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The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘When You Fail God - Run to Him’ Day 1: 1 Corinthians 10:13 - “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” Day 2: Psalm 73:26 – “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” Day 3: Proverbs 28:13  – “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: Psalm 34:17-19 – “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Day 7: James 1:2-4 - “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

I was watching a movie the other day where the hero was in danger of getting sucked out the airlock into outer space where there was no air. The panic in the face of the actor was very convincing and, had this been real, I am sure there would have been a lot more urgency in his scramble to maintain his grip. You see, his grip slipped and he suddenly found himself on the way out of the complex and faced certain death. Spoiler alert, his friends showed up in a cool spacecraft and grabbed him before he was lost but the other guy was not as fortunate. You see, the other guy had, over time, lost his way and, in the end, did not find that outstretched hand that would afford him a better outcome. I have said this before and I will say it again, we need oxygen to live. The heart can pump the blood through the system but if there is no oxygen to enrich the red blood cells for the body’s cells live, the body dies. According to numerous websites and authorities, the definition of death is this: Clinical death is the medical term for cessation of blood circulation and breathing, the two criteria necessary to sustain the lives of human beings and of many other organisms. In the beginning, the breath of the Lord filled the lungs of Adam and he lived. When Jesus appeared to the disciples in John 20:21-22 He greeted them in Shalom and blessed them. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has always been with us, is all around us and will be with us into eternity but we, as His children, need to recognize where life comes from and give thanks and recognition. In the book of Psalms, chapter 104, verses 29-30 (NLT), the psalmist is acknowledging God as the great provider of all things including the breath of life. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. This goes much deeper than just taking away mortal breath, but I would suggest that should an individual decide they do not need the Breath of Life, eternal life is no longer an option. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 NIV He is our life, our eternal life and our guide. The world would be a much better place if we all would heed His direction, embrace His wisdom and just take a moment out to breathe. All the world needs to reach out and grasp a hold of His grace before it’s too late and they are swept into the vacuum of space. This Sunday, Pastor Todd talks more about the gifts of the Spirit. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessings, www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘You Can Trust God’ Day 1: Psalm 32:10 - “Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.” Day 2: Psalm 37:3-5 – “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” Day 3: Psalm 40:4, 5  – “Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.” Day 4: Isaiah 26:3, 4 – “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Day 5: Psalm 90:9, 10 – “We live our lives beneath your wrath, ending our years with a groan. Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.” Day 6: Psalm 143:8-10 – “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” Day 7: Hebrews 4:16 - “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Usually my article has something to do with the Sunday service but this week, not so much. Sunday, we will still focus on the gifts of the Spirit but today, I want to take a moment to address something I heard this past month. Overheard at a table in a coffee shop, “Our church isn’t like most others, we preach the truth the way it was meant to be presented.” My ears perked up and I mentally leaned in to eavesdrop on the conversation. You see, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect church and could hardly wait to be amazed. Hate to say this, but I was rather disappointed. The only thing I heard was how bad the other churches were compared to his and the fact that the only people who were going to Heaven were those who believed like they did. There are days I would have enjoyed stepped into that theological debate, but this was not one of them. The commitment to his position was obvious, and, I dare say, not open for discussion. With that said, it did get me to thinking about positions in Heaven and the request from Salome in Matthew 20:21 when she asked for special considerations for her two sons. Jesus then let them know in verse 23 “Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” NLT. How I longed to walk up to him during his monologue (I heard little from the other person he was talking to) and suggest there is a special place in Heaven for him, right beside me and all others who proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pride goes before the fall but I do think people need to be ready to come alongside and help the prideful fallen back to their feet. None of us is perfect and the only perfect church is in Glory but we do have a Savior who fully understands this and is there equally for us all. Scripture says: For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26-28 NLT For God does not show favoritism. Rom 2:11 NLT So, for those who are out there thinking that you or your gathering is the only way to Christ, remember this: John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” We can't get to heaven by works, because God doesn't pick favorites. This Sunday, Pastor Todd talks more about the gifts of the Spirit and yes, there is a test. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessings, www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Let God be Your Strength’ Day 1: 2 Corinthians 12:10 - “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Day 2: Psalm 18:22 – “I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees.” Day 3: Psalm 118:14  – “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Day 4: Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Day 5: Psalm 29:11 – “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” Day 6: Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Day 7: Philippians 4:13 - “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

I get a bit twitchy when I hear people talk about the church as a business, but I do get it, there is a business side to the church. There are bills that need to be paid, the facility needs upkeep, staff and payroll needs still require addressing and a hierarchy that have statistical requirements so they can do something with them (I have no clue). This past week, I watched an online church go about their business, no I will not tell you which one, and was rather perplexed by the presentation. Yes, I said presentation because the majority of the service was business rather than Message. The pastor was a former classmate of mine and, in one of our preaching classes, he came forth with a powerful message that truly lifted us all. That was almost two decades ago, and I wondered how he was doing now. His sermon was sandwiched in between some great worship music and about fifteen minutes of what I will call commercials. His message was good, but I left feeling that it was not the central part of the service. This led me to reflect on what truly is important to the overall Message that God would have us communicate. First, and foremost, I want to say this; if Christ is not the center of the service, then something is missing. If the central message is focused on donations to the latest cause and, if you donate over a certain amount, we will also include a bottle of holy water derived from the springs of the Jordan, then the focus is wrong. If the message is that you need to up your giving so the pastor can buy a new plane so he or she can get to more remote areas to preach the Word, then, in my opinion, the message is on material things and not on the message of Salvation. I have preached this over and over and I will continue to preach it until the day I die; Jesus paid the price, His grace is sufficient for all of us and you don’t need to win Lotto 649 to buy a ticket to Heaven, your freedom from sin is paid in full through the sacrifice of the Messiah. You can write all the DIY books on getting to Heaven but it is not through self that you enter Glory but by the grace of God through the Son, it is that simple. Some preachers say name it and claim it and it will be yours and they are talking of great financial wealth, but I say this; name the love of God and claim His grace on your life and you will be eternally rewarded in Glory. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:2-8 NIV Praise His name in word and song, give your heart to the Savior and ask Him to take away your sins and claim His grace over your life. The prize is not the amount of money you have in your savings account or the size of the plane in your hangar, it is actually the Word of God written on your heart, the promise of salvation through the sacrifice of the Son on the cross and the cleansing of your sins through your confession to the Master that makes you richer than any billionaire on the planet. Cast away the cloak of sin, and in the name of Christ, get up and walk. The time is now to refocus on Him, rather than the things made to be important by mankind. This Sunday, Pastor Todd talks about the centrality of Christ in all His churches and what is truly important in the faith gathering. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessings, www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘God is Holy’ Day 1: Psalm 96:7-9 - “O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him.” Day 2: Isaiah 57:15 – “The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: ‘I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.’” Day 3: 1 Samuel 2:2  – “No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” Day 4: Isaiah 6:3 – “They were calling out to each other, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!’” Day 5: Ezekiel 38:23 – “In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Day 6: Psalm 99:5 – “Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!” Day 7: Revelations 4:8-11 - “Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.’ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, ‘You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.’” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

This Sunday is going to be a different sort of service because two of us are going to tag team the sermon, one will do the pre-Spirit contact and the other will talk about the thrill of the infilling. See if you can figure it out from this article penned by Pastor Todd, When we talk about the Holy Spirit, we must remember He is one of the three that is Yahweh. So many people try to come up with elaborate methods to explain the Trinity of God, but I want to toss this out there; before the start of time, God decided to create and the Father, who is God, spoke the universe into being. The Son, also referred to as Logos or “the Word”, was there because all was spoken into existence. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” Gen 1:1- 5 NLT The Holy Spirit has been with us since the earth and universe was created so why is Pentecost so important and why do few even understand the significance of the day? The Father created Adam, Holy Spirit breathed life into him. When Adam was created, the Word was written on his heart, and he carried the love of God, agape, with him his entire life. So, consider this, Jesus was with the disciples from the resurrection until forty days later when He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Ten days later, Holy Spirit came upon the faithful in the upper room and breathed a fresh new life over them, in them and through them. The account of the upper chamber has not changed in almost two thousand years yet there are those out there who will deny the work of the Spirit, the gifting of the Spirit or the miracles of the Spirit. The proof of the miracle has stood the test of time, there are signs and proofs of the miracles every day and yet there are those who need more proof. So, here is my question; what do the people, the skeptics or even those who do not believe, need for proof? Jesus talked of Holy Spirit in John chapter 16, verses 5-7 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. What will it take for you to believe in the promise of God? Open your heart and mind to the proof before you and ask the Holy Spirit to make it all clear. Yes, it is that easy, so what are you waiting for? This Sunday, Pastor Todd and Pastor Eryn celebrate Pentecost. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessings, www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘This is life… Choose Wisely’ Day 1: 1 Corinthians 10:13 - “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” Day 2: Colossians 1:21-23 – “This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.” Day 3: Galatians 6:7, 8  – “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” Day 4: Isaiah 55:6, 7 – “Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” Day 5: 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 6: Deuteronomy 30:19, 20 – “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Day 7: 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.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

This is a big question so let us look at one segment of society, our Moms. I was in a store the other day and I heard the screams of a child from the next aisle. The sound was very distinctive. They were in the cereal aisle and the tirade was preceded by, “but I want the Lucky Charms”. The noise started low but ramped up like a siren, gaining to full volume in a matter of moments. How glass was not broken in the store was beyond me. As I came around the corner, I could see so many emotions in her eyes. She was embarrassed over her child’s actions, furious because he was throwing a tantrum and not listening to her request for silence, and exhausted because this was not the first time it had happened that day. I gave her that understanding smile that signalled I had been there and done that and she responded with that skyward sigh that I think all mothers have done. As I stopped to grab something off the shelf, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that she had knelt down beside him, held him by the shoulders, whispered something to him and then gave him a big hug. She did not give into his demands but did let him know that he was loved and forgiven. So often, the actions and influence our mothers have in our lives is overlooked and we save one day a year to let them know that we appreciate their role in our lives, but I would suggest we need to remember this every single day of the year. Sunday, I want to focus on all we owe to our mothers but let me share this with you as an appetiser. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:25-31 NLT This Sunday, Pastor Todd will bring a message of joy and celebration of mothers. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessings, www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘God…’ Day 1: 1 Peter 3:12 - Sees You - “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” Day 2: Psalm 139:1-6 - Knows You – “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Day 3: 1 Peter 5:7 - Cares About You – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Day 4: Isaiah 41:10, 13 - Is With You – “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… For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” Day 5: Psalm 34:17, 18 - Hears You – “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Day 6: Deuteronomy 31:6 - For You – “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Day 7: Exodus 14:14 - Will Fight For You - “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Last week, I was focused on the fact that so many people are stead fast in their own opinion and will not admit to the fact they could be wrong or even be open to listen to the opinions of others. The actions of those who are so stiff neck not only drives wedges in relationships but they can also affect the reputation of the obstinate individual.  As I sat back on Monday morning, I took another look at the message from Sunday and discovered there is another energy drain in not only the church but also in life as well. I will be the first to admit that I have done this and am not proud of my actions. There was a cartoon on Facebook and I wish I could give credit to the artist but I could not find a reference. There are a few things I noticed about this cartoon. Firstly, it looks to me like this was prayer time and, rather than hold off until after the service, the complainants chose this time of fellowship with the Lord to point out the shortcomings of others. Second thing I noticed was that they were being admonished in public and not off to the side which would have been proper and professional. My question is this; were they trying to sow the seeds of dissension within the faith family? My final point regarding this illustration, the folks praying on their knees are associated with leadership within the congregation. Should they not be allowed to have their day of Shabbat? There is a time and a place for everything and this was neither the time nor the place. I know what you are thinking, this is just a cartoon but it does hit a bit close to home if we start to look around us. Allow me to paraphrase a passage from scripture, namely Matthew 27:38-44. Two rebels on the cross either side of Jesus and the one is needling the Savior. “If you are in charge of all things, if you truly are the Son of God, why don’t you fix this little issue we have so that we can go back to enjoying life?” Could not have picked a better time to bring this complaint forward. Hanging on a cross, about to die for the sins of all mankind, kind of going into uncharted territory and someone decides to mention that the water closet is out of toilet paper as it were. I had this happen to me quite a few years ago when I was just starting in ministry. I was just about to go up to the platform and a member came up to me and mentioned that the toilet in the women’s washroom was plugged. I suggested they try to plunge it themselves but was told it was not their job. It has been well over two decades and I still remember the day. Now don’t get me wrong, church is not the only place this happens, it can happen at our places of employment. It is a subtle killer of joy and peace and can really turn the day in the wrong direction. You see, Jesus wants us to lift each other up and support each other, not talk smack or take the feet out from under anyone. Peter said it best: For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it., it can happen in our homes. 1 Peter 3:10-11 NLT This week, Pastor Eryn finishes up her series. Please join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessings, www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”