Test It For Yourself

A few years ago, my father told me that one day cellphones would fit in your pocket, computers would fit in a briefcase and satellite dishes would fit in an attic. Dick Tracy had a watch he talked into and Captain Kirk spoke into a communicator and some thought “yah, that could happen” while in reality many thought it far fetched. You need to understand, when dad told me about these things, computers where monstrous things, cellphones were a briefcase and satellite dishes were ten to twelve feet across. Dick Tracy was a cartoon and Star Trek had furry puppets called tribbles that no one could believe. Some tested the realms of possibility and today we have cellphones that not only fit in your pocket but could also run the original lunar lander on its own. Every house in Sundre has a satellite dish on its wall and I regularly get phone calls on my smart watch. There is nothing wrong with testing the bounds of the known but we also have be open to the fact that when the result is an answer we do not believe or do not want to embrace, it does not mean it is wrong.

Here is an example for you to consider. Scientist claim the big bang theory explains the start of the universe. An intense explosion dispersed great amounts of energy and debris into the nothingness of space and it somehow became thousands if not millions of planets, stars and particles of space debris that became the known universe. I will not argue the theory but will ask for clarification because I wish to test the theory myself. According to Chemteam.info, the following information was provided on their site:

There is a scientific law called the Law of Conservation of Mass, discovered by Antoine Lavoisier in 1785. In its most compact form, it states: matter is neither created nor destroyed.

In 1842, Julius Robert Mayer discovered the Law of Conservation of Energy. In its most compact form, it now called the First Law of Thermodynamics: energy is neither created nor destroyed.

In 1907, Albert Einstein announced his discovery of the equation E = mc² and, as a consequence, the two laws above were merged into the Law of Conservation of Mass-Energy: the total amount of mass and energy in the universe is constant.

My question is this; where did this vast amount of mass-energy come from? Science wants us to believe but I want to test the bounds. Science suggests that the universe expands and contracts over and over but even if this is the case, where did the original mass-energy come from? May I suggest to scientist around the world to consider Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” While there are many who would suggest scientists looked to the big bang theory as a test of Creationism, there are many who are now looking at intelligent design as being the answer to the question “where did it all start?” Don’t believe me, google it.

God is not here to make it tough. Mankind has, however, found new ways to muddy the water so much that people are open to the possibility that we live in a locker in some train station in a land of giants. This Sunday, we will take a break from Ps 119 and delve into what we truly believe. We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

When God Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, our situations and challenges are just too much to carry on our own. We endure personal setbacks in our health, finances, relationships, and yes even our faith. When we attend church service, are surrounded by our faith family, then encouraged from the pulpit, we leave with a full cup. We should always come in empty, and leave full, come in broken, and leave healed. Most of the time this happens, yet there will be times when one service isn’t enough to heal everything. In reality, it’s not meant to be. It’s important that we repeat, repeat, repeat.

Lately, our family, like many others have been attacked in our health and other ways, and it seemed like praying to God is just not enough. Perhaps, it’s not. I believe that is why He has sent us our faith family. We are encouraged to ask God for everything, as He is, and will always listen. I believe that with every fiber, yet our faith family are the tangible beings we can call on. They are exactly who we must run to, fellowship with, and pray with when we are overwhelmed. God has given us the gift of fellowship and He encourages us to meet with one another in good and bad times. In Hebrews 10:24-15 NCV, we are encouraged this way. Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.

My family was blessed these past weeks as our pastor, fellow prayer warriors, and all of our faith family obeyed these scriptures. The elements of our situations are many, yet our people have surrounded us, like they do for everyone. We have been blessed beyond measure, and know that you will also be blessed in your situations.

Continue to look to the heavens for help, and believe that God has surrounded you with His gifts of people who will lift you in His stead. Please understand that He listens to the cry of your heart, and has warriors in place to be with you. They happen to be sitting beside you in the church service you attend. Perhaps there are times when we think that God is not enough. In these times, call on your brothers and sisters in Christ. The hand they lend will be the one holding you to the Father.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘REAL SMARTS’

Day 1: Proverbs 1:7 – “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

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: James 1:5 – “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

Day 4: James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”

Day 5: Proverbs 19:20 – “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”

Day 6: Proverbs 13:10 – “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”

Day 7: Colossians 2:2, 3 – “I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

What Has Changed?

Last night, Canada watched eagerly as the results from our Federal election started to pour in. I am not sure if anyone was completely satisfied with the outcome as there are so many who were looking for an all or nothing situation. One thing that is for certain, effective at the time of closing of the last polling station, there will be changes. When you throw a rock into a calm pool, that pool is forever changed even though it is not completely apparent. All things in our world are in a constant state of change and movement but many of the changes cannot be seen with the naked eye or they happen so slowly that we do not see the changes until there is a substantial movement. Last night one party retained the privilege to govern our nation, another was tasked with the responsibility to keep that party responsible to the people of this nation. Three other parties maintained a presence in the nation’s capital and, in the end, the political landscape looked similar but different at the same time. One of the biggest changes, in my opinion, was the fact that the governing party does not have a clear majority and thus must adjust its outlook and vision thus changing the way they will lead going forward. As the rock creates a disturbance in the water, the ripples move outwards and affect the surrounding environment. So, what has changed? The outlook of our nation has changed. What has not changed? This morning, the sun rose in the east, there was enough oxygen in the air for us to survive and my God in Heaven still reigns.

I have been watching the posts on social media and there are people out there losing their minds because of what happened. Screams of outrage, finger-pointing and thoughts of separation plague the pages of so many posts. When we place our faith in people, we soon find that the fallibility of humans lends itself to disappointment but there is One whom we can turn to for perfection in stability.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:8

 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Rev 22:12-13

God has not changed and neither has His message. He is the King of all kings and the Ruler of Heaven and earth. In God’s image we were created and in the promise of God we will live for all eternity in peace and joy. While many on earth look for the kinks in this theory, consider this; will you ever be satisfied with any answer that is given? If Christ, Himself, came forth into your path and proved to you that He is the Son of God, would you be satisfied or would you still demand a re-count? Would things change for you? Would you or could you believe that His plan for your life is one to see you living the perfect life in Glory with Him? If you cannot accept this then nothing will change and you can continue on status quo but if you choose to embrace His gift to you, then everything is about to change not for a time as this but for all eternity.

Pray for your government, your leaders and, now that we are coming into the month of November, pray for your military, police officers, fire fighters and health care providers. Pray for those who protect you daily and those who gave up their lives in the past so you can enjoy your future. This week we welcome Chaplain Tim Kirby of the Royal Canadian Legion Sundre. We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Prayers And Promises

As I sat to write this message, my ears could not help but pick up the sounds of play by play federal election results. As our country sat and waited for whatever changes would be unveiled, my mind kept offering up a little prayer. I was simply asking God to keep His hands on everyone. As my wife and I voted in the early hours, I asked God to simply guide my conscience. I had to put my faith in a Father that would oversee an event much larger than any of us individually. Unlike the Bible days, we are now governed by elected representatives.  Regardless of individual beliefs or parties, we must pray for the office of, as encouraged a few years ago by a guest speaker. There is a time when we have to hold in prayer, the very ones who would hold office on our behalf.

These are complicated, tumultuous times with many man made obstacles and problems. Jesus, in many places has been removed from the equation. Faith in God is being replaced by science, politics, addiction, and idol worship. Our world seems to be so preoccupied with self-promotion and a feeling of entitlement that the word of God, or the name of Jesus, is unrecognizable. Yet, I believe that all is not lost. Small church bodies like ours are dotting our landscape and as the worlds trappings let people down, God’s voice is becoming stronger. He is winning hearts of people, one soul at a time. We will always have instances where our faith will be put to a test, yet if we remain steadfast in the power of the Christ, then Satan and the world loses.

Jesus’ ministry began when He was about thirty years old and lasted a mere three years. During that time He made more of an impact on the world than any elected official could ever do. He had no social media to rely on getting His message out. God knew that coming to earth in human form to live and die among us and for us would be a message that no politician could ever deliver. God’s promises to us are more than words in a book or on a stone. He gave us John 3:16, and John 14:16. Simple yet challenging if we embrace these scriptures, then we have already won more than any election promise could ever give. Let’s make Canada great again. Pray for the leaders of our country, and put God back in His rightful place, front and center of everything.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Do You See HIM?’

Day 1: John 1:3 – “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.”

Day 2: Job 12:7-10 – “Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you. For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the Lord. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.”

Day 3: Psalm 95:4, 5 – “He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.”

Day 4: Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”

Day 5: Psalm 104:24 – “O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”

Day 6: Psalm 8:1 – “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.”

Day 7: Romans 1:20 – “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

I Was Hungry, And You Fed Me

This past week, my wife and I had to be in Halifax for a medical appointment. Heeding the standard instruction to be registered about thirty minutes before, we calculated a departure time from our home. Armed with gas and a cup full of coffee, we set out. As we travelled, we noticed that everywhere we went, traffic was in our way. Other than navigating some unfamiliar streets to find a parking space, we made it in perfect time. We were looked after immediately and the appointment, only took five minutes.

As we were exiting the hospital, a young man, who was sitting on the sidewalk called out and asked if we could buy him some food as he was hungry. Without hesitation, we stopped, turned to him and said yes, as no one should be hungry. I must admit that the look of surprise on his face, and the quick response by him shocked us both. I don’t know how many people ignored or passed by him, but when God says do something then we need to do it. His age may have been around the same if not a bit younger than our own sons. He held a bundle which was probably what he owned. After spending a few minutes with him as he hastily chose a few items, we exchanged first names, a quick handshake and we were gone.

Upon leaving the hospital, a driver waved me out into traffic, then we drove almost six blocks without a single vehicle in front of us onto the bridge. The sun was out, and the temperature was warm as we both breathed a sigh of relief from being so well looked after. On the way home, we stopped for supper, and was seated immediately, and waited on, just before a tour bus landed. As we shared our meal, we chatted of God’s grace on us that day. We were blessed by a friend’s prayer for safe journey, given perfect traveling weather. The appointment went better than expected and we were able to show God’s love to a stranger. We’ll not soon forget his name, or his face, just as Jesus cannot forget our names or our faces. When we ask Him for anything in a time of need He will respond. When He responds immediately, we too will have the reaction of that hungry young man. We’ll jump to attention and never forget where our help came from.

Today, listen as He leads you and prepares your day. Pay His grace and kindness forward without thinking. After all, it may be Him that you see sitting on a cold sidewalk one day.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Lord, Bring New Life Into Me

A long time ago, I was taught you only get one chance to make a first impression. Now, usually the first words out of a person’s mouth are generally the ones people will remember the most about you. A brand new mother looks upon her newborn child, revels at the beauty of her child and, in almost every case, expresses her joy and love. First words generally are the most lasting. I remember my first words to my son; “he is perfect, I love you so much my lil buddy”. There are other occasions where it is not only the words but the tone we use that can communicate so much. I say hello to my friends much differently than I do a complete stranger. If we are on the phone, we need to communicate our visual cues with our voice and the person on the other end can hear and respond appropriately. This is what truly scares me about our society today. It is so easy to lash out and hurt people through the anonymity of the keyboard. We are unable to communicate cues through social media and leave the interpretation up to the other person. In many cases, relationships are destroyed through these misinterpretations. It took me years to understand that I must engage the thought process before opening my mouth and engaging my tongue.

I have taken to reading scripture in a new way. For years, I have read my Bible and know what it will say next but was recently challenged to read scripture as if it were the first time I read it. Read the Truth as though it were the first time you had met God and this was going to be your first impression of the King of kings. Consider the verses we are going to focus on this Sunday. The writer declares with exuberance “Oh, how I love your law!” Ps 119:97 NIV. Can you see the smile on the face of the person as they declare the joy and love for our Creator? Their face was probably lit up and there was a smile that could not be quashed. Now consider this; take a moment to absorb that joy in the declaration and think about how we can communicate that same joy to those around us as we go about our daily duties. Would it make a difference in the lives of others around us? Would this also make a difference in your own day? It is so easy to find negativity in life, find someone who is seeking to share their joy and drag them into this same pit. It only takes a few callous comments and suddenly misery has company. First words can make the day or destroy the day. My question is this; do you share your joy or find joy in other’s misery? Take time to consider your first words of the day, your first impression for someone else’s new day.

This Sunday, we continue our journey through Psalm 119:97-104. We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘JUST COME’

Day 1: Matthew 18:3 – “Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.’”

Day 2: 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment.”

Day 3: John 1:12 – “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Day 4: Hebrews 11:6 – “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

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: Psalm 71:5, 6 – “O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!”

Day 7: Romans 8:16 – “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

When I Was Your Age

I can remember a time when my dad said “when I was your age…” In fact, I have used that in the past with my own son. There are times when I want so much for my son to follow the rules I have laid out not to appease some dictatorial craving but rather to save him from the hurt and pain I suffered going through the hard times. Funny thought, however, is that these are generally the same rules I rebelled against in my past, the same sage words that my father passed along to me. When I was young, I knew everything and the older I got the more wise my parents became.

Why is it that so many are turning their back on the Lord and walking down a path that leads nowhere? I remember when I was younger my grandparents ensured I knew the Lord and understood how His law was not there to pin us to the ground but allow us to rise up and thrive. At some point, the message was buried and the rules of the world took over. Now, however, many of us are realizing that what we turned away from or seemingly forgot is becoming real and relevant once again. As the days behind us become more than the days in front of us, many are starting to realize that the His wisdom and knowledge are infinitely greater than my own and He is much becoming much wiser as I grow older. It is never too late to re-visit His place in our lives and to accept His offer of eternity in Glory. It is never too late to turn to our Father in Heaven and give thanks for sticking by us as we wandered through life.

My parents always had my best interests in mind when they put forward boundaries, rules and passed along words of wisdom. In retrospect, they were and are correct. In hindsight, even though I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, my Father in Heaven walked through the trials with me, with us all, and wants us all to seek out the blessings and grace of God.

This Sunday, we take a break from our Psalm 119 series to give thanks for all our Lord has provided. We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Feeling Down?’

Day 1: 1 Peter 5:6, 7 – “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

Day 2: 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 3: 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 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.”

Day 4: Psalm 40:1, 2 – “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.”

Day 5: 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 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: Philippians 4:8 – “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

He Has You Covered

Last Sunday I received an e-mail from my pastor, and she was marveling at the early morning frost that covered everything. With the stillness of the air, and the sun gleaming down, she likened the view as if God had sprinkled diamonds on everything.  She said it reminded her of how God covers every single square inch of the earth, and our lives with His care and love. As I listened to her message in church that evening, I just could not release that image from my minds’ eye. How true, that frost does indeed cover every imaginable surface, but for a short time. As each day warms up, the frost will simply disappear without anyone giving it a thought. What fascinated me about this is that frost eventually melted and the earth would absorb the gift of water.

I likened this to how God indeed covers us. Each day we wake, He has given us another chance at life. He has clothed us with His armor, and covered our day with His protection. He gives us a thousand things each day to view as His message, that He is real, and not dead. It’s up to us to look for and recognize them. When we do, we will find that His influence will soak into us like the frost does to the ground. And like the frost, His soaking in will be gentle, and for the most part, un-noticed, yet it will still happen.

When we are in any struggle, we should ask for His presence. In Luke 11:9-10 NCV, Jesus is answering a question of how to pray. He says this” So I tell you, ask and God will give to you. Search and you will find. Knock and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. When we know and understand this scripture, we will see how God will cover us just like the early morning frost of last Sunday. And just like the melting, His assurance will soak into us. 

The days of autumn will give each of us a reminder of His covering. His word, as in Luke, will confirm what He pours into you. So watch now for the next frosty morning and be reminded of just how much He has you covered for that day. Then as the sun warms your face, let His presence soak in.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

When Jesus Calls, We Should Answer

In this day of instant communication, it’s pretty easy to accept or ignore a call from someone. Social media has created the tools of instant connection, and connection avoidance all wrapped up in a neat little bundle. We crack open our Facebook page at the crack of dawn, just hoping someone out there on our friend’s list will be chomping at the bit to chat. A private message or a friend can be ignored or deleted without them knowing which allows us to build a wall around us, and for what? We can watch the promises of political candidates, or scroll by if we don’t like what they’re offering, then be mad at them when we cast a ballot being uninformed. We can send a birthday wish to people we don’t know, hoping our list will get longer, and yes, place the never ending selfie with bathroom fixtures in the background.

My point here is we are losing our ability to connect with each other intimately, face to face. Time spent just having a coffee and conversation is being eroded and replaced with tired eyes and sore necks from staring at screens. I am as guilty as anyone at times when it comes to this as the internet is as powerful a drug as any script for the flu.

Now here’s where Jesus comes in. He needs no internet to call because He’s right now sitting next to you. He sees and knows what you post, and what you think. He’s sitting with your elderly parent who is alone, and if you are the elderly parent, you’re not alone. Each week I write about His being ever present with us and each week He gives something new and different. He whispers His encouragement in our situations, and is the very first to sing our praises to God when we please Him. He needs no page to spread His gospel, just ordinary people like us. He has no ego to be constantly asking for admiration from strangers, yet He offers himself completely when we call. He answers every message, in His own way and will never ignore a request or prayer. He has no selfies, because, well, He doesn’t need them anyway. We’ll find out what He looks like when we meet Him.

You see friends we may crave the attention and adoration of the world, because that is what is fed to us. Jesus craves only our love and affection, because He offers us a banquet beyond all understanding. The communication systems we use are not all bad, but can be if it’s the addiction we’re on. Try and curb the appetite for self-promotion, and answer Jesus’ calling. After all, He’s just sent you a private message, don’t ignore it.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘FREEDOM’

Day 1: John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

Day 2: Galatians 5:1 – “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

Day 3: Ephesians 3:12 – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Day 4: Galatians 5:13, 14 – “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Day 5: Romans 6:22 – “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.”

Day 6: 1 Peter 2:16 – “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.”

Day 7: Psalm 119:45 – “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Right Tool For The Job?

I was challenged this past week to take a simple paperclip and consider how many ways that we can utilize it for a variety of needs. As a group, we came up with over 150 different ways to use a paperclip for something other than holding papers together. We have, in the past, used them to hold together glasses, replace broken shoelaces, clean fingernails, use for brazing or even as a screw driver for slotted heads. It is true there are proper tools for the job but when in a situation where there is a need, duct tape and bailer twine can be very beneficial to keeping it together. Numerous times I have heard people say they are unable to do something and walk away. I have also heard others say they don’t know what to do but they are willing to try. As I am writing this, I looked over at one of my shelves and noticed that the “fix” I made years ago with a piece of electrical tape is still effective and still doing its job. While some may not be gifted as they think, they can contribute in ways that God can use and bless for a time or for an eternity.

Noah got drunk and yet he built and piloted the Arc. Abraham was too old yet he was the father of a great nation. Jacob lied but the nation of Israel still bears his name. Gideon was fearful yet God poured out His strength over them. Rahab was a prostitute as was the Samaritan woman at the well yet their contributions for the Kingdom were lasting and powerful. David was an adulterer and an accomplice in Uriah’s death. Moses killed, Jonah defied God and ran away and Peter denied the Son. Matthew was a taxman and not, according to the times, considered reputable yet he wrote of the life of Christ and Paul begged for the right and authority to slaughter the heathen followers of the false prophet. In the end, Christ used Him to spread the Good News throughout the Mediterranean. Moses stuttered, Paul was bent over and balding, John the Baptist ate bugs and yet they glorified our Father in Heaven by word, deed and faith. Sometimes a paperclip is just that but remember it can be much more when it is stretched, bent and allowed to be used for other purposes. Never think less of yourself because God is infinitely greater than we think and He will equip.

This Sunday, we continue our journey through Psalm 119:89-96. We invite you to join us if you can at 10:30 MST on Sunday or watch live online on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/ ) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd