoned, that is orphaned by death or divorce, that is in need of a fatherly example. Your act of kindness will have eternal results. 

This Sunday I will be sharing on Fathering. 

Fort McMurray Fire

KCF has started a fund to help those who have suffered in the fire.  We are partnering with McMurray Gospel Assembly to help those most in need. If you would like to help in this area, you can give by donating on line at www.kootenaychristianfellowship or by sending a cheque payable to Kootenay Christian Fellowship to 520 Falls Street, Nelson, BC V1L 6B5. Please make a reference with your donation indicating “Fort McMurray fire”. 

Attention Men!

The Thursday night men’s meeting is now on break for the summer.    

Plastic Bags

There is an ongoing need for plastic grocery bags at Our Daily Bread.  If you have an abundance at home, we would be happy to receive them here.  Please bring them to the KCF office. 

PART (Peddle Along a Rail Trail) 11

This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, August 13, 2016.  Come and join us for this incredibly scenic 4 to 5 hour ride with trestles, tunnels and spectacular views from high above the Arrow Lake.  It is a 54 km ride starting at Paulson Detour Road and concluding at the Celgar Mill parking lot.  This is a fundraiser for Our Daily Bread.  With sponsorships of $125 or more, your entry fee will be waived.  Registration forms are available at the Guest Table on Sunday, at the office during the week or at kootenaychristianfellowship.com.  Register now and start accumulating sponsorships! 

Family Camp

Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for family camp this year.  This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged all at the same time.  Registration Brochures are available on our website at kootenaychristianfellowship.com, at the church office or at the guest table on Sunday. 

Upcoming Dates to Put in Your Calendar

• Father’s Day, June 19
• Canada Day, July 1 at Lakeside Park, Visit our Table!
• Family Camp, July 4 – 8 at Dutch Harbour, Riondel
• Volunteer Appreciation BBQ, Sunday July 17, 4pm by Invitation or $15 Adults and $6 Kids 12 and under
• P.A.R.T. (Peddle Along A Rail Trail) 11 is August 13. Mark your Calendar and Register. 

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate. 

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Pastor Jim