God’s Creation

Tomorrow I am heading into the backcountry with a couple of friends to enjoy the majesty of God’s creation. There are those who say that to truly enjoy the wilderness, one must do so on the back of a horse, others are adamant that you can only enjoy the peace of His nature by hiking through the splendor of the forests. For some, there is the “only way” to appreciate and fully enjoy the gift God has provided and that is to share it. It doesn’t matter if you get to that place by planes, trains or automobiles but rather that you be prepared to share it. That is the absolute key, share your experience with the one or ones who are closest to you and you can even do this when you are completely alone. In that place, where the only noise is your own breath, remember this, you are never alone. I am fortunate to be able to get into the backcountry with friends, how I get there is inconsequential, the company I am with is of utmost importance.

My God has never left me, He has never forsaken me. I am never alone for He is with me, His rod and His staff, they comfort me. He gives me a safe haven to rest, food to nourish and water to quench my thirst. His protection surrounds and guides me through the trials and temptations of life that can lead to ultimate death and I feel so comforted knowing that I will dwell with Him now and forever. (Ps 23 my paraphrase). It matters not the way I get to that place, be it by horseback or by quad, it only matters that I am with Him, and my friends, in that place that God has provided with friends who mean the world to me. God provides and for that I am so thankful.

This Sunday, I will be with a whole group of wonderful youth showing them the majesty of the great outdoors. Rev Glenn Reeder will be bringing the message this weekend and we invite you to 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

‘Benefits of Looking to God’

Day 1: 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

Day 2: Hebrews 11:6 – “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 3: Matthew 6:33 – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Day 4: Psalm 34:10 – “Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”

Day 5: Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.”

Day 6: Job 5:8, 9 – “If I were you, I would go to God and present my case to him. He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles.”

Day 7: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Looking Down When You Pray

A few years ago, one of my grandsons asked me why we bow our heads when we pray. I can’t remember what my answer was at the time, but as I sat here to write another message, God gave me a clue, or perhaps an answer. We are taught at a young age that God is up there somewhere, you know, in Heaven. Now I know, and you probably do as well, that God is everywhere, so I suppose that looking down is okay with Him. When we close our eyes when praying I suppose it helps to remove any visual distractions, and also gives privacy and dignity to others around us who are praying. It also allows us to close in with God. We have no idea what He looks like so that few minutes in our own darkness allows us to just have a conversation with Him.

          

As I sat to write, an e-mail crossed my desk that stopped me. I was encouraged to hold a friend in prayer who is perhaps in a spiritual struggle. It hit me that while we are encouraged to look to the Heavens for God, we then miss seeing the people who need our prayer right in front of us. Perhaps bowing our heads will allow us to see someone who is fighting a spiritual battle and feels beaten down. I know this as I have been there. We have all had the feeling that we can’t find our spot, our footing, or even our purpose. We had it, but somewhere along the road, it weakened and now we’re stuck in neutral.

          

I speak sometimes about having a target on our backs when we are in ministry.  I will now recant that statement, as I realize that the devil doesn’t get to take aim at me, because Jesus has my back. Arrows of self-doubt may come toward us, but if we remember we wear the armour of God, they can’t get in. We are all prone to tiring at times, and that’s okay. In my struggle a couple of years ago, I clung onto those around me who held me to the Father in prayer. They bowed their heads and saw me struggling and raised me up. They didn’t discard me like an empty water bottle. They were obedient to God’s prompting to pay attention and reach down. This should be a great answer to why we bow our heads when we pray. Bowing of our heads in reverence to God allows us to see who needs us the most, those in front of us who we may have overlooked and who have the greatest need.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Knowing My Place

Recently I came across a quote from Bill Gates that states:

“I believe that with great wealth comes great responsibility, a responsibility to give back to society and a responsibility to see that those resources are put to work in the best possible way to help those most in need.”

A great quote but I want to bend the interpretation a little bit. I figure that if the world can manipulate the Scriptures to suit their needs, Mr. Gates can grant me this indulgence.

The dictionary defines wealth as the abundance of valuable material possessions or resources but it also states that it is abundant supply. Now while it does not define what the supply is, let me suggest this and it will change the meaning of Mr. Gates’ quote. Allow me to quote from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 2 Cor. 9:7-9

This has very little to do with the wealth that is defined by mankind but rather of the gifts given to mankind by our Father in Heaven, gifts of love, compassion, forgiveness and peace. When I came into this position at this church, I had a very clear mandate as to what I needed to do. Jesus knelt down at the feet of the disciples and washed their feet. This was the foundation of the church. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and He expected that of all those who follow Him, to give to others freely and abundantly. The church does not exist to provide a paycheque to the select but rather to provide comfort, care and compassion to those in need. This is the example given by the Master to the leadership and one the church needs to embrace. With the great abundance of love and compassion God has shown to all His children comes a great responsibility to share it forward, give it back to those who are most in need.

This Sunday, we will install our Board of Directors. This is a time of great joy as we accept the great responsibility placed upon us. 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

‘His Church’

Day 1: Hebrews 10:24, 25 – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Day 2: Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

Day 3: Ephesians 4:11, 12 – “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

Day 4: Acts 2:42 – “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”

Day 5: 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”

Day 6: James 1:22 – “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

Day 7: Matthew 28:19, 20 – “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Gray It Forward

As we go through life, we are introduced to many learning processes. As a child, our parents teach us to walk, talk and yes chew gum. School teachers take the baton and for the next fifteen or so years teach us the three R’s. Well there are really only two, and the other is an A. So for the first twenty or so years, our parents and teachers have the most influence on our development, or so it should be. We are then introduced to the reality of working and standing on our own two feet, you know the one’s your mom taught you to use when you were a baby.

Our life cycle dictates that we go from being a human sponge with zero knowledge to a saturated miracle memory foam. If we are truly blessed we will cling to every detail possible along the way, for our day will come for us to pass it on, or gray it forward. Our parents will show us how to handle love, laughter, and tears. Our mother’s smooth hand of assurance will become the wrinkled grasp of letting go. Our father’s calloused grip will become the weakened tender reach as he gathers for family photos at what may be his last Christmas. Before we know it, we are the teachers, and the masters. We would have gone from six to sixty in the blink of God’s eye. Then it will be our time to repeat history. The hair of our youth will either be gone gray or just gone. Then we will have the responsibility to hand off to those coming behind us, all of the knowledge and wisdom we can. We too will gray it forward.

If we are fortunate, being introduced to, and learning about God will be woven into our life fabric. It may begin by the first breaths of our mother’s words, or be gifted to us by a loving pastor or friend. Regardless of our age, we will all be babes in Christ for a season. Grab onto this gift, clutching like your parents holding you on your first day of school, then walk. Before you know it you will learn that God, has promised and delivered a wonderful plan for your life. Your daily diet will consist of a healthy portion of Jesus. Fellowship with like-minded people, learn as a pupil then mature in age and wisdom to be the teacher. Teach by doing, and gift God to your children and grand children. Live, learn and leave the love of Christ like there’s no tomorrow. Take the time God has given you, and let His love help you gray it forward.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Lord, What Is Your Plan For Me?

I’m sure I am not the only person to ever wonder why I am here. Have you ever asked the wind, what am I doing here, or what have I to offer? Our life will be filled with days of development and self-doubt. One of the most common questions asked of children is, what they want to be when they grow up. Most of us will never discover that until later in life, yet we all have seasons of exploration. Even our own dear pastor never aspired to be a pastor until called by God to do so.

Even the ministry we are a part of was not on the planning table ten years ago. God will always surprise and amaze us as we go through the life He gave us. The people that sing as part of a worship team, probably never planned it, yet they serve. We as leaders in our group have had countless meetings, wondering how to reach the masses of all ages. How do we reach young people, or new families? What God has delivered unto us is a more seasoned age group as our congregation. Perhaps He is telling us that these are who He wants us to minister to during this season.

Our age range has us asking, Lord, what is your plan for us? He may seem silent but He has us serving Him in ways we don’t always understand. Maybe He hasn’t sent a lightning bolt because He is pleased with us flying by the seat of our pants. He does that a lot. You may wonder why your health has had challenges, yet someone else is never sick. You may be of modest means and are unable to tithe or offer at a level you would like, and ask, Lord when will my situation change? You could be a worship leader asking God which direction He wants you to lead. Should your leanings be contemporary, traditional, or both?

I lean on Jeremiah 29:11, where God tells us that only He knows the plans He has for us. Within this, be assured that He adds that He only has plans for good, and prosperity, not for evil or failure. So tomorrow when this question comes to mind, inhale, exhale and repeat as Pastor Caroline says, then hurry up and wait. I believe that God has us all where He wants us at this point in time. Will you share your testimony with someone, or listen to theirs? Will you encourage, or be encouraged? What is His plan for us? Perhaps it’s as simple as to serve Him and each other in any way we can.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

This morning, I cranked up the computer, got myself a fresh cup of coffee and settled in to finish up some things left over from yesterday. I pulled up YouTube to put on some background music and saw a video there from the late JD Sumner, Sweet Hour of Prayer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqFJIUhJ5zc). If you have a moment, I encourage you to take a listen. So often we forget this simple message. Take time out for prayer.

The farmer in the illustration was humble in his prayer. He took stock of all around him and then gave thanks for those things that God had provided. So often society looks around and complains about the things that are missing in life but fail to give thanks for the wonders provided each and every day. There are cries for relief from troubles and sorrows but when great fortune comes, how often do we give thanks. Sweet hour of prayer, a time of petition but also a time for praise, never forget the praise. The Father is never more than a whisper away and is watching over all His children. Many do not understand His commitment to each of us but when we do, there is a peace in His promise. I’ve anchored my soul in the haven of rest, with Jesus I am saved evermore.

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, a time of comfort and of relaxation. Take a bit of time out and give Him a moment of your time. He is waiting to hear from you. 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

‘Mothers’

Day 1: Genesis 3:20 – “Then the man – Adam – named his wife Eve, because she would be the mother of all who live.”

Day 2: Leviticus 19:3 – “Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest. I am the Lord your God.”

Day 3: Proverbs 31:28-31 – “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

Day 4: Proverbs 1:8, 9 – “My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.”

Day 5: 3 John 1:4 – “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”

Day 6: Proverbs 31:25-27 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.”

Day 7: 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Happy Mother’s Day

So, I was thinking I would write a fancy article that extolled the virtues of mothers and was dripping with warmth and loving thoughts just in time for Mother’s Day. The more I thought of it, the more I realized that my mom wants only one thing; to know that she is loved and admired for being a great mom. I would love to say that my brother and I were perfect angels but we were not. I would really like to say that we completely appreciated absolutely everything that mom did for us throughout the years but we didn’t. The one thing that I can say about my mom is she is the a kind and loving mother with a solid Christian foundation. As my Father in Heaven loves us, my mom comes in a very close second. She would move mountains to ensure her children’s safety, extended family included, and I know for a fact that every time she paddled our behinds when we were younger, she felt every smack deep in her heart. My mom loved so much that she kept us on the straight and narrow not matter how much it pained her and for that I, for one, am truly grateful.

How do I know the love of God? I see it in the actions of my own parents and I saw it in the actions of their parents. I also see it in the actions of my wife and also in my son and his wife. The love demonstrated through word and deed is not only heartwarming but also comforting. Even though there were times when I did not deserve my parents love, they never stopped loving me and even though there are times when I do not deserve my Father’s love, He holds me even tighter. There are those around me who have shared this love, shown forgiveness and live their faith daily. This Sunday, we celebrate the love and influence of our mothers, grandmothers, step mothers, mother-in-laws and other wonderful women who have poured into our lives. Face it, without mothers, none of us would be here today.

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

Remember Me, I’m The One Who Loves You

This past week, two gentlemen I knew, passed away. One, I’ve known for about eighteen years, left behind three sons whom he was a mentor to. I can only imagine the teachings, wisdom and knowledge he left with them as he went on ahead to Heaven. The other, I’ve known for about ten years, passed away on Sunday afternoon and attended our church body with his wife. She now grieves his passing, yet knows where he is. He is in the best company of all, Jesus.

Both of these men crossed my mind many times this week and my thoughts were that we should never take anyone in our life for granted. The wisdom I can pass on is to pay attention to each other in our daily lives. With Mother’s Day coming this weekend, I am reminded how blessed I am that mine, and my wife’s mom are still with us. Like many others, I don’t see her as often as I should, despite living next door to her. Yet, our private chats over a coffee and a butter tart always serve as a reminder that God is so good. She is the matriarch of our family, and always has a way of calming any situation just by sitting with a cuppa. She listens with an open mind, hears with her heart, and speaks with wisdom only a parent can. Even in my sixties, I am still being taught from her as she patiently waits, alone for a visit from me or my siblings. Her silent message is remember me I’m the one who loves you.

Jesus is like our moms and dads. He listens with an open mind, hears our cry with His heart, then in His small still voice gives us His wisdom, and He also waits for our visits. He does that through His word in the Bible, or by someone like our pastor or spiritual mentor, but He does deliver. When He was with the apostles, He taught, He listened, and He spoke what Father God wanted mankind to receive. Then came the day when He died in His human body, leaving behind those who would grieve, but only for a short time.

Like my two friends, He too, left His imprint on those He loved. He wants all of us to be with Him in Heaven. So before our loved ones go before us, let’s never take them for granted. Return their phone calls, hug them a lot and love them like there’s no tomorrow, for one day that will be the case. On this Mother’s Day, may we all remember God’s gift to us, our moms. Imagine His voice through them saying, “remember me, I’m the one who loves you”.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Overcoming In Life’

Day 1: Romans 12:2 – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Day 2: 1 Peter 5:7 – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

Day 3: Romans 5:3-5 – “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Day 4: 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 5: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Day 6: Galatians 6:9 – “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

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

But, I Know You’re There

With Spring upon us, finally, we see the first offerings of new green grass poking out of the winter sleep of our lawns and fields. The crocuses have come and gone, the fake dandelions in the ditches and the annual crop of new pot holes tell me that warmer, longer and better days are just ahead. Yes dear Spring, even through the last weeks of rainy cold days, you’re hard to see, but I know you’re there. Soon, one of my favorite chores, mowing the lawn will be available to me. The hum of a lawn tractor closes me in a private place, like an outdoor prayer room of sorts. For an hour or so I can have the greatest conversation with my late father, or even my always on time Father, Jesus. I can take whatever I am carrying and dump it like a wheel barrow full of gravel. When I’m done, both my spirit and my driveway are smooth and level.

          

Just like everyone, I have troubles, and worries. My joints, muscles, and mind are not as strong as they used to be. Even in these I am thankful for my age. I worry about my home’s finances and my wife’s health, just like everyone else. I’m human so I will tend to do that. Yet, I know God that you are in my corner, and in every corner of my household. I don’t see your body with my eyes, but I know you’re there. How do I know? I saw You this week in the blessings too numerous to mention, and some too private to speak of. You are not like the Pharisees who do good for us, then tell everyone about it on a street corner. You remain at my side, silent until I sing your praises. You raise me from my bed every day, weakened muscles and all, but You raise me. You raise everyone. Yes Lord, I don’t always see you, but I know you’re there.

          

These past few months have had their moments both solid, and soluble. I have been blessed far beyond any measure. As you read this, perhaps you can replay your own recorded memories. If you’re reading this today, then you’re alive and well. Take a few moments, close your eyes, sip your coffee or tea, and let the new green grass in your life poke through the dead fall of the last season. There’s promise in the longer, warmer days ahead. When you smell your own freshly cut lawn in your mind, you too will say, Lord, I may not have seen you today, but I know you’re there, thanks.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Announcing the Great Mystereo, Mystic to the Masses!

“If you don’t do what I want, I’m going to doubt you exist.”

Wayne Jacobsen

How many times have you heard of someone losing faith because of the lack of a performing God? I know this is a tender subject but I would be remiss if I did not make a statement of the obvious. There have been times when people have demanded answers.

“Where was your God when the shooter killed my child?”

“I prayed for relief from the pain, a cure for my ailment but He did not answer.”

God is not a sideshow mystic performing parlour tricks for the masses. God is the Creator of all things, the Alpha and Omega. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son for every one of us and yet so many want, demand even, proof that He is real. If the answer does not fit the parameters of what society wants to understand, then society will doubt His existence. To rely on self then becomes the norm and to question God’s love for us is an easy escape. As I read further into the article, something made me stop to ponder – “To be won into trusting him, we have to be willing to be won.” Jacobsen.

God is not a magician and does not do parlour tricks. God is all about what is in our best interest and we need to trust in His wisdom even though we may not understand. So, with that said, we must be willing to be won, give over to His guidance and trust in His judgement. Trust in our Creator because He is not out to judge the world but to save us from ourselves.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6

Be willing to let God win your heart, trust in Him as if your life depended on it and let Him lead your way.

Our service this Sunday is a bit different, as we will be combining the service with our AGM. 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