Pastor Jim's Blog

Negative Patterns

Like father like son. Chip off the old block. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. These sayings demonstrate a reality some of us might not want to admit or accept. Simply, that we are often like those who have gone before us. Not just in appearances, but the family tree is evident in such things like: our hand gestures, emotional dispositions, and even moral tendencies. While growing up, I did not have a great relationship with my father. It was not his fault per se, he was simply living out what he learnt from his father. One of the things my dad used to do is tease my mom. He would tease her until she got mad, then he would be contrite and show her kindness. One such time, he was snapping a tea towel on her backside. She wanted him to stop, but he kept doing it. To protect herself, she put her hand behind her back just as he snapped the towel. It caught her little finger and broke it. Of course he was sorry, contrite and repentant, but she was crying. It made me mad. And I said to myself, I will never be like my dad.

Twenty-five years later, I am bugging my wife (snapping the towel on Doreen) until she is mad, immediately I am all apologetic and want to make nice. Then it hit me, I am just like my dad. The very thing I disliked in my father, I had become. I fell on my knees asking God to forgive me, then I asked Doreen to forgive me, and I asked God to change the pattern of my thinking to break the negative behaviour I was displaying. This set me on a life long evaluation of negative and positive characteristics of my family ethos. I want to emulate the good patterns of my family history, but change the patterns of thinking in those areas that are negative.

Negative family characteristics left unchecked do not get better over time, but instead, increase in intensity. We see this exampled in the bible. Abraham, the father of faith, had a problem with telling little white lies or half truths. He identifies his wife as his sister because he is afraid to call her his wife. (Genesis 20) Actually, she was his niece. In the Hebrew language of the day the terms were interchangeable. But then six chapters later we see Isaac, Abraham’s son espousing the same lie. Isaac identifies his wife Rebekah as his sister to protect himself. (Genesis 26)  While Abraham’s lie was somewhat conceivable, as nieces and sisters were the same term, but Isaac’s wife was his first cousin once removed. (Most people don’t know what “once removed” means and I am not explaining it here.) This was an out and out lie. Now the next generation, Isaac son Jacob, grandson of Abraham is called “the deceiver.” So we go from small lie, to big lie, to Liar in three successive generations.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus interrupting this negative pattern. But to experience the reality of this interruption we need to identify with Jesus. This Sunday, as part of my THINK DIFFERENTLY series, I will be sharing steps on how to break negative patterns handed down to us by our forefathers. We will have to think differently if we want to experience a different outcome of our family history. The good news is; it can be different. Jesus made a way for us. Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Communion

This Sunday is Communion Sunday. It is when we come together as a family to eat at the Lord’s Table.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

We are hearing from those who attended the dinner, that they had a wonderful time and enjoyed a great meal.  We want to extend our sincere thanks to the many people who gave of their time, skills and finances to make this event a success and blessing to so many. Over 190 people attended this free community gathering. It is because so many contribute in so many different ways, that this dinner is a reality.

There is a need for ongoing donations and Volunteers as we continue to feed hungry stomach’s 5 days/week.

If you would like to donate towards Our Daily Bread, please do so by mailing or dropping off your cheque payable to “Our Daily Bread” to 520 Falls Street, Nelson BC V1L 6B5.  We can also accept payments via interact at the KCF Office or credit payments over the phone.

Hoodies, Hoodies, Hoodies

Beautiful hoodies

With KCF logo

Wear them proud

Wear them loud

Only $45

Sizes Available:    Mens Large(3), XL(1),

Ladies Small(1), Medium(2)

 KCF Membership Classes

If you consider KCF your church home and are not a Member yet, Membership classes are a good opportunity for you to find out more about KCF church and establish your roots. If you are interested in church membership, please contact the office.

The next round of membership classes will be held over 4 Sundays at 1pm beginning November 4th.  Soup and a bun will be provided.

Our Daily Bread

We want to give thanks to those who heard our call and sent in donations to ODB. We are able to continue to provide lunch to hungry people because of the faithfulness of those who care. If you have not donated yet, please consider doing so today. 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

Need a new wardrobe? Summer is over, are you looking for some Fall and Winter clothes? Want to know how to get a good deal on some great items? WE NOW HAVE CLOTHES AT S.H.A.R.E. Nelson. Check it out!

Follow us on our 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

  • Bright Lights After School Club, Tuesdays at 3:30 – 5:15pm, Call Doreen for information 354-2077
  • KCF Church Membership course begins Sunday, Nov 4th – 1pm.

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

Pastor Jim

October 11, 2018

Celebration: Sunday: 10:30am - 12pm In Person Church or Facebook

Kootenay Christian Fellowship
520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)
Nelson, BC  V1L 6B5 

Pastor Jim's Blog: Negative Patterns

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