Let’s Jury Rig This

When we lived on the farm, we got very good at taking items that were often discarded and using them for repairs on other items. I watch a show called Alaska, the Last Frontier and the Kiltcher clan uses whatever they can to make something work. The other day they were in need of a bar bender and made one out of three old alternators. They have hordes of junk that becomes a shopping center when they are in need of an item or two that will help them make something of use for the farm. Now this is a great message in itself considering that the world is so focused on reuse, recycle and renew and the message is important for us all to take to heart. It takes a special talent to look at something, manipulate it for a certain purpose and then make it work for your intended purpose. The things I have made with baler twine and duct tape have, on more than one occasion, surprised even me.

While this is a great message for making old things new, I want to focus on something a friend of mine and I discussed today. There are times when manipulating things for personal comfort is not always the best thing. Rob and I were talking about the manipulation of scripture for the personal needs of the individual. There are things in the Holy Word that make us uncomfortable and would have us reflect on our own lifestyle, examine self and modify our lives to meet the expectations of our Father in Heaven. Here is where the message falls short for so many. So many will seek out passages in the Bible, take some out of context and manipulate the meaning of the Message to justify personal preferences and lifestyles. It is time to take the scriptures to heart and then study the heart. The scriptures, God’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, are our guide for us to reference and not a lifeless book used to work for our selfish purpose. Two weeks ago, a friend of mine who is a pastor had someone manipulate a passage to prove their perspective. My friend simply suggested they read the passage again with an open heart and let God be their guide. Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say, the pastor was obstinate and closed minded and they informed numerous others they were leaving for a church that understood them. Study the Word, meditate on it and let God be your guide. The time has come to be open to His directives and be obedient. Baler twine and duct tape will not fix the problem of sin in life, only Jesus can do that.

Last week, Rev. Reeder blessed us with a wonderful message from Esther and we will look forward to more in a couple weeks’ time. This Sunday, we will continue to examine 1 Peter and pray that God will open our heart’s to His leading and message. 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