December 1, 2016

There is a fun little proverb found in the ancient literature. It goes like this: “A wicked person flees when no one is chasing him, but righteous people are as bold as lions.” Proverbs 28:1 (GW)  I love this picture. A guy filled with dread, wringing his hands, sweat beading on his forehead, and fear in his eyes for no reason.  

I once heard that 95% of the things we worry about never happen. I am not sure how “they” determine the 95%, but the truth is most things we are afraid of never materialize.  How many good things have we passed up simply because we were afraid to venture out, try something new, or take a plunge into the unknown? It has something to do with our confidence.

The later part of this proverb is in stark contrast with the beginning. The righteous people are bold as a lion.  Or as another translation puts it, “those who live right are as brave as lions.” Proverbs 28:1 (CEV)  (emphases mine)

A lion’s roar can be heard by humans up to 9 kilometers away. It is a warning before he goes on the evening hunt.  The lion is so confident that he announces before the hunt to the entire area what he is up to. There is no fear that he won’t be successful. He doesn’t care who knows that he is on the prowl. In short, he exudes confidence. The lion is bold because it is in his nature. And so it is with the righteous. 

Years ago I exchanged my “wickedness” (and I was wicked) for the righteousness made available to me through Christ. Righteousness is now in my nature and I live in that truth. I belong to Christ and his righteousness covers me. This gives me access to heaven, gives me favor with God, and I have angels protecting me.  Therefore I can be bold as a lion. I do not need to fear economic collapse. I can walk straight and with integrity despite societal pressure to compromise.  I can face my fears and walk confidently into any storm because God is with the righteous.  God will hold me up, he will make me stand, he will never let me down. This is the confidence that allows me to try new things, to take on new risks, to push the boundaries of my expectations.  

This Sunday, I will be expanding on this. I will be sharing on the value of confidence and how to acquire it. 

Opportunities to Pray Together

Prayer is the life and breath or the church. You can join us at 10am on Sunday morning at KCF in the Sunday School Room and/or start your day out on the right foot and join us Wednesday mornings, 7am at KCF.  Come and experience God moving. 

Hosting/Greeting Team Meeting

Do you enjoy meeting new people?  We are welcoming interested individuals to attend our next Host Meeting on Sunday, December 11 right after our Celebration.  Come and join us to find out more and explore if this is an area that God may be calling you to stretch into.  This is a great way to contribute to the church in a tangible and fun way.

Christmas Bake Sale

No time for Christmas baking?  No problem.  Come on down to S.H.A.R.E. Nelson on Saturday, December 17 from 10am – 3pm for the annual Bake Sale.  All sale proceeds go to Our Daily Bread.  If you are able to provide baked goods please bring them to S.H.A.R.E. at 9am on December 17^th. 

NEW!  Junior Teens

Each Friday, from 4 – 5:30pm Youth ages 11 – 14 will meet at KCF and are welcome to stop in for some fun times.

Christmas Tales

Christmas Tales is a wonderful theatrical production at the Capitol Theatre featuring storyteller Justyn Rees, singer/songwriter Russ Rosen, Multi-instrumentalist Brett Ziegler, percussionist Scott Melnyk and special guest Graham Ord.  This is a great opportunity to purchase tickets for yourself and some friends and/or family.  It’s a great gift idea.  Tickets are only $10 per person at the KCF Office (special pricing).   

Haiti

In January 2017, a team plans to travel to Haiti Arise at Grand Goave.  If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Pastor Jim.

Calendar of Events

• Christmas Tales, Tuesday, Dec 13 at the Capitol Theatre – Tickets at KCF Office, $10/person (special pricing)
• Christmas Bake Sale, Saturday, December 17, 10am to 3pm at S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
• Christmas Eve Turkey Dinner at KCF, Saturday, December 24 at 5pm
• Sunday celebration as usual on Christmas day

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