“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10-12)

These words were written by one who was a hero and a villain, a champion and a chump, a worshiper and a reprobate. I speak of David, a giant in the faith. A quick review might be in order. David was a shepherd boy, who gained prominence by defeating a giant named Goliath. He was a natural poet and an accomplished musician, a great warrior, and a leader among men. He was well known for his devotion to God, who eventually rose to be the king of Israel.  But he was not perfect. He had some of the failings that beset all of humankind. He lusted after a woman, committed adultery with her, got her pregnant and to cover up his sin, killed her soldier husband, who was one of the kings most trusted bodyguards. He wanted no one to find out his duplicity.

All seemed good. He thought he had dealt with it. Except God knows stuff. The Holy Spirit brings everything to light. We think what we do in darkness is hidden. Nothing escapes the God who knows all.  King David is visited by a prophet, who gives him a message. The prophet went on to reveal what David had done in secret and all that was in David’s heart.  The response of David is astonishing. Instead of justifying, he acknowledges his sin without excuses. Instead of turtling, he exposes his own sin. He repents and then writes a song about it and commands his choir director to learn it, and then makes it a part of the regular worship songs to be sung in all their worship meetings. The visit from the prophet was not to punish him, but to restore him.

This is so different than other religions or cultural norms who like to make their leaders larger than life. We like to cover up the indiscretions and failures of those we have set up on a pedestal. And we certainly don’t want everyone to know what we have done and the things we have in our heart. When we have grossly failed our family, community or country we hide, protect our privacy, and invoke confidentiality all in the hope that no one finds out what we are “really” like.

Meanwhile we live in darkness, shame, and depression. There is another way. Read the prayer again at the top of this blog. He cries out, create in me a pure heart. And God, don’t take the Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy.

My take away in all of this is simply:

1. No one is perfect,
2. We all fail at some point in our lives, no matter how successful we are,
3. When I violate God’s law of love, it always affects my emotions,
4. When I become open to God’s love and rebuke, God immediately reinstates his presence with me and restores my joy.

Many today are suffering from deep sadness because of things they have done. In their shame, they refuse to bring it to the light and thus forfeit the joy and salvation that awaits them. Why not open up to God and others and see the difference it makes.

This Sunday we will talking about the role of the Holy Spirit bringing to our hearts convictions and not condemnations. He wants to bring joy into our lives and not deep sadness. He wants to bring life into our existence instead of the mundane dullness that so many tolerate. He wants to bring freedom from those things that war against our soul and set us on a path of victory and freedom. Come Holy Spirit we pray. Join us this Sunday for an experience with the God the Holy Spirit.

Niki Thorson Memorial

Come and join us on Saturday, October 21, 12pm at KCF as we reflect on Niki’s life.  Lunch will be provided.

Haiti Arise

KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise.  Please keep them in prayer as this is active hurricane season for them. To find out more about Haiti Arise, click on the link. http://www.haitiarise.org/

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day.  Come down and support the poor.  If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities.  Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire.  Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM

Calendar of Events

• Bright Lights, Club for Kids Tuesdays at KCF, 3:30 – 5pm, Contact KCF office for details.
• Junior Teens, Ages 11-16.  Meet at KCF, Fridays from 4 – 5:30pm.  No cost. 
• Tim and the Glory Boys, The Hootenanny Tour – Wednesday, October 18 at Civic Theatre.  Go to www.timmytour.com to purchase your tickets.
• Niki Thorson memorial, October 21, 12pm at KCF

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

 October 12, 2017