August 11, 2016

I shared last Sunday the following fable of one who fell into a pit, it goes like this:

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out...

An empathic person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."

A pragmatic person walked by and said, "It's logical that someone would fall down there."

A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."

A mathematician calculated how deep the pit was.

A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit.

A CRA agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.

A narcissistic person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."

A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, "You deserve your pit."

A Christian Scientist observed, "The pit is just in your mind."

A psychologist noted, "Your mother and father are to blame for your being in that pit."

A self-esteem therapist said, "Believe in yourself and you can get out of that pit."

A Buddhist said, “It is good to become one with the pit.”

A Muslim cleric said, “Embrace Allah’s will.”

An optimist said, "Things could be worse."

A pessimist claimed, "Things will get worse." 

Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit. 

This was meant to be tongue in cheek, but it does illustrate one point – there’s lots of advice out there. For any and every situation you might face, there is no shortage of advice, criticism, opinions, and meme available to us. Just post the problem on line and boom.  What we might need is someone to lift us up out of the pit. The Psalmist shares from his personal experience, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:1-2 

This one thing set Jesus apart from all the religions of his day. He actually did something to make a difference in people’s lives.  When they were hungry he fed them. When they were oppressed by demons, he delivered them. When they need healing, instead of shunning and criticising he reached out and touched the sick and they got better. 

I hear often from well-meaning people on the reason why people are poor, why they are sick, what they need to do. The bottom line for them is usually, “It is their fault for being in the pit.” Therefore it is up to the person in the pit to get themselves out of the pit.  There is always that heart felt story of someone who against all odds was able to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and make good. 

However, for the most of us, we need someone to lift us up. To take us by the hand and pull us out of that muck and junk we got ourselves in – either by our own choice or simply because of conditions beyond our control. God doesn’t care why we are in the pit, as long as we will allow him to take our hand and let him pull us out of there. That is our part; let him take our hand. God’s part is to do the impossible. 

This one concept alone is why the gospel is called “good news”. Getting out of the pit is not dependent upon one’s self. God loves us and wants to pull us out of there.  If you find yourself in a difficult situation, let Jesus take your hand. Watch him pull you out of it. 

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. 

Calling All Painters!

The NEW S.H.A.R.E. Nelson is going to be painted over the Labour Day long weekend.  We are busy looking for painters, tools and equipment for this project.  If you have painted before that is great and if not you can still come and help.  Please contact the office in advance if you can help out. 

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

A NEW ROUTE!!!  We will ride a different rail trail route that is better and greater!   We will ride from the Paulson Detour Road, past Christina Lake and on to Grand Forks.  Experience the incredibly scenic 5 hour ride with a tunnel, trestles, historical interests and spectacular views with an option to swim in the river.  Not to mention most of the ride is downhill!  

This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen this coming Saturday, August 13th.  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 office or at kootenaychristianfellowship.com.  If you are not able to go on the bike ride, you can sponsor a rider! 

Upcoming Dates to Put in Your Calendar

• P.A.R.T. (Peddle Along A Rail Trail) 11 is Saturday, August 13. Mark your Calendar and Register.
• Mystery Dinners, Sunday, August 14 (must be pre-registered)
• Painting Bee, Sept 3 – 5 at the New S.H.A.R.E. Nelson, Basement 520 Falls Street 

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 

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