Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Take Out The Trash’ 

Day 1: 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 2: Romans 13:13, 14 – “Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” 

Day 3: Philippians 2:12-15 – “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 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.” 

Day 4: 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 – “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 

Day 5: Ephesians 5:14-17 – “... for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, ‘Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” 

Day 6: Proverbs 28:13 – “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” 

Day 7: Philippians 4:8, 9 – “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. 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.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

I'm In Good Hands

For as long as I can remember, this iconic slogan has been a part of our culture. “You’re in good hands with Allstate.” How amazing it is, that a few simple words, can have such an impact with generations of people. As I write this article, I am at home, recovering from knee surgery. It was an extensive revision of the knee I had done a few years ago. A fairly common scenario, yet when it’s on your own doorstep, it doesn’t feel that way. Over the last number of months as I anxiously waited for the call and tried to mentally prepare myself, I kept hearing “ in good hands” over and over. Not so much connected to my situation, but those few words kept popping up in conversation. Whether I used them to encourage someone who was going through their own nightmare, or in idle conversation as people spoke well of my surgeon, I heard it over and over.    

As I went through my pre-op stages a few days before my surgery, so many people, who recognized the surgeon’s name, spoke quite highly of him. Now, you need to understand that I had no fear, anxiety, hesitation or trepidation, yet they didn’t know that and were perhaps trying to reassure me. I quietly chuckled to myself, as they didn’t know that I had God in my corner, and He had me in His hands. You see, through all of the hundreds of little things to prepare myself for, like the next few months off to recover and heal, my financial well being for my home, personal health, and yes mental state, I never once shouldered any fear. I knew I was in good hands. My families, both faith and blood were and are a constant source of care, empathy, emotional and financial support. They also, held me up through their own struggles and problems. With all of them, I was in good hands.       

But I want to get back to God and His hands. When we are being pulled through a challenge, loss of a loved one, or a surgical wait, we are all on edge. Every time the phone rings, we jump a bit, thinking only of the worst. Well, I had to wait month after month for a call I knew would come, but just not knowing when. I chose not to panic. Yes, I waited on each call, but I knew it would come and I knew I was in good hands. God’s. With every day that passed, I realized that God had me booked, He just didn’t need to let me know. Finally, my date was given and a weight was lifted as I knew I had tangible information to plan around. Winding my tasks down at my workplace, last minute home repairs, and even some bank responsibilities were all in alignment. I spent more time with my family, and more private time with my wife. After all I am sixty-five, and if God saw fit to take me or send me back, I was prepared. Even in these things, I was in good hands.       

So came my surgical date. I spent as much face time with my wife with private conversations and thoughts, and I was wheeled in. The technician who was getting me ready, recognized the surgeons’ name and said, yup, you’re in good hands. I agreed, again, knowing who put me there, who would be guiding the doctors, and who would wake me when all was done. My stay was an expected 3-4 days, but all went so well, I was released home the next day. You see, went through this entire challenge without fear, without doubt, without sweaty palms and woke, knowing who had me. God did.       

My friends, He does that for each one of us. We just need to let go and believe it. Look up when you’re down, reach up when you fall down and never allow self doubt or the devil to creep in and rob you. If you’re facing something like this right now just take in the sunsets like they’re not the last one. Tell Him you trust Him, and when someone says, oh you’ll be in good hands, just agree, and say yes, God’s.

Mike Shindruk

Master’s Hand Ministry

How Hard Can It Be?

 

For some of you, this drawing makes perfect sense, or does it? Look at it closely and try to focus on one or two points that may make sense and then work your way out from that point. Do you see it? Dig deep and look at the numbers then find a point of reference that will make it clearer. Now, do you see it? Still nothing? I am sure there are a few out there who have a degree in engineering or are skilled tradespeople who have figured one part of this out; it is upside-down. When you flip it over, do you see the four wheels on the bottom tray? How about the control knobs for the burners in the middle of the page or the distinctive shape of the hood at the top of the picture? Now, consider this. You are the recipient of this wonderful gift yet you have no idea what a portable gas BBQ looks like and haven’t a clue as to how to put one together. You are given the tools required to figure it out but instead of clear and concise instructions, you are given this blow-up parts diagram and told to assemble the item in two hours because that is when the guests arrive. Add to this the stress of having to assemble the item on the patio, in the rain with no help.

Years ago, I was told that if you want people to fall in love with Christ, use the KISS method; Keep It Simple Silly. While learning all that was needed to be a preacher in God’s house, I started throwing around these big words like ecclesiastical, eschatological, dispensationalism and marmalade only to be told that these are words that people in the church, or in a Christian university, know and relate to. We have, over the past many years, made the message so hard to understand through big words and tough concepts that it isn’t relational but rather institutional. I have said this numerous times and will go to my grave preaching it; faith in Christ is not about knowing the right words but being in right relationship with our Creator, our Saviour. Jesus said it in John 3:16-17 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

In the beginning of any relationship, we need to know the basics and build on this. It would be the same as having someone show you a picture of the BBQ before you started to do the build. Once you have that understanding, the time comes to build the BBQ, or relationship, using simple terms and descriptions like a basic instruction guide. Consider the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, BIBLE. I would like to make note at this point, it is always easier to build the BBQ, or relationship, with the help of a trusted friend or two. Once the BBQ is completed, there is a time to rejoice and enjoy the wonders of it all but also a chance to help others when they find themselves in the same position as you once were. Same goes for building the relationship with Christ. We can bask in the knowledge that we are saved by His sacrifice, we are forgiven for what He accomplished on the cross and we can build that relationship over time until the day of Glory comes but wouldn’t it be so much better if we could share this love and joy with others? The message is simple; Jesus cared so much that He laid down His earthly life for all of us, He asks only that we believe, follow Him and mirror His love for us to all we come into contact with. Yes, it is that simple and it all begins with a willingness to trust in Christ the Saviour.

We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30.

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘When Everything Goes Wrong’ 

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

Day 2: Psalm 118:6-9 – “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” 

Day 3: 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 4: Matthew 6:25 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” 

Day 5: Philippians 4:6, 7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” 

Day 6: Deuteronomy 31:6 – “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 

Day 7: Isaiah 41:10 – “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.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

 

A Child Of The King

Did you realize that each and everyone of us is royalty? We are all a child of the King and yet many do not realize just how glorious that is or how important it truly must be in our lives. Do we pass over the accounts of Christ taking the time out to lift up those around him, those who were the downtrodden and forgotten? In so many of these cases, the religious leaders questioned His wisdom as He sullied Himself with the dregs of society but the truth is this; we are all His children and He loves all equally. I have, in the past, been told to avoid certain people, told not to associate with certain people because if I did, I would be jeopardizing my relationship with them. What kind of person would put such restrictions on another? Would these same people be willing to stand in front of the Master and demand He overlook a certain person? Would we or could we shun one of our own children because someone told us not to love them or associate with them? I can only imagine the pain and sorrow in the heart of Christ as He listens to such a demand.

So here is my question, how can we, as a faith community, not share this good news with every person in our community, in our lives? Over the past 22 years of ministry, I have been told where to preach the message, who to teach it to and how to teach it properly. I declare this, however, that those who truly need to hear the glorious message that they are children of God and that all are worthy of His love and forgiveness are those at the well in the middle of the day, those begging outside the gates of the temple, those who have only known exclusion from the blessed gathering.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Rom 2:23-26 NLT

I challenge those who know they are a child of the King, spread the Word throughout your community of influence. Be a spokesperson in word and deed for those who are on the outside looking in. Show them what the love of Christ looks like and help them know they are an integral part of God’s family. It is time to welcome back the lost sons and daughters who are in dire need of love and comfort.

We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30. We are blessed to have Greg Dole from Mission Aviation Fellowship bring us a message this Sunday.

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

The Joy Of The Day

I was sitting in the backyard on a hot summer's day having a glass or two of iced tea with a friend. We have some interesting conversations most of the time and today was no exception. One topic we bandied about was regarding the pandemic and how people have managed to survive these strange times. He said, “how have people managed to make it through this without faith in Christ?” Without hesitation I said, “The CERB”. This sparked a very interesting conversation because I was referring to a needed program for those in financial distress that is starting to run its course, but the government will not shut it down because it would be political suicide to take it away just before an election. So many people were blessed by the government intervention during a very difficult time, but they are now relying on federal and provincial assistance that can, at any moment, change and, I’m afraid, not for the better. The help is there for a time, but it is not there for all time.

There is a better way through it all and those of faith have come through this with a bit of a bonus, our help cannot be pulled back because God is with us all perfectly and for all eternity. There is not a claw back of services because God has to balance the budget, His blessing is for all and, for those who accept the Son as Lord and Saviour, it is eternal. Consider Psalm 121 (NLT)

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

 The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

This is a wonderful promise that has no expiry date, it does not rely on an election promise or budgetary allotments. This is a promise from the Father to us all and should be the central message to our faith testimony. Why did we, as a faith nation, come through the pandemic a bit differently? I would suggest our priorities are a bit different because our hope is in the Lord and not on finite promises of mankind. Praise God for His provisions in our lives, for meeting our needs in times of trouble and for always being there for us, at all times.

We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30. As Natalie and I are on holidays, we are blessed to have Rev. Bob Hillock bring us a message this Sunday.

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Do You Like Guarantees? Here You Are...’ 

Day 1: 1 Peter 1:3, 4 – “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, and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” 

Day 2: Psalm 103:17, 18 – “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!” 

Day 3: Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” 

Day 4: Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” 

Day 5: 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 

Day 6: Psalm 84:11 – “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” 

Day 7: Psalm 27:5 – “For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

Summertime And The Living Is Easy

Things seem so different in the summer. Iced tea replaces hot chocolate as the go to refreshment, jackets fit into a belt pack or easily tie around the waist and socks are optional. We have our casual shorts, our swimming shorts and our “going out to dinner” shorts and long sleave shirts are reserved for those chilly nights around the fire. The days are longer, the light seems brighter and, now that masks are optional, the smiles we see are a bit bigger, or so it seems. I was chatting with someone the other day and they made mention that since it got warmer and the masks were discarded, there seems to be a new attitude that has been lost for many, many months. People were acknowledging each other while walking down the street. When holding a door open for someone, the gratitude can be seen on the face and kind nods are exchanged. It is funny what a mask can do to the psyche. For months, we have been trapped behind the mask, unable to utilize a language that has been a part of our makeup since forever. It hard to tell if a person is smiling or downtrodden when the mask is hiding the subtle nuances of the silent language. The language of us all is a combination of the spoken word, what is seen by the eyes and what is felt in human contact.

A couple days ago, I got to hug my son for the first time in over a year and got to kiss my grandson for the first time in both our lives. I got to smell his hair, hold his hand and hear the contentment in his breathing as he sat with me drinking his bottle. For eleven months I drank in every nuance of his being over the internet but the connection was not complete, there was still something missing. When I caught up to him and my son at the airport, what was distant was made whole in only a moment. The days are even more sunny this week, the leaves are even more green and life is good. The bond has been made and I can honestly say to my grandson that nothing will ever separate him from the love of Grampa. We are made in the image of God and therefore are very protective and loving of those around us. In Romans 8 it is said:

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I look upon the face of my grandson as he smiles up at me, see the joy in the face of gramma as she shines with joy and watch as my son displays perfect love towards his own son, I can only imagine the joy and love our Father in Heaven has when He looks over each of us. Summertime, and the living is easy, we bask in the love of our Creator, marvel at the wonders He has made for us all and reflect the light of the King in all we do. My suggestion for us all, grab a tall glass of iced tea, take a moment out of your busy schedule and reflect on the wonders all around you and give praise to the Master and Saviour.

Once again, an FYI; the Board of Directors for MAF voted all in favour that masks are personal choice in accordance with the AHS Protocols but still ask that if you are feeling ill, watch us online until you are feeling better. We invite you to join us either in person at 10:30 AM Sunday or online at:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘God Loves You This Much’ 

Day 1: 1 John 3:1 – “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.” 

Day 2: 1 John 4:9, 10 – “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.” 

Day 3: 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 4: Jeremiah 31:3 – “Long ago the Lord said to Israel: ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.’” 

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: Isaiah 54:10 – “’For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,’ says the Lord, who has mercy on you.” 

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

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

Choose Wisely

As our province experiences continuing successes with knocking our Covid numbers down, it’s good to be able to breathe. To have something positive to look forward to is both refreshing and reassuring. As more and more people accept being vaccinated, we will soon be able to put this demon behind us. With the newness of the science and the obvious rush to develop this life saving vaccine, comes the usual hesitation and outright denial of it’s effectiveness. It is human nature to first doubt something unfamiliar to us, so there will be the hold outs that say they don’t believe. For those of us who do accept and believe, we will rest in the assurance that the Covid demon will be defeated. If it takes an annual booster, then so be it.

       

Now here is where I can clearly draw a fair comparison of how we  accept or deny God. When Jesus presented Himself as the Son of God, He was treated like the Covid vaccine. He offered people a way to God that they were hoping for, yet many rejected Him. Human scepticism, denial, disbelief all got in the way of His gift to them of eternal life. The world as they knew it at the time was in turmoil. There was no hope, no quality of life. There was no freedom of movement, no freedom of commerce, and really no freedom of “religion”. Then along came this man named Jesus, who spoke of a loving Father in Heaven, God. He spoke of God’s grace, love and forgiveness. He even performed miracles of healing, provision, and even life restoration. Still, people did not believe, or accept Him. It wasn’t until His crucifixion did some finally realize that it was true. He was the true son of God, he came to save the world, gave Himself for us, and has promised that He waits for us to come to Him, and is coming back.

       

Our covid vaccine is pale by comparison, yet it is the one saving grace, and ray of hope for us right now. People will always reject it, like some will reject Jesus in their lives. They will deny the vaccine will save them and deny that there is a heaven. We will have loved ones in our life pass away, leaving us behind to wonder where they went. We are naïve to think that what we live here is all there is. We all need to grab onto the hope that there is life eternal after our death. It does not end with our last breath, rather it continues for us, up there. Up there, is where a room in our Fathers’ mansion will be made ready for when our bodies give out. It is there for the taking, and all we need do is accept it. God’s promise is in John 3:16. Heaven is a place where we will be reunited with loved ones that have gone on before us. We can see God’s majesty and His stairway in every sunrise, and sunset. We need only look up.

   

We all need to overcome the limit of our own understanding. The doctors and scientists have been put here to help us in the physical. Jesus has always been here to help us in the spiritual, for when our physical expires. We are not meant to live forever here on Earth, and it is painful and crippling to our hearts when death comes knocking.  We are meant to live forever in the heavens, and that can be our future if we just believe. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that will welcome us when it is our time.

       

Just like I have accepted Christ, I have accepted this vaccine. Why? Because I choose the best shot at a longer life here, and an eternal life…up there. Make your choice today and choose wisely. I will see my loved ones again. Until then, I will not waste any days on hate, denial, or prejudice. Peace, hope and love and my daily booster shot of Christ are what will carry me until my own room is made ready.

Mike Shindruk

Master’s Hand Ministry