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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Finding Favor with GOD’
Day 1: Proverbs 8:33-35 – “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.  Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!  For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”
Day 2: Proverbs 11:27 – “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!”
Day 3: Proverbs 12:2 – “The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.”
Day 4: Proverbs 22:1-4 – “Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. The rich and poor have this in common:  The Lord made them both.  A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.”
Day 5: Isaiah 58:11 – “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
Day 6: James 1:25 – “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
Day 7: Ephesians 2:8, 9 – “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Why Is His Message So Offensive?


For years, I considered myself a closet Christian. I understood the message, believed in the power and salvation of Christ and truly believed that one day I would be with Him in Glory but I was not willing to declare that openly to anyone. You can ask anyone of the people I went to high school with if I was a Christian or even mention to them that I was now a preacher of the Word of God and you would be greeted with an expression of confusion. There were a few people I knew back then that were “bible thumpers” and I saw how they were treated and it scared me so I kept silent.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matt 5:10

It is easier to follow the crowd and mock that which is not fully understood. People are confused by the idea of having to be righteous, perfect on their own accord, clean in the eyes of the church before they can enter the hallowed ground of the temple yet that is the exact opposite of what God’s message is stating. Consider the following verses from Romans 3:

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Why does the world persecute the Christian community? Could be that our past is a poor reflection of the true Message and the perception of the world is what we have made our religion into but the time has come to let the nation know that our faith should be the true reflection of the church. This message is and will continue to be mocked and the messengers will be persecuted until the final day but for each one who hears and has a change of heart for Christ, the prize is eternity in Heaven. Come, all who seek His Grace for it will be freely given.

This Sunday we finish up the series in the Beatitudes. Service starts at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Monday, August 27, 2018

Let Me Level With You


This past weekend, my son, grandson, and myself began preparing ground work for a small building we are going to move. By the naked eye, the ground appeared to be fairly level, yet we were deceived. On a mere sixteen feet of run, the ground was a full foot or more off level. Knowing a level does not lie we built up and continued until we were happy. After a few hours in the sun, and nine more targets, we finally finished. As we stood back with every muscle aching, it was only then we could truly see the lay of the land. We checked and rechecked our work, doubting even ourselves. Our labour was worth the effort, as we finally saw what a firm square and level foundation now awaits our move. When our little outdoor kitchen is set in its’ new location, we will then sit and enjoy the view of Eden Lake.

As I think of this, I am reminded of how I see Jesus, even in this. Each of us are like unworked pieces of ground. On the surface we all think we’re pretty level, yet we are not. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not tearing down or degrading anyone here. What I’m saying is that as humans we all are flawed not perfect. Yet Jesus can stand back and survey us and knows what He needs to do to set us square and level us up. He’ll make sure there is rock under us as we stumble through life. He’ll build us up on our low side, tamp His word into our hearts until it’s firm and solid. He’ll constantly and quietly massage us into alignment from every angle to make us square in our thinking and spirit. He’ll then check and re-check each of us, every day for the rest of our lives. Then when He is satisfied, on our last day, He will stand back and say, “My child your new home is ready. Now come and sit and enjoy the view as we talk”.
  
All of this and more will take place, and is now, and we never even know it. So friend’s, let me level with you. Jesus is only an arm’s reach, and a single breath away from you, waiting for you to allow Him to work on your foundation. I know of no better contractor for our lives. Call out, He’s right there.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca



Friday, August 24, 2018

We Have Tomorrow


What a wonderful conversation I had this week with my wife’s cousin. He is a business man, a motivational speaker, story teller, and a faith filled gentleman. He relayed a true story of a funeral he attended some years back. It was for a veteran who was eighty-nine. The officiating clergyman was actually the vet’s chaplain from their war days. He told of asking the veteran as they marched through Italy, what would be the one thing you would love to have if you could be granted a wish. Without hesitation, the vet answered, “tomorrow”. Wow, how powerful an answer when death may come at any time, especially in war.

This story got me to drawing a parallel to what our answers today may be. If we had one true wish that could be granted, what would your answer be?  I am glad that God gives us each our own tomorrows. This is such a simple yet complicated question and answer combo. There are some, due to their circumstance that will say they really don’t care about tomorrow. There will be the rest of us who look forward to what tomorrow may, and or will bring. Personally, I’m looking forward like never before. God never gave up on me when I was in a place of mourning the death of my dad. Then, one day He shook me and my world, and then I saw a tiny spec of His plan for me, and my dad. That day, my grieving and mourning ended, and was replaced with thanks and celebration. I understand more each day, just how much He loves us, and how His plan for us is ongoing. Twenty-four years ago, I didn’t care, then fifteen years ago, He woke me from a sleep I was walking in.

God had always given me a tomorrow to be thankful for, but for a season, I couldn’t see it. Now, He has charged me with writing invitations like this one to all of you who read them. Was today and yesterday a bad day for you? Maybe it was. Well He’s still in your corner rooting for you, and He is simply asking for you. Why not answer Him out loud and say, Lord, I’ve so missed making you a part of my life. Please come in as I open my door. Yesterday, was then, and now I’d like to thank You for the gift of telling me that we all have tomorrow, if we choose.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca


Thursday, August 23, 2018

Who Are You?


We can be our own worst enemy. This is not only people who do not follow God but also for the faith community. I was watching as a person was having a rather heated argument with a loved one and then the phone rang, and the person went all Dr Jeckyl and sounded like the nicest person on the earth. There was something wrong with this as the other person just stood there on the verge of tears wondering what had just happened. Some feel as though they can put on a mask of pureness and be perceived as kind and gentle, but the pureness must come from the heart.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matt 5:8

For the Christian community, the pureness of the heart comes from the blessing of Christ in their lives. When we ask Christ to reside in our hearts, there is a peace and a calm that permeates our being and a lifestyle change that comes from the joy that settles in. God knows the heart and sees past the masks yet there are so many who believe they can fool the King of kings. Do people truly believe that if they are having a meltdown on someone in the church because they didn’t get their own way and Jesus shows up on the scene they can put on that mask and fool the Son of God? Give up the mask and let the Love of God fill you to all the fullness of righteousness and you will see the world in a new light and others will see you in the Light.

This Sunday we continue in the Beatitudes. Service starts at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Hope & Wait on God’
Day 1: Isaiah 30:18 – “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”
Day 2: Psalm 27:14 – “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Day 3: Lamentations 3:25, 26 – “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.”
Day 4: Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
Day 5: Psalm 40:1 – “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
Day 6: Micah 7:7 – “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.”
Day 7: Psalm 62:5, 6 – “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Wednesday, August 15, 2018

But Why Do You Mourn?


I have purposely left these three to the end of the series.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted Matt 5:4
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matt 5:8
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matt 5:10

They all fit together quite well but my question is why do you mourn? A close friend or family member passes away and we take time to mourn the loss. We feel great sorrow for the fact we will no longer be able to see them or call them up. The physical loss of a compatriot is hard to come to grips with and God grieves with us. He knows the feeling of loss, He gave His Son so that we can rejoice knowing that death is only a transition to Glory.

We mourn loss, but God mourns on a completely different level. He mourns for those who have lost their way, who worship the world rather than seek out the perfection and gift that God has promised. So many refute the gift God offers and deny the fact that God is the great Creator and this grieves our Father in Heaven. We, as a community of faith, should also mourn for the lost. Pray for them, plant the seeds of hope and live a life reflective of God’s love and be comforted knowing that God is there for all!

God sets right all who welcome his action and enter into it, both those who follow our religious system and those who have never heard of our religion. Rom 3:30 (MSG)

This Sunday we continue in the Beatitudes. Service starts at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

But What Can I Do?


This past Sunday, our special guest, Rev. James Weller, Director of MREE (Ministry for Russia and Eastern Europe) spoke of his mission of supplying Bibles to all who need and want them. For over thirty five years, his mission has taken him to areas of the world that most of us would avoid like the plague. Yet, God called on him many years ago with a task. This was to go into the lion’s den of Communist Russia, and spread God’s word, even though it was, and is forbidden. During his message, he reminded us that we can’t do everything, but we can all do something.
          
This got me thinking of all the minute little things that anyone can do to further God’s Kingdom and to spread the Gospel. Have you ever wondered, what can I do, I am only one person, with no skills? Well, regardless of your age, gender, education, or back ground, God has something for you to do. He has imparted it into your make up, and wants to draw it out of you. Here are a few things that anyone can do. Start attending church. Come expecting to receive Him. Enjoy and engage in the worship. Really listen to the message from the pulpit, then carry a bit of that with you when you leave. Listen for God’s breath in your ear when He says, do this in My name. Pray for someone, including yourself. Forgive, and ask for forgiveness. Attend a Bible study. Support a mission to help someone, anyone. Acquire a Bible, and read, and find a scripture that speaks to you. Give someone a Bible. Share Christ with someone. Pay all of this forward.
          
You see, it takes very little to be a part of God’s Kingdom. Ask Him in, and He will fill your mouth with words, and your heart with His Word. The smallest of things that we can do are just as important as the grand ones. In fact, what we do without fan-fair, warms God’s heart even more. When we do for others, do not boast about it, as the Pharisees did in Matthew 6:1 NCV, ”Be careful! When you do good things, don’t do them in front of people to be seen by them. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven”.
          
So, what can you do? Close your eyes, open your heart, and ask God. He’ll let you know, and it will cost you nothing but your belief in His Son, Jesus. That my friends, is free, paid in full on a cross.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca


Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Hurting?’
Day 1: Hebrews 4:16 – “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Day 2: Psalm 91:16 – “The Lord is known for his justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds.”
Day 3: Proverbs 4:20-23 – “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Day 4: Psalm 107:20 – “He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.”
Day 5: John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Day 6: 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.”
Day 7: Psalm 103:1-5 – “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation


Thursday, August 9, 2018

Taking Inventory


For years, I have tried to live up to the standards of other people. Numerous times I have been called the Chameleon because I was able to adjust and become what others needed me to be. Sometimes the result was not condusive to a solid Christian testimony but it did feel good to be needed, to fill that special niche in other’s lives. I reveled in this ability and worked at becoming the master of all specialties but it came with a price. Over time I began to realize I did not truly know who I was and every time I took off a mask, another one was right below it waiting to replace it.

We are made in the image of God. Everytime we put on a mask and try to hide who we truly are, we deny our true selves. We become actors (some may even say liars) in our own skin and over time we truly loose our sense of self. There are so many who believe the lies they create to the point where the mask no longer comes off. The mask may be there to hide our true self but when the mask does not come off, what then? I came to the realization that the masks I wore were not helping me to survive but were more of a shield that kept me from harm.

God made mankind in His own image. What exactly is this image? Jesus truy defines the image for us. Christ is love and compassion, righteousness personified and the perfection of forgiveness in His sacrifice. I am made in this image, an image that needs no mask to protect for Holy Spirit is the protector of all. Love God with absolutley every ounce of your being and love your neighbour as yourself. No masks are needed here. The perfection in your testimony of His love is the story you tell when you leave the mask behind. So here is the question; will you take inventory of the masks in your luggage and give them up. Has the time come to declare the truth in who you really are? I am a child of God and am made in His image. Live to the standards Christ prescribed, live in the image of God and trust in Him.

This Sunday, we are back!! Stay tuned to Facebook @MainAvenueFellowship. Service starts at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca). www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

Blessings all,
Pastor Todd

Before Anything Fails, Look Up


I have heard many times a joking term like when all else fails, read the instructions, or ask for directions. It’s an obvious jab at the male population. While waiting on a customer, I offered a small zip lock bag for some fasteners, to which the customer replied, “oh I didn’t see them”. I replied with, when all else fails, look up. as they were on the top of a display. A friend of mine, who is a brother in Christ, said, that’s where we should look from the beginning.

I thought on this and, yes folks, we have it all wrong. We have been conditioned by the world to try and cope with everything on our own strengths. We wait until the very last moment before we ask for help, especially from our Father, God. We humans seem to sink into crisis before we push pride aside and call out for help. Our daily routine of running on the treadmill lulls into a place where we forget where we need to turn. Here is the lightning bolt moment. We can absolutely reverse this mindset with one clear action. Set this in your spirit. Before anything fails, look up. Psalm 121 NIV tells us this precisely.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
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.

So my friends, as you begin each day and perhaps are faced with any new challenges, or struggles, please take a moment to recall this scripture, and then look up…before anything fails.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Monday, August 6, 2018

Peter’s Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘We all Need Protecting’
Day 1: Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Day 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”
Day 3: Psalm 121:7, 8 – “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.”
Day 4: Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”
Day 5: Proverbs 3:24 – “You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.”
Day 6: Proverbs 1:33 – “But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
Day 7: Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation