Hierarchy of Authority

Many years ago, I was on a leadership course for my job where the idea of top down leadership was being challenged by a grand new idea. What would happen if we turned the pyramid of management upside down where the top leaders support the needs of those they serve. Two major paradigm shifts were taught on this course; middle and upper management take on the role of servant leadership and they serve the needs of those who are on the front lines. The thought of making sure the people in need have the tools they need, the resources they require and are empowered to make the decisions for the good of the whole. But even now, there are those still stuck in the top down management style and expect those under them to regardless of the personal cost.

So, does the bottom up management style work? So many of the most successful companies out there have adopted this strategy. This is an amazing leadership practice! New and improved methodology that is cutting edge and proving successful. There is a bit of a conundrum here. This is nothing new, it is, in fact, biblical. Christ took time out to wash the disciple’s feet and set the example as to how we should lead. Take time to care for their feet, for their health, and they will not only serve but they will serve as they have been taught. Christ noted that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Put the needs of the masses ahead of the needs of self. This is supporting your neighbour, loving your neighbour. The masses asked when did we see you (Jesus) hungry, cold, sick, imprisoned, naked and alone. Christ said, “each time you did for the least of my children, you did for me.” Give a person a title and a position and what happens? Do they realize the great responsibility that comes with the promotion? Great leaders support and lead with their cohorts. They roll up their sleeves, wash feet and lead by example. This is not a new concept, not a great new thought, Christ gave us the example and it is perfect.

This weekend we continue with the study of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

Peter's Picks

 The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Our God is...’ 

A Promise Keeper 

• Day 1: Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” 

• Day 2: Philippians 4:19 – “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” 

A Way Maker 

• Day 3: Psalm 91:11 – “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” 

• Day 4: Matthew 6:32 – “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” 

A Miracle Worker 

• Day 5: Jeremiah 32:27 – “’I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?’” 

• Day 6: Job 5:8, 9 – “If I were you, I would go to God and present my case to him. He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles.” 

• Day 7: Ephesians 3:20, 21 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The upcoming District Wide NMI Event - Let's Taco bout Jesus

The Schedule of the Event looks like this:

5:30 PM (Alberta/ Saskatchewan) or 6:30 PM  (Manitoba)  This Event will be 1 hour in length.

Have your Taco Supper Prepared and Ready to Eat

Zoom In

Welcome

Read First 3 Chapters of the Mission Book - "Alex and the Walking Tacos"

Trivia Game & Prizes

Read Chapter 4 of Book

Video of How to do the Craft

Zoom into Break Out Rooms

Have NMI Council Members Host the Breakout Rooms - do the "icebreaker activity" while participants do the craft

Participants grab their Taco Desserts

Zoomed back in to the regular classroom

Read Chapter 5 and 6 - while they eat their taco desserts

Close with a Salvation Story Stick Message

Pray

Individuals, groups or families can register - and I will send them the Zoom Link and the Resources

There is a registration form below, the local church can fill it out for their congregation, or individual groups who are not connected to a local church can sign up as individuals. Or you can use this link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfP22Ip_dWkpyOu9CW1ZixGj5MROlXBDe3fEaM1OOG53I4CpQ/viewform

Blessings,

Sheri Lynne

Reliving the Past

A few months ago, we were living life in a whole different way. Social distancing was not a common phrase, no one would dare walk into a bank or convenience store with a mask on and we actually watched the news rather than the daily Covid updates. The most commonly heard phrase is “this is the new normal”. So here is the big question; what was the old normal? The old normal for me in February was not even close to what the normal was in February 2019. The new normal in this pandemic has also shifted from the old normal pandemic stage to second wave normal that is now being bandied about. Now if you are thinking that I am making fun of the pandemic, shake your heads because it’s not about that. The thing we are missing is the fact that once a moment has gone by, once a lesson from an error has been learned or once a new skill has been learned, it is the beginning of a new normal. Where is this all coming from? I get daily updates on my grandson, Leo. I love him to the moon and back even though I have yet to hold him and hug him. This is not because of Covid and the new normal but rather because they are in Ontario but I get to see him every day which, if we go back thirty years, would not be the normal unless you had a fax machine and a polaroid. The new normal is only normal until the next big change.

We have been talking about the churches in Revelation and how there were some who had fallen out of step with the Lord, following a new normal that was not a righteous path, then there were those that were faithful in their walk but had allowed poor teachings or false prophets into the temple and were on the verge of taking a path that led to destruction. Then there were the faithful churches who lived in what I would call the normal or even the supernormal, they walked in step with the Lord and were blessed beyond measure. In the Book of Hebrews, chapter 13, the author was talking about how far off the faith community had wandered by introducing so many fallacies that had nothing to do with God’s word. Jesus had come to set the world back on the path of righteousness by reintroducing them to the blessed Word and to define to them the true “new normal” which should have never changed in the first place. In verse eight it says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Funny how we can stray so far only to find out the old ways were actually the best ways. So remember to wash your hands, don’t speak moistly on each other and give a bit of room to keep each other safe and most of all, pray, meditate on His Word and love each other as God loves you, let this be the new forever normal.

This weekend we continue with the study of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

 

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Being Positive in a Negative World’ 

Day 1: Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” 

Day 2: Proverbs 16:24 – “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” 

Day 3: Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” 

Day 4: Proverbs 12:25 – “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” 

Day 5: Proverbs 15:23 – “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” 

Day 6: Proverbs 3:1-4 – “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” 

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 

What's In It For Me?

Over the years, the term “what’s in it for me” has slowly disappeared from normal conversation but I would like to know this; has it disappeared from the hearts of many in the community? The term “altruism” is not a common descriptor for acts of kindness I fear.  Oxford Languages defines altruism as “the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.” What that means is a person provides for the needs of others without thought of remuneration of any type. A family is broke down at the side of the road and a good Samaritan stops to help out. After a quick examination, he found out that an ignition wire had come loose and fixed the problem. He made sure they were okay and jumped into his car and followed them a short way to make sure they were fine and then took off on a side road to continue on his way. They had offered to pay but he just said “one day you may be asked for help, pay it forward”. On the farm, it was nothing for friends to drop everything to help out. Now before you get your knickers in a knot, I am not saying that there are no good Samaritans out there so chillax. What I am saying is this; what is your motivation to serve others?

 

I have asked myself this numerous times over the years and I am sure that God has put this parable on my mind when the thought of “what’s in it for me” reared its ugly head.

 

Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” Luke 10:30-37

 

What’s in it for me? If I stop to help, I am going to be banned from the Temple until I am clean. Look at how much I am giving to others. I will be rewarded for doing this favour. The Samaritan did not think of self but only of the well-being of this poor soul. Our reward is in Heaven but it is not by deeds that we are saved but rather by faith. We show our concern for others because we truly love and appreciate our brothers and sisters. What’s in it for me? Joy, happiness and peace – what more is there?

 

This weekend we continue with the study of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

 

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

Peter's Picks

 The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Cast It Off and Be Free’ 

Day 1: Galatians 2:20 - SIN NATURE – “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 

Day 2: Psalm 34:4 - FEAR – “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” 

Day 3: Ephesians 4:26, 27 - ANGER – “... ‘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 4: Hebrews 12:15 - BITTERNESS – “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” 

Day 5: James 3:16, 17 - JEALOUSY – “For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 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 6: Proverbs 10:12 - HATRED – “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” 

Day 7: Proverbs 13:10 - PRIDE – “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

 

QUOTE: "A HOT AIR BALLOON WILL NOT RISE UP UNTIL THE WEIGHT IS CAST OFF...  

NEITHER WILL YOU. 

Main Avenue Fellowship Live Stream

Where Did We Go Wrong?

Over the years, I have been involved in analysing where things have taken a turn for the worse, failed and companies have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars locating the cause. Sometimes the error is human and others it is systemic. Now, part of the time is spent on the actual problem but I am finding that lately the focus is more on who can we blame and how can we get them to pay for the damages. Years ago, my brother was on a swing and I was throwing dirt at him while he tried to kick it out of the air. We laughed and played at this until an errant handful caught him in the face. I was horrified as he looked up at me and his front teeth were missing. I had just gone through an episode with a broken tooth and remembered how much trouble I got in and now I took out my brother’s teeth. He went running to mom and I literally went running for the hills. I kept telling the dog to go home. I was running away before I got in trouble. Not sure how long I was gone for, probably about ten minutes but it felt like hours. I heard Tim calling for me and I thought that mom would be close behind but it was just him. He was trying to tell me that it was just mud on his teeth, he still had them all. Over the years, I have learned that it is so much easier to take responsibility and suffer the consequences.

 

 When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God.

God called to the Man: “Where are you?”

He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.”

God said, “Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?”

The Man said, “The Woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it.”

God said to the Woman, “What is this that you’ve done?”

“The serpent seduced me,” she said, “and I ate.” Gen 3:8-13

 

How easy is it to shift the blame rather than stand up and claim it? I watched a movie the other day where one of the main characters challenged another to “own it”. Quit looking for the scapegoat and step up. God knew they had done wrong. He was out for a walk near where they were and then called out to them. Adam shifted the blame to Eve, she shifted it to the serpent and there were consequences. Would those have changed if they owned it right off the bat? Probably not but God did not give up on us and did not call for a do over. God asks very little of us, own the sin and ask forgiveness from the Saviour and live for Him. The world points the finger so it might sidestep responsibility, Jesus says come to me and I will take away the burden of your sins.

 

This weekend we continue with the study of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:

Facebook Live -

https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31

YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

 

See you all Sunday.

Blessings

Pastor Todd

www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

 

 

 

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘What God Wants You to Know’ 

Day 1: Psalm 139:16, 17 – “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” 

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: 1 Timothy 2:3, 4 – “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 

Day 4: 2 Peter 1:3, 4 – “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” 

Day 5: 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 6: John 14:2, 3 – “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” 

Day 7: Revelations 21:3, 4 – “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

Love That Hurts

Just a heads up that this article has nothing to do with the service this coming weekend but, then again, maybe it does. A couple weeks ago, Natalie and I became first time grandparents and our lives have been forever changed. I saw my son come into this world almost thirty years ago and my heart exploded the first time I held him. Then came that moment when he looked into my eyes and I cried. My son! He will always be my son and never will there be a moment when I don’t love him completely. Then came my daughter-in-law and we could see the love she had for Austin. It was a deep, committed love and we fell in love with her almost immediately. Now jump to two weeks ago. Leo came into this world and we were eagerly anticipating our first glimpse of him and then came the first of many pictures and videos. The first picture took me back to the day Austin was born and the rush of emotions took over once again and, yes, I cried. How can we fall so completely in love with someone without meeting them in person? I must say, however, this type of love is a forever love and I dare say that these types of relationships, the deep and impactful relationships, hurt so much. Let me explain this before people start to get too out of sorts.

We watch this world tumble about with an air of superficial fluidity. Consider the temporariness of our society. Dedication to a job is as permanent as the next grand offer, brand loyalty is such a thing of the past that big companies don’t worry about how long you have been with them but rather look for ways to compete with the others rather than build relationship and build a strong foundation of support. There are no deep roots, no depth of commitment. Upset someone and watch how quickly they unfriend you. There is little in the way of effort to maintain strong relationships. I know there are going to be those out there who will remind me that I got divorced but my reply is this; I was stupid and lazy in my past and now can speak to this with knowledge and wisdom. So, here are some words of wisdom. Deep, committed love hurts a ton. When I saw my son for the first time, it felt like a dagger went deep into my heart but it was not a dagger but rather a connection that anchored there for all time. It has happened again since but most recently was when I got to see my grandson for the first time. Then I saw “the look”. My son and daughter-in-law beaming as they looked at their bundle of joy sleeping quietly in their arms. So where does the hurt come in? I would rather loose my own life than see anything happen to my family. This is a love where we put our own needs on the backburner in favour of another. I would rather lose an argument than risk breaking a relationship, would rather take the pain upon myself than watch them suffer. To love so much that our heart breaks when others cry is so hard to take but the reward of the relationship, that deep relationship, is the reward. Jesus loves us that deeply, in fact it is even deeper than that. I say I would die for my child, for my wife, for my grandchild; He did!

This weekend we continue with the study of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation with the church of Sardis. We invite you to join us online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST. Click on either link below to join us live:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA

See you all Sunday.

Blessings
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks 

‘Unforgiveness’ 

Day 1: Leviticus 19:17, 18 – “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” 

Day 2: Mark 11:25 – “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” 

Day 3: Matthew 5:23, 24 – “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” 

Day 4: 1 John 4:20, 21 – “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.” 

Day 5: Matthew 6:14, 15 – “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 

Day 6: Colossians 3:13 – “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” 

Day 7: Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.” 

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation 

UNFORGIVENESS IS CHOOSING TO STAY TRAPPED IN A JAIL CELL, 

SERVING TIME FOR SOMEONE ELSES CRIME.