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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Revival You Say?

When I say revival, what are some of the first things that come to mind? For me, it used to conjure up images of huge tents, ten hour days of evangelistic preachers raising the roof, music bringing the gathered to a frenzy, pies and potlucks and, in the end, hundreds proclaiming the love of Christ. If that were take place today, you would have to start by gathering all the required permits for the event (good luck with that), renting the massive tent, porta-potties, proper cook shack that meets all the required safe food handling prerequisites, speakers, worship teams, sound system, permission from the residents all around the venue, proper parking, advertising – and the list continues.

When Jesus went up the mount to deliver the sermon to the gathered, He had the Word of God and that was it. When Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke to the gathered, they listened to the wisdom from these two fishermen and thousands believed and were saved. Paul spoke to the multitudes and the international movement began. This was revival.

According to Wikipedia, revivalism is increased spiritual interest or renewal in the life of a church congregation or society, with a local, national or global effect. Think about this for a moment. Christ died and the gathering dispersed. Jesus rose and there was renewed life in the ecclesia; the Holy gathering aka the church. From that moment on, there was renewal, revival! The One spurred the renewal of life in the gathering by fulfilling the prophecy and returning. My God Lives!! Revival took off with the Disciples taking the Good News to the world and today millions believe.

So, where are we today? Are we languishing in the doldrums of religion or are we ready for revival? Are we caught up in the motions of religious activities or are we ready to kick it up a notch? Does the church want revival?

This Sunday, we are going to explore Revival and it may even extend into a series – depends on where the Spirit takes us. To listen online, visit our web page ( www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca ) or to stream live starting at 11:00 AM MST, tune in at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 .

May God bless you all richly!
Pastor Todd

We Do Nothing On Our Own

I must say that Tuesday of this past week was one for the books. Without details, I can honestly say it was off to a terrible start that lasted over three hours. The pace of my duties was dizzying and the demand on my time and mental energy was overwhelming. I work in a service industry where service and supply can be very time sensitive. When these two do not line up, then stress can make a person something their nature is not normally. Yet, when things were at their apex, help came from many directions. It was at those moments that I realized that I could not rely on my own resource. A calm word, a gently hand on my shoulder by co-workers, and customers who had the best understanding nature possible, made my day turn around. Mental and physical relief came as my lunch hour allowed me to enjoy the best part of my day, an uninterrupted hour with my wife. Seeing her exit her workplace to come for a lunch date made the morning rush hours melt away. That’s when I saw God’s hand on my day.

In an instant, I realized that He was speaking to me while the static of my morning drowned Him out. I had that aha moment we all hope for. I was reminded that I did nothing that day, on my own. He spoke to me without a word, showed me His presence without fan-fair, and carried me so my aching feet could find rest. He gave me pause to feel sorry for those who can’t bring themselves to believe, yet face pressures and challenges like me, and struggle alone, on their own. I saw in an instant that my faith and belief in Jesus and His grace, were poured onto me when I was overwhelmed. I was reminded of Joshua 1:5 NIV. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. I felt so special, knowing that I wasn’t alone. God exists, and that belief can and will sustain us through anything. Faith is not religion, it is a belief in something you cannot see or explain.  God’s love for you requires no explanation, just your acceptance, as it is given freely. Remember that it was paid in full.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Monday, April 24, 2017

Week at a Glance

Week At A Glance Apr 24 - 30, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday
Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday - Friday
Church Office Closed      - Saturday
Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                            - Call Pastor Todd for details
Safety Meeting @
Little Country Cappucino              - 9:00 AM Tuesday
Lady’s Bible Study                        - 1:00 PM Wednesday
Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose     - 2:00 PM Wednesday
Men’s Leadership Study                - 8:00 AM Thursday
Men’s Coffee Fellowship               - 9:00 AM Thursday
Church Service                              - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday
Care Home Services - MVSH       - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard


Friday, April 21, 2017

God, My New Forever Home

Regardless which direction I looked this week, I could not help but see evidence of God’s presence and influence. I’ve seen joy in the adoption of a new pet, and yet, bittersweet sadness as a family had to let her go. I’ve watched a person in a new job walking with a renewed confidence and excitement in their steps. I am witnessing a time of prosperity for a company in an industry that is constantly facing challenges. What I see in these examples is that God has placed everyone where they are needed. A dog, adopted into a forever home, needed a new home, and was needed in that home. A person who was in need of a job, found the right fit. God is pouring His favor into a business where the ethics of the owner, and the efforts of the staff are evident every day.

For many people, these would go unnoticed, yet, God has allowed me to recognize Him in the smallest of things.  If we look and listen for Him daily, we will all be given this gift of recognition. When we see Him this way, our own life and situations will change for the better. If you listen, you will hear Him. If you speak to Him, He will know your voice, and if you listen, you will know His voice, as in John 10:27 NIV where Jesus says” My sheep (those who believe in me) listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.

My encouragement here is this. If you are burdened by a situation, be it in your job, marriage, physical, emotional health, or finances, let down your human guard. Simply call out, or speak to Jesus, ask Him into your world. Ask Him for anything. He will separate the wants from the needs, and deliver unto you, what He has planned. Our world is so saturated with people who refuse to believe there is God. Yet He remains, as close as the mere whisper of His name. What you will lose, is the weight of the world. What you will gain is the always listening ear and forgiving heart of the very one who designed you, God himself. Just think, that tomorrow may be the day when He places you in your new forever home, just because you asked.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Persecute Me?

For the past year and a quarter, the focus of our Sunday is not primarily on speaking on topics that everyone in the church knows all too well but rather we try to find ways to equip those in the congregation, those online and now those watching on Facebook Live to spread the news outside the four walls of the church. I just read a short story about a preacher who was not only willing to get egged for his beliefs but also put it all on the line when he was told not to preach in public for fear of incarceration. His response; “I have never been arrested for preaching the gospels”. A little later in his career, he went up against some rather nasty folk and the people told him he could be shot if he did not stop it. His response; “I have never been shot for preaching the gospels”.

Church! The gospels are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. The difference now as opposed to then is that the church today is a comfortable place to gather with a nice easy message to hear. Guess what, we are a persecuted church more today than ever. We have been lulled into a place of complacency. Can you preach the gospel on the street or in a public square? No, you need permits and permissions and good luck getting them. Can you pray in your classroom before the day starts or take time out throughout the day to pray? No, this could cause issues with those who do not want to hear you as it makes them uncomfortable. Can you write an article for your local newspaper that has a Christian message? Chances of that happening are very slim. Is your church included in the official directory for your town or county? If it is, awesome but many are not.

The persecuted church is the church forced into silence. The time has come to equip the people of the church to say no, we will not be silent. We have as much right to stand tall and speak the message. And when the world shouts us down, stand firm. John and Peter stood in front of the Sanhedrin and were told to be silent and not speak of Jesus Christ (Acts 4).

But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20 NIV

I fear disappointing my Lord and Saviour more than I do upsetting a few people who don’t want to feel uncomfortable. Take courage and find strength in the Lord, He will show you the way! The Holy Spirit is with you!

Join us this Sunday as we speak of renewal. You can join us in person, online at www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca (online message tab) or on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158  starting at 11:00 AM MST.

Shalom

Pastor Todd

Monday, April 17, 2017

Week at a Glance

Week At A Glance Apr 17 - 23, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday and Wednesday
Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday, Thursday,  Friday
Church Office Closed      - Saturday
Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                          - Call Pastor Todd for details
Lady’s Bible Study                      - 1:00 PM Wednesday
Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose   - 2:00 PM Wednesday
Men’s Leadership Study              - 8:00 AM Thursday
Men’s Coffee Fellowship             - 9:00 AM Thursday
Church Service                             - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday
Care Home Services - MVSH      - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.
BTW, if you don’t like getting dirty, Monday’s might not be your thing :D

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard


Friday, April 14, 2017

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Sin Defeated for All’
Day 1: 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.”
Day 2: John 11:25, 26“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’"
Day 3: Philippians 2:5-11“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Day 4: 1 Corinthians 1:18“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”
Day 5: Isaiah 53:4, 5“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”
Day 6: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Day 7: Romans 10:9“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Don’t Allow The Noise To Drown Out The Song

Have you ever purchased tickets to hear a band, a musical, or theatre performance? The days count down and the evening of the event finally arrives. You’re in your finest, with a perfect seat and the performance begins, and so does the disappointment. The musicians appear and the music is suddenly so loud you cannot hear the songs. On the other hand, the theatre actors cannot be heard due to a mic malfunction, or someone near is constantly speaking. Again, you miss out on the joy of the message, or the performance. What about a wedding, where your son or daughter stands to say their vows? You strain to hear those beautiful words, I do, and you miss them. All of a sudden, one of the most important events has just passed you by, lost and gone for ever.

This week I thought about Jesus as He arrived in Jerusalem the days before the Passover Feast. He has greeted by throngs of people as He arrived on a donkey. The city was filled with excitement, and the crowd that walked ahead of Him threw palm leaves on the ground, cheered with chants of “Praise” God, and God bless the One who comes in the name of The Lord, God bless the King of Israel. John12:12-13.The many who came may number in the hundreds or thousands, and I can only imagine the noise.

Things would be very different in less than a week from that time, when those same crowds would be yelling, “crucify him” as told in Matthew 27. The Prince of Peace was among them, trying to make them hear His message of salvation. Yet the noise of arrogance by the Pharisees allowed the people to miss the sweet sounds of truth. That Jesus was the true Son of God, and came to be with them. Judas was seduced by greed, Peter was blinded by fear, and the crowds were deafened by lies. The sweet sound of Jesus’ voice should have been music to their ears.

As we remember that Jesus died for us, and we celebrate His resurrection, may we work harder to calm the distractions of the world. He paid for each of our tickets to this theatre we call life. May we all sing praises to our King, and let’s not allow the noise of today’s world to again, drown out the most beautiful song, Jesus’ word.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

What Is Truly Important?

There was an article in an online magazine belittling the Christian practice of the Seder because it was a Jewish practice. There are some who have put forward the theory that the time between the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem and His crucifixion was actually 6 month and not six days. Some will argue that the end of times is to come while others say we are in them. Post-millennialism, pre-millennialism, predestination, prevenient grace, purgatory and many other religious words that tend to set wedges into the faith community and cause division. Now before anyone starts to get their digs in on the choice of words; chill – they are only words.

We cannot bring the community back together until we go back to basics. The Bible was not meant to divide the Christian nation. It was not written for theologians to dissect and split camps. The Bible was written as the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It was written for the common person and for the elite. We are all equal in the eyes of God and this gift to all mankind was not designed to be a hindrance for God’s creation, His children, but rather as a guide. If I was to ask you to explain the main points of the Bible as it pertains to life, what would you say? I would break it down to this:

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), therefore “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-39)

As we go into the Easter weekend, let us remember the fact that Christ willingly went to the cross where He suffered and died but three days later He fulfilled the prophecy and rose from the grave. He took our sins upon Him so that through Him, we would know glory. Let us lift up our voices and give our Saviour thanks. He is Risen!!

You can listen online after the service on our website, www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca or live streaming on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 at 11:00 MST.

Blessings all

Pastor Todd

Monday, April 10, 2017

Week At A Glance Apr 10 - 16, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday
Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday - Friday
Church Office Closed      - Saturday
Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events
Quad Fellowship                         - Call Pastor Todd for details
Lady’s Bible Study                      - 1:00 PM Wednesday
Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose   - 2:00 PM Wednesday
Men’s Leadership Study              - 8:00 AM Thursday
Men’s Coffee Fellowship             - 9:00 AM Thursday
Christian Seder                             - 6:00 PM Thursday
Church Service                             - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday
Care Home Services - MVSH      - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.


Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Going Through Stuff??’
Day 1: 2 Timothy 1:7“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Day 2: Psalm 147:3“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."
Day 3: 2 Samuel 22:29“O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness.”
Day 4: Psalm 40:1-3“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”
Day 5: Psalm 9:9“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
Day 6: Psalm 37:23, 24“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”
Day 7: Romans 12:12“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Friday, April 7, 2017

Looking Forward To Tomorrow

So, you’ve had a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year. You can take comfort in knowing that you were not alone, even if it felt like it. You may be someone who is in the service industry, and get a truckload of grief from someone, merely because you were the closest. You may have health issues that never seem to end despite you doctor’s best efforts. You may be in your later years, trying to find employment, to no avail. You may be a small business owner who works tirelessly, yet your wheels seem to be spinning. You may be a pastor who visits, prays for, and encourages people every day, and wonder if it’s worth the effort. The list can go on and on.

There comes a time when each of us will finally call out to God and ask, Lord, when is my turn? Where are You when I’m under attack? When do I get to simply rest? Are You listening to my prayers? Well friends, we all were able to vent, complain, and cry out today, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Today, we all woke with a new day of hope ahead of us. God opened our eyes, filled our lungs with new air, and He said, get up my child, I have something wonderful planned for your future. Jeremiah 29:11. He has put the struggle of yesterday in our past. Yes, perhaps today will be another challenge, but at least He has given us a today. There is absolutely no shame in each of us asking God for His favor and grace with our prayers. After all, would you feel guilty asking your earthly father for help? No, I didn’t think so.

Will everything we ask or pray for, appear like magic. No, it will not, at least in the form we think of. Yet God is listening, and wants nothing but the very best for us. He will cause and make positive changes to our situations. He is not a remote, distant entity without care or feeling. He is a good, good Father. He has given us the freedom of choice to rely on Him, to call on Him, and to believe in His Son Jesus. He has given us all the gift of faith. Our unwavering demonstration of faith in His being, and power is what He simply asks of us. He protected you today, and will again tomorrow. If He is with us, then who can be against us? Romans 8:31-39 gives us His assurance.

Now, let’s all look forward to tomorrow.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Unwelcomed Guest

George sat in his home all alone staring blankly at the wall in front of him. Once a week, his neighbour, Phil, from down the street would come by like clockwork. Phil would check in to make sure George was doing okay and would root through the fridge and cupboards looking at George’s food situation, throwing out the old stuff, making note of what was required. He would then proceed to change the linens on George’s bed, fire up the washing machines and then head off to the market to fill the orders. When the groceries were put away, the laundry was all folded and a good supper was prepared, Phil would sit around and chat with George for a bit longer and then head home after the dishes were done.

If you asked George about these visits, he would tell you that they were a nuisance. Phil would come in giving lame advise, talk about gibberish, butt in where he shouldn’t and poke his nose into places he aught not to. He would often complain, “Phil, get your hands off my dirty laundry – can’t a guy have some privacy?” but Phil would just keep on going about what he was doing. If you asked Phil why he kept going back he would tell you it was fulfill a promise. You see George was married to Phil’s sister and when she was about to pass, she asked Phil to watch over and protect George and to pray for him always because she wanted him in heaven with her. Phil faithfully took care of George and every week not only reminded George about how much God loved him but also showed the love of God by staying by his side.

The people of Jerusalem rejoiced when Jesus road into town on a donkey but there were those who were not at all pleased with Christ entering the Holy City to shouts of Hosanna, in fact, they were incensed. “Who is He to come into our city and pretend to be who He is?” Yet Christ returned and His return that day was not just for those who laid palm branches and jackets in His path but also for those who had yet come to believe in His divinity. For the Pharisee, Christ was the unwelcomed gift. He came to feed those in need. He fed them food for their souls, He came to cleanse them of their dirty laundry and make them clean and yet they still grumbled. They plotted to destroy Him and yet He came.

Palm Sunday is the joyous celebration of the return of the King of kings to the Holy City, the city of peace, Jeru-salem. We invite you to join us either in person, online after the service at www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca (online message tab) or on Facebook live starting at 11:00 MST at https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158 . Hope to see you there.

Shalom
Pastor Todd

 Bonus Picture from Monday’s Fellowship Adventure

Monday, April 3, 2017

Week at a Glance


Week At A Glance Apr 3 – 9, 2017

Office Hours

Church Office Closed      - Monday
Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday
Church Office Closed      - 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday
Church Office Open        - 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday, Friday
Church Office Closed      - Saturday
Church Service                - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday

Special Events

Quad Fellowship                         - Call Pastor Todd for details
Lady’s Bible Study                     - 1:00 PM Wednesday
Lady’s Crafting with a Purpose  - 2:00 PM Wednesday
Men’s Leadership Study             - 8:00 AM Thursday
Men’s Coffee Fellowship            - 9:00 AM Thursday
Church Service                            - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday
Care Home Services - MVSH     - Not On Scheduled this week

Note: Quadding Fellowship on Monday requires participants to contact Pastor Todd to sign up, have an insured and registered quad, have a helmet and bring a lunch. This is not a ministry of Main Avenue Fellowship but rather a gathering of people who want to go out into the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company and God’s gift of nature. MAF does not assume any liability for injuries or accidents.

Sunday Services can be heard on the website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca) after the service or seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/todd.macdonald.3158) at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard


Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Really Trusting God’
Day 1: Psalm 33:4, 5“For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.”
Day 2: 1 Corinthians 1:25“This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength."
Day 3: Isaiah 40:28, 29“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”
Day 4: Joshua 1:9“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Day 5: Psalm 9:10“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”
Day 6: Proverbs 3:5, 6“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Day 7: 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.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation