God, get me out of this mess
North American society loves comfort. We demand it, we go into debt for it, and we defend it as our very right. And when we experience discomfort, we question God, we become despondent, and we look for someone to blame for our distress. C.S. Lewis has another view on it, he said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
Sometimes we need a little hardship, to get us to re-evaluate things. Some of my greatest lessons in life have been learned in the “valley of the shadow of death.” Mountain top experiences are great. But the real growth happens in the valleys of fear, valleys of discomfort, valleys of despair. Here we find God coming through for us.
In fact, this is the prayer that I have prayed more than once, God get me through this mess. And he does. In Hebrews 13 we see a promise. God is the same yesterday, today and forever (verse 8) and in verse 5, he says, God is one that will never leave us or forsake us. The reality of this verse is only realized in the context of a mess. This is where often we miss it. We don’t wait for God to get us through. We are impatient for God to come through and deliver us from the mess we are in. As a result, we miss out on God’s very best for us. I quoted earlier from the famous 23rd Psalm. Notice the wording, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (verse 4) We walk through the valley and in the middle of this distress there is comfort. God is there. He is our comfort and he is our deliverer. We can pray with confidence, Lord get me out of this mess, because he is the one that walks with us, comforts us, and never leaves us. Some of the messes we are in are our fault. We create drama in our lives because we walk outside of the will of God for our lives. Some of the messes we are in are other people’s fault, because they are walking outside of the will of God. Then sometimes we are in a mess simply because the world is messed up. The good news is that God is there in the midst of it all, and he will help us to walk through it, we will learn in it, and come out the other side better for being in it. If only we will pray, God, get me out of this mess.
This Sunday, Brad Wilson our worship leader, will be sharing on this topic. It will encourage you and strengthen you for the day. Bring a friend and let’s celebrate the goodness of God together.
Daylight Savings Time
Saturday, March 9th, before we go to sleep, it is time to set clocks ahead 1 hour.
Clearwater Bible College on Tour
On Sunday, March 10th @ 10:25am Clearwater College students will be visiting us on their ministry tour. This year’s theme is Pursuit. Please consider bringing a friend to this faith building event.
Billets are needed for 2 young men. If you are interested in billeting, please contact the KCF office as soon as possible at 250.352.1722.
Easter Celebrations
On Resurrection Sunday, April 21st, we will have three wonderful events you can take part in. First, enjoy the Easter morning with Christians from many different churches at 8 am at Lakeside Park at the Flagpole. Then come on down to KCF for Brunch at 8:45 am. Finally, we will celebrate the resurrection together at 10:25 am. What a great morning it will be. Each of the events is open to the community and everyone is encouraged to bring family and friends. Contact the office for participation opportunities.
Growth Groups
Growth group is a wonderful opportunity to grow in God and with each other.
Registration time for the next start-up is now underway.
Group gatherings will begin on Thursday, April 11 and will run until June 14.
Contact the KCF office to register or sign up at the Guest Table on Sunday.
Summer Retreat 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. This will all happen within the community of wonderful people. Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids. Join us July 8 to 12. Contact the office to register.
Haiti
Please continue to pray for the wellbeing of those in Haiti Arise and in the country itself. Food and other staples cost have risen greatly. Please pray peace to be restored and governments will become moral, legitimate, and care for the people.
Reading the Bible
By following the monthly reading program, you can successfully read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in a 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.
Pastor Jim
Feb 28, 2019
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5