Out With The Old And On With The New

I don’t want to end this year on a bad note with anyone so I am now accepting apologies. I saw this on Facebook the other day and got quite the kick out of it. That is when I realized that there are those out there who are going to go through the night of December 31 without dealing with the past. New Years is the celebration of a new start yet people will still wake up in the morning holding onto things from the past. Last Sunday we talked about this and then celebrated communion at the end of the service. Before we all shared in breaking bread, we took some time to reflect and think of the errors, sins and issues we were still holding onto. Did you know that in most cases, the people we have issues with don’t even realize it? That’s right, we see John Doe walking down the street and we secretly think bad thoughts about the person and yet give them a hearty hello and a wave. They haven’t got a clue and yet they are renting space in your mind. So we have issues on the one side where we hold onto anger for our neighbour and we are also lying to the world by putting on a mask.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (4:32). We also pray forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. (Matt 6:12). I want to start the new decade off on the right foot. If there is anyone out there that I have not done right by, please forgive me, in fact give me a holler and I will do it directly. Do not let my actions rent space in your head. I can honestly say that I am not perfect, in fact I hold onto the wise words of Paul in this:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Tim 1:15-16

With that understanding on both sides of the equation, I am not perfect, please forgive me as my Father in Heaven has forgiven and know this, I have forgiven those who have done me a disservice. That is my resolution for not only this year but for all time. So my question is this, will you also take the challenge?

This Sunday we welcome Rev Bob Hillock to share a message that God has laid on his heart. 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

Breaking Bread, Not Tradition

On the first Sunday of each year, my family gathers, as we have for many years, to celebrate “old” or in my case, Ukrainian Christmas. This year, 2020 it will be on Jan 5^th, as that’s when will be able to gather as a family. By this, I mean we enjoy a family supper at my mom’s home, sharing traditional Ukrainian food. We will not have the twelve meatless dishes that represent the Apostles, but we will prepare perogies, cabbage rolls, and borsht, using very ordinary and basic ingredients, guided by original family recipes from my paternal grandparents. This get together is part tradition, part time to give thanks as a closely knit family, and it also serves as a celebration and reminder to remain proud of my heritage, and a time of fond remembrance of my earthly father, Stan.

          

As I thought of this, I could not help reflecting on the parallels as we gather to share communion. When Jesus gathered his disciples for what we know as the last supper, they shared food. It also was very ordinary and basic, bread, and drink. In Luke, 22:19 NIV. And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying “ This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me”. They would only realize much later, just what He was telling them. Whenever we gather to share food, may it be a reminder that this too, is communion. As we speak Jesus’ name in all things, let us be reminded to give thanks for the heritage He has gifted to us, and always be in fond remembrance of the presence of our Heavenly Father.

        

As we begin 2020, please take a few moments and give thanks in your own way to the blessings of the previous year. Some of you have suffered through your own health or financial crisis. Some have had their heart broken by the passing of a loved one. Some have married, and others welcomed a new addition to the family. Through all of this, if you are reading this message, you are alive. That is in itself a gift from God. It should tell you that He has a wonderful plan for your life, Jeremiah 29:11. Start your own tradition of thanks for everything that comes your way, and share that with everyone. Break bread with friends and family and let God provide as He always has.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

“MAKING ROOM FOR JESUS”

Day 1: Revelation 3:20 – “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

Day 2: Mark 1:15 – “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Day 3: John 14:6 – “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Day 4: John 6:35 – “Jesus replied, “ I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Day 5: Psalm 145:17-19 – “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

Day 6: 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 7: Psalm 16:11 – “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Dad’s Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, Dad’s nowhere to be found

He’s out on the prowl with a leap and a bound

He left all his shopping for the very last instant

With all that was happening, his mind was quite distant

The children were all resting, zoned out on their phones

They didn’t even notice that dad had not shown

Mom on her tablet trying to update her Net card

Had all settled down til the start of Die Hard

When at the Couche Tard, there arose such a clatter

Dad slammed on the brakes like it really didn’t matter                                                                                                                                                                    

The clerk was so startled by the noise and the racket

That he fell off his stool and broke the sign off it’s bracket

The sweat on dad’s face was glistening like wax paper

The clerk knew in a moment this was no illegal caper

For what came to mind was immediately clear

This poor daft father had just realized Christmas was near

He wasted no time and as quick as a wink

Raced up and down aisle only pausing to think

People he needed to buy for they all came to mind

And he called them by name hoping a gift he would find

For Jesse a Frostee, no that wouldn’t do

It would be melted by morning and watery too

For Kathy a Mars bar and a Kit Kat for Beth

A Kinder surprise for the kid with bad breath

The dog and the cat, oh look some pet toys

And some Christmas Ice Cream for my wife, my great joy

Dad wasted no time and filled up bag after bag

The clerk trying to keep up with every tag

The register climbed as the counter did fill

And finally the job done he asked for the bill

Two hundred and six dollars the clerk he did say

And dad pulled out his card with a lot of dismay

He paid for the items and asked for more sacks

He could put one in each bag and write their name on the back

Off to his rumbling wagon he strode

He started it up and drove out to the road

To the top of the hill and now into the valley

Around one more corner and then sneak down the back alley

Up the back porch, his step light the cat’s

He snuck in the back door but tripped over the mats

His wife yelled to him from the living room chair

“Pick up your feet you big clumsy bear”

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

and giving a nod, up to the bathroom he rose.

You could hear him declare as he went down the back hall

Merry Christmas to you and now rest until next fall.

Todd MacDonald

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘WHY JESUS CAME’

Day 1: Matthew 1:21 – “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”.

Day 2: John 1:14 – “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. “

Day 3: Galatians 4:4-5 – “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”

Day 4: Isaiah 9:6 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Day 5: Titus 3:3-7 – “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But – When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 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 un through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

Day 6: 1 John 5:11 – “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

Day 7: Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Love Of God

What a beautiful name is the name of God. Consider this; His name is Wonderful Saviour, King of kings, Mighty Counsellor and Prince of Peace just to name a few. He is the example of the pureness of the love and light that is our Creator. So when we talk of the Lord, do we consider the perfection of His love for all mankind? A simple statement such as Jesus is love can not only be a phrase that slips off the tongue as easily as good day or have a nice day, a statement that is almost a reflex, or it can be a powerful statement of care and dedication for all His creation. I want you to follow along with me for a second as we look at six words from John 3:1. “For God so loved the world”. The term world is, in Greek, Kosmos meaning both order and world. The Greeks considered that the entirety of the known world was perfectly and impeccably in order and thus the world meant a perfectly ordered sum of all existence. God so loved the entirety of all that existed so much that He sent His one and only Son into this realm to be amongst us all. His promise is not that select people would have the chance to know the Creator but that all who believe in Him would on day know the joy of living in eternal existence with the Master.

God also loves all of His creation so much that He is not willing to force us to bow down but rather gives us all the choice to follow. It is up to us whether we will follow. I hear the cries of a nation demanding that we stop the spread of this terrible thing called Christmas, the celebration of Christ’s birth, because “it is religion, “it is nothing that I believe in” or “I am offended”. There are many who cry out “you will stop saying that and call it what it is; happy holidays”. God loves us so much He allows free will and rebellion but there will be a time when the eyes of a nation will be opened and those who do not believe will realize their opportunity for eternal joy and happiness was wrapped in swaddling and celebrated on Christmas Day. So here is my question for the week; I do not ask those who do not believe to stop all they are doing to share in my faith celebration and I do not demand they keep quiet about their opposition to a faith in the Almighty Creator so why are we not afforded the same courtesy? Is my point of view any less important than theirs? My God came for all. If you do not believe this, that is your choice but know that you are loved regardless.

This Sunday we will explore God’s love. 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

Christmas, Christ For The Masses

This year, my wife and I are later than usual at decorating our home for Christmas. It was just this past week that we managed to retrieve our decorations, including out pre-lit tree, to make our home cozy and welcoming to our family and friends. We have been in the throes of all things, repainting our kitchen. Like every other home, this room is one of the most occupied this time of year, so having it disassembled was quite a decision. Well, through the failures of a heat pump, a clothes dryer, and vehicle issues our world just kept on turning. Yes we’re persevering to make our home Christmas ready. We do not fret over gifts and lists, but the reality of appliance break-downs had to be dealt with. Instead of throwing our hands up in frustration, we simply raised our hands to the Father with thanks that we have a home.

    

Christmas will come and go as the calendar dictates, and we will still be rich because we celebrate God’s blessings on us. This has been a challenging year for health in our home. Yet, He carries us. Things break and wear out, yet He carries us. Tree lights may or may not work, but they don’t make Christmas and I realized that regardless of the lights, the trimmings, or the stress, Christmas will come. Our home will be a place of celebration marking the birth of Jesus, a baby, and our King.

          

So here we are, some two thousand plus years later, and our world still celebrates this birth. Yes, we decorate with bright lights and festive trimmings, and it is our way of shouting that our King was born, Luke 2:11, and we are sharing Him, Emmanuel, God with us. Our home like many others will be decorated, and we will remember the true reason. When we open the door to our friends and family, they will know that Jesus is alive and well within our home. Regardless of the grandeur of the tinsel, or the number of working lights, we will be reminded that a most precious gift was given to all of us. In a couple of weeks, all of this will be again, set away for another year, yet Jesus will remain.

                  

I encourage everyone who may read this to look past the lights, push past the gifts, and focus on the gift of love from God. Share love with your family, friends, and yes, strangers. Remember, Christmas is not a string of lights on a tree or a newly painted kitchen rather it’s a time to thank God for the lifeline to Him that Jesus represents, a gift in the birth of a baby.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘God’s Purpose for You’

Day 1: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”.

Day 2: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Day 3: Philippians 2:13 – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Day 4: Ephesians 1:11 – “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance for God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.”

Day 5: 1 Peter 1:3-4 – “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, and we have a priceless inheritance-an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”

Day 6: Exodus 9:16 – “But I have spared you for a purpose-to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth.”

Day 7: Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

I Can Only Imagine

Well, we are one week away from the day we will celebrate the birth of Jesus. I was thinking about that, and imagined that this would be the week (timeline) where the order was given from Caesar for everyone to return to their place of birth to participate in a compulsory census. Joseph and Mary, expecting a child would now be on their way to Bethlehem. The distance, by today’s standards, is short. Yet back then, on foot, through terrain and dangers would seem such a daunting journey. All of this while being guided by God, and obeyed by a couple who would live forever in the history books.

Over this next week, I encourage everyone to think, and reflect on how all odds were overcome. Herod gave orders to find this King that was foretold. God ensured that he would never succeed. A king, The King, would arrive, right under the nose of the enemy, hidden in plain sight. Please take a few minutes to read Luke 2:1-20. As we close in on what we call Christmas day, let’s share this with everyone. Wish all you have contact with, a Merry Christmas. Please do not take offence when someone posts, or wishes you a happy holiday, or season’s greetings. Instead, thank them and wish them peace. Let the groups who find it necessary to expel energy on choosing to not believe, to muddle through as we celebrate. For those who scoff at the Bible, let them then pray for them. Yet, show them by your actions, that Jesus, this little baby, can make a difference in your life, if you only let Him.

You see, we who believe will walk through this hectic season with anticipation of a miracle. The pressure of the gift race will have no effect on us, for we will celebrate in a week that God thought so much of mankind that He sent His son to be born among us. Who but God, could have planned that one baby would be born, and change the world forever? This gift, unmatched in history was, and is, to be given to all mankind, so please share Him with everyone you meet. Prepare your home, your heart, and your spirit to receive Him. I can only imagine how this unfolded so many years ago.  I can only imagine.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com

The Joy That Is So Hard To Explain

I once was asked what it was like to come to faith in the Lord. The only way I could explain it was to say it is the smile that never ends. But even saying that did not do justice to the feeling in my heart. How do you explain a joy that is so great that to describe it would place boundaries around it and confine it? The love that surrounds us is so overwhelming and vast that to explore the outermost reaches would only make one realize there is even more beyond our perception.

1 Peter 1:8-9 “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Truly a message that opens our eyes and hearts to the vastness of His calling on our lives and how much He truly loves and cares for us. God wants us to live life fully, not just for a time but rather for all eternity. With that said, have you ever considered how much joy the Father has for you? As He thinks of you, His joy overflows.

Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

That is a thought that not many will consider when they look to God. They forget that Jesus sings our praise to the Father and lives to love on us all. We need to remember this love extends to all and the relationship is accomplished when we reciprocate with our entirety. So consider how much joy He finds in us and not only pay it back but also pay it forward.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit."

This Sunday we will explore God’s joy. 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

‘Jesus’ Coming Foretold’

Day 1: Isaiah 7:14 – “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”

Day 2: Isaiah 9:6 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Day 3: Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”

Day 4: Isaiah 9:2 – “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”

Day 5: Isaiah 42:1 – “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.”

Day 6: Psalm 9:9, 10 – “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”

Day 7: Daniel 7:13, 14 – “As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Upcoming Event

The Seasons Of Life

Last Sunday, I was chatting with our Church Board Secretary and came up with a statement that I felt compelled to not only write down but also to share.

The fullness of life is not entirely realized until after death.

This is one of those thoughts that can mess with the minds of those who do not understand it in the context of Christian faith. Let’s break this down in a few different ways. Does this mean the fullness of my life is not entirely realized until after the death of another? That would be a rather odd thought but consider this, if the testimony of that person’s life and faith spoke into the life of another, would that not mean that there would be an awakening and a realization of a greater future in Glory? For those who are not aware of the infinite presence of the Holy Creator, the fullness of life ends when the last breath is drawn and there is still something left behind.

Let’s look at this another way. As we live our lives out daily and do so with the thought in mind that when our last breath is drawn there is still an entirely new chapter of life that awaits us. The thief on the cross knew, through the education he had throughout his early years, his time on earth was coming to an end and what lay before him was an eternity in Sheol. He understood that sinners like him were not worthy of entrance into the kingdom yet he looked to Christ and asked:

“Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

It was at that moment the poor thief came to realize the fullness of life. His existence would not end forever on that cross but would continue anew in Glory with the Father!

Try one more. The fullness of life is not entirely realized until after ones death to self. This world tries so hard to measure life in what has been attained and how it is defined. Gold is a precious metal, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, money can’t buy everything but it can make life so much easier. But in Glory, gold is a paving block, diamonds are merely a stone and money does not exist. The fullness of life is in the relationships. In Heaven, we will sing with choirs of angels, sit at the foot of the Creator and we will know only happiness and peace. This is the fullness we do not have here at the moment but we can realize it if we die to self, build the relationships here on earth and seek after the goodness around us.

This Sunday we will explore God’s greatness in all the Universe. 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

‘His Church Should…’

Day 1: Proverbs 31:8, 9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”

Day 2: Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.”

Day 3: Proverbs 14:21 – “It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.”

Day 4: 1 John 3:17 – “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?”

Day 5: Proverbs 11:25 – “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Day 6: 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24 – “You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’ - but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’ - but not everything is beneficial.”

Day 7: Proverbs 14:31 – “Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Making Room For Jesus

During our church service this past Sunday, a video and song was presented to us that asked the question. Have you made room for Jesus, and is there room for him?  The song writer, toward the end of the song, states that yes, they have indeed made room for Him. This simple request set my mind in motion, and my heart in gear. I’m sure those in attendance left that evening answering that. It is a simple, yet challenging question. It is not made to make us feel bad, yet it is intended to have us take honest stock of ourselves. The message in the song, I’m sure is to try and reach those who have yet to have Jesus in their life.  As well it boldly challenges those of us who profess our faithfulness to Him.

Regardless of the season, whether it is Christmas, Easter or even a time when we’re in a valley, there should always be a chair at our table for Christ. To ask Him into our lives and world, only when we’re in crisis is worse than the time of His birth when Mary and Joseph were told there was no room at the inn. At least during that time, with all the mayhem of the census in Bethlehem, no one knew he was to be born among them. We, in our modern age have the advantage of the history of truth that He was born our Savior. The very Bible we read tells us that fact in Luke chapter 2. Simply put, we know better.

We need to make room in our lives for Jesus. It’s easy to do. Plan to attend a Christmas concert, a church service. Give a little of yourself to someone who needs a pick me up. Talk Him up to anyone. Remember that Christmas means Christ for the masses, everyone. Yes we all have lives, some busier than others, yet there can always be a place of honor in there for the very one who was sent to us as a perfect gift. I remember watching The Walton’s in the nineteen seventies, and regardless of their circumstance, or numbers, there was always room for one more at their table. There was never a meal taken where a prayer of thanks wasn’t offered up to God. Some of the best life lessons were shared during that series, and good lessons never become outdated.

I encourage everyone to examine themselves this Christmas season. Set aside the activities that keep us busy as we celebrate the very one who we may not have readied a space for. Make room at your life table for the same Jesus that we honor on our Christmas morning.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com