November 3, 2016

Feeling good today.  It is not normal to be up and happy every day. But it is normal to be filled with confidence and joy every day. The two are almost the same and yet extremely different. The former depends on my circumstances, while the latter depends upon my connection with God. My emotions lie to me. They can tell me all is well when it is not.  Or they can tell me all is lost when victory is just around the corner.  I am learning that my life cannot be managed by my emotions, but by my spirit.

(Once I think I have learned this truth, I am reminded I have a ways to go yet)  If I live by the Spirit, I will have the fruit of the Spirit.  The fruit hanging from the Spirit tree is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.(Galatians 5:22-23). When this fruit is in my life, confidence and joy follows me wherever I go. 

So just how then does one “live by the Spirit”? The answer just might surprise you. Here are some suggestions.

1. Take care of your body. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

When we eat right, exercise, and get proper rest, the natural result will be a healthier spirit as well. In short, you will feel better.

2. Take care of your spiritual body. The second part of the above verse encourages us to evaluate how we conduct our day to day life.  Godliness, or lifestyle that is pleasing to God has value. The way we live will affect our confidence and joy. Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)  “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”

3. Take care of your relationships. Relationships are to be valued and nurtured.  I am always shocked how easily Christians blow off relationships. Why not make a commitment to keep and maintain each person God has brought into your life. 

Here are a few tips to help in this area.

Accept and celebrate differences. ...

Listen effectively. ...

Give people your time. ...

Develop your communication skills. ...

Manage mobile technology. ...

Learn to give and take feedback. ...

Learn to trust more. ...

Develop empathy.

John, the apostle of love said, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15) This was said in conclusion to his teaching on love and the way we treat each other. 

I will be fleshing out these three areas this coming Sunday. I look forward to having you with us. 

Fall Back Reminder!

It’s time once again to turn our clocks back 1 hour.  Remember to do this on Saturday night before you go to sleep.  If you forget, you will be blessed to arrive at church early. 

Haiti

In January 2017, a team will be travelling to Haiti Arise at Grand Goave if you are interested in joining the team, please contact Pastor Jim. 

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 GRAND OPENING!

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson is open for business.  Come and see our new location and what the new store looks like. On Saturday, November 19^th S.H.A.R.E. will be having a Grand Opening/Open House Event. Come on down and SHARE in the celebration. 

Please use LOWER level doors. There is no access from the KCF entrance. 

Calendar of Events

• Community Connect Day, Central School Gym, Nov 19
• OPEN HOUSE at S.H.A.R.E. Nelson, Saturday, 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