I wish I would not have said that! Is a thought that we all have entertained? Why do we say the things we do, when we know it is not healthy or even wise? That is a good question. However,  it is not a question I will answer here. This blog is on why it is important to control the tongue, not on how to control it. I will deal with the “how” piece in my Fall series “Think Differently.” In the Fall series we will be dealing with what happens on the inside (our mind) and how it has an effect on our outside. For now, let’s deal with the “why”. I find that once we understand the why, then the how and what becomes a lot easier to figure out. I become properly motivated when I learn the why on the subject. So then, why is it important to control the tongue? It is important for your future.

You might have heard the phrase, loose lips sink ships. “This phrase was coined as a slogan during WWII as part of the US Office of War Information's attempt to limit the possibility of people inadvertently giving useful information to enemy spies. The slogan was actually Loose Lips Might Sink Ships.” What we say matters. The tongue can destroy a reputation – yours or another. Words can destroy confidence and set in discouragement for both the speaker and listener. The mouth wrongfully used will not only affect others, but many a person is kept in a perpetual prison of failure because of the words they use about themselves. We may think it doesn’t matter what we say, but it really does. Words are creative energy that when used negatively are like nuclear warheads locked on target and will sink the largest ship. In short, we can shipwreck our lives simply by the way we speak about ourselves and others.

Our words even affect our spiritual life. What we say to God matters. I had a policy with my kids. They could say anything they wanted to me, as long as it was with respect. If they didn’t agree with me, they were encouraged to say so. And they often did. So it is with God. Tell him anything, but don’t curse. When you read the psalms you will quickly see that the Psalmist was very honest with God. (Why not, God knows everything anyway.)  But in the end, the writer is always giving God respect and the praise due his name. When we curse, complain, and grumble against God, we set in motion a spiritual tsunami that will topple the best ships.

Of course the opposite is true as well. When we choose to control our tongue and speak positive, choosing words of faith and admiration, building up and not tearing down, our words become powerful forces of good.

This Sunday I will be sharing on this in depth. I will be using words that will encourage us, inspire us, and build us up as we learn why.

Baptism Sunday

This Sunday, 1pm at Lakeside Park, we will be baptizing Karen Arnold and Summer Verishine, followers of Jesus. This means that they are choosing to put their past behind them and follow Jesus. Baptism is a one-time act, but then it requires of us to put our past behind us every day thereafter. If you have not been baptized as an adult, and are choosing to make Jesus your Lord and are desirous to be a follower of Him, then you are a candidate for baptism. Email me and we can discuss this with you. pastorjim@kcfoffice.com

Growth Group

Excitement is growing and so are the number of people signing up. Group gatherings will begin on Thursday, September 13 and will run until November 22. 

People who have already been in these groups have shared of experiencing deeper connections with God and finding a clearer understanding of the Bible.  They are also finding closer relationships with the people in the groups as they study the previous Sunday’s sermon and engage in discussion and prayer time with each other. This is a great place to find support, love and encouragement in life’s challenges.

The dessert time, socials and service projects provide opportunity for lots of fun and community connections.

Contact the KCF office to register or sign up at the Information Table on Sunday.

Our Daily Bread

Want to make a difference? You can make a significant impact with a hungry person by donating to Our Daily Bread in Nelson, BC. We have seniors, children, women, young and older people come for food, community and support. Individual lives have been changed forever by the love shown at Our Daily Bread. Please help someone today by donating $100 or what ever you can online at http://kootenaychristianfellowship.com/dat/?p=odb-donations Our Daily Bread Nelson Hot Lunch program. Thank you for supporting those that need it.

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

Want to know how to get a good deal on some great items? Follow the S.H.A.R.E. Nelson Facebook page and don’t miss out on any sales.

S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great opportunities.  Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire.  Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s video! Check out our FB page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM

Calendar of Events

• Group Groups begin Thursday, September 13^th, Sign up now open!
• Ladies Conference – Freedom! Sept 21-22 Hosted by KCF, Register at KCF office   

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.

Pastor Jim