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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Welcome to 2018

Welcome to 2018

Every year at this time, people gather to share in the celebration of ringing in the New Year. We stay up until midnight in an attempt to see the clock change to 00:00. Once the clock has chimed 12 times, many will crawl into bed, turn off the alarm for the morning and drift off to sleep. But before this happens, almost everyone will make those New Year promises, the great Resolution! These resolutions vary but all have relatively the same purpose – it’s considered a do over or a new start. One day a year dedicated to a new start and, in many cases, it is a one and done affair. Here is my question, what if a new day resolution could have eternal effect on the individual?

As Saul traveled on the road to Damascus, “he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”…Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” Acts 9:4-6, 19-20

What a remarkable account of a new start. A wrathful God would have put Saul six feet under but Jesus saw the potential in Saul’s testimony, just as He sees the potential in all of our lives, and gave him the chance to preach the Good News. Many will take the time to pledge to lose weight, stop drinking, quit smoking and the list goes on but how about a different tack; Claim the love of Christ, let Him into your life and allow Him to take away your sin and give you a brand new start.

This Sunday, we look at how we can all have that new start that will lead to an eternity of joy and peace. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). Bonus this Sunday, at 6:30 pm we will be gathering at the church for an evening of games, fellowship and cookies.

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love

Many years ago, I did something that was rather dumb and could have cost me my job but my buddy stepped up to the boss and took on my error. You see I was very new to the job and it was an honest mistake but the boss had a habit of laying into the new guys who had made an error. I asked why he did not say who was truly the at fault for the accident and he said that it was no big deal and no one was hurt. He took it on the chin so that I would not feel the wrath of the error.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:9-13 NIV

Numerous times people have quoted this bit of text and said they are not sure if they could take a bullet for anyone but if we read this passage with a different perspective we could also suggest that Christ was saying put the needs of self, one’s own personal desires, and lift up your friend when he or she is in dire need of a helping hand. Jesus often let go of what He was doing so that He could provide comfort for someone in dire need. The ultimate sacrifice was made on the cross for all mankind by Someone who was innocent of any sin or transgression. This is the love of the Saviour
This Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we look at how we can all lean on the Love of the Lord for our joy and courage. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). Bonus this Sunday, at 7:00 pm we will be broadcasting our Christmas Eve Candle Light Service as well.

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘When You Hurt, Trust God’
Day 1: Job 5:11 – “He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer.”
Day 2: 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 3: Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Day 4: Psalm 56:8 – “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
Day 5: 1 Peter 5:9, 10 – “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
Day 6: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
Day 7: Romans 15:13 – “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

A Gift, In The Birth Of A Baby

This year, my wife and I were later than usual at decorating our home for Christmas. It was just this past week that we managed to retrieve our decorations, including out pre-lit tree, to make our home cozy and welcoming to our family and friends. Well as fate would have it, many of the lights did not work so we endeavoured to remove the labyrinth of factory strings. After toiling for almost an hour, we finally succeeded, and just in the nick of time, as we both began to become frustrated. So, we laid everything aside till the following evening.
          
While looking over the endless boxes scattered about, I realized that regardless of the lights, the trimmings, or the stress, Christmas would come. Our home would be a place of celebration marking the birth of Jesus, a baby, and our King. The first Christmas, as our pastor reminded us, was probably very quiet, with very few even noticing. There would not have been the worry over the gift list, the dinner plans, the trees or even lights that did not work. There was a select few who God probably had chosen to be there at the time of Jesus’ birth. He allowed the wise men to follow the star they had seen in the east until it stopped over where Jesus was to be born, as told in Matthew 2.
          
So here we are, some two thousand plus years later, and our world still celebrates this birth. Yes, we decorate with bright lights and festive trimmings. It should be our way of shouting that our King was born, and we are sharing Him, Emmanuel, God with us. Our home like many others will be decorated, and we will remember the true reason. When we open the door to our friends and family, they will know that Jesus is alive and well within our home. Regardless of the grandeur of the tinsel, or the number of working lights, we will be reminded that a most precious gift was given to all of us. In a couple of weeks, all of this will be again, set away for another year, yet Jesus will remain.
        
I encourage everyone who may read this to look past the lights, push past the gifts, and focus on the gift of love from God. Share love with your family, friends, and yes, strangers. Remember, Christmas is not a string of lights on a tree rather it’s a time to thank God for the lifeline to Him that Jesus represents, a gift in the birth of a baby.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca


Sunday, December 17, 2017

I Can Only Imagine

I Can Only Imagine
          
Well, we are one week away from the day we will celebrate the birth of Jesus. I was thinking about that, and imagined that this would be the week (timeline) where the order was given from Caesar for everyone to return to their place of birth to participate in a compulsory census. Joseph and Mary, expecting a child would now be on their way to Bethlehem. The distance, by today’s standards, is short. Yet back then, on foot, through terrain and dangers would seem such a daunting journey. All of this while being guided by God, and obeyed by a couple who would live forever in the history books.
          
Over this next week, I encourage everyone to think, and reflect on how all odds were overcome. Herod gave orders to find this King that was foretold. God ensured that he would never succeed. A king, The King, would arrive, right under the nose of the enemy, hidden in plain sight. Please take a few minutes to read Luke 2:1-20. As we close in on what we call Christmas day, let’s share this with everyone. Wish all you have contact with, a Merry Christmas. Please do not take offence when someone posts, or wishes you a happy holiday, or season’s greetings. Instead, thank them and wish them peace. Let the groups who find it necessary to expel energy on choosing to not believe, to muddle through as we celebrate. For those who scoff at the Bible, let them then pray for them. Yet, show them by your actions, that Jesus, this little baby, can make a difference in your life, if you only let Him.
          
You see, we who believe will walk through this hectic season with anticipation of a miracle. The pressure of the gift race will have no effect on us, for we will celebrate in a week that God thought so much of mankind that He sent His son to be born among us. Who but God, could have planned that one baby would be born, and change the world forever? This gift, unmatched in history was, and is, to be given to all mankind, so please share Him with everyone you meet. Prepare your home, your heart, and your spirit to receive Him. I can only imagine how this unfolded so many years ago.  I can only imagine.
          
Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Thursday, December 14, 2017

A Prayer To Ponder

In Your Will, I Will (The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Sam 3:10)

Speak Lord for Your servant is listening and ready. My Lord, You have been my guide and my light, I will always praise You.
I ask Lord that you will give me strength to help others, the wisdom to give proper advice and encouragement and the heart to think of others needs before my own. 
Lord, You provide all my needs and Your will be done as You design, not me. Blessings come from You, Lord, and not from mankind.
Praise be to you God for Your faithfulness to Your children. Bless You, Lord, for Your perfect love. Your servant is ready, Lord.
Your Word is guidance and comfort. Blessed are we who look to you and find Your guidance and strength, blessed are we who look beyond self and see the needs of Your children and, by Your will, reach out.
You are my love and my joy. You provide and offer, offer your love and from us desire a response in kind.
Lord, my God, great are You in all the universe, greater are You than all we know, greater even than the darkness of the universe is Your power, wisdom and love.
Be my vision, my focus and my only desire my Lord and open my eyes to Your greatness. Take from me my selfish desires and open my heart fully to You and Your will for my life.
Great are you, oh Lord, and great is Your joy. We are blessed by Your presence and in Your love we find our perfect rest.
Your joy you provide to us, Your joy is perfect in Your Son and infinite in You, Holy Spirit.
Be with me Lord and grant me peace.

Amen

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Joy To The World

Last year was a tough one with the death of our pup, Chica, a Christmas away from Natalie’s folks and a variety of issues that just made me think where is the joy. You tell yourself that Christmas is all about celebrating family and friends, the birth of Christ and good will towards all people but the reality is life happens. I put my counsellor hat on and think “Am I hypersensitive to the ugliness of events during what is supposed to be a festive time?” So often we can power through the tough times outside this time of the year but can feel rather deflated waiting for the other shoe to drop in this season of good cheer.

There is an answer and this year it is proving to be a God send; read the Psalms.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Ps 96:1-3

Isaac Watts used several pieces of scripture as inspiration as he penned his famous carol including Psalms 96.

Joy to the world the Lord has come, let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room.
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing.

The trials and tribulations of the world are with us every day but the Glory of the Lord outshines the darkness and if we look to the Light, we will know His perfect joy and peace.

This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we look at how we can all lean on the Joy of the Lord for inspiration and strength. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘What is Christmas?’
Day 1: Isaiah 7:14 – “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”
Day 2: Isaiah 9:6, 7 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”
Day 3: Titus 3:3-7 – “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But – When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
Day 4: 1 John 5:11 – “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
Day 5: John 1:14 – “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
Day 6: Luke 2:11 – “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
Day 7: John 1:12 – “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Peace

Can there be peace in our day? This is a universal question with a plethora of answers. There is a constant in the responses and a caveat; yes there can be peace but it has to look like this. As many people who define what peace looks like is the differences in how it will be perceived and accepted.

I like to finish a meal at a Chinese food restaurant with a bowl of Jello. It is the perfect way to end the meal and fills those last few gaps left in the old stomach. The other day, I was told the best way to end off the meal was with those cream stuffed pastries to which I was completely opposed. The conversation turned into an argument, which then turned into a rather unpleasant departure (this was only an illustration). One person’s peace may not be another person’s idea of peace but instead of seeing past the personal preferences, many choose to force their own will and the battle is on.

There are those who do not believe in the birth of the Messiah over two thousand years ago. They find their peace in a different way. My question is this; do we prepare the ground for the planting by creating a bad environment for the seed? If there is a peace, then share in that peace. The peace of God comes in a variety of vessels but the primary message is clear; God came for all mankind so that we may know the Perfect Peace. Love our neighbour as yourself, love completely and without prejudice. Christ came for the princes and the paupers and He loves all equally and perfectly. This is the message of God.

This Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, we look at how we can all be the Light of the Season to all those around us. Services start at 10:30 MST and can seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Your Presence

So here we are, again in what we call the Christmas season. Our society will anxiously wait for snow, concerts, parades and yes, sales, as our stress levels climb. Yet, it does not have to be this way. You see, we need only stop and remember what we should be anticipating. Our culture celebrates the birth every December 25th, but as we were reminded in church last Sunday, it is not Jesus’ birthdate. Our world has, over time tried to replace Him with red suits, snowmen, and credit card purchases.
          
Christmas this year, should be a time to turn back the clock, and get back to what is really important. Let’s all search out a time when children’s school concerts sang of a babe in a manger, when store window paintings included…today in the city of David, a few weeks when every church and many homes proudly displayed a nativity. Let’s remember a season when church bells rang out Silent Night in the silent of the night, snowflakes on our tongue, as we walked hand in hand with our sweetheart. Let’s shop, not till we drop, yet for a memorable gift that represents the gifts offered to a new born King. Rekindle the teaching of Jesus’ birth to our children, and let them know that He was born, a symbol of hope for all the world.
          
Now don’t get me wrong, yes we are in the Christmas season, which I love. Let’s enjoy the excitement of family dinners together, reunions of those perhaps estranged, and a connecting of family and friends. To those who are alone, or lonely, or have lost loved ones and are mourning, please let them know they are not forgotten. Encourage them to remember better times, and to look forward. Help someone along the way who has very little, or nothing, and feed someone who is hungry. Let this be a time of a hope for peace in our homes, communities, country, and our world.
      
Allow yourself to celebrate Jesus and the absolute miracle of His birth against all odds. Remember that even Herod could not stop His coming. This king came, not on a white steed, yet quietly, as foretold, wrapped in rags, a gift to, and for all mankind. Perhaps now, we can all enjoy our Christmas season, rather than fret over the gift buying. Let your precious gift to each other be, your presence and time. It is worth more than anything borrowed money could ever buy.
          
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca


Friday, December 1, 2017

Look Up, Look Forward, And Look For Him

Well, here’s to another great week with God as our co-pilot. I realize that my writings are all flavored with encouragement of God’s grace. That is because I see it every day, and hope that all who read this will do the same. I know that all of us have issues to deal with, and that there are times when we feel kicked when we’re down, yet we all wake up every day. That in itself should be something we give immediate thanks for.
          
I would like to share just one day of God’s grace that happened this past week. While walking into work one morning with a co-worker, we chit chatted about how the morning was so warm, and calm. We were both carrying our first coffee, and were a couple of minutes late. We didn’t fret, rather commented that it was just a minute. She simply said, that we should never waste even one minute of our time. That spoke volumes to me as I realized that God had used her to give both of us a profound message. Don’t waste our lives fretting over things. Remember, He’s got your day planned.
          
Later on that same morning, while serving a customer whom I had never met before, he appreciated the service given and left me with a simple parting message. He asked me and my co-worker to share a cup of kindness for him. Just like that, he was gone. Again, I saw God using him to pass an encouraging spirit forward in the shape of a simple request to love each other.
   
My work day ended this way. My last customer labored his way into my workplace. His health situation was such that a mere few steps would have him gasping for breath. Yet, his kind demeanor and soft spoken voice was not robbed by his illness. He purchased a small handful of screws, and as we chatted, his voice, just above a whisper, gave thanks to God. He simply said, tomorrow will be better, then slowly, but surely made his way to a waiting drive.
          
In these conversations, God shone a light into my eyes, so bright that my soul was heated up. He, in His way, through others will always encourage us to look up, look forward, and look for Him, and that, will carry us through today, and tomorrow.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca