Peter's Picks

 The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Continued: God is...’ 

Day 1: Colossians 1:16 - CREATOR – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

Day 2: 2 Corinthians 6:18 - FATHER – “‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” 

Day 3: John 15:14, 15 - FRIEND – “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” 

Day 4: Psalm 46:1 - HELPER – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Day 5: Psalm 16:11 - JOY – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Day 6: Psalm 28:7 - STRENGTH – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” 

Day 7: Psalm 103:1-5 - RESTORER – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

 

The Passion Of God

There was a time, decades ago, when my family did not have much for extras. December was always a hard month for our family because, while we had enough for the necessities of life, the extras, like Christmas presents, were not top priority. My brother and I could hardly wait for the Simpson Sears Christmas catalogue to come out so we could pour through the pages and make up a wish list. There are very few gifts I can remember from back in those days save the mandarin orange in the toe of the stocking, some comic books to round out the sock, a chocolate bar, a candy cane and one of those small puzzles with the tiny metal balls that you had to fit into the holes in the picture. I remember those but I also remember all of us sitting around, opening presents, eating a wonderful breakfast and then heading out to visit friends and relatives. My parents always went all out to ensure we had a great Christmas regardless of how things were financially. In fact we never knew that things were tight because we always had so much fun together. As I look back over my life, I can understand just how much my parents gave up for us. It still is my mom’s passion to make sure her kids and grandkids and her great-grandchild are well taken care of, not just at Christmas but all the time.

Christmas, it is literally the celebration of the Holy Communion of Christ. He left His place beside the Father to be amongst us all, to show us a better way than what we were and are experiencing. The day the Father sent His Son to earth was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. He came forth into a world that was full of chaos and darkness. It was a time of uncertainty about the future, yet Jesus gave His all for those around Him.  He healed the sick, comforted the hurting and gave hope to those who had lost all hope, the outsiders who had no one to turn to. He gave His all for everyone including those who persecuted Him. Jesus has a passion for all His children and gives us the gift we will never forget; peace on earth, goodwill towards all. “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.” God gave the perfect gift without thought of the cost. That is His passion for us all. This Christmas season, let us take the time to celebrate peace, love and joy in the same way Jesus celebrates each of us.

This week we celebrate the Ministry of Sainthood, week two of Advent. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30 AM.

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 Promise of the Father

A few years ago, I had an issue with a vehicle and took it into someone for repairs. This person came highly recommended and I was told he was very reasonable when it came to prices. The shop was out in the industrial section so it was a somewhat distant from walking distance home but that was okay because I could get Natalie to run me home. Now, I was a tad sceptical because I have rarely had good experiences with shops so the first visit, for me, is always the test to see if he truly lives up to his reputation. As we pulled up, I noticed the usual gathering of parts vehicles in the compound, the shop was rather sparce of tech and the owner/operator met me in the shop office. Now, for some, this would be a warning flag but it took me right back to the days when I would go into the shop, have a quick chat with the mechanic and walk away knowing I was in good hands and, to tell the truth, I was comfortable right from the start. There are those who want to see a bright and shiny shop with all the bells and whistles, mechanics with fresh uniforms, fresh coffee and nibblies available while they watch the TV or surf on the free Wi-Fi but for me, I want to drop off my vehicle, get an idea of how long and then get on with my day without worrying. Looks don’t mean a thing for me, it is the outcome I hold onto. I went back to pick up the truck and he told me what he had done, told me what would need to be looked at in the future and, when the bill came, it was within a few dollars of what he quoted. He proved to me that what was said about him was absolutely true and I have not gone anywhere else.

A couple thousand years ago, an entire nation was looking for a Person, a Messiah, who could help with personal repairs. For centuries, there had been writings about a Saviour who would come to earth and free the people from tyranny and evil. They were told by many including Isaiah that the Messiah would come and how He would appear to the nation. Somehow, in the translation throughout the centuries, the message was garbled and people came to expect the Messiah to come as a warrior, be born in the palace of God and conquer the enemies of the chosen similar to the way He took care of Sodom and Gomorrah. Instead, they got a babe, born in a stable, a drafty, dank, smelly cave. He was born to a carpenter and a woman of ill repute (she was having a child outside of wedlock) and not to a king in a great palace. Here comes the best part, Jesus had no proof of His divinity, he was a simple child of a simple family with no pedigree. Jesus gave us His everything from the day of His conception until His ascension to repair our lives through His ministry. He gave up His place in Heaven to come to us on earth, He gave his blood, sweat and tears to ensure we would understand the Word and He gave His all on the cross for our eternity. We are in good hands with Christ. He promises us a future in eternity, we simply need to follow Him, declare Him as Saviour and, when the bill comes due, the price has already been paid. Jesus does not need to prove to me He is the King of all kings, the Saviour of us all, He has already been good to His word. If you know Christ, spread the word to your friends and neighbours. If you do not know the Saviour, let me tell you about the best mechanic out there.

This week marks the start of Advent. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30 AM as Rev Glenn Reeder brings us week one in the Advent journey.

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 is...’ 

Day 1: Matthew 1:21 - SAVIOUR – “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

Day 2: Psalm 47:2 - KING – “For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.” 

Day 3: Psalm 91:9-11 - PROTECTOR – “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways...” 

Day 4: Psalm 40:17 - DELIVERER – “But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.”

Day 5: Philippians 4:7 - PEACE – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Day 6: Isaiah 46:4 - SUSTAINER – “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” 

Day 7: 2 Corinthians 9:8 - BLESSER – “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.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘How are You Dressed?’ 

Day 1: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 

Day 2: Ephesians 4:24 – “... put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 

Day 3: Colossians 3:12-14 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” 

Day 4: Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Day 5: Ezekiel 11:19 – “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

Day 6: Ephesians 6:11-13 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” 

Day 7: 1 Peter 3:8, 9 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

I Have A Passion

Many years ago, a friend of mine was looking to buy a house and I went through it with him to see if there were any glaring issues he needed to be aware of before the purchase closed. It was an older home that was going to need some care and repairs right off the hop but there were also some precautionary items that should be scheduled that would greatly reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future. We walked through the home noting issues such as some soft spots in the washroom, staining under the sinks, some of the electrical would require replacing and the insulation was a bit lacking. The list was not huge, but it did add a few thousand to the equation plus there would also be the inconvenience of repairs before moving in. This was nothing major, there are always repairs to be made, some extra cleaning to be done, you just need to plan for it.

They bought the house, did the repairs and settled in but completely forgot about the other pages. The section marked “Items that will need attending to in the future” was forgotten once the paint went on the walls and the mess was cleaned up. The basement was unfinished when they bought it and I suggested he replace the copper pipes in the basement in the future as they were showing their age. I also suggested a new sump pump and a full clean out of the sewer pipes before they finished the basement. One day, the hot water pipe let go in the basement, the clean out in the laundry room was packed with garbage and was useless and the sump pump, which had never come on in the time they were in the house, was inoperable and the basement flooded to the point it was going out the toilet and the bathtub in the basement. I got a note a few months after the flood from my friend who stated “you never told me that the basement plumbing was messed up and now my basement is destroyed. Thanks a ton buddy”. As he stood over the carnage in the basement, all he could think of was “who can I blame other than myself” and I guess I fit the bill.

I look at the story of Noah and think about those outside the Ark pounding on the door demanding to be let in as the waters rose screaming “you never told us this would happen!” You never told us we would wander lost in the wilderness if we strayed away from the teachings and worshipped a golden calf. You never told us that the city would burn if we didn’t stop our evil ways. My passion is to share the Good News and invite people to consider the blessing of His grace available to each and every person on earth. My desire is to live fully in His passion for us all and to communicate that in word and deed everyday. I do not want to be standing at the gate and looking out to those who just realized that they did not heed the call of God on their lives and when the end came, they found the gate closed. When, not if, that time comes, will you be ready to answer the question, “do you know Jesus as your Saviour?”

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else.  No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. ³⁰ The Father and I are one.” John 10:25-30

I am passionate about sharing the Good News, but I am not going to force anyone to believe. I can lead the horse to water, explain just how good the water is, and the benefits of the water on our lives, but it’s the horse’s choice to drink. This week we explore passion. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30 AM.

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

We Will Remember Them

I am going to cheat this week by posting a poem that many will know from days gone by. There are many who want to bury the past, tear it down and hide it but when it comes to war, I truly believe we should not forget. We should not forget those who laid down their lives for the freedoms others cherish today. We should not forget those who willingly joined up to defend and those who continue to serve Queen and country to this day. We should not forget the horrors of war for if we do, it will surely come around again. Let us remember the past, pledge to never let it happen again and seek out ways to prevent it from happening in the future.

For me, I remember my great uncles, Malcolm, Murdoch and Howard who served with honour in WW2, my Grampa Dallas who served during the war here in Canada, friends lost in Afghanistan and my brothers and sisters who continue to serve both in the military and with the police forces. Thank you for your service!

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

And The Act of Remembrance from the Legion Ceremony Handbook:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.

This week we welcome Rev. Tim Kirby. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30 AM.

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 (Captain J. Todd MacDonald)

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘God Will Fight for You’ 

Day 1: Deuteronomy 28:7 – “The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.” 

Day 2: Psalm 35:1, 2 – “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid.” 

Day 3: Jeremiah 1:19 – “‘They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.” 

Day 4: Psalm 20:6 – “Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.” 

Day 5: Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Day 6: Deuteronomy 20:4 – “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” 

Day 7: Psalm 34:15-19 – “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all…” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

 

Remember Me

As we come into another Remembrance Day, I can’t help but think of those in my family, and friends who served. I had five uncles who served in WWII. I also had a dear friend who served over thirty five years in the navy, who passed away last year on Nov.11^th. I will surely miss our coffee at his home this Nov.11^th. My uncles and my dear friend are now all passed on, yet they left footprints on my heart and soul that will remain. Along with friends and family who currently serve, they made the decision to stand on guard for all of us. Most of us know someone who has or is serving, either in our military, or police services. They did and do this because they feel a sense of duty to complete strangers. For this, we must always remember them.

       

I also wish to remind everyone that over two thousand years ago, Jesus stood up to the world to serve. He, like my uncles, went willingly into enemy territory to stand and defend what we call freedom. He came and lived as a human man, no doubt with human fears, emotions, compassion, and yes love. He faced His enemies knowing that he would be killed, simply for defending the truth. He sat and shared what He was going to do with His disciples, and told them He was going to prepare a place for them. He told them that He would come back and take them to be with Him. He left this message for all of us who choose to believe in Him. He knew He would be killed and yet He went. Like those who served in previous wars and conflicts, He went willingly to give His life for us.

 

We mark the sacrifices of our veterans by gathering and acknowledging their service by remembering them once a year. I would like to encourage everyone to remember what Jesus has done for all of us. Yet, let us remember Him more frequently than perhaps we do. Keep Him in your hearts daily when you say grace for a meal. Remember Him each day you open your eyes and fill your lungs with air. Remember Him when a loved one passes on. Remember Him when you look into the face of a new-born baby in your family. Remember Him in every thing. Say a quick prayer of thanks that you are given one more day to love and be loved by someone. Wear a poppy with pride for our veterans, and wear your heart on your sleeve for Jesus. Remember that He died, so we could live forever in eternity with Him. Simply put, let us all remember.

 

Mike Shindruk

Master’s Hand Ministry

I Got This

Do you believe everything that is said about you? It has been said that we are our worst critics and, for some, when we hear negative comments about ourselves, the work we do or even the way we practice our faith, we can fall into the practice of believing it to be true. Over the past year, I have watched as good people get pummeled by negativity and false narratives and become so convinced they are who everyone perceives them to be. Many great and honest people have fallen prey to the opinion of others and take on the persona that has been thrust upon them. A minister in the southern States was on a podcast about four months ago sharing about his journey in and out of ministry. He was told by his peers that he really did not fit the mold of most of the other clergy in his denomination. He took this to heart and changed the way he looked, changed his mannerisms and preaching style only to find out that there was still more to change. The more he shifted, the more they criticized and the more he believed he would never measure up. Over time, he lost the drive to preach the good word and ended up working on the trawlers on the east coast. Those on the trawlers did not really understand him at the start but gave him a chance to learn and grow. They built him up and, over time, he became a very good deck hand. He fit right in and built some great relationships and many came to trust him as a shipmate and as their Padre. The last I heard, there were twelve trawlers in the fleet and he was considered to be one of their better team leads but, even more significant, their spiritual leader.

When God was looking for the next leader of the Jews, He made it known that God sees deeper than we do.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7

Jesse only saw what he perceived to be the best choice to be ordained as king but God saw the heart and the faith of the young lad, David. He was not what many would say would be the strong king warrior but David slew giants, was victorious over his enemies and, in the end, set up the foundation for the Christian faith, Jesus of Nazareth.

“I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:9-10

God has set a place aside for the faith filled and awaits our entry into Glory. He sees the hearts of the followers of Christ and always walks with us as we go through life. If you are looking to adapt your being for those who one day claim the greatness of Apple only to shift to Android when they get tired of the latter, the ones who today wear sandals and pajamas to shop at the department store and change to Birks and shorts to shop at Ikea a year later, then you are putting your eggs in the wrong basket. Put your faith in God for He is the same yesterday, today and forever and He loves you more than you will ever know while on the planet. Trust when He says we are His chosen.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:27-29

This week we start the month with a message from our missionaries to Africa and a video from the International Day of Prayer. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch us online at 10:30 AM.

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 

‘Trust - Can You Say Yes and Amen’ 

Day 1: Isaiah 26:3-4 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” 

Day 2: Psalm 9:9, 10 – “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” 

Day 3: Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” 

Day 4: Psalm 56:3, 4 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” 

Day 5: Psalm 33:20-22 – “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”

Day 6: Proverbs 29:25 – “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” 

Day 7: Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation