Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Angry’

Day 1: James 1:19, 20 – “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”

Day 2: Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.”

Day 3: Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”

Day 4: James 4:1, 2 – “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?  You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.”

Day 5: Proverbs 22:24 – “Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people.”

Day 6: Psalm 37:8 – “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.”

Day 7: Proverbs 14:29 – “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Final Place You Look

I need to ask this question because it is one without an answer yet it is a very viable question. Why do we, for the most part, always wait until the last minute to look for the proper help? Confused? Let me elaborate with this example from past counselling sessions. A couple comes through the door, neither is speaking to each other but will argue their point through me while sitting in the same room as their spouse. This is not a word of a lie, in almost every case, one or both will say that they have tried everything to save the marriage and I am their last hope. No pressure there. I was reading my Pocket Devotional this morning and the author talked of being in a bad predicament and trying anything possible to snatch out a victory, he will try, his flesh holding on until there is no hope. Then he says “When I finally realize there is no way out…”

Paul speaking to the Corinthian Church was relaying to them that times were very difficult yet there was always hope. In 2 Cor 1:9-10  Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. There are difficulties in this world that can seem overwhelming but there is always hope in Christ. Don’t wait until it is too late in your own mind. Don’t take anything for granted or miss the opportunities to take preventative measures. I take my car in for fairly regular oil changes so that I don’t end up with issues. My wife and I take stock of our relationship regularly so we don’t end up in a position where we are hanging on by the final straw. I pray continually for family and friends because my God is our power and protection. Before life gets to the point of no return, call out to God and put on the Armour He provides.

This Sunday we gather to celebrate God’s love and relationship in our lives through song and worship. 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

Shall We Take A Walk?

This week I had a customer, an elderly man in his seventies, arrive at my workplace just a few minutes after opening. It was a frosty morning, and he was riding a bicycle. With a smile on his face, and hands cold to the touch, he told me that there was no bus service from Halifax to New Glasgow the previous evening so he peddled for twelve hours in the dark, by the light of the moon to get here. He came to purchase a heater for the boat he lives on. Needless to say my coworkers and me were dumbfounded by this man’s resolve. You see, the fact that there was no bus available for him did not deter him from acquiring what was needed, and what was important to him. As I watched him ride his bike, parcel in hand toward the bus station, I thought of the strength he must have in his free spirit, and in his body. The need and want, was greater than the challenge to get there.

I started to think of just how far any of us would go to follow Christ. How far would you go? How far would I go, or what would I do to have my children come to know God like I do? If it were as easy as walking a hundred miles, I would. So, as life is what it is, that is not realistic. Asking Jesus into our hearts is not a negotiated deal with God. He doesn’t work that way. What He does do though, is accepts our invitation to come and live within us and our homes. We all are given the gift of free will to simply ask Him. Then as we walk with Him until we cannot walk any more, it is our hope that our children see Christ in the way we live, both publicly and privately. I will not bang my children, friends or family members over the head with a Bible, yet, I will show them the reality of God in the way I live, treat others, love my wife, and them. God will make a way, and that way is with His gentle voice.

I may not peddle a bicycle, or even walk a hundred or a thousand miles in order to have someone come to Christ. But, I will walk in my Father God’s shadow, and when my last step is taken, my hope is that those I have loved in my life time will look forward to sitting with me and Jesus, in a mansion with many rooms. I thank Him for my good health, so I plan on walking for a while yet. So, shall we take a walk?

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

What Is Truly Important

There are so many things in this world that amuse me. There are the things that different sectors of society hold sacred while others simply see it as stuff or even food. Some would say that the Holy Torah should only be touched by the Levites and only if they are pure and clean. The priests of ancient Europe were taught Latin and were the only ones who could open, read and teach from the Sacred Text. Today, the Bible is translated into numerous versions, in several languages and can be carried on a cellphone or tablet. There are some who suggest that the Bible is simply a book like any other fictional writing and others who hold it as sacred and not to be trifled with. Consider the Koran. 

Time is another thing that so many play fast and loose with. Look at the concept of time. There have, throughout the ages, been several attempts by mankind to define time. There have been several calendars that define the passage of time, we have perfected the minute, the second, millisecond but think about it, these measurements are manmade. God created the universe, day and night and the passage of time is, for Him, irrelevant for He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. So what is the key, the foundation of life? We spend our life running from appointment to appointment, jamming calendars so tight that we forget to, neglect to or even plan to spend quality time with those who matter the most. Every second spoken for so that the things of life are taken care of but in God’s eyes, we are the most important part of His day. He knows the hairs on our head, the thoughts in our mind and the desires of our hearts. He is in continuous relationship with us all. There is something He asks of us, however, and that is to hold Him sacred in our hearts and minds.

God is not someone to be trifled with as He is the author of our eternity. His promise is a life of perfect relationship with Him in glory. Hold His promise as sacred and perfect and don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to build that relationship with the Father. Remember “…concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Matt 24:36

This Sunday we gather to celebrate God’s love and relationship in our lives through song and worship. 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

The Value Of A Gift

While rounding a corner last week, I observed a youth, about fourteen, toss a full container of a soft drink across the road in front of me, the contents spilling in a church parking lot. My initial thought was, how little his regard was for other peoples’ property. What really bothered me though was the lack of value in something not earned. That part of his lunch was paid for by his parents, and they had to earn the resources to provide for him, yet he didn’t care. After all, he didn’t pay for it, someone else did. So, to him, it held little or no value.

This made me reflect on the same behavior in many parts of our world. Is it human nature these days to discard things so easily? Have we become a society of ungrateful people to the point that we think it’s better to trample over someone than it is to stop and lift them up? Are we now a people who believe we are entitled? Do we occupy space at our workplace or church service and expect to somehow be rewarded because we show up?

My point is this. When we work to earn anything, we place more value on it than if we are gifted with something. It’s easier to leave food on a plate if someone else paid for it. Even Jesus, dying on a cross for us has been slighted, and devalued over time, especially in the Western world. The more we have, it seems, the less we care. We have been given a gift. We have done nothing to earn it, and there is nothing we could do to earn it. That gift is God’s grace. He offered, and gave His son, Jesus to the world as He brought a message of a new covenant with God. He came to live and die among us as a man, yet He offered us a way to the Father, paid for by His own sacrifice. All He asks is that we believe in and follow Him. We need not toil at a job daily to receive Him, simply ask and receive. Yes, my friends, Jesus has paid for, offered, and given the gift of eternity with Him. It is up to us to place the highest value on this gift, so we never toss it away like that discarded soft drink.

Let us all hang onto God’s promise as if we were holding our mother’s hand as she taught us to walk. That is, as tight as if our life depended on it. After all, it really does.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘UNITY?’

Day 1: 1 Corinthians 10:24 – “Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.”

Day 2: Psalm 133:1 – “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”

Day 3: Romans 15:5, 6 – “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Day 4: Philippians 2:1, 2 – “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”

Day 5: Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

Day 6: Ephesians 4:24 – “Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.”

Day 7: 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

An Evening Of Worship at McDougal Chapel

He Really Does Know Best

I remember many television shows from my childhood in the early sixties. It was a time where families would have situations that would be resolved within the thirty minute time slot. They were all wholesome programs where the father of the home would always seem to be able to solve and protect the family until the following week. Father Knows Best, was such a show. It is faded from my memory now, yet the title rings true even today. Actually, this column is entitled Our Father Knows Best, because He does. I remember growing up as I entered my teens, I knew everything, we all did. There were times when my father would teach me, correct me, show me, and even argue with me. Yet, through all of these, he loved me through everything, even myself. There was an instance one day that I learned in school how to connect an electrical circuit. Yup, home I went to show the old man how to do it. One quick jolt up my arm showed me my skeleton. I worked with dad in a business and we would sometimes lock horns and get nowhere. Yet as the years flew by, he sure got smarter. The more he kept loving me, the more I realized that he was right, and always knew best. That learning from him is still alive and well today, even many years after he went to glory.

   

Our Father, God is the same way. He always knows what is best for us, even when we think we know better. We must remember that He is the head of our household, and what He shows and teaches us should be taken in, and passed on in love and kindness. He is the one who anointed and appointed the pastors in our church bodies. He is the one who chose certain people to be leaders and teachers in our gatherings. As humans, we will try to get along, yet we will get in His way at times because He made us all different. We will have disagreements with each other. Yet, just like my dad and me, we, and Our Father must always have love and understanding as the bond to heal any disagreements. My father wanted nothing but the best for our family, and God wants nothing but the best for us as a faith family. Perhaps, the time He gives all of us together and His presence is His way of saying, my children, I know best what is in store for you, so love each other always and keep leaning on me.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

What Do You Treasure The Most?

I love to push the envelope and it is not because I am trying to be antagonistic but rather I love to see people test the limits of their being. Socrates stated that the “unexamined life is not worth living” and I say let us test this thought through self-examination. Take an honest look at your own being and consider what you truly believe to be your most treasured possession, that one thing that you cannot live without. Is it an item such as a savings account that is locked up in a bank where it is safe and sound just in case it is required? Is it jewels and gems locked away in a box somewhere, brought out on special occasions only to be hidden away until another event? Is it that one precious book that never gets open because to do so would decrease the resale value drastically?

There was a woman who made her way into the Pharisee's home and stood behind the Lord, Jesus Christ. She was a woman of ill-repute and carried with her that one thing that she treasured the most, an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. This would have represented her life savings and the fragrance was used to mask the scent of lifestyle and attract customers to her. What she held onto the tightest represented her sinful lifestyle and her life and at that moment she not only released her treasured possession but also that which held power over her. She gave up her sins to the Son of God and realized where her true treasure was; in the arms of Jesus. What many treasure the most in life is man-made and replaceable. It can be formed by man and sold to the highest bidder but what God offers is perfect and infinite; He offers salvation from the sins that keep us held down and He offers an eternity in Glory.

This Sunday is Alabaster Sunday at Main Avenue Fellowship where we gather and celebrate the greatest treasure, the eternal love of God. Let us all take time this Sunday to truly examine life and truly begin to live! Service starts 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

Salt and Light

Last week we talked about the persecuted Christian. The discussion revolved around how we, as a Christian community, have allowed the world to remove our right to freely express our faith openly in all venues. The world has used our words against us by saying we are not allowed to fight back because we are supposed to be loving, caring and meek. Where the faith community has not relented or backed off, others have demanded legislation to remove all signs and references Christ. The Ten Commandments removed from numerous halls of justice, Christian clubs being removed from some schools across the country and removal of Christian literature from many libraries. Have we allowed it or are we fearful to speak out for our rights?

When God says He is our strength, our strong tower, we have the power of God to go forward and praise our Lord in all we do. The more we, as a faith nation, wrap ourselves in the strength of Holy Spirit, the brighter we shine. We are the salt of the earth, enhancing the flavour of the world by providing love, joy and compassion to the communities we live in. We try to shine bright but there are those who wish to keep the faith message under wraps, under a basket.

Followers of Christ, let your light shine, pour out love, joy and compassion into the lives of those around you and pray for both direction and strength. The world is full of dark news and self-serving attitudes. Be different and be a reflection of how Christ loves you.

This Sunday we will really finish up the series in the Beatitudes. Service starts 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

‘Building your Faith’

Day 1: Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

Day 2: Romans 8:31 – “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”

Day 3: 2 Chronicles 20:17 – “But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

Day 4: Romans 8:37 – “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”

Day 5: Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.”

Day 6: 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.”

Day 7: Isaiah 25:1 & 49:7 – “O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them… The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is the servant of rulers: ‘Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation