It’s About Communication

So you’re sitting there one day with your face in your hands wondering, when shall I ever catch a break. Perhaps, it’s “well they should know what I’m thinking and how I feel”. Here’s the big one “God never listens, He should know about my problems, yet He does nothing”.

Well, the reality is that God is always listening and He can read both your mind and your heart. Yet if you need something from Him, you have to ask. When you ask, it must be with a sincere heart and spirit. Simply speak to Him. He gave us the gift of freewill and part of that gift is to communicate with Him and not just wish upon a star in His place. When we love someone, we talk, we engage, we trade, we share. So it should be that same with God. He wants nothing more than for all of us to have that intimate love relationship with Him. That cannot happen if we don’t speak with Him. That being said, we should be speaking with Him always, not just when we want something. We need to treat God like the loving Father He is and not like a local pizza shop who we call for fast food.

Too often we become trapped in the human in the same manner. We forget that our friends and loved ones are not mind readers. We have a voice to communicate with each other. If you wonder why a project gets stalled, it’s probably because we didn’t talk.  We should never assume that someone knows your hurt. Even our guest speakers each week would not be here if it weren’t for the communication of our pastor. The message they share would not exist if they did not listen to God and speak it to us. Remember also that we have to come to church each week to receive, as we can’t feast at the banquet table if we are not willing to dress for dinner and show up.

Did you receive a blessing this week because you spoke to God? Did to break through a problem at work because you asked Him? Did you sincerely ask Him to fill a need in your life? Did you cry to Him in a moment of grieving? If you answer yes to any of these, then most assuredly He has heard you, has delivered and is now touching your situation. Perhaps today, we will all listen more carefully to His voice saying “hello My child, let’s talk”.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

The Tree of Life

We are on holidays in Nova Scotia and were so blessed to spend time in the Garden of Eden. Friends of ours, Mike and Ardith, have a place on a lake, Garden of Eden. They are on the outflow of the lake and there is a serenity that can not be explained. Just before their son Chris left to visit relatives down the road, he built up a fire for us and we pulled up our Adirondacks to enjoy the warmth. Mike told us how the deer were eating from the fruit trees around the property. Two of the trees he talked of were foreign to me; one he called a fruit cocktail and the other was a five apple tree. The one tree had grafts which produces a variety of citrus fruits on the same tree while the apple tree produced numerous types of apples. A cabin, on the Garden of Eden, with trees that produce a wide variety of fruit, as many types as there are months, this got me to thinking about a passage in the book of Revelation – a promise of the future from our Lord.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:1‭-‬5 ESV

There is such peace when you stand on the word of God and claim His promise of an eternity in Glory with no worries or fear. His promise is fulfilled when those seeking His promise claim Christ as their Saviour and ask Jesus to take away their sins. When I asked His forgiveness and accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour, there was such a peace and joy. This is a joy that is available for anyone who seeks it.

This weekend, we welcome Rev. Glenn Reeder and celebrate the love of Christ! Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom

Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Peace in the Storms’

Day 1: Isaiah 54:10 – “’For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,’ says the Lord, who has mercy on you.”

Day 2: Psalm 91:14 – “The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”

Day 3: Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Day 4: Philippians 4:6, 7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Day 5: Psalms 61:2 – “From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.”

Day 6: Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”

Day 7: John 16:33 – “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Where There Seems To Be No Way

I’ve faced a brick wall many times in my life. A mere twenty years ago I was in a job I didn’t like, not earning enough to take care of my family, close to losing our home, with no vehicle and no credit to get a loan for one. I was stuck and I was bitter. At almost forty years old, I felt ashamed and trapped by my situation. My job, as the man of the house, was and is to look after my family, and for a while, I was failing. At one point we were so low on food, I literally picked white mushrooms off my lawn to put with potatoes. I couldn’t see past the stress I was under. But God loved me enough and reached out. Without me asking, He picked me up from where I was laying, dusted off my wounded pride, and opened a door. With the only motive being love, my mother took a loan and got us back on the road.

This was a rescue I didn’t recognize, but God put my future back  in motion. Please read Psalm 69:13-18. It’s a prayer cry for help, when we think there’s no hope. I wish to tell you there is. Well, these day’s things are much better for my wife and me. We both have good jobs, reasonably good health, a cozy home, a place by a lake to sit and rest, a good vehicle, wonderful blood and faith families, and yes both of our mom’s still with us who love us unconditionally. All of these, we recognize as God’s gifts and grace in our lives. My wife and I never gave up on each other, just as God never gave up on us.

If your situation has you bitter at God, or someone else, please let go. Do not deflect, rather, listen to the words of encouragement from a friend, or family member. Allow them to speak Jesus into your life, have Him settle inside you, and be open to know that God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. I did, and I was given the strength to share this very personal story with you. Take God one baby step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be walking with the King.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Peace In The Valley

A few days ago, I was informed that a dear friend of mine had passed away. She is a wonderful Christian sister and she was always there with a loving smile and a warm hug. If you missed it, let me say it again; she is a wonderful Christian woman. Some may question the tense of the statement but let me explain.

Jesus set the example when He came to earth. He lived His life to the fullest in the time He had available to Him on earth. When the world put our Saviour on the cross, He bled and died. On the third day, He arose, spent some more time on earth with His children and was taken back to Heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father in intercessory (intervenes on our behalf). Alright, you may suggest that that was Jesus but how does that translate to us? Take a look at the final moments on the cross. The thief who hung with Christ, the one who recognized Christ for who He really is, asked for Jesus to remember him. Christ stated that the thief would be with Him in glory this day.

This is the hope I hold onto every day. Christ died so that it can be stated that I am a wonderful Christian even after my life on earth is done. Death is simply a transition from one existence to another. On earth we know our Creator through faith while in Glory we will know our Maker in completeness. Gone are the pains and sufferings of mortal life and we will live in perfection with God and with those who have gone on before us – this includes the person previously called the thief on the cross. When we pass from this earth, we may be referred to as the late Mr. or Mrs. Bloggins but we are still alive in Christ and thus we are still Christian.

This weekend, we welcome Rev. Bob Hillock and celebrate the love of Christ! Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom

Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘How to Have a Happy LIFE’

Day 1: 1 Peter 3:10 – “For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.’”

Day 2: Philippians 2:4 – “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Day 3: Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

Day 4: Psalm 68:3 – “But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.”

Day 5: Proverbs 16:20 – “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”

Day 6: Psalm 16:11 – “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Day 7: Psalm 92:4 – “You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Week at a Glance

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday - Saturday

Church Service                 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                           - Call Pastor Todd for details

Coffee @

Little Country Cappucino              - Resuming in August

Lady’s Bible Study                        - Resuming in September

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose     - Resuming in September

Men’s Leadership Study                - Resuming in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship              - Resuming in September

Church Service                              - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Care Home Services - MVSH       - Not On Schedule this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

Am I Getting Through

There are times when each one of us wonder if we are making a difference, or getting through with God’s word? Those of us who are in a “leadership” role in God’s ministry, know very well the effort it takes to bring God’s message to the world. Satan is our biggest threat, always throwing roadblocks in our path. Our pastors and speakers, are scrutinized over their messages, our worship (music) leaders are subject to questions on song choices, and any one of us who share God’s encouragement are under the microscope of pretty much everyone. Yet, we push on deflecting the human opinion, defended by our obedience to God.

I’ve had pastors confide in me, with questions of whether or not they are effective, or if people are even listening. I can understand that. I take solace in remembering that God is the one we are serving. When we preach, or sing, He knows the very person who will be in service that has come to receive what He will place in their heart. We are merely the obedient messengers.

I even thought if Jesus Himself sometimes wondered if He was getting through. His official ministry was only three years young. He spoke without a building, without credentials, without a church board, yet He kept speaking. He associated himself with the “lowly” of the land, paying attention to those rejected and forgotten, yet He spoke. Then I remembered that He took His obedience to the Father, all the way to and from the cross.

This being said, our labor in God’s kingdom should be easy. Well, some days it is, and some days we are challenged. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. The fact that God has chosen each of us in our own way, with our own talents, strengths, and gifts, show others that He knows what He’s doing. Even today, as we share church time, there is someone who has come into God’s house and His presence, has arrived expecting, has come to receive something special from the Father. We may never know who, or what that is until we come face to face with God, and that’s okay. Our job, for now is to listen for God’s voice, and allow Him to fill our mouths with His words. Today, perhaps, we can stop wondering if we’re getting through, as God has this under control.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Faith, Family and Friends

Morty woke up promptly at 6:30 AM prepared to meet the day. By 6:50, he was showered and shaved and into the first coffee of the day. Five minutes later, Dory was awake headed into the washroom to get ready for the day. Timing is everything for this couple. The twins are awake at 7:15, fed by 7:30 and then into the bathroom, clothed and prepared for school. Kids at the school by 7:50, Dory at the office by 8:15 and Morty at work precisely 8:30 AM. Barely a dozen words were spoken between the four all morning and the tension is palpable all throughout the morning routine. Most of the day is filled with stress and heated discussion so when it is time to share over the evening meal, the family is immersed in their own stress relief and spend little if any time in conversation. The family environment in this family is repetitive, stagnant and on the verge of destruction.

For Morty and Dory, the pursuit of making enough to live comfortably has overshadowed the joy they once shared in a simpler time. Years before, this loving couple talked the night away, woke up together and shared breakfast and loved each other beyond belief. Sunday was a time of worship and of sanctity, nothing got in the way of the Sabbath and nothing was more important than their faith in Christ. Bible studies with friends, gatherings with family during the holidays and worshipping the Master were priorities until the wants of the world started to impinge on their lives and the relationships that had been built up in faith and love began to break down and fall apart. Work encroached on Bible studies, stress and overwork interrupted quality family time and in the end, the focus on worldly goods destroyed a vibrant, loving family.

Think this is just a story? This happens all the time and families are destroyed when the focus is wrongly directed. To God, we are His family and when we are in pain, He is hurts. We can preach and preach that God is love, wants nothing more than to be in relationship with us and is focused on each and every one of our lives yet when time starts to get short, the first relationship to suffer is with God. Prayer time, that time when we stop all activities and just communicate with our Creator, becomes the first to suffer, then gathering with others of faith follows. Time is adjusted so more can be accomplished for work at the expense of time with the faith community and the Lord. Once again I say, a growing and strong relationship is when each give 100 percent to the other. Love God as He loves you, let that spill over to your family and friends and you will see the power and strength of true love. The world is but temporary and will fade to dust when time of earth is finished. God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Share your faith, your time, your love with those around you. Let them know that Jesus saves and when they believe, then the relationships formed on earth will endure forever in Glory.

Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom
Pastor Todd

Week at a Glance

Week At A Glance – July 10 - 16, 2017

Church Office Closed      - Monday

Church Office Open        - 9:00 PM – 5:00 PM Tuesday - Friday

Church Office Closed      - Saturday

Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Monday Outdoor Adventure      - Contact Church Office for time                                                           and location

Coffee Time at

Little Country Cappuccino           - Will Resume Aug 2

Ladies Bible Study                       - Will Resume in September

Lady’s Craft for a Purpose           - Will Resume in September

Men’s Bible Study                       - Will Resume in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship             - Will Resume in September

Mountain View SH Services        - None Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘TRUE LOVE’

Day 1: John3:16 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Day 2: Romans 5:8 – “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

Day 3: 1 John 3:1 – “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.”

Day 4: Mark 12:30, 31 – “’And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’  The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Day 5: 1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”

Day 6: Luke 6:35 – “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

Day 7: Romans 5:5 – “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

When Your Past Catches Up With You

Little Johnny was a terrible little lad. When he was younger, Johnny would pull on the pigtail of the girl in front of him in class, he was the first to jump the ques at any event, took his grandpa’s car for a joy ride, was a burr under the saddle of countless folk and many thought he would be found either dead or in jail before he was eighteen. As time rolled along, not much changed but the incidents grew more frequent and of increasing magnitude. Eventually, Johnny did end up in jail and found out there were worse sorts inside. After the third trip to the infirmary, he decided to go see the Preacher-man for some advice and a bit of relief from the beatings. Johnny thought that if he got in good with the Holy man, maybe he could get some chores that would keep him away from the gang that tormented him.

Johnny found the Preacher-man and did the whole “I need to know Jesus” thing so that he could get some special privileges but what happened next he did not expect. Pastor Jerry took him under his wing and started to work with him and take an interest in his well-being. This total investment and interest from the Pastor opened up Johnny’s eyes to the fact that there were people out there that were more than just a mark, they were honestly good people who wanted to make a difference in other’s lives. Johnny soon realized that there was a path that was more fulfilling than his past direction of life and he made every effort to walk in the path of the light. By the time his parole hearing came up, Johnny was a changed man and it was the Preacher-man who testified to his change and offered to give Johnny an opportunity once he was released.

Pastor Johnny now serves in a local congregation and is a walking statement of forgiveness. His testimony starts with “Read Luke 7:36-50 – I was once awash in sin and evil desires but Jesus has taken my past and removed it and I have been forgiven more than I deserve – I have been forgiven so much and have so much to share with my testimony of joy and forgiveness that I will speak of my Saviour until He greets me in Glory”. Johnny’s life is so focused on the future that his past will never catch up with him, thanks be to God.

Sunday service streams on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 and starts at 10:30 am MST. We invite you to interact with us as we live stream and join us as we celebrate.

Shalom
Pastor Todd

One Day At A Time

Well my wife and I just began our summer vacation you know, a little R&R for a couple of weeks. Well things began this way. We started listing all the things we could get caught up on, like painting inside our home, clearing the basement, yard work, deck and dock projects at our place on a lake. In a matter of moments, our minds were so cluttered with thoughts of the size of the list that we just began to shut down. We literally had no idea where to start, let alone enjoy a break from our job’s routine. On Tuesday, we ran into a dear friend of ours from church, and she echoed the same thoughts, as she and her husband were knee deep into a list. Then she reminded us of a message in her daily devotional for that day, that God instructs us to deal only with what is in front of you each day. Just do one thing at a time, then rest. She was right, and of course, so was God. We’re not expected to conquer the world in a day, or a week. Besides, God looked after that. We are all guilty of putting pressures and unrealistic expectations on ourselves. I started thinking why many do not attend church, or bible studies, because the thought of God or the Bible is just too much to handle all at once. This is true, they are. We need to approach learning about Jesus, as we would a cottage that has been vacant for a year. Start, by opening the front door, hence, we ask someone about Jesus. Next, throw open the windows, and walk the property. In God’s case, let’s open our minds to His existence and sit with someone who has a firm grasp, and spiritual walk, and just listen. You see, Jesus doesn’t expect us to understand Him or the Bible within a week, a month or a year. He asks only that we take each day for the rest of our lives and look for His presence and influence in our lives. He is a perfect taskmaster, allowing us the freedom to experience Him, one bit, one bite, one job and one day at a time. So, today, why not throw open your cottage windows, pick some strawberries with your spouse, and get to know Jesus, one day at a time. Mike Shindruk www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘GOD of Second Chances’

Day 1: Lamentations 3:21-23 – “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

Day 2: Job 33:29 – “Yes, God does these things again and again for people.”

Day 3: Psalm 30:2 – “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.”

Day 4: Psalm 130:3 – “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?”

Day 5: Isaiah 43:25 – “I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”

Day 6: Micah 7:18 – “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.”

Day 7: Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Week At A Glance July 3 - 9, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday

Church Office Open        - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday - Friday

Church Office Closed      - Saturday

Church Service                 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                            - Call Pastor Todd for details

Coffee @

Little Country Cappucino              - 9:00 AM Tuesday

Evening with John Wotton            - 5:30 PM BBQ

                                                       - 6:15 PM Service

Lady’s Bible Study                        - Resuming in September

Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose     - Resuming in September

Men’s Leadership Study                - Resuming in September

Men’s Coffee Fellowship               - Resuming in September

Church Service                               - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Care Home Services - MVSH        - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard