October 20, 2016

Have you ever had to eat your words? Not fun eh! While growing up, I had a reputation in my family as one who would speak without thinking. I still have that problem, but getting way better at engaging my brain before my mouth (some may argue that point). Words are so powerful:

• They can produce faith or destroy hope. They can heal a broken heart, or crush the spirit. (Proverbs 16:24).
• Words can cause the death of an innocent man, or set the guilty free. (Proverbs 25:18), 

• A slanderer’s words can destroy the reputation of a good person (Psalm 56:2; 1 Corinthians 6:10).
• Words of a gossip will separate close friends (Proverbs 16:28)

But what effect do my own words have on myself? This is what I would like to key in on for this blog and for the Sunday sermon.

Notice the two promises in this verse.

Proverbs 13:2-3 (NIV) 2  From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. 3  He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

1. There is a promise if I use the right words – enjoy a good life
2. And then there is a promise if shut up on occasion – I will protect the good life.

When TO speak and when NOT to speak, that is the question?  Sometimes that question is a hard one to answer. But rest assured, the words of our mouth will not only affect the hearer, but also the one uttering them.

Just like words affect others, they also do something inside of you. When you are feeling negative, disappointed, lost, confused, discouraged, what are the words coming out of your mouth?  The natural thing would be to voice the way you feel. However, that won’t build up, but have the opposite effect; it will bring you further down.  Why not try something different? Start to speak out positive words, words of praise and thanksgiving, (there is always something to thankful for even when we are in the greatest of all challenges) words of blessings, words of love and care. In the midst of your greatest emotional depression force yourself not to be negative, but speak gracious words of love and life. This will be hard and unnatural at first. But when one learns this practice and makes it a habit, a miracle (it will feel like a miracle) will happen. Your situation may not change, but hope will enter your heart, faith will arise, and a sense of peace will invade your heart.

Let me warn you, if you have developed a habit of speaking negatively about yourself and life in general, it will not be easy to break this pattern. However, once you begin to practice this awhile; you will see good fruit being formed on the branches of your life.

Now stand in front of a mirror and say, thank you God for making me awesome.

Spaghetti Dinner and Auction

As you have heard, Haiti has been hit hard.  The area around Grand Goave, according to Marc Honorat or Haiti Arise and his assessment team, is in serious trouble.  People’s houses, personal belongings, their gardens and food sources are all gone.  In some communities up to 90% of the people living there have lost everything.  Experts are saying it will take up to ten years to bring them back to pre-hurricane levels.

We want to help. But we need your support.

Next Tuesday October 25^th we are having a spaghetti dinner and auction in support of Haiti sustainability. Will you consider buying a ticket or a table of tickets in support of Haiti?  The tickets are 30 dollars with a 20 dollar tax receipt.  We will have a live video feed from Lisa Honorat, some great auction items including the Nelson Leaf players (good time to get fall jobs done) and updated pictures of Haiti.

When you donate to Haiti through KCF, your entire donation goes to the Haiti people.

Please call our office today 250.352.1722  

We have 100 spots open; please help us to sell out.

Invite your friends for a FUN and TASTY dinner for a GREAT cause.

A New Phone Number!

Kootenay Christian Fellowship and Our Daily Bread has a new phone number.  Please update your records.  Our new number is (250) 352-1722.  The old 1-888 number is discontinued.  

S.H.A.R.E Nelson IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

The S.H.A.R.E. Nelson move is complete!  They are open for business.  Come and see our new location and what the new store looks like. Please use bottom level doors. There is no access from the KCF entrance.

If you can help at the store to organize and set up, please call the store at (250) 352-1222.

Bright Lights – A Club for Kids

This “extraordinary” club for kids is being offered again this year for Kindergarten to Grade 4 is underway every Saturday from 1:00 – 3:15 pm at KCF. This club is not exclusive and any child can come! There will be games, music, crafts, movies, character building, and snacks!  Registration and Orientation is on October 15 and is $30 per child, $50 per family, or $5 drop-in fee. Contact Doreen to Register 250-354-2077. 

Calendar of Events

• Help Haiti to Sustainability (HH2S), Spaghetti Dinner Auction, Tuesday, October 25, 6pm at KCF, Tickets available through KCF office
• Community Connect Day, Central School Gym, Nov 19 

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