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Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Encouraging You To Find Your Spiritual Passion


For years, the church has struggled to find and retain enough volunteers and staff to meet the needs of the community but, as I suggested in last week’s sermon, too many people are being selected to be a part of an “exciting ministry” because they have a pulse rather than a passion. What does this really mean though? To have a pulse without a passion is to subsist but to understand one’s own passion will help energize that pulse and spark a desire to excel. These are not my words but rather an interpretation of the Word and a encouragement to seek out the gifts He has bestowed upon you. Allow me to expand on this. My wife is an extraordinary singer and understands that God has bestowed this amazing talent upon her. Natalie can get people involved in the worship in a way that I cannot. Now, take her out of this gifting and ask her to design the budget for next year that includes the stats and figures required for the congregation to fully understand the necessities of a 1.5 percent increase in expenditures for the custodial contract is rather outside her comfort zone. She has a pulse though.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Cor 12:4-7 NIV

To Peter, Holy Spirit gave the gift of preaching and exhortation. Peter, filled with Spirit’s power and wisdom, spoke up in front of thousands in a place where, just a short time before, Jesus was captured, flogged, sentenced to death and hung on a cross. Without fear for self, Peter spoke the Truth to the masses and thousands gave their lives to Christ. Peter did not realize his passion until he found, realized and was compelled by Holy Spirit to explode with the power and energy of God. So the question is this; where is your passion? Have you taken time to listen to the promptings and guidance of God? Do you feel like you are out of your element or rather lost in your service? Do you feel like you were put into spot because you had a pulse and you are just going through the motions because you don’t want to upset or disappoint? In Matthew, Jesus talked about letting God show the way and to let His wisdom be the guide. Leaders need to realize this and recognize the talents or gifts when building a team. Seek first the wisdom of God.

This Sunday, we continue with the series on encouragement in the Master. Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Monday, March 25, 2019

When I Grow Up


Everyone has been asked the question. What do you want to be when you grow up? Your children may say, a policeman, or fireman, or a princess, the typical children answers. As we mature, we seek different futures. Personally, I thought I would be a professional musician, a singer, an entertainer. Well, God has rewarded me with more than that career could ever promise. These days, I am content with the abilities He has given to me, and surrounded me with friends, family, and faith. He has gifted me with leading worship for Him. Fortune on the human side is not on my list of priorities. Don’t get me wrong, as many entertainers are successful, and also serve God. Is it for everyone? No. I personally know two well-known entertainers that have found and maintain the balance of a life on the stage, and being servants of God. One, I worked with over thirty years ago, and the other I met about nine years ago, who I can call my friend. I believe, and I well imagine that they would agree that their success is due to their faith in God as their anchor.

God loves our heart, and is glad for success in our lives, regardless of our pursuits. Yet we must all be mindful, that we cannot serve two gods. We cannot chase the money god, or the fame god, and be faithful to the Father with the same commitment.  Luke16:13 NCV tells us” No servant can serve two masters. The servant will hate one master and love the other, or will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God and worldly riches.”  My point is this. Strive to provide for your household, yet keep God as the center of your effort and motivation. Also, give thanks for your childhood aspirations that may be seen as your training ground for the work you are doing today in God’s Kingdom. Keep Jesus present in our lives always, not just on Sunday. May we enjoy every reward that the Father gives us, yet not be distracted with the same. What do I want to be when I grow up? A little more like Jesus. How about you?

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Controlling Anger’
Day 1: Ephesians 4:26, 27 – “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
Day 2: Psalm 4:4 – “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.”
Day 3: James 1:19, 20 – “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
Day 4: Proverbs 19:11 – “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.”
Day 5: Psalm 37:8 – “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.”
Day 6: Ephesians 4:31, 32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Day 7: Colossians 3:8 – “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”
** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Friday, March 22, 2019

Christ’s Credibility


How amazing it seems to be that we, you know, regular people hang on the words of celebrities. Social media has taken our appreciation for celebrity talent to become idol worshiping. There was a time, many years ago when singers, actors, and sports personalities were so far removed from us that people would cry at the mention of their name. These were ordinary people who were talented and were kept from the world, just far enough away to be unapproachable and idolized. The selfie celebrities of today seem to be famous, not for raw talent, but for, well self-promotion. As the generations change, the world wants to live their lives vicariously through social media exposure.

Now there is nothing wrong with appreciating those in the entertainment business, but when we take our admiration of their limelight to a level that blinds us then we are in trouble. We (the world) find it easier to believe the words of celebrities as gospel, rather than taking the true Gospel at its word. The Bible, in many cases is being replaced by Facebook, and Twitter. Instead of opening our Bible in a church, we open our I-pad to the chatter of Google. We believe whatever celebrities sell us by their status and platforms, yet we question the word of God when a message is shared on Sunday.

Perhaps we believe what we can see, touch, and hear, regardless of the source. What we should be doing is believing what our Bible has written in it’s pages. Back in Bible days, there was no fake news, or a want or way to create it. It was written first hand over many hundreds of years, with countless scriptures confirming truths. Truth, Jesus the one true Son of God, was born, lived among us, died for us, rose from the dead. He is seated at the right hand of The Father, is preparing a home for us and is coming back. John 14:1-6. God is real, God is not dead, and He created the heavens and our little planet, earth. We will see His face when we meet Him one day, provided we accept Him as our Lord.

For me, celebrities are just people. Some are fake, some are sincere. Their status does not sway me to believe whatever they say, nor should you. What I believe is what is written in the Bible, and when someone shares that, unfiltered, I’ll take that to my faith bank. Let’s choose Christ’s credibility, over any man’s credibility.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Is This The Beginning Or Are We At The Fork In The Road


How hard is it to turn the other cheek? There are days, even weeks or months, when turning the other cheek gets harder and harder to do. At times, I feel a kick in the pants would be a pleasant change of pace. Watch television and you can see how draining the onslaught of negativity affects people. Stats Canada reports that “Twenty-seven percent of Canadian workers claim to have high to extreme levels of stress on a daily basis.” (www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/contest/finalists-finalistes_2-eng.htm). I would suggest that this is even higher if you are a politician at election time. There are so many cases where the negative aspects of a person’s decisions or ideas have been the focus of conversation. This will take most people to the point of depression or even complete surrender to the darkness. I have heard it said that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all (Thumper) yet this is becoming a fleeting ideology.

Here is where we find the crossroad of life. Will we continue to follow the world in the ways of the negative thought, hurting and destroying with our words and actions, or will we become the agents of peace? By taking the path of peace, we set ourselves up to be the target of those who enjoy the chaos but we can find strength and wisdom in the Word and make a difference.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:29-31 NIV

Jesus came to this world not to condemn but to save. We are called to be followers of His ways. Do not be like those who blare the trumpets screaming “look at me, I am right and that person is so wrong – let us join forces and destroy them” but rather let us be the catalyst of change. Let us seek out the goodness in our brothers and sisters, let us rejoice in them and lift them up. Take time each and every day to encourage and praise someone. Can we be the one who helps a friend see their true worth, help them to realize that they are beautiful in God’s eyes and in the eyes of their neighbour? It is the beginning of a new dawn, time to make a new start in not only our own lives but also in the life of someone else. It is time to take the path that seems less traveled and make a difference.

This Sunday, we continue with the series on joy and peace in the Master. Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Sunday, March 17, 2019

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘YOU NEED JESUS’
Day 1: John 3:16 – “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.”
Day 2: Ephesians 2:4, 5 – “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,  that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
Day 3: Romans 3:24-26 – “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time...”
Day 4: Titus 3:5, 6 – “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Day 5: 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. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Day 6: Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
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


Wednesday, March 13, 2019

I Was Blind But Now I See

I remember decades ago when I was not looking to God for any direction, I was blind to the magnificent life that I could realize by following the Master. At one time I did not question God and, with eyes wide open, I followed His ways and His commands. Love God; love one another. Simple ethos to adopt as a way of life but as we grow up, things change. As life throws garbage at us, some of it sticks and over time, it builds up. Teasing, self-deprecation, negative self fulfilling prophecy, believing others over self all can make it tough to hear the perfect message from God. Our Creator does not make garbage. We are all perfect in His eyes yet we can be deaf to His message by the world. We can be blind to the perfection He created by trying to be exactly what the world has defined as perfect. God made us in His image and we all should live with that in mind.

When they heard it was Jesus passing, they cried out, “Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!” The crowd tried to hush them up, but they got all the louder, crying, “Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!”  Jesus stopped and called over, “What do you want from me?”  They said, “Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!”  Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant, and joined the procession. Mat 20:30-34 Msg

I heard the voice of God once again a couple decades ago and I cried out “God, I have wandered so far and the noise of the world has overwhelmed me. The fog of deceit has clouded my vision.” Jesus asked me “what can I do for you” and I cried out “save me Lord” and suddenly my eyes were opened and I could see the beauty of life. The noise and distractions of the world were still there but His message was louder and was written on my heart. Love Me and love your neighbours, my wonderful creations. The more the world around us tries to hush the Master’s servants, the stronger we can become as we look to the Spirit that is God.

We are anticipating another Sunday of joy and peace as we come together to worship the Master. Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd


Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Peter's Picks


The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks
‘Trust God’
Day 1: Psalm 9:10 – “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”
Day 2: 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 3: Proverbs 29:25 – “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”
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: Jeremiah 17:7, 8 – “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
Day 6: Psalm 37:3 – “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.”
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



A God For All Seasons


Well, Spring is literally around the corner. I am sure all of us are enjoying the few additional minutes of daylight as it returns for another season. Even with the time adjustment we still mark each day with anticipation of early sunrises and later sunsets. Crocuses will soon poke through the receding snow and robins will return from their winter nests in our forests. Winter coats will be retired for spring jackets, and garden tools will replace snow shovels. Even the winter attitudes will give way to smiles. The smell in the air will entice the hibernators like me to get outside, and wet a line and open up the cottage. Ah, yes, the magic of Spring.

Now, if you noticed, I failed to mention attending church. That mere distraction was intentional as many people forget about church, regardless of the season. Some will say, well it’s too slippery or cold in the winter to go. Others will say that Spring is too sloppy, that Summer is vacation time, and Fall is when they prepare for Winter. These are reasons perhaps, but they are really only excuses. People tend to forget that God is open every day, of every season. God is not a season, rather He is a God for all seasons. Human activity has a way of replacing God in our lives, way too easily. Whether it is travelling, hobbies, building a business, sports activities or other recreational activities, God should not be put on our back burner. We should not make Him a God of our convenience rather He should be the God of our commitment.

We sing a song in church in which the lyrics are, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. The songwriter is reminding us that the physical trappings that we surround ourselves with are temporary, and God’s presence in our lives is much more valuable than we give it credit for. If we claim to have Jesus as our Savior, then perhaps giving Him our undivided attention for a few hours each week should not be a secondary thought. Let us not deny Him by way of seasonal excuses, so as not to be denied by Him to the Father once the gold, silver, and diamonds of our life grow strangely dim. Yes, Spring is just around the corner, and so too is a church service where God is waiting patiently with a seat just for you.

Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Friday, March 8, 2019

A Change Of Atmosphere


Last Sunday while in the prayer room prior to service, there was a prayer to the effect of, ”Lord we pray for a change of our atmosphere”. This was not a reference to the air above us, yet it was a plea for us to change ourselves. I thought of this in a parallel to our Earth. We exist in relative safety because of the protective layers of atmosphere between us and the expanse of space. Without our ozone we would perish, period. Our earth has been place by God in the most precise distance and perfect orbit of the sun. How fragile a species are we that if we were even fifty miles closer we would burn up, and fifty miles further away from our sun we would freeze. This food for thought detail should cause all of us to realize that position and protection play vital roles in our well being and existence.

Our relationships with each other and our relationship with God can be looked at in a similar way. We humans are a social species, and how we connect, interact, and relate with one another will directly affect our well being. We see frequent posts on social media by so called “experts” telling us to remove toxic people from our lives. Those same experts will then advise us to avoid toxic people altogether. This is good advice, to a point. Many families and people are afflicted with mental and emotional illnesses. Are we to ignore or avoid all of these? I think not. What we must do is try and ensure that  we associate with people that will be healthy for all areas of our being. If you are in a relationship, whether by friends or employment, and feel a toxic environment, then remove yourself from that. Change your atmosphere, lifestyle, habits and surroundings. The process of change may be uncomfortable yet the change will be good.

Likewise is with our relationship with God. If you don’t have one, then, now is the time to start one. Spending time with Him, and other like minded people will strengthen more than your body. He will invigorate your mind, heart, and soul. Your feelings of despair, loneliness, rejection, and anxiety will be replaced with hope, fellowship, acceptance, and peace. If it sounds easy, well it is. I am reminded of wise words my mother has gifted me with all my life. She said “show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future”. Today, show someone that God is your friend.

Mike Shindruk,
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Peter's Picks


This May Or May Not Have Anything To Do With Sunday Service


When I started doing a weekly blog back in 2007, it was called Take It Or Leave It and the articles were both challenging for some and an eye-opening for others. I was regularly questioned on some of my thoughts which, in turn, lead me to research the topic thoroughly so that I would not be branded a heretic. Many times the issues were denominational and were caused by interpretation through the black book rather than the Good Book. It was then I decided that what I write will be founded on Scripture and not on denominational interpretations. So, with that said, I give you this scripture.

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:13-17 NIV

Jesus opened the eyes of the disciples when He took it upon himself to set the example for what servant leadership truly looks like. So often we place leadership on a pedestal and I dare say there are some who quite enjoy the view from lofty heights but this one piece of Scripture should be the eye popper for those in position of leadership. The Master states that “no one is greater than the Master”. Think about this for a second, the greater the position in the church, even in life, the greater the responsibility we have to those around us. It is like we have taken on the task of not only supporting those around us but also showing the way so that the philosophy of Christ-like leadership can be replicated ad infinitum. This, for some people, may mean a shift in their thought process and personal practice. There were times when I was in retail that I instructed my managers that they were not there primarily to be the boss and collect a paycheque, they were there to be the support for those who were doing the work, the paycheque was a perk of being an awesome support for those they were responsible for. If you are not willing to make sure those around you have everything they need to succeed in life, training, support, encouragement, then what do you really have? Jesus gave us the perfect lesson; gird up your loin cloth, grab some soap and wash some feet. When you have done this, remind them that that is what true servant leadership is and to go forth and duplicate it. No one is above this message, it is the Word of the Master.

Last Sunday, we had a stellar day of no computer glitches and we are anticipating another Sunday similar to that one. Join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or you can watch us live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd