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Thursday, April 28, 2022

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Some Attributes of God’ 

Day 1: Isaiah 46:9, 10 - OMNISCIENT (All Knowing) – “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”

Day 2: Psalm 33:6 - OMNIPOTENT (All Powerful) – “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”

Day 3: Jeremiah 23:23, 24 - OMNIPRESENT (Everywhere) – “‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.”

Day 4: John 1:1-5 - SELF-SUFFICIENT – “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”

Day 5: Colossians 1:17 - INFINITE (Self Existing) – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Day 6: Romans 11:33 - ALL WISE – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”

Day 7: Deuteronomy 7:9 - FAITHFUL – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Son Is Up And It’s a Great Day

I am sitting in my office and have already had numerous visitors come in to say hi. Things are always a bit better when the sun is shining, friends are close and the coffee is fresh and hot. It has been a long winter, a very long couple of years with all the restrictions and the masks. I am not sure anyone will fully realize how much the masks have affected our social wellness but am sure someone will do a study on that. You see, part of the fullness of our overall health is the physical queues we get from others when we communicate. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating for or against masks but rather am pointing out the importance of facial expressions in communicating with each other. Those who are hearing impaired need to see your lips when you speak, there are subtle nuances that they read in your facial expressions that help them to understand the tone of the conversation. There are those who will read your face as you speak to fully understand your communication. If your words say it is a beautiful day but your face says you are in pain, they will see the conflict. For us, this hidden conflict can be a stressor and the body, as a whole, will suffer.

So here is a question for us all to consider; is it really a great day in your faith walk? Let me explain this for a second. We are witnessing so many people struggling with their faith because they feel they must be perfect all the time, wear that smile constantly so that everyone will see that Christians have no worries in life. I know this is not the case for everyone but it will speak to some who struggle keeping that mask on. Behind the mask, the smile is gone and the struggles manifest as hurt, confusion and doubt. There are times when we fake it until we make it but what is the price paid? The thought of being vulnerable and transparent is, in many minds, considered a weakness and to reach out for help a sign of softness. Did you know that God does not see us like that? He sees through the mask and knows our heart, knows our pain. He sent His Son for us to relieve us of the stressor of sin, He sent Holy Spirit for us to find strength and guidance. God is with us at all times and provides the hope and strength for a glorious future. He also knows we will trip up, have struggles and feel less than worthy to carry on, that is why He walks with us at all times.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10 NIV

And in that, He will provide others to come alongside, to comfort and care, pray and encourage.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Cor 1:4 NLT

We are never alone, He is always with us and provides in ways we can not imagine. The Son is up at all hours and it is a great day when we look to Him.

This Sunday, we celebrate the message of Christ, our living Saviour. We invite you to join us either in person or watch online at 10:30 AM.

Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship

YouTube Live – You Tube

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.       

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Ever On The Defensive

For centuries, millennia even, the Word of God has been the guide for so many people. There were many who believed, had faith in the Almighty Creator, yet there were those who turned away and went their own way. We have, one and all, a freedom to choose. Some may choose to follow the ways of the world, to embrace the systems of mankind. Power and wealth define the person and their position in society. Wars are fought over it; lives are lost and chaos reigns supreme. For some, this is the driving force of life, the singular focus for many but it has a price. In this there are winners and there are losers. Hope is fleeting and the future is a road that eventually ends. Wealth is defined by mankind and changes hourly, power is held so long as people rally behind the person and, in today’s age, loyalty holds until the novelty wears off.

The focus of the faith filled, the followers of Christ, is one of peace and forgiveness. When the faithful focus on the Word of God, when they devote themselves to following in the footsteps of the Master and are dedicated to upholding the law of God over all others, there is a hope like no other. Love your Creator with absolutely every ounce of your being and love your neighbours as yourself. The focus shifts from self to others and the wellness of the family is the responsibility of all. Love others as you love God. Where there is peace and love, there is joy. Yes, there will be hiccups as we go through life regardless of what we believe but through Christ and with the faith family’s support, hope prevails. Jesus made us all the promise that if we believe in Him, seek His forgiveness for our past, we will not know the darkness of the grave but will find eternity in glory. That is a wonderful message and, to tell the truth, it is not a threatening concept. For those who are threatened by it, the question is why?

Why are you worried about my faith and my actions as a follower of Christ? My focus is on the health and wellbeing of those around me, so, where is the problem? Would it not be more advantageous for you to worry about you own faith then to seek ways to knock down those who only wish to be a blessing to their community? Seems like a huge waste of time and energy considering all things.

This Sunday, we celebrate the message of Christ, our living Saviour. We invite you to join us either in person or watch online at 10:30 AM.

Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship

YouTube Live – You Tube

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.       

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

 

Monday, April 18, 2022

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Only Believe’ 

Day 1: John 11:25, 26 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

Day 2: Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Day 3: Galatians 3:22 – “But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.”

Day 4: Acts 13:38, 39 – “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”

Day 5: Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

Day 6: 1 John 5:5 – “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Day 7: John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

 

Saturday, April 16, 2022

IMPACTUS MEN’S CONFERENCE

 

MEN’S MINISTRYd1

IMPACTUS MEN’S CONFERENCE  

WHEN:          Friday April 29, 2022

TIME:             5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Alberta time

                   

WHERE:        Online BUT also you are invited to WCAB men’s group meeting at Main Ave Fellowship (Sundre Church of  the Nazarene) 402 Main Ave West

 

WHAT:          Men at Main Avenue Fellowship will watch the online conference and have roast beef supper and then a time of Coffee /Tea/ Iced Tea Networking and Break-out sessions

Online conference is free, Food costs will be $15   DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR SUPPER IS Apr 25 8PM  

 

To register for the Apr 29 Men's Conference Supper, contact Mikeflemingnml@gmail.com  cell 403-636-0216

As we are disciple makers why not invite a friend or that man you have been meaning to reach out to?

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Truly Living’ 

Day 1: John 8:12 – “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Day 2: 1 John 5:20 – “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Day 3: 1 Peter 3:10, 11 – “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”

Day 4: Proverbs 14:27 – “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

Day 5: Psalm 121:7, 8 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Day 6: Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

Day 7: Colossians 3:23, 24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

 

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The Easter Message

Over the past many years of writing these articles, not once have I ever penned one while I was upset; until now. Quick overview, we have a company that provides us a service and, over the past week and a half, we have left numerous messages for them to provide said service as per the agreement. After about the sixth message, I left a voice mail basically saying that I did not appreciate begging for service and asked if I should seek an alternative provider. Are you waiting for the rant? Do you want to know the provider or the service they offer? Well, don’t hold your breath because the information is not relevant to this article. I finally got a call back and my contact was very apologetic and wanted to make it right. What would you do? I know what I would have done back in the day as a business leader, but life is different now. It may seem easier to slam the door and move on to find a new provider, I could bad mouth the company and rally others to boycott their service, and don’t think that didn’t cross my mind, I am only human after all. It is so difficult to turn the other cheek when you realize that you may get slapped again. Human behaviour suggests that we lash out in return, exchanging slap for slap but what does this accomplish? No one that I know of has ever found a peaceful solution to a problem by matching a slap for a slap.

Jesus told us that when we pray, let us remember to forgive as we have been forgiven (see Matt 6:12). If we were to treat others the way we are being treated, the road could go two ways. If we pay back bad for bad, is there a chance of closure or healing? If we pay back kindness for kindness, what is the by-product of that? If we pay back kindness where others are expecting negative retaliation, what is the message there? Jesus was brought to trial for crimes He did not commit. The hatred the religious leaders had for Him was unwarranted and the punishment leading up to His death was not right. Truth be told, when the religious leaders attacked and persecuted the Son of God, they were violating God’s law, love the Lord your God with your entire being. It would have been fully understood if Jesus called down the legions of angels to strike down the oppressors for the injuries they instigated on the Messiah. They demanded their brand of justice and, when given the opportunity to have God released, they voted to have a known criminal released. Jesus suffered and died on the cross paying back pure love and forgiveness in the face of persecution and sin. In the end, Jesus called out to the Father in Heaven “Forgive them for they know not what they do”. As of ten minutes ago, the provider made good on the promise to provide their service and, as far as I am concerned, the matter is forgiven and forgotten. Some may say this is enabling them to do it again, yet I say we will remain vigilant but forgiving. How many times?

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21, 22.

I can only hope that others will do the same for me. This Sunday, we celebrate a risen Lord, a living Saviour. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch online at 10:30 AM.

Facebook Live - Main AveFellowship

YouTube Live – You Tube

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.                                           

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

 


Sunday, April 10, 2022

God’s Workshop

Last year while I was recovering from knee surgery, I began the process of building myself a small workshop. For many years it was on my bucket list, so I finally began. Having limited mobility and strength, the process has been long, slow and challenging. I was fortunate to have it dried in before the winter came, yet I still managed to tinker inside whenever I could. With limited resources I got creative and began covering the walls and ceiling with boards form discarded crates and pallets. As I would enjoy a cozy crackling fire in my wood stove, I would dismantle the pallets one board at a time, de-nailing and selecting each piece to fit just so. I took pleasure in using materials that others would casually toss aside. Yet I saw the goodness that was left in those many pieces. I spent hours cleaning, sizing, sanding and installing bits that would eventually reveal a tapestry of beauty. Occasionally, I have posted pictures of my progress, and was surprised at the comments from people who thought it looked so good. I’ve injected some colored pieces that have special meaning to me, as reminders of how God has been with me on a journey only He could arrange.

As I look at my work, I see every board, every grain, every color, every scar, and chip. They have been affixed to their permanent home and together with all their defects, serve as a reminder that perhaps, this is how God uses and sees us. There is not a one among us who came out of our mother’s womb, holy enough to be worthy of praise. Each one of us, through our lives will be wounded, scarred, chipped, cracked, broken, bullied and yes, discarded like one of my used shipping pallets. I would like to tell everyone that God sees in us, what I see in those dirty used boards. He sees our lives as I see my workshop, a work in progress. He takes us, broken and gently disassembles the parts of our lives that keeps us weighed down. He cherry picks the good in all of us and pulls that out. Our individual grains, sizes, thicknesses and colors will then be placed on His walls to make the tapestry of His imagination. He gathers us and puts some of us along side each other so we may all compliment one another.

He wants us to know that whatever burden we have carried in the past, is not in our future. He wants us to know that if we have been beaten down, bullied, ignored, or discarded that He sees the value in using us. If you have thoughts of being worthless, useless or invisible, I want to tell you that you have been lied to. God sees in you, what you may not see in yourself. We are all used pallet boards, yet in His eyes, we are the finest oak or mahogany that money can buy. I encourage everyone to let Him pull the nails out that have pinned you down. Let Him unload the weight of life that has held you down. Simply look up, and invite Him into your heart, and you will immediately feel the weight of the world come off your shoulders. Allow Him to clean you, trim your edges, sand your rough surfaces, and place you in His workshop. If you have children who are trying to find their way, or their identity, bring them to God’s table and introduce them to a Heavenly Father who will lift them higher than they can imagine. Give them hope for a better future. You deserve it, they deserve it, in fact we all deserve it. God wants nothing short of the very best for all of us, so He says we are deserving.

My little workshop will some day be complete, and I will remember many of the thousands of pieces that made it. God’s workshop has been under construction forever and will continue into eternity. The difference is, He will remember every one of us that He has placed in a special place. Unlike the discarded shipping pallets, we will never be thrown away because God has a purpose and a plan for all of us.

Mike Shindruk

Master’s Hand Ministry

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

He Did Not Come For The Rich Alone

There is a healer in the States who is considered by many to be one of the best clinical psychologists in the country. There is a four year wait list to see her and that is if you have the finances to get onto that list. She has worked with celebrities, leaders of industry and politicians throughout the States and will, on occasion, lend her advice to the media as an expert in the field. Only the richest and most affluent can access her talents and there is no end to the number of people who want to see her.

It is wonderful to be so talented, so influential and in such demand. I do not say this mockingly because it is so true. Just think if you were one of the few who were granted access to her for a consultation. It would be absolutely spectacular to have access to the incredible knowledge and wisdom if even just for an hour. You would want to be prepared for this meeting by jotting down notes, preparing your thoughts and recording every moment of the session for later review. So much to ask with so little time to do so. When it is all over, there is the need to put it all into a workable solution and script out your life based on the wisdom that was communicated. So much to do, and so little time. One of the greatest minds in psychology has poured out such a special gift into your life, embrace it and grow!

Now, my question is this; what about those who are not among the blessed, privileged to partake in such wisdom and knowledge? Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not getting down on the rich but rather I am throwing this out there; there is a Counsellor out there who is infinitely wiser and more knowledgeable than this famed clinical psychologist. This Counsellor is not only interested in the well-being of the “client” but is also intimately aware of our needs and has a staked interest in the “client” because He loves us infinitely and perfectly.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isa 9:6-7 NLT

Our Wonderful Counsellor, the Messiah, our Saviour came to this earth to not only fulfill the prophecy but to save all mankind through His eternal love for us all. This love was so intense that He not only went to the cross to take our sins from us and save us, He stayed on the cross until it was done. Jesus did not do this for the rich, for the fanatical faithful, for the powerful. Jesus did it for us all. We do not have to be the elite to access the infinite wisdom and compassion of God, we do not have to wait in line or make an appointment with the Almighty. Our healing and growth is not based on a one visit and you are on your own, God is with us all the time through the Holy Spirit. Life is not about getting to the finish line and just complete the race but rather it is about embracing what He has provided perfectly all the time. There is no end to His love for us all and no waiting line to spending time with Him.

As we approach Easter we will continue to focus on His Message of Salvation through the sacrifice of the Messiah on the cross. We invite you to join us this Sunday either in person or watch online at 10:30 AM.

Facebook Live - Main Ave FellowshipFacebook

YouTube Live – You Tube

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com

 

Monday, April 4, 2022

Peter's Picks

 

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Come Close to Me’ 

Day 1: James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Day 2: Isaiah 55:6, 7 – “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

Day 3: Matthew 11:27, 28 – “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Day 4: Hebrews 4:15, 16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Day 5: 2 Corinthians 7:14 – “I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.”

Day 6: 1 John 2:1, 2 – “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Day 7: Psalm 9:10 – “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation