Impressions

Christmas has come and gone. I hope you have been left with impressions of love, and the spirit of good. Many people are now posting photos, activities, and memories on social media as a way of sharing these gifts. I was told this week of how my physical walk, or gate reminded them of my dad. That warmed me to know that he made such an impression that even a small thing like a foot step would evoke a good memory. There are friends in our life that will do the same thing. They may move away, or pass away, yet some small thing will take us back to a happy place. We will have a circle of friends that will come and go in our life, yet never be removed, because we have made an impression on each other’s hearts that cannot be undone.

Imagine now, just how powerful a gift that the birth of Jesus really is. Here we are, over two thousand years later, still celebrating. That, dear friend’s, is one powerful impression. I’m not alone when I say that this Christmas appeared to have an extra intensity of significance. It may be due to the many events in our household and family this past year. Perhaps on a larger scale it is due to the global turmoil, the heightened awareness of human suffering, or there are just more people finally realizing that Jesus is alive in all of us. A certain number of people knew my dad, but the whole world knows about my Father, God. Keep Jesus close to you, lean on Him in times of joy and hurt, allowing Him to dwell in you to leave His lasting impression on you. 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

Allow Him to enter your life and let His presence leave an everlasting impression in this new year.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Starting Over Resolution

It will soon be New Year’s Eve and people around the world will be celebrating the start of 2019. Many will remember their New Year resolutions but quite a few will not. I have, in the past, made these same resolutions. I resolve to be in better shape, to be a nicer person, spend more time with family, to drink less, to drink more water and the list goes on and on. There were years that we would bet on how long until the resolutions were broken. There was one year where a buddy said he was going to give up beer and that lasted three days. Another friend resolved not to swear and that lasted for about four hours if I remember correctly and then he tried to justify that the word was in the dictionary and thus counted as a proper word and not a swear word. I have made my share, have broken my share and continue to try and be better but there are times we all trip up.

Over two thousand years ago, our Father in Heaven resolved to send His Son to earth so that we might know the perfection of God’s love and give us all the opportunity to start over. He represented a new start for all humanity regardless of race, creed, colour, religious leanings, gender or age just to name a few. Jesus came for all creation to show a new and better way. Jesus came as the King of all kings which meant that the kings of the day answered to Him. The kings of the days were conniving and ruthless in most cases but Christ came to show them a better way. He is called the Prince of Peace and Saviour of all humanity yet the leadership of the time looked for ways to break Him, to have Christ break His resolve and show everyone His true nature but this never happened. Jesus held to His resolution, to take on the darkness, show us all the way of peace through love and compassion and to conquer the grave. He did this for all at that time, He did this all for each of us in this time. Christ did not break His resolution and today we benefit for His sacrifice.

This New Year’s Eve, when you make your resolution, will you resolve to be a bit kinder, a bit more tolerant, more loving and more compassionate? If you do, ask God to give you the strength to keep you resolution so that those around you will come to know a better way, a more perfect way to live. We invite you to join us at 10:30 MST in person, 402 Main Ave W Sundre, or online on Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd 

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: Matthew 1:21 – “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Day 3: John 1:14 – “So the Word became human[a] 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 4: Titus 3:5, 6 – “… 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.”

Day 5: John 1:29 – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”

Day 6: 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 7: 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!”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Love Of God

I was in line for a coffee a while back and had painstakingly rifled through what used to be called the ashtray to find a dime and a nickel to pay for my large steeped tea, two milk and two sugar (just in case anyone out there is coming by for a visit J ). As I reached the window I managed to pry the sticky dime from the bottom of the cup holder and had just enough for my purchase and avoided putting the price of a tea on the debit card where the service charge would add another third to the cost. I truly feel bad for all those who work at the drive through counter. That dime was nasty. The attendant greeted me very warmly and I apologized for the state of the change and she just laughed and said it happens more often than I think. She handed me my tea and told me the person ahead had paid for it and for me to have a great day. I hadn’t even noticed or paid attention to the person in the car ahead of me. I was so busy fishing for change that I was oblivious to the person in the car ahead. In fact I could not even tell you the model, make or colour of the vehicle but I do remember it was a car. After stumbling through a series of thank yous and how kind of them, I realized I was holding up traffic and the sticky change was still in my hand. I dumped the change on the counter and told her to keep it, pulled out my bank card and paid for the order of the vehicle behind me.

Now, I don’t tell you this do solicit any atta boy from anyone reading this because frankly I am rather ashamed of my actions that day. I am not talking about the paying it forward for the person behind me in line but rather the fact that I did not realize what the person ahead had done for me, the unsolicited kindness they had shown and the fact that there was no way I could properly thank them for the wonderful gesture. Many times over the years people have told me to just be thankful for the generosity of others because it is a blessing for them as much as it is for me. Over two thousand years ago, our Father in Heaven sent us the gift of eternal life, His one and only Son. At the time very few understood the significance of the King’s birth. They did not recognize how He arrived, what He was wearing or even what He was driving. He paid it forward the day He was born and paid it in full the day He came up from the grave three decades later.

He has paid the price for each of us and Christmas is the time we celebrate the coming of the Perfect Gift from our Father in Heaven. We can celebrate His gift every day and pay it forward to those around us by sharing our celebration with them. Spread the Word each and every day and pay His love forward to the next person in line. Shout Merry Christmas this holiday season and let the world know that the Prince of Peace is the reason for the season. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Keep Christ In Christmas

So we are now in the last week of what we call the Christmas season. Yes the mall parking lots are full, and hopefully the church pews will be. Trees and trimmings are now adorning every home and street corner. Lights, music, and planned family gatherings are on high, as we close in on the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The true Messiah, came quietly, as a baby, despite the efforts of threatened kingdoms to stop him.

          

For us Christians, it is a time of great anticipation and sharing of this celebration. The reality of our world, and our community is that there will be those that will try to suppress this joy. Governments everywhere are at work to try and silence His message, removing Him from schools, public buildings, and even courtrooms, yet they cannot. Many stores will use Christmas only as a tool to improve their bottom line. There will be groups and even co-workers that will try to use political correctness to silence our singing praises to the Lamb. When some try to silence Him, He energizes us to raise His name. There will be claims and complaints of being offended by the very words, ”Merry Christmas”, or even an aptly decorated tree. There will be attacks because a display or ornament is about Jesus’ birth. Stand proud for Him and remain steadfast in your faith and pray for those who seem to have lost, or have no faith, yet never attack those of another faith. Never be ashamed of speaking the name of Jesus. In Luke 9:26 (GNT), Jesus tells us, “If you are ashamed of me and my teaching, then the Son of man (Jesus) will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” He is alive and well in the hearts of groups in prison ministry, in missions to help our youth, and in the many hands and voices that minister to the elderly, the in firmed and the forgotten. God is at work in every church family in our county. We may gather in different buildings, but we all attend the same church, His. Jesus is our Lord, and what we do to, and for each other is what we do to, and for Him.

          

So as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, wear your nativity broach, hang an ornament, offer a Merry Christmas, do a random act of kindness as a birthday gift to Jesus and let God look after the rest. I ask that we all remember that this past year, and the past two thousand would have never been the same if it were not for the birth of a baby named Jesus. Take a moment to read Luke 2:11 (NIV) Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the messiah the Lord. Remember, God sent Jesus for all of us, carefully wrapped, aptly labelled “To all mankind, My gift to you.” Invite someone to a Christmas concert, or church service to learn about the miracle of His birth. Ask them to come and see what the buzz is all about. Offer that perfect gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, and always remember to keep Christ in Christmas.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Overcoming LIFE’

Day 1: 1 John 5:5 – “And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Day 2: Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.”

Day 3: Romans 8:37 – “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”

Day 4: 1 John 5:4 – “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

Day 5: Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Day 6: 1 Corinthians 15:57 – “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Day 7: James 1:12 – “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Shalom Aleichem

So, funny thing, last week was supposed to be the advent of peace yet I wrote on joy. I realized the mistake as I was putting the final touches on the sermon and there was very little joy on my part. That did not last for long, however, because when I realized the mistake, Natalie noted that I had a great start on the sermon for the next week. With that I felt great peace and joy. Since last week I wrote on joy, this week I am going to examine peace. I spoke on peace last Sunday (you can see the service on Facebook @MainAvenueFellowship videos) and explored the difference between peace through submission and peace through love. Peace through submission does not lend itself to lasting peace but rather a temporary peace until such a time that those in submission rise up in rebellion. A peace built on a foundation of love and caring is tougher to achieve but it lasts.

Shalom Aleichem – may peace be upon you and appropriate response is aleichem shalom "unto you peace". It is a greeting from the heart attending to both the body and the soul of the person you are greeting. Could you see how a greeting like this would be viewed in our culture? I know that there are those out there who would love to see this and appreciate the gesture of a blessing of peace in our spirit. A peace within is a wonderful foundation upon which to build a lasting peace with the world around us. Think of this for a moment; a peace based on respect for others, care for our neighbours and love for all even those who have not treated us with mutual respect would be a start to a lasting peace in our homes, our neighbourhoods and our country. Jesus taught us to pray to forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Let the peace reign in our lives rather than hold onto the anger and use it against people until they submit and give up. The world is full of judgement and criticism and so many suffer because of this but if we chose to be supportive and caring, wishing only God’s best for them, does this shift the paradigm?

Shalom Aleichem, may the peace of God bring infinite joy and love into your life. This Sunday we celebrate the joy of Emanuel, God with us. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Bringing Joy To Your Life

Want to find joy? I read an article online entitled “29 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier This Year” by Sarah Winfrey (2014). It was a wildly entertaining article that included in the first three points work with your hands, practice “taking in the good” and help others. There were also other suggests such as let go of perfection, become calm and guzzle H2O. The one that really intrigued me considering it is a “scientific study” was fake it until you make it. Outstanding advice (that was sarcasm). There are numerous ways to find joy and, with the way things are in this country today, I was surprised that there was no mention of recreational mary-jane, alcohol and the always great saying “if it doesn’t hurt anyone else, go for it”. Put on the temporary mask of joy and fake it until you find the magical answer that will get you smiling like the Joker’s dates in the original Batman movie. I'm only laughing on the outside, my smile is just skin deep. If you could see inside I'm really crying, you might join me for a weep. (The Joker to Vicki Vale)

Let me share with you a top five unscientific list of suggestions to be happier this year:

5) Listen – when you see someone in need of a caring ear or a compassionate shoulder, take time to stop and just listen. Most of the time people just want someone to listen. Be the bearer of joy for someone in need.

4) Meditate – purposely set aside time to meditate. I find reading scripture and then taking the time to meditate on what the Word means for my life brings a calmness and joy to my life.

3) Pray for others – there are so many people out there who want to drag you into their miseries so they have company. Take time out to pray with them and for them. Lift up their needs to the Lord and show them how to cast their cares upon a loving and compassionate God.

2) Pray for yourself – you are the apple of God’s eyes and He does not want you to be hurting or alone. Keep an open line of communication with God and ask Him for strength and guidance and expect Him to bring peace and joy into your life.

1) Give thanks to Jesus – Remember that the Father sent His one and only Son into this world so that those who believe in Him shall never know the eternity of death. 

Jesus offers a wonderful alternative to the pains and struggles of daily life and the joy that comes from knowing Him turns the fake smile into a soul smile that cannot be quashed by the world.

This Sunday we celebrate the Joy of the Lord in our second Sunday of Advent. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Freedom’

Day 1: Galatians 5:1 – “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

Day 2: Colossians 1:21, 22 – “This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

Day 3: Psalm 119:45 – “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”

Day 4: Ephesians 3:12 – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Day 5: 1 Peter 2:16 – “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.”

Day 6: Galatians 5:13 – “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Day 7: Psalm 118:5 – “In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

How Time Flies

Wow, how time flies? I know that everyone has heard a parent or grandparent utter these words, followed by a semi silent sigh. I find myself using this, especially at Christmas. It seems like only yesterday I was putting the finishing touches on a major home repair before the holidays arrived. Before we know it, we are all planning and decorating for this years’ Christmas celebrations.

          

I remember as a child waiting for the first snow flake to fall, so we could countdown to Christmas morning. My siblings and me would be vibrating with anticipation of our dad putting up the tree, and lights so we could decorate. December was the longest month of the year, and the twelve days of Christmas seemed so long. The magical morning would arrive and we were up before the crack of dawn. Why? Well it was because Christmas had arrived. Presents and paper were to be torn open. It was in those precious few minutes that we saw what we hoped were the wishes and wants. Watching over us were my parents, through their weary sleep deprived eyes.

          

It wasn’t until we were much older did we realize the sacrifices that our parents made, just so we would be happy. In later years, this history would repeat itself as my wife and I would do the same thing for our children. Yes, we did what we could to make sure that Christmas morning was magical for our kids. We began to understand what our parents and grandparents meant by how quickly time flew. We had gone from being kids without a care, to adults watching and racing to live by the clock. When we are children, the world is provided for us, so the hours of the day are not watched or measured. As we get older, our responsibilities tie us to a watch on our wrist, and to the worlds’ deadlines.

        

It seems that I pay more attention to time as I age, because I now have less of it left, than I have used. Christmas seems to be a mark where we can recount the previous year to see how we faired out. This year I have witnessed profound changes in the lives of friends and loved ones. Some have come to the Lord, some have gone on to be with Him, and some have faced health challenges and changes that make us stand still and evaluate what is really important. I see God in so many of these things, and I realize that He has had His hands on all of our lives.

    

Christmas is the perfect time to sit in the dappled light of your decorated tree, rewind the tape, and give thanks. Marvel at what this child, Jesus was borne into, and how He changed the world. Take a little time to give thanks, because it really does fly.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

God’s Favor

How many times have we asked someone for a favor, or have been asked for one? It’s the asking for help, with no strings attached, or expectation of a debt to be repaid. In our lifetime, it is probably countless occasions. We ask because of the secure relationship we have with a friend, a family member, a parent, even a boss. When we have a family crisis, we may ask for extra time off work to deal with it. When we find ourselves in a financial pinch, we may even ask our bank for leniency on a payment. We ask so easily of those around us, and for the most part, we are obliged.

We must remember to include our Father in Heaven, God for His favor in our lives. For some reason we may find it difficult to ask Him for favor. He should be the very first one we run to when we are in need. He is our dad, and we need to understand that we always have His ear. Long before we were conceived, He knew every victory and challenge we would face. He patiently waits for us to run to Him in all things.

Over the past few weeks I have asked for and received God’s favor in more ways than I can count. He has put me and my family and all circumstances in His caring hands. He has moved a mountain for me that was too tall to climb. He has set His favor in the hearts of those in worldly power to show me favor in my situations. He has brought about protection, provision, and spiritual prosperity when I cried to Him.

He has all of this and more for each and every one of His children. All we need to do, is ask. Yet ask with a pure and fervent heart. Engage and meet with your faith family. Allow them into your situation, so they may be prayer warriors when you are too weak. Believe in and receive His power to reach and rescue you. Ask for a miracle for a loved one, or yourself. Ask for His peace in your spirit when letting a loved one go to be with Him. God’s favor is within your grasp, so reach up and receive it. Then, share it and pay it forward and watch it grow.

So do yourself a favor. Step up, step out, and ask our Father for a favor. He will be glad to oblige.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Hope – The First Parousia

What does hope mean for you? For those facing layoffs and uncertain futures, hope lies in the mercy of a compassionate owner or in people who are negotiating for them. For those facing heart wrenching news of a debilitating disease, hope lies in the expertise of doctors, scientists and medicines. For those facing empty cupboards, cold nights and minimal resources, hope lies in the compassion of those around them. I do not want to minimize the needs of people today but I do want us to take a look back in history. For those in Israel hundreds of years ago, the oppression of the masses through multiple layers of rule and control could not be ignored. Hope was fleeting especially considering the prophet Isaiah told of a time when God’s people would rule the nation, even the world, and yet the people of God were in a place of servitude and darkness.

Many of the things we complain about today were very relevant back then. There were three major levels of governance, the Romans, King Herod and the Court of the Priests, and the taxation was incredibly oppressive. There was little trust between the levels of governing and the ones who truly suffered were the common people. Taxed into submission, kept down by numerous levels of bureaucracy and people begging for scraps in order to live. Hope was fleeting but the scriptures told of a Saviour to come and in this they held out hope. Thousands of people put their hope and faith in a finite resource but forget to seek out the foundation of hope, Jesus Christ. The message of fulfillment of hope comes directly from the Saviour. He asks us all to follow Him, follow His ways. Give unto others without thought for self. Seek out ways to pour into lives not just at Christmas but every day. If we all look out for each other, we can eliminate the fear of no hope. Jesus came to earth, taught us to love one another, pour out into the lives of the less fortunate and seek our opportunities to love our neighbours. It is true that salvation does not rely on works but when we understand how much we are loved and how He gave everything so that we could live forever with the King, how could we not share this joy, this hope, with those around us?

This Sunday we will celebrate the hope, the eternal hope who came to earth so that we may know a new joy.  We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘What GOD Thinks of Me’

Day 1: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Day 2: Galatians 4:7 – “Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”

Day 3: Psalm 139:16, 17 – “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!”

Day 4: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Day 5: Matthew 10:29-31 – “What is the price of two sparrows – one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Day 6: Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Day 7: Jeremiah 29:11 – “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Freedom from FEAR’

Day 1: Psalm 27:1, 2 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.”

Day 2: Psalm 34:4 – “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”

Day 3: Psalm 56:3, 4 – “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

Day 4: Proverbs 1:33 – “But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

Day 5: Psalm 46:1-3 – “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”

Day 6: 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 7: John 14:27 – “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

What Is Truth?

Yesterday I wrote something on Facebook that I thought would get some rather harsh responses but instead the replies were not only intriguing but very positive. If you think the truth is going to hurt your feelings, don't ask me what I think. I make no bones about where my faith is and I do not compromise. That said, I also have the utmost respect for other’s opinions and views but my ideals are mine. There are those who will challenge and get all upset about things I believe but my question is this; if you didn’t want to know my perception of truth, why did you ask? Sure, I could lie in order to conform but think about this for a second, I train people the skills required to perform first aid. This is all laid out in a tried and true methodology and it is, according to the majority of the first aid courses in Canada, the truth. I teach the truth to the best of my ability and believe in it. If someone says “so we have to stop the bleeding first, can’t it wait until the end?” and I say it is up to you just to avoid an argument or keep from hurting your feelings, what happens?

I hold to the Truth and hold strong to His message of love and compassion for not only our Creator but also for each other. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We can speak in riddles and half truths but this does not benefit anyone. The lack of truth and transparency in any relationship is like building a tower on sand. It may stand in times of peace and calm but it does not have the strength of foundation to handle any shaking or stress. There are many out there who will speak and teach in a language that will tickle the ears and placate the masses into acceptance of fallacy and others who will try to sully the truth to lead others astray. Paul does talk to this when he wrote to the Ephesians that we must stand up to the deceitful scheming. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. Eph 4:15 Msg.

This Sunday, we celebrate the Truth of the Lord. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Where Jesus Carries You

How amazing is the human spirit? We are a species that can cause hurt and humiliation to one another at the drop of a hat. That being said, we seem to grow through life with one eye looking forward, and the other over our shoulder. Even when we don’t see them, we seem to live in constant fear of invisible enemies. Well one enemy has a name, Satan. As much as I don’t wish to give him and real estate here, I must acknowledge his existence as much as I acknowledge God’s existence. Here is the difference. Satan comes to rob and destroy, where God sent Jesus to save and deliver. John 10:10 NCV Jesus tells us ”A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life, life in all its fullness”.

This comes to light when we are faced with challenges. A cancer diagnosis, a financial burden, a mental, emotional or spiritual attack are just the things that Satan revels in and feeds on when it is at our door steps. He then invades our head space and takes up residence. Once he’s in, he will constantly yell and scream so loud that it almost drowns out God’s still quiet voice. If you notice I said, almost. Satan will dance on our grave, long before we’re in it, and keep planting seeds of guilt, doubt and hate, because that’s all he has.

What we have, is Jesus. Just by the mere mention of His name and the inviting of Him into our lives is enough to send Satan packing. Is it easy? Not always, but it works. When our homes are attacked, Jesus will pour in His presence and replace that which has been stolen, ten- fold. Health scares become complete healing. Financial strife, changes to financial blessing. Spiritual bankruptcy becomes spiritual prosperity. This takes effort on our part, as God cannot do anything without our permission. When we open the door and allow Him in, our world and life will change so quickly, we may weep. When we simply say “Lord, come into my life, by my invitation”, He will wash over you like a warm summer rain. It will be such an unspoken feeling of complete love that our knees will weaken, yet our spirit will rise.

It will be then that a newness in you will come to life. It is what we call, a baptism, a rebirth of your soul. This, my friends, is where Satan gets off your train and where Jesus carries you. So now, answer the door, it’s Jesus on the other side. Go let Him in.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Looking With Your Heart

There was a time when I had no time for God. Most of us, if we were truly honest, can say the same thing. As we get along with life, we are put on a tread mill that has no stop button. We go through school then go to work, and along the way we take on the world. Our lives can and will move so fast that we miss living. Heaven forbid that someone mention Jesus or God to us while we’re building our fortune. Some will call themselves, self-made because of what they have amassed claiming any god out there had nothing to do with their success. Some will be secretly interested in God, yet remain skeptical, and that’s alright. We are told by God, in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to test, or question everything, and keep what is good. The way I see it, if you are skeptical, at least you’re asking.

Many will watch how we Christians treat each other, and conduct ourselves. We are probably scrutinized more than others, and that is alright. Our friends and family who perhaps don’t follow Christ, or even believe in God will still have that tiny bit of curiosity. They will watch our life, then one day ask why we can be so calm in a crisis, or why we handle bad news without falling off the rails. That is the time when we simply tell the truth. Tell them the peace of Christ is in us, from knowing the peace of God. Let them see with their heart that Jesus is alive and well in you. Assure them that He is available to them, by simply asking.

We cannot and should not force anyone to believe in God, as not even God will force Himself on people. He will however, constantly make His presence known. I recognized and welcomed that into my life a number of years ago and haven’t looked back. I have also learned that everyone has their own moment when they finally get it. That is the wonderful reward of God’s gift of freedom of choice. So now when a friend or loved one finally drops their wall to let Him in, conversations will lead to so much more to explore together. We will see God’s existence like never before. We will view our world with the wonder of a child, and marvel at the perfection in everything, knowing that our existence and being were not some random act of spontaneous combustion. We will realize that we were wonderfully designed and made by the very One who loves us the most, our Father.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Joy to the World

Remembrance Day has come and gone. Christmas songs are slowly replacing thoughts and memories of the travesty of wars gone by and decorations begin to appear from out of nowhere. While we should not downplay the importance of remembering those who served and sacrificed, we shift now to the message of hope through our Saviour. Consider the title of this article. Everything we see on television is of doom and gloom because good news stories do not sell. News agencies clamour to bring stories of destruction and calamity to keep their audience glued to the television. How many people would be captivated by an entire hour of good news messages? Joy to the world, that is our wish and our prayer for all mankind, what’s wrong with that?

In Romans 15:13 (ERV) it is written:

 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.

What we fill our hearts and mind with is what we will project to the world. We can choose our attitude right off the hop before out feet hit the floor in the morning. I can face the world with moaning and groaning, complaining about the lack of light or the brightness of the sun or I can take a few minutes and pray for God to fill me with His joy and peace, in that lies the hope of a glorious day. Let His love flow in and through us all so that we may be the light and joy of the Holy Spirit for those seeking hope.

This Sunday we celebrate the joy of the Lord. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘True Contentment’

Day 1: Luke 12:15 – “Then he said, ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.’”

Day 2: Hebrews 13:5 – “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

Day 3: 1 Timothy 6:6-9 – “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.”

Day 4: Philippians 4:19 – “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Day 5: Psalm 37:3-5 – “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”

Day 6: Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

Day 7: Matthew 6:32, 33 – “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

November 11, Remembrance Day

This Sunday we pay tribute and honour those who have served monarch and country. This marks 100 years since the signing of the Armistice ending WW1. Many brave Canadians have given their lives over these many years protecting those who were not able to protect themselves. Thousands came back from these campaigns changed and broken. We continue to serve at home and abroad and pay respect to those who continue to serve as well, our Canadian Forces, RCMP and other law enforcement agencies and our first responders.  These are the brave personnel who rush in where others fear to tread and like those before them, think more of the lives of others than themselves. 

Our services this Sunday will be moved to 4:00 pm so that we may take part in the Remembrance Day services being held at the Elementary School in Sundre starting at 10:30 am but we will be having our own special service being led by Chaplain Tim Kirby and Captain J. Todd MacDonald. We look forward to seeing you here but if you cannot make it, we will broadcast the service at  live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

They shall grow not old. As we that are left grow old. 

Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun, And in the morning, 

We will remember them

Ring the Bells

The St Cuthbert & St George Anglican Church, located at 602 - 1st St NE in Sundre, AB will toll the bells 100 times on Nov 11th, 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1, Armistice Day. 

There will be coffee served

For more information, please contact the Anglican Church at 403-638-2356

I Remember

We have been preparing for the solemn occasion of remembering those who paid the ultimate price for their brothers or sisters. On numerous occasions, men and women have stepped up to serve Queen (and King) and country. They have donned the uniform of the Canadian Forces and voluntarily laid aside their civilian duties in order to assist those who are in need. Many of us know or are related to someone who has been or is a serving member of either the Canadian Forces or our Emergency Services. There are those who suggest that the act of Remembrance perpetuates the idea of war and suppression but I would suggest that we need to never forget the sacrifices and the services of those who willingly place themselves in harms way for the well-being of others.

John 15:12-15

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. 

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 

Three things of note here. First of all, Jesus endorses defines loving each other. Love each other so much that their needs are more important than the needs of self. When this passage is spoken on, many look at the selflessness of this act of love but I would like you to consider the next sentence. We are friends of Christ and we are no longer servants. Servants are under the command of the master but a friend willingly steps up and steps out in love. Christ loves so much that He gave up His life for everyone of us and He did so willingly. This is an example for each of us and one that should never be forgotten. We must never forget the sacrifice of the Son for every child of God. The second we forget this, the message and importance of love and self-sacrifice is forgotten and we run into the chance of repeating the tragedies of the past.

This Sunday, please take time to pause at 11:00 AM and remember those who have or still are serving others around the world. We will be moving our service from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM so that we can gather with others to honour our veterans and our serving members.  We invite you to join us in person or online at 16:00 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Know The God You Serve

Last Sunday during our communion time, we were encouraged to get to know the God we serve. This one statement resonated with me and stirred my thought process. In numerous sermons I have also heard that we cannot serve two masters. Matthew 6:24 NCV “No one can serve two masters. The person will hate one master and love the other, or will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God and worldly riches. As I rolled this in my head I could see clearly how any of us can become trapped. We are in the world, yet trying to not be of the world. Our daily existence depends on working for a living, in order to provide for ourselves and our families.

Trying to serve God, and enjoy the good things in this life can get complicated. There are those whose masters they are slave to become money, rather the lust of money, possessions, influence and power, or even local fame and notoriety. There are people who work to build a portfolio, rather than a life. In doing so, they miss a family growing up or a circle of friends who drift away. There are others who place more value on cars and real estate, than on love and relationships. They will go from being twenty and able to sixty and disabled in the blink of an eye. Then what?

There must be balance established in our lives. There is nothing wrong with nice things, as we earn what we can to enjoy life. What is being forgotten a lot these days, is that establishing a relationship with God, and investing time in getting to know Him is equally important. When we do this, we enter into a calling of serving Him. Like any job, we start at the bottom, and we work our way up. The more we learn, the better we do. The better we do, the more we become secure in knowing the true master we serve. We have all heard that money is the root of all evil. This is not correct. The love of money is the root of all evil. There is a difference.

When a health scare or challenge comes upon us, all the possessions in the world won’t help. Yet if we have a genuine faith walk with God, our true master then His peace will envelope us like the warm blanket it is. The reward for serving our one true master is peace, His peace. So I encourage you to spend some time getting to know the God we serve. It will be time well spent, it costs nothing, yet the reward is priceless.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Look To The Mountains

I’m sure that all of us have gone through situations that sent a jolt of fear and disbelief through our very soul. It could be the loss of a loved one, failed relationship, health challenge, or loss of a job you thought was secure. These days are no different than my father’s generation, though with our world in high gear, it seems like we are constantly having to avoid being under the bus. Things in life, and our life itself can change in a micro-second, without warning. When it happens, we immediately recoil in fear, disbelief, denial, and then anger. It’s a human thing that is built in as we age I guess. The point is, we are then changed forever. Priorities will change.

A process takes place where we either cave in, cash out, or conquer. Like you, I have experienced most of the above in my life, and expect that until I lay down for the last time, it will continue. Before I had a relationship with God, I would stress out and cave in because I had no coping mechanism, other than a few choice words, and some sleepless nights. Basically I knew only to rely on, well not much.

This past year, my home like many others has been under attack. Anything from health, to finances, and yes, faith, have all been challenged. I tell you now, we have chosen to fight, and so should you. Just because we go to church, and do our best to follow at path that God has mapped out, does not grant immunity from bad things happening. Yes, we church going folk struggle with sickness, injury, loneliness, depression, addiction and financial strife. Will we all rise above everything? No. What we have though is hope, and peace.

Bad news will jolt us, yet God will allow the intelligence He gave us to reason things out, to a place and time of calm. Once He has carried us through that, He will then sweep in and surround us with a peace beyond all understanding. To many, this will defy logic. Yet I have learned that fretting, and worrying every day only causes stress, lack of sleep and loss of hair. We will stress, yet He will sweep in, and carry. We will mourn, and He will comfort. We will suffer illness, and He will remain at our side and bring many forms of healing. Will we all die? Yes, eventually. Will we all live? Well that depends on how much we lean on Him when we are on top of our mountain, or in our own valley.

If you got knocked down today, get back up, continue with life, and look up to the mountains, where your help will come from. Psalm 121.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Speak of Peace, Believe in Peace

This one statement is a very wonderful and comfortable concept but it is one of the most difficult to actually fulfill. You would think it easy but not so much. Let me offer this up. One group of people feels persecuted and wish validation for their cause. They plan a strategy to inform the population and had out flyers. This goes well but things do not change so they ramp it up a bit. The group plans a peaceful gathering in a public forum yet nothing happens. There is no change and the frustration level increases. They stage a march and garner the support of other persecuted groups and invite the press. Opposition decides to come out as well to exercise their freedom of expression and are branded as hate mongers and oppressors and chaos reigns. They troll the social media and look for anyone who says anything that seems anti-whatever they stand for, gather their friends and bully them into silence. They speak of peace but, in their hearts, do they truly believe?

If you think I am talking about a group you belong to, chillax! I don’t need your anger or your negativity because what I say is the truth. Scripture says love your neighbour as yourself. How can one love their neighbour if they are so focused on self that it drives them to become a Pharisee of their own message? I honour the beliefs of others by respecting their position and faith. I don’t have to agree but I don’t need to become the monster that tries to bully or destroy another’s beliefs. If we are going to speak of peace, we must be ready to believe in peace even if it means crossing the floor to tell someone you care and respect them. Paul said it a numerous times that the message of God is for both Jews and Gentiles. Thank the Lord that He loves all His creation equally and fully. Not only is He the symbol of perfect peace but He believes it totally. For God so loved the world, He sent the Prince of Peace to show all mankind the way.

This weekend we celebrate the Message with Rev Bob Hillock. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Peace: A Wonderful Gift’

Day 1: Psalm 34:14 – “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”

Day 2: John 14:27 – “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Day 3: 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 4: Psalm 29:11 – “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

Day 5: Proverbs 16:7 – “When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.”

Day 6: 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 7: Matthew 11:28-30 – “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Goodness of God

When I was younger, I didn’t mind the dirt. The smells that permeated my clothing were a part of me. On the farm, you could tell the difference between a pig farmer and a dairy farmer. I remember going to my Uncle Howard and Auntie May’s house just up the road and the mud room smelled like cow and milk. It is a tough smell to describe but it was unique to their house. When I hugged Aunt May, she smelled like fresh baking and flour. Their house smelled different from our home but both were loving and warm homes. We moved from the farm about the same time that I began to get that teen smell. I never noticed it but my parents sure did. I was the same person but there was a change happening. We moved into my Grandparents home in Edmonton and there was a whole new set of smells. Grandad smelled like sawdust and fresh cut lawn, Grandma smelled like fresh baking and tea. All these places were different in their smells but one thing never changed, the love and comfort in the home was heartwarming and safe.

Over the years, I have attended numerous services in numerous locations and denominations. The atmosphere, the smells, were always different but the love and comfort in His home was heartwarming and safe. We may all smell a bit different, that is have varying experiences and pasts, but in His heart we are all united as His family. My Great-grandma Smith raised sheep, mom tried chickens for a while, Uncle Howard had dairy cattle, we had pigs and my cousins had cattle but when we all came together, we were all one family with our own unique smell. Too much is made about denominationalism and even separations within the same denomination. We all claim to be followers of Christ, united under one banner. Some may be the elders or the retired of the church, some may be relatively new to the church, some feel they are not worthy to be there, some are joyous and others are hurting and some are the rabble-rousers. In all cases, we gather in His house looking not for the judgement of others wondering why we don’t smell like them but rather they/we are looking for that heartwarming acceptance, the comfort of the gathering, the love of the Father.

This weekend we celebrate the deliverance of God’s children through the sacrifice of the Saviour. We celebrate the joy, comfort and peace of His church, His glorious gathering. We invite you to join us in person or online 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

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Bad News… Good News’

Day 1: Ecclesiastes 7:20 – “Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.”

Day 2: Romans 3:23 – “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

Day 3: Romans 5:12 – “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”

Day 4: Isaiah 53:6 – “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.”

Day 5: Isaiah 1:18 – “’Come now, let’s settle this,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.’”

Day 6: 1 John 1:7-9 – “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”

Day 7: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation