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