March 9, 2017
Prayer is the forgotten discipline of the Church. Discipline here is defined as training in order to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior. We fellowship more than pray. We preach more than pray. We do church work more than pray. In fact prayer is often just a bookend to the really important stuff. The very life of all things is the least practiced. F.B. Meyer, the author of the great little book, the Secret of Guidance said, "The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer."
Some people can pray for hours, but I think this is not the norm. I struggle to engage in extended periods of prayer. I don’t think that I am that much different than most.
The early church considered prayer as one of the key disciplines of the church along with study of the Word of God, stewardship of life, worship, and evangelism. When considering prayer I find encouragement from the book of James. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)
The last phrase should have us all jumping for joy. Especially when we read what follows. It says, “Elijah was a man just like us.” Meaning he had problems, challenges, fears, doubts, and faith, confidence, and hope. Yes, we have all those contradictory things in our lives. But he prayed. This speaks to the discipline of praying. I don’t pray just when I feel good or when I am desperately in need. I don`t pray just when it is convenient or when called upon by others. I am learning to see prayer as important as breath to our lungs. Why not embrace a discipline of prayer not unlike one would engage in an exercise program or an educational program.
What I mean is, purposed, determined, and guided. Do you find prayer boring, difficult, and/or meaningless? Try the discipline of prayer. You will find it, as Elijah did, powerful and effective. This Sunday, I will be sharing on prayer from the life story of Elijah. For background read 1 Kings 18,19
Communion
This Sunday we will be coming to the Lord`s table. It is a time for all of us to share the emblems we have chosen to represent the body and blood of our Lord. We do this in response to the teaching of our Lord, as he taught; we are to do this often. It is a time of reconnecting with Jesus and each other as we share God’s grace together.
Daylight Savings Time!
Remember to spring your clocks ahead 1 hour on March 11, Saturday night. This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms.
Request for Concentrated Prayer
We want to thank all those who responded to the call for prayer and financial assistance to meet the last big outstanding bill on the renovation project for S.H.A.R.E. We are happy to report we are half way there of meeting out 34,000 dollar bill.
If you have not responded, (any amount is appreciated) and are feeling led to give a special offering towards this, you can do it by interac, cheque, or by visiting our website. I know that moving S.H.A.R.E. to our building was the right thing to do. We have paid off most of the cost of renovation. We just have this last piece to go. Please pray and consider ways you can participate in this miracle.
Clearwater Bible College on Tour
On Sunday, March 19th @ 10:30am Clearwater College (formerly Living Faith) students will be visiting us on their ministry tour. This year’s theme is Reflecting His Image. Please consider bringing a friend to this faith building event.
Billets are needed for the wonderful young people, 1 couple, 1 man, 1 woman. If you are interested in billeting please contact the KCF office at 250.352.1722.
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5