March 26, 2017
The one thing we can do which can change the world, we often forfeit for the things we can do that have little or no effect on the world. This one thing doesn’t require money, political connections, social status, athletic prowess, extraordinary talent or skill. The one thing that can make a difference in your life doesn’t depend on your age, education, or ethnicity. Can anyone guess what I am referring to? I heard yesterday that “knowledge is power”. A myriad of books are written how to influence people so change can take place. We think that if only we had money we could make the world a better place. We blame our origin of birth, our intellectual capacity, or our family tree, for our lack of ability to change our circumstances. Yet the answer is right before us. It is so simple. Too simple.
The answer to the riddle is prayer.
Prayer is that the one thing we can all do, but often forfeit for the lowly effort of our own determination, our own strength, our own ability and thus come woefully short. Jesus spent long nights in prayer. His private prayer life was the reason for his successful public life. The disciples never asked Jesus; teach us to do miracles, teach us to preach a better sermon, or teach us to heal the sick. What they did ask is, teach us to pray. They made the connection; to change the world, start with prayer. We live in a world dominated by demons. The devil wants to bring our world into captivity, bring destruction on our family, and to kill the purposes to which we were created. The Bible is clear that the flesh will never overcome the spiritual powers of wickedness. (Ephesians 6:12). But through prayer we have power to demolish strongholds and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. Through prayer we can change the world, beginning at home, our community, and our country. But we don’t pray. Instead we are busy with our busy lives. We have schedules. We have appointments. We have social media. We are sleepy. All this activity makes us sleepy. No wonder the Bible shouts at us, AWAKE SLEEPER (Ephesians 5:14) We need to wake up and realize that all our best efforts are not making the world a better place. Wait! I know we should do good, try our best, and help those who can’t help themselves. After all, we operate a five days a week lunch program, are involved in social housing and a host of social endeavours. But that is small potatoes compared to the power of God which can change a life. Prayer can take a drug addict and set them free. Prayer can turn a dead beat dad around to make him a responsible family man. Prayer can save a lost soul. Prayer can cause it to rain, the sun to shine, and wind to stop. It can arrest a fire, start a fire, and cause a human to come afire.
Why not pray? That will be the subject of my sermon on Sunday. My hope is that you will come and be motivated to do the one thing that we all can do, PRAY.
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.
Family Camp at Dutch Harbour
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. Pastor Glen Forsberg will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider, Children’s Ministry will be there spending time with the kids. Join us July 3 to 7. Contact the office to register or visit kootenaychristianfellowship.com.
PART (Pedal Along a Rail Trail) 12 – Early Date this Year!
This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, June 24. 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 $200 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!
Reading the Bible
If you follow the monthly reading program, you can successfully read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice this year. I have attached this month’s prescribed reading to this newsletter. Start something new and watch God's word make a difference in your life.
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