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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Living The Dream


For years, I have had a dream that not only brings me great comfort but also, over the past few months, has changed my thinking. Allow me to share what I believe God has shared that has shifted my walk a bit.

…a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Luke 8:43-44 NIV

In my mind’s eye, when things were trending south for me, I recalled this passage. It is a passage of hope and of forgiveness. I was in a place where I could see no hope and suddenly I saw the Master walking by. My head was close to the ground, people were walking by offering no hope. I was either invisible to them or they gave a wide birth so as not to have to deal with the lost of society. The Master walked by me but did not veer away and, with one touch, I made contact with the edge of His robes. This is the part that I remember the most. He stopped and I felt compelled to look up and I met His gaze. It was one of perfect love and serene gentleness. I cannot describe fully His expression but it was enough to fill me with overwhelming comfort.

This was the vision that came to me when I went to prayer after a really rough day and I found comfort in that but there came another message that really sunk in deeper. I locked my gaze upon Him and He asked me what I truly needed. In my vision, I declared the truth. “Lord, my health is not one hundred percent but my time here is finite. You have given me the strength I need to live my life. My mental health may not be as strong as I would like it to be but in You, I find wisdom and comfort for my time on this earth. Lord, I ask that you strengthen my walk, my faith, for that is not finite but rather it is forever. Prepare me Lord, for all that awaits me, awaits us all, as we go forward in faith as there are many who will walk on by or mock your servants.”

Thank you Father for hearing our cry. I have heard you and I understand your declaration. “Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:48

We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). See you all Sunday.
Blessings
Pastor Todd


No Other Gods


Growing up in the sixties exposed me to my passion for music. Like any other young person then, I was among the millions who idolized The Beatles, Johnny Cash and Elvis. I play and sing today because of their influences all my life. Now you may have noticed my confession. That’s okay, because my God has forgiven me as only He would know that I was void of understanding when I was eight to ten years of age. These past seventeen years of truly understanding idol worship by the masses has matured me in the Lord. I realized many years ago that all of these people mentioned, were just people. Each of them had fame and faults, made history, and had heartache. Each of them came from humble beginnings and longed for a time when the world would just leave them alone. They knew they were not gods, but were trapped and treated as such.
          
These days, some fifty plus years later, the world has a new breed of idols. Too often we bow down to actors, athletes, singers, television personalities and even politicians. The world goes into auto-mourning to the max when some individuals pass away. Yes it is sad to see anyone that we look up to die, yet we must be reminded that they are just people with families like you and I. I am not disrespecting anyone here as I acknowledge the good that many celebrities promote and leave when they graduate to the heavens. What I am reminding all of us is that they will not be there to greet us when we leave here. Jesus will. For those celebrities that followed Him, they have a room in God’s mansion. When we get there, our room will have been made ready. We are told throughout the entire Bible not to worship other gods. These gods may be riches, possessions, addictions, and include the list of people previously mentioned.
        
We can appreciate the material things we work for to provide for our families, we can appreciate those who keep us entertained, and we can appreciate the mentors in our life. I would just encourage people to discover the fine line of idol worship, and stay on this side of it. Deuteronomy 6:13-14 NCV tells us” Respect the Lord your God. You must worship Him and make your promises only in His name. Do not worship other gods as the people around you do.”

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com


Monday, February 24, 2020

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Why Read The Bible?’
Day 1: 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
Day 2: Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Day 3: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Day 4: 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 5: Psalm 18:30 – “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”
Day 6: Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Day 7: Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Friday, February 21, 2020

A King’s Kid


I am a king’s kid, rather I am The Kings’ kid. Our pastor tells us this quite often, and because I trust her, I believe her. For those who may read this, and want proof, well here you go. First I will pose a couple of questions to you, so answer in your heart, truthfully. Are you having a terrible time right now, with no visible hope or relief in sight for your situation? Have you honestly stopped to simply sit and speak with God about it, or just continue to lament with no let up? Well we have all been there and done that.
         
This past week I took my wife for a medical appointment in Halifax. The day was one where my mom would say the sun was splitting the rocks. Dry conditions made the roads perfect for driving. My thoughts were distracted by the possibility of gridlock in the city. To my delight, as I exited the bridge over Halifax harbour, there wasn’t a vehicle in front of me pretty much until we arrived in front of the VG Hospital. For us, we saw God’s grace for clearing a path. As we made our way to register, again with no delays, we had care and compassion from the doctor. She spent the next hour methodically answering every question and concern, without a hint of urgency to get to the next patient. Again, a sense of peace was given, we believe by God. We ventured to the appointment with uncertainty, yet left with a relaxed spirit filled assurance that the coming year would be better than the last one. Who else but our Father could arrange such things? Who else but our God can wipe away any fear, trouble, anxiety, stress, or even doubt? No one else is the answer. If we look to the mountains, as in Psalm 121, and stand on the promises that He gives us in Jeremiah 29:11, then regardless of our situations, we will be given peace.
    
We cannot expect an answer to our prayers and fears if we don’t cling on to the gift of hope that Jesus gives us. Our human bodies will get sick, be broken, be addicted, and fail. We are not designed to live in our skin forever. Yet, the closer we draw to God, the easier He will make our life journey. He is my Father, and He is your Father, the King and we are His kids, so that makes us King’s kids. Lean in and ask Him for a clear path. He gave us one this week, and He’ll do the same for you.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Who Do People Say The Son of Man Is?


This question came to me the other day and I have been fixated on it ever since. If this question was to be asked a century ago, the answers would be rather consistent. Many would say He is the Saviour of mankind, Son of God, the Way or the Prince of peace just to name a few. Today, however, those answers would be rather different I fear. Who is Jesus? This question has been asked of many by many. There are two sides to this question. To ask this of some would solicit the answer that He was a great man, a prophet but nothing else. There are some religions, who believe that Jesus was a man, nothing more, nothing less. I have also heard people say that Jesus is a myth, just like Zeus or Apollo. Show people pictures of a bearded man and many in North America would choose the Caucasian male with European features and they would lean towards an English accent. Some would say Christ was a shyster, a charlatan looking to swindle people out of their riches. All of this is fake news but so many cling onto it as truth.

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Matt 16:13-14

Here is question two then. Who do you say Jesus is? Do you have a ready answer for those who inquire? Is this a question you have pondered over the years and believe, completely? Many will throw out the standard stock answers, the answers they have heard time and again. Now what would happen if the passion of your faith came through in the answer? Consider Peter’s response.

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matt 16:15-16

Brilliant response! The truth and it was from the heart! How do we know it was from the heart?

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

Faith is more than regurgitating the lines we read in books. Faith in Christ is all about the relationship we have with the Saviour and then sharing that passion with others. Remember this, once you share that passion, you can never take it back. Loving God while loving each other; that is the Truth!

We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). See you all Sunday.

Blessings
Pastor Todd




Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Sure Hope’
Day 1: 1 Peter 1:13 – “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”
Day 2: Psalm 42:11 – “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!”
Day 3: Psalm 33:18 – “But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.”
Day 4: Psalm 71:5 – “O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.”
Day 5: 1 Timothy 6:17 – “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”
Day 6: 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 7: 1 Peter 1:3 – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation…”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Wednesday, February 12, 2020

What Would Jesus Do?


Years ago, I used an illustration for a sermon and I came across it again the other day. The story starts with a person tight walking on a fence taking a look all around as he made his way down the line. On one side of the fence were the fruits of the world and it included many of the bright shiny objects of the world. There were places that tempted such as peeler bars, gambling dens and houses of questionable activities. People lied to each other for their own gain, sought out the things of life that fed their own selfish desires and yearned after the idols of the world. The constant din was distracting enough to keep people’s interest. All this chaos was both exhilarating and rather captivating but it all seemed so safe from the comfort from atop the fence.  

On the other side of the fence was an indescribable serenity. There were no distractions and nothing to take away from the beauty and peace. The joy infected the soul without sound or theatrics. You could feel the love flowing like a stream wondering throughout the yard. It was as if you were wrapped in the protective arms of millions of people; fully secure and completely secure. To look on that side of the field was rather boring as it seemed nothing exciting going on but he could not turn away. It was so easy to stand on the fence and enjoy the sights, sounds and feelings of both sides of the fence.

That is when the person walking the fence noticed someone sitting back enjoying a big Cohiba Majestuosos, sipping ridiculously expensive wine, dressed in the finest threads and sporting a million dollar smile. He was looking up at the man on the fence and smiling away. The man on the fence immediately recognized him, El Diablo, the great deceiver. He just sat there staring and smiling at the man on the fence enticing him with wine, women and song but never tried to hard to get him to come down. Finally the man on the fence asked why he was smiling so much. He was on the fence and was not going to come down into that lifestyle and still Lucifer smiled. What the man on the fence didn’t know was he could stay on that fence until the end of day looking over both worlds to his hearts delight. In the end, the devil owns the fence.

There are so many out there who want to live with their feet planted on both sides of the border but Jesus is quite clear in His command. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. The key here is “whoever believes in Him.” What would the world do? I believe the world walks the top of the fence leaning across towards the side that offers what is most pleasing in the moment. Christ took the plunge for all mankind and showed us the way through His actions. He chose the cross, He chose us.

We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). See you all Sunday.

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Look Up Not Down’
Day 1: Proverbs 3:1-4 – “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”
Day 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Always be joyful.”
Day 3: Proverbs 4:20-27 – “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
Day 4: 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 5: Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Day 6: Philippians 4:9 – “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Day 7: 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.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Tuesday, February 11, 2020

And The Reward Goes To…

I must admit that I did watch the last hour or so of the Oscars. To see so many talented individuals being recognized for their talents was rather interesting. Actors of all ages were to walk the infamous red carpet, primped and adjusted prior to the world zooming in on them as they sat and applauded. As cameras panned the audience, for me anyway  it was nice to see seasoned veterans just being themselves. I reminded myself that they are ordinary people like you and I. They just have a different job. As the presenters read scripted intros and jokes, and the recipients each took a few moments to thank everyone, I noticed how much of a hurried assembly line there was in the interest of time. It pretty much went like this. Here’s your trophy, say thank you, exit stage right, and then…next. Now don’t get me wrong, they all worked very hard in order to touch the hearts and souls of the public like you and I, so a reward for their efforts is fitting.

As I sat listening for God to give me a message for this week, it came to me. You and I are perhaps, not so different than these entertainers. We are looking for approval for a job well done. Each of us will spend countless hours and days, and many years learning scripture, you know our dialogue lines. That’s our talk. We will learn to walk our God walk hoping people will notice and follow. Our goal is to be recognized at the end of our season. The approval we strive for is from our Father, God, not the adoring public. There will be no calculation of tickets sold to our life, no media hype, yet along the way there will be unqualified critics.  When the curtain falls and our own credits roll, there will not be any handlers or custom designer dresses and suits.

Where we are going, there’s more. We’ll walk through gates of pearl, not on red carpet, but on golden stairs. Our trophy will be a room with a view of eternity with Christ. Our presenter will not be a flavour of the week, yet our Father we have been waiting to meet. Our name will not be on a gold plate to fade, yet written in permanent blood in the book of lambs. So, come along for the epic journey of our lifetime. We’ll not hear…and the award goes to… What we will hear is, My reward goes to you my child and faithful servant, well done. I have been waiting all of your life for this moment.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

We All Spread The Gospel


As I sat and listened intently to our guest speaker’s message last Sunday in church, one particular statement stuck with me. Our guest made a comment, or rather a question of how is he qualified to stand up and give the message. He also encouraged us to just let God be God. In an instant I was given the perfect answer. Anyone who believes in, follows, leans on, and praises our Savior Jesus, is qualified. In my opinion, no one need be ordained, or trained in theology to share an encouraging word from God. Sharing and spreading the Gospel never requires a person to be an expert. They can be male or female, young or old. Required is a love and a passion for God in their life. Each and every one of us can and will see God each day if we look. We will feel His presence and influence if we yes, just let God be God.

In Matthew 4:19, and also in Mark 1:17,Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee and saw Simon, Andrew, James and John who were casting nets. He called out to them saying” Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (people). Jesus was choosing His followers and selected ordinary, unqualified people, knowing that they would be the perfect evangelists to share His word. Again, none were ordained, as at that time there was no such thing as a pastor. Actually, even Jesus was not “ordained” as we know of the term. He had no steeple, no credentials, and no theological training. What He did have was the wisdom of our Father, His Father, God. What better tool and gift to possess, than the spirit of God in the heart of a servant?

Now I am in no way trivializing the formal education and training of today’s pastors and church leaders. I can only imagine and respect the complex learning commitment of today that is required in order to lead a congregation. What I am saying is that God puts a passion and spirit into the hearts of each and every one of us who welcome Him into our lives. So when we have an opportunity to share our own personal experiences of God with those around us, we should. People we know and trust carry immense credibility with us. Ordinary people are given extraordinary gifts and opportunities to share God’s word. So yes, let’s let God be God, allowing Him to qualify us to stand up and share him everywhere, including our own church services.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Did You Know?


Did you know that there are essentially two groups of people in this world? There are those who have some sort of religious foundation that addresses life, death and what is to come and there are those that believe there is nothing beyond the final breath. I do not want to get into a theological argument or discussion about which religion has the right idea of what happens after death but rather I would like to ask a question regarding the worm bait theorists. I have addressed this topic in the past but the events of the past two weeks have really brought this question to the forefront of my inquiring mind. By the way, this is not to be considered the opportunity for people to weigh in by knocking other religions but rather the occasion for those with no faith to answer this one question; where is the hope? There are so many people out there who bash or ridicule people’s beliefs yet they have nothing to replace hope.

So let me throw this out there as a starting point to the conversation. Years ago, I used to run a fair amount. I have done my share of ten-kilometer runs and every time the intent was always the same thing; run to finish. The reason I had that goal in mind was because it took quite some time to work my way up to finishing the full distance. I strained and struggled to get past that first kilometer, then the second one and so on. As time went on, I set goals and as I attained them, I looked further down the road and strived for the next goal and this went on for years. Sometimes the goal was a distance and other times it was a timing but in all cases I had a goal that I strived to attain and when I achieved it, there was such a feeling of joy and happiness. But the question is this, what happens if, at the end of the race, there is nothing; no celebration, no adulation – it just ends. What motivates to finish strong, what propels us to look past the finish line and see what lays beyond that ribbon? What can anyone say that would have me or anyone else who holds onto their own belief of a life beyond this one to buy into one that has no hope of anything beyond the final breath? Next question I have is this; why would anyone in their right mind hold onto a belief that claims there is nothing beyond our own existence and all that we know is gone upon our death. Where is the hope?

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. Phil 3:13-16 Msg

This is my hope, this is our hope. It’s better, in my mind, to see the joy beyond the grave then it is to focus on the wall at the end of the race and believe there is nothing beyond it. This Sunday, we welcome back Rev Glenn Reeder as he brings a continuation of God’s message through the book of Esther. We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). See you all in a couple weeks.

Blessings
Pastor Todd



Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Are You a Real Follower?’
Day 1: Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”
Day 2: Luke 11:28 – “Jesus replied, ‘But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’”
Day 3: Proverbs 3:1, 2 – “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.”
Day 4: Colossians 3:23, 24 – “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Day 5: 1 Peter 3:10, 11 – “For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Day 6: John 7:38 – “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”
Day 7: Romans 8:6 – “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation