July 21, 2016

What makes you cry? Some people cry like the amazon rain forest, while others can’t get a tear to drop. I find that as I become older crying seems to come easier for me.  Crying is good for us according to Neuroscientist and tear researcher Dr. William H. Frey II, PhD, director of the Alzheimer's Research Center at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, who has spent over 15 years studying crying and tears.

“Research shows:

-85% of women and 73% of men felt less sad and angry after crying.

-On average, women cry 47 times a year, men cry 7 times a year.

-Crying bouts last 6 minutes on average.

-Tears are more often shed between 7 and 10 p.m.”

According to Frey, "crying is not only a human response to sorrow and frustration, it's a healthy one." Crying is a natural way to reduce emotional stress that, left unchecked, has negative physical effects on the body, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other stress-related disorders.” Agingcare.com

Some of the main contributing factors to the flow of tears are deep sorrow, the feeling of loss, or the frustrations of life.

Jesus cried.

There are two incidences that the bible records Jesus weeping. Once over the tomb of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35) and secondly, over Jerusalem, (Luke 19:41) Jesus was deeply moved by two things.

In John 11, it is clear that Jesus was deeply touched by the demise of his personal friend and the pain it caused his family and friends.  It troubled Jesus to the point of tears to see others suffering. Jesus was not so caught up in his own ministry, purposes, and life that he did not notice the pain, sickness, trouble, and even death, which were around him.  So he wept. And his compassion moved him to do a mighty miracle. Jesus still weeps over our pain and suffering and he still is there to do a mighty miracle.  (On Sunday we will expand this theme.)

The second recorded time (Luke 19:41) we hear of Jesus weeping speaks to his deep concern for the welfare of a city, a nation, a people. This speaks to me of the deep concern he had for people generally.  The passion he had for the souls of his creation is what drove him to sacrifice his very life.  Sin and rebellion against God is more than grievous, it has eternal damning consequences. This truth burned in his soul and overflowed in tears. My question to us is; does it bother us that the world is embracing good things but not God. Have we become so callous that we have no passion for the lost?  Do we care more for our own wellbeing, our own success, our own skin than what is happening in the community of which we live? When is the last time you wept for your friend or your city? Serious questions that shout to us.

I am praying for God to ignite again the passion of God in my heart for the lost, for the sick, for the hurting. Will you join with me in that prayer? I tell you, passion moves the hand of God.

P.A.R.T. (Peddle Along a Rail Trail) 11

It’s on!!!  Instead of the usual trail, we will ride a different rail trail route that is better and greater!   We will ride from the Paulson cutoff road to the Christina Lake area and beyond towards Grand Forks.   There will be trestles, tunnels, areas of historic interest and lake and river views.  Not to mention most of the ride is downhill!  

This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, August 13, 2016.  Come and join us for this fun, new ride.  This is a fundraiser for Our Daily Bread and a great way to meet and build friendships.  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.  If you are not able to go on the bike ride, you can sponsor a rider! 

Mystery Dinners

The next Mystery Dinner will be Sunday August 14th.  This is a potluck dinner.  If you haven’t tried it yet, this is the perfect time and opportunity to meet new friends and grow existing friendships.  Sign up on Sunday at the Guest Table or contact the office to register.  Your host will contact you to give you details of where you will be having dinner. 

Upcoming Dates to Put in Your Calendar

• P.A.R.T. (Peddle Along A Rail Trail) 11 is August 13. Mark your Calendar and Register.
• Mystery Dinners, Sunday, August 14 

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