Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Dealing with Emotions’

Day 1: James 1:19, 20 – ANGER – “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: Isaiah 41:10 – STRESS – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Day 3: Matthew 11:28 – TIRED – “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”

Day 4: Matthew 6:34 – ANXIOUS – “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Day 5: Psalm 3:3 – DOWN – “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.”

Day 6: Psalm 18:2 – VULNERABLE – “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

Day 7: John 14:27 – SAD – “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

He Has Risen!

So, how do you feel this week? Any different? Has anything really changed a whole lot for you? Have you reflected on the gift that has been given to you through the fulfillment of His promise? He is risen is more than just a phrase that you reply “He has risen indeed”. It is a declaration of the power of God. When we die and are buried we start a new existence but that is only because Jesus died, went to the grave and overcame the bond of death, the absolute absence of life. By rising out of the grave, Jesus has proven that there is nothing in the universe that is greater than God. So this means that when Jesus declares that those who follow Him will find life in eternity, He has shown us that this promise is achievable through Him. So you know what this means?

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Ps 100:4-5

So take some time and reflect on what the Lord has done for you, for me and for all the people of the world. He did not come to persecute but rather to save. His promise was witnessed at the empty grave, the Temple was restored in three days and He Has Risen!

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.
He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. Psalm 47:1-7

Let your voices ring out, let your hearts sing free for the King of kings lives! Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online 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

‘Real Love’

Day 1: Romans 5:8 – “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

Day 2: Ephesians 2:4, 5 – “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,  that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”

Day 3: 1 John 4:9-11 – “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.”

Day 4: Zephaniah 3:17 – “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Day 5: Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”

Day 6: John 15:3 – “You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.”

Day 7: Nehemiah 9:17 – “They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them…”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Trail Of Love

So, just like the Christmas season, we have come through the Easter season. There are similarities, and differences. In today’s terms, the internet is pasted with photos of family dinner tables, loaded to the hilt with plenty. Yes, the finest china for the special family guests, silver and napkins all carefully placed just so. After all, we must have everything perfect. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth event of Jesus. At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, after mourning His crucifixion. Now, although we do these things, we all know the inaccuracies of the timing, dates, and yes the true meaning and events. Yet I won’t get into those arguments here. The important thing is that we acknowledge Jesus and His sacrifice, and His returning, or at least His promise of the same.

I want to focus on our family at this time. As I watched the recent mini-series, called Jesus, His Life, I was struck by the idea that even members of His own family thought he was crazy for claiming to be the Son of God. I can appreciate the time thought, as way back in His time, it would seem pretty incredible and frankly, unbelievable. Yet, Mary His mother never doubted, for she knew the truth. As many friends, family and even strangers believed him to be false, there were others who believed by faith, who He was.

While seeing family photos of dinner gatherings, I could not help but wonder how many at our tables just don’t believe, or even care. Christmas and Easter have become a convenient few days off from our jobs, that’s it. All of us have friends and loved ones who put up with someone like me saying a blessing over the meal in Jesus’ name. For some, it’s an uncomfortable thirty seconds. Yet, we still should have hope that in those few moments, God will come alive in someone’s spirit, and get them to silently ask Him into their life. The dinner time itself should be a reminder of how precious a gift our family is that God has given to us. Whether a small gathering or a house full of chatter, we should be thankful that Jesus loved us so much, that He died so we could live. When the dining rooms fall silent, and the walls hold the ghosts of laughter, we should always give thanks to the one who died, so we would at least have a good reason to gather in love to share a meal.

Love one another as He loves us, and never allow anything to cause conflict within those walls. Remember that He is risen, and is coming back. He left us a trail of His love and an empty cross to remember Him by. If any of your family dinners are your last supper, then let your trail of love be the last thing to remain in the empty chair you leave behind.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

When The World Is Against You, Who Will Be For You?

When you get the chance, ask someone outside the church “what is Easter all about?”  Some may say that it is about the bunny and eggs made of chocolate, others will talk about the four-day weekend and the super stat while some may say it has something to do with church. Yes, Easter egg hunts are fun but when only a part of the tradition is told, a disservice is done for all.

I have heard that the egg represents the triune nature of God, three aspects of the egg that represents the oneness of the egg just like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all the One. Another one I have heard is that the Easter egg represents the newness of life, a new beginning. But where does the rabbit fit into this and where is the mention of the real purpose?

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ⁴ “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

So many have turned their back on the truth of the Holy week that culminates with the celebration of the birth, death and resurrection of the Messiah. Some have given up the fight and let the voice of the world drown out the salvation message. Judas sold out the Messiah for thirty pieces of silver, the Pharisee sold out the Messiah for pride and power. Today, the question is this; why do not stand up as a voice for the Truth? Two decades ago, I was seized with remorse and turned my back on the world so that I could follow the Truth. I sinned and betrayed Innocent Blood but today I rejoice for my/our God lives.

Enjoy the chocolate chickens, foam eggs and colourful decorations, I do, but also take time to appreciate the sacrifice of the Saviour, the fulfillment of His promise and His victory over death. Because of Jesus Christ, there is hope in the promise of Glory. The world may be against the Lord but the our Creator gave up His life for every one of us.

Join us this Friday night at 7:00 pm for a Good Friday message. We will also be celebrating the risen Lord on Sunday morning at the Sundre Cemetery at 6:30 am Sunday morning followed by our Risen Celebration at 10:30 am. Join us if you can or you can watch us live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings and Happy Easter to all,

Pastor Todd

Our World Cannot Silence Him

I hope that you are all preparing to bathe in the glory of this weekend’s celebrations. Unlike Christmas, there will be no decorations, colored lights, or gifts lingering about. For those who view Easter as a few holiday’s, rather than Holy Days, it will be back to life without chocolate. Yet for the rest of us, we realize the nature of a true miracle. Christ’s human body died, yet He is risen and is alive. No other event in history has made such an impact on the world. Jesus’ resurrection has been talked about and celebrated for almost two thousand years, and will be until the end of time as we know it. Man-made gods have come and gone, risen and fallen, yet the true Savior lives, as no grave could hold Him, and our world cannot silence Him.

The devastating fire at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris this past week got the world’s attention. As bad as it was, it could have been worse. One image through the charred remnants of the roof laying on the floor, was the cross on the wall, unscathed. This iconic piece of history was attacked by satan, bruised, scarred, yet will rise again to be the beacon of hope and symbol of Christ in the world. Proof that even a fire of this magnitude may take down a building, but nothing, not even death can extinguish Jesus Christ. Religions and governments have tried to change His standing, and many even today deny Him, yet His rising from the dead is celebrated by more and more believers every year.

We do not need a cathedral, or building to worship in. All we need is a gathering of people in agreement in unassuming places like a funeral chapel, knowing that Christ is among us. That, is the power of the one and only true living God. In Exodus 20:3, and Deut.5:7, 6:14 we are commanded to worship no other gods or have idols as our god. Let us all remember this every day. I encourage you to allow the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection to stay in your hearts, and may we all keep Jesus alive in us.

Come and visit this Easter Sunday as we welcome Dr. Spencer Barclay as he shares an encouraging message from God’s word.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘As a True Believer We…’

Day 1: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – PRAY – “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Day 2: Proverbs 16:20 – LISTEN – “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”

Day 3: Hebrews 11:6 – BELIEVE – “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

Day 4: Proverbs 3:5, 6 – TRUST – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Day 5: John 14:23 – OBEY – “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.’”

Day 6: Deuteronomy 6:5 – LOVE HIM – “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

Day 7: Matthew 28:19 – SHARE HIM – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Coming Of The King

I want to throw something out there. For years, I have heard numerous reasons why people have decided to no longer attend church and I want to let you in on a secret; clergy share this information with each other. If you think I am singling you out or talking about you, I am not as a few of these comments have flowed from my lips. Heard from the sound booth – the music is too loud, I can’t hear, I want to hear more hymns, can’t we get something other than hymns, I don’t like the drums, the bass is too loud. Heard in the administration office – the church is too cold, why does it cost so much to heat this place, why did we stop doing bulletins, how much do we spend on bulletins, no one was here to answer my call. Heard in the foyer – the pastor never visited me in the hospital (she actually did not know the person was in the hospital), I’m sure the pastor was talking about so and so in the service, I’m not sure I like the preaching style.

Our Mayor said something that really surprised me and got me to review and reflect. He said to our ministerial group that it was refreshing when the group of church leaders came to the town council and asked “what can we do for you and the town”. This is the attitude that Christ displayed when He was dealing with those in need, “what do you want Me to do for you?” Luke 18:41 There are faith gatherings around the world where His faithful gather by candlelight with curtains drawn thankful that they have a single copy of the Holy Word to share with each other and, when the meeting is over, they praise God when they arrive safely in their own home having avoided persecution from the authorities. Jesus road into Jerusalem on a young foal surrounded by people shouting praise to the King and laying their own robes in the path of the Saviour. Jesus knew these would be the same people to demand His death a week later but for now He was their Emmanuel. Not once did the He complain that the ground was too hard, the donkey foal not up to standard or that He was not being venerated enough or properly enough by the masses. On the cross, the thief asked to be remembered and Jesus said “today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The perfection of the church is not in the pomp and circumstance, it is in the gathering of the faithful celebrating His message, the message of selfless service to others. Don’t let the world shape your worship of the Living God but rather shape the world by showing the world a better way. The world would be a better place if we took on the stance of being a support rather than looking for ways to be served. This weekend we celebrate the triumphant entry of the King into the Holy City. Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online 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

‘Can You Handle The Truth?’

Day 1: John 1:14 – “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

Day 2: John 14:6 – “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”

Day 3: Psalm 25:5 – “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”

Day 4: John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.”

Day 5: Philippians 4:8 – “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Day 6: Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”

Day 7: Psalm 33:4 – “For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Our Father, Our Defender

Our Father, Our Defender

In church circles, there are terms and phrases that we become accustomed to using. What I’m referring to is calling God our Father. Since God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity are three in one, we also refer to Jesus as our Father. Jesus is also referred to as the bride groom of the church, and we, who are the church, are His bride. As a father and a husband, my duty to my family is to protect and defend them, period. This should be the duty of all fathers and husbands. If our children and wives cannot depend on us to stand up for them, then who can? If anyone speaks against, or accuses a loved one or friend, then we should be the first to stand an defend them in their absence.

This very thing was done almost two thousand years ago by Christ. When He was on the cross, and we were on His mind, in His last remaining moments, and with His last remaining breaths, He asked Father God to forgive us. Luke 23:34 NIV Jesus defends us, mankind, ”Jesus said Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”. He did what any father should do. He stood in the path of injustice, and did what He could to protect us. He stands today as our advocate to God the Father. He stands in front of anything that the devil can throw at us. He provides us with His suit of armor to dawn every day we awake. He protects us, His children from false accusations and claims. He defends our shortcomings and failures as He gently lifts us when we fall. He prompts us as fathers and mothers to learn by His examples to come to the aid and defense of our children.

As we come into Holy week, may we all look to the cross with a more passionate heart and eye’s. Let’s remember that it was here that Jesus defended all of us to the Father. Let us be the protectors and defenders of our family and friends against any and all falsehoods. Let us all stand in Jesus’ presence one day, knowing that we embraced the sacrifice He made for us, and that we used that lesson to pass onto our children. Let us defend each other, and Christ to the world while we remember, that our Father is still our defender.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

How Invasive!

I have often heard from wise counsel that I should think twice before speaking once. Consider this; would you say that in front of your Grandmother? If I were to be completely honest with you and myself, I would say there have been many occasions when the mouth was engaged but the brain was still in neutral. As the words flow from my mouth, the brain is screaming “shut up, shut up!!” It is funny to think that the art of backpedaling is a gift for some. Things I have said out of anger, spite, jealousy or hurtfulness over my lifetime could fill a book or two. I have apologized on numerous occasions and, at times, have been met with “I don’t think I could ever forgive you”, in fact I have said that a time or two. There have been times when I have heard the words “I forgive” but can sense in their heart they have not.

Scripture records that Jesus said, “What do you want of me”.

“Forgive me my Lord!”

“Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more”.

The Pharisee asked “who is this who forgives sins?”

He is the Lord of lords, King of kings and Saviour of all mankind and He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. Many find this a bit intrusive but there is nothing we can really do about it. When Jesus was ministering throughout the land, He knew those who were against Him, those who were calling Him out on numerous occasions yet He said for all to hear “I forgive you”. God knows your very essence, your deepest thoughts and even the hairs on your head are numbered. This can, for some, be truly uncomfortable because it may seem rather invasive especially if you do not believe in God but He is the Almighty Creator and with us all regardless of what we believe or think. To accept His presence in our lives means we understand His fullness in our existence. To give up our selfishness, our sins, to Christ means we understand we have nothing to hide, nothing to fear. In Him, our lives are made complete.

We invite you to join us this Sunday as we continue to explore His love for us all. Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings

Pastor Todd

He Knows My Name

Have you ever forgotten somebody’s name? We all have, and at the most awkward moments. You know, when you’re introduced to someone that you think you know, and you have to fake your way through a conversation. My father was a master at this, yet he would remember an engine he worked on years before. From working with the public for forty five plus years, I’ve dropped my share of names, but not faces.

These days, more and more families have someone afflicted with acute memory loss. Dementia and Alzheimer’s seems to be on the rise as our population ages. It is sad to hear of a mom or a dad falling into an abyss of memory loss. To not recognize your own children, or your life mate is like dying but continuing to breathe. How hard it is to have someone like a parent or friend look into your eyes and not remember who you are. I have experienced this feeling twice. Once with a relative a few years ago, and again recently with someone I’ve known for over forty years. In any case, this brings a lump to your throat to see that your face and name has somehow been erased from that persons’ life.

I am thankful that Jesus knows my name. He knows all of our names. In fact He knew us before we were in our mothers’ womb, and before time began. He will never be afflicted with the human conditions I’ve mentioned. We, on the other hand may at times in our life, forget who He is. In times of prosperity, we forget His name. In times of trouble some will curse His name. Through it all, He still loves us, unconditionally. Through it all He speaks our name, calling each of us to Him, daily. Even if we haven’t spoken to Him in years, He knows us.

Time cannot fade His memory or affection for us. For God, time perhaps does not exist, so our separation from Him for a season means nothing. What does mean everything to Him is we ask Him into our life. When we do that, and speak His name daily, then regardless of our age, health, or status, the name of Jesus shall never fade from our memory. As our body ages, time may one day rob us of memory. We may be one of the many who forget loved ones or friends. If that happens fear not, as we will know each other in Heaven. Until then repeat daily, He knows my name.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Holy Spirit’

Day 1: Luke 11:13 – “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Day 2: 2 Corinthians 3:17 – “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Day 3: Romans 15:13 – “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Day 4: Galatians 5:22, 23 – “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

Day 5: Romans 8:26 – “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”

Day 6: John 14:26 – “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

Day 7: Ezekiel 36:26, 27 – “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.  And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation