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The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Keep Your Focus on God’ Day 1: Matthew 6:33 – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Day 2: Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Day 3: Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Day 4: Hebrews 12:1, 2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Day 5: 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” Day 6: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Day 7: 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.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Years ago, I was asked to take a break from ministry while I went through some personal issues. I was incensed because I felt like I was being fired, let go, sent out into the boat without an oar, without any life preservers. I tried very hard to get anyone to listen to me, to listen to my plight. Nothing had changed except the fact I was having to deal with an issue, but I could do that and my job without any added stress. In my humble opinion, the people who were telling me to take a break had no clue what they were talking about, I knew better because I understood more than they, just how much I could handle. The scripture in Proverbs tells us not to lean on our own finite understanding but rather to trust in the Lord in all things. At the time, I was fooling myself and it completely clouded my judgement and understanding. You see, God knows these things and, when we are not listening, He uses others in our lives to speak into our situations. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isa 40:30-31 NLT The incident was almost a quarter century ago and today, I am called on to help others who were, or are, dealing with similar issues. So here is to walking alongside those who are hurting or are feeling overwhelmed, taking time to listen to what they are saying and lean on the wisdom of God to know what to do and how to be there for them. I can attest that when we are in that place where we feel we can deal with it and start getting defensive when others offer to assist, the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit seems to take a back seat to self. I got hit with this over twenty years ago when my stubborn streak kicked in: The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Pro 12:15 I may not be the wisest man but I do lean on the promptings of the greatest wiseman going and He says wait and rest, let Me show the way, who am I to argue? Today, I am thankful for the wonders God has provided me, my family, my calling and the gifts of the Spirit. I am also very thankful for the time away to refresh and renew. I did not know just how tired I was and, even though there were signs, I thought I was doing very well. This has opened my eyes to the fact I was a bit overwhelmed but had become blind to the reality the stress was having on not only myself but also my family and my faith family. Wise counsel suggested a rest, God provided. All this to say thank you for not only the break but also for the opportunity to reset and reorganize my life and ministry plus I would also like to thank our faith gathering for all they did to keep His message front and center. I look forward to seeing you all again this coming Sunday where we will join together in praise and worship to a mighty God. We invite you to join us as we welcome back Pastor Todd from Sabbatical. The service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person 10:30 AM, at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessing, Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship YouTube Live – You Tube www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Our God of Abundance’ Day 1: Titus 3:4-7 – “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 us 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 2: Ephesians 2:4-7 – “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” Day 3: John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Day 4: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” Day 5: Luke 6:38 – “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Day 6: 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.” Day 7: Psalm 36:8 – “You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

There are so many people out there who have abandoned hope in a loving and gracious God who created all things, watches over all creation and genuinely cares for every person on this planet. They have abandoned their faith in the promises of an eternity in Glory for a future that holds little in the way of life beyond the grave. I would like to tell you what I believe in and why. First, I do believe in a loving and caring Lord who has created each and every one of us. He has designed us perfectly and in His image, the image of love. We are, each of us, social people that desire the loving relationship of those around us. God created Adam and Eve for the purpose of relationship and, when they went against His will, He did not destroy them but rather He did what many parents do when a child errs, He punished them, but He still watched over them. Today, many have abandoned God, but like in those days long ago, He has never left us. Secondly, I believe that God has prepared a place for us in Glory and that we should have no fear of death. I recently lost a dear friend, and while it hurts that she has left us there is a joy in knowing she has passed into His Heavenly realm. She knew what her future held and was always quick to tell others that she was looking forward to being with those loved ones who passed before her. Her hope was in the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. You see, Christ went before to prepare a place for us all and while some have lost that understanding or have abandoned that hope, the promise is still very valid, and it was known and written down long before He was even born. In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken! Isa 25:6-8 NLT Finally, even though I cannot fully support the thoughts or beliefs of those who deny my God, I will not mock them or berate them because the choice to follow is a personal decision. I can only plant the seeds of His message and pray that there will come a time when they will see His light. And for those who mock us for our faith in God, relax, like I said, the choice is yours to believe or not. I do not fear the end because it is not the final resting spot, it is the doorway to a future in eternity. The Main Avenue service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessing, Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship YouTube Live – You Tube www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘You are God’s church’ Day 1: 1 Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” Day 2: Ephesians 2:19-22 – “So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.” Day 3: Hebrews 10:24, 25 – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Day 4: Romans 12:4, 5 – “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Day 5: Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Day 6:1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 – “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Day 7: 1 Peter 2:4, 5 – “You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Know This…’ Day 1: Joshua 1:9 - at my lowest, God says – “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 2: Psalm 40:1, 2 - at my dark times, God says – “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 3: Philippians 4:13 - at my weak times, God says – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Day 4: Jeremiah 29:11 - at my lost times, God says – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Day 5: Matthew 11:28 - at my tired times, God says – “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Day 6:1 Peter 5:7 - at my anxious times, God says – “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Day 7: Psalm 23:4 - at my worst times, God says – “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Was watching a video the other day that brought a scripture to mind. I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Phil 3:12-14 NLT Many, many years ago, I would run 10K races, and, while I was not in the upper echelons of the racing elite, I generally finished in the middle of the pack. At the very beginning I was very excited and eager to get the race underway, but it did not take long for the negative thoughts to start entering my mind. At the start, I tended to struggle to find my pace because I wanted to stay with the pack, later I would start analyzing the various stitches and spasms wondering if I was even going to make it through the race. As it got later into the race, thoughts of “why even try” or “you’ll never be as good as these other guys” crept into the fray and, yes, there were moments where I considered just giving up, one time was when I was only a few hundred yards from the finish. So, the question remains, why even try? The video I watched was about an elite racer who was rounding the final corner on a longer race and had a commanding lead. He did not see another racer making a mad dash for the lead and, on the final fifty or so yards, he started to celebrate, waving to the crowd. With only a couple yards to go, the second-place racer who was leaving nothing to spare, flew past the leader and won the race by inches. Now, none of us is perfect, and there are occasions where we might set the cruise control on and just coast along with the blinders on, or doubt can creep in and set our minds into a protectionist mode, or, in this case, we can lose focus and we get passed over. Life can be like a 10K race as can our faith walk. At the beginning, there is an excitement that is indescribable. We are at a quicker speed than we may want to be, but we are only trying to keep up or, in some cases, catch up. While there are numerous stages along the way where we can hydrate and receive some nourishment and encouragement, there are those times when we start to focus on the wrong things or just settle into a comfortable pace and let things happen as they do. “I’m saved, that works for me” or “look at all the people waving and cheering for me, I’m on my way!” That time where I was about to give up with only a few hundred yards to go, I lost focus on what was just beyond the finish line. A voice in my mind screamed “finish strong, there is rest on the other side of the line!” The journey to glory is fraught with so many pitfalls and challenges, but there is always an encourager in our corner cheering us on. Just like in the 10K, there are always people around you cheering you on and the Lord is always at your side. As I came upon others who looked like they were struggling, I was able to pour into them and be an encouragement. We all need to lean on each other and our faith because none of us is perfect. Press on through the finish line, there is rest on the other side. The Main Avenue service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessing, Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship YouTube Live – You Tube www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

Hypothetical situation; let’s say there is someone out there who takes every opportunity to toot their own horn so they are considered indispensable and should be adored for their contribution to the success of a project. They spend more time maneuvering their position through self-glorifying conversations and boastful actions to promote their own ideation of self-worth. Combine this with their need to stay at the top by downplaying the contribution of those around them and you have the making of a very fragile team dynamic. You see, if those who are relying on the accuracy of the person who is acting in a very self-serving manner, more focused on self over the whole, they come to discover the message was false, the whole team can suffer and even break once the truth comes to light. Remember, this is only hypothetical, but I have not only run across this in a variety of situations but have been guilty of being that person at times. I can say this, true strength of leadership through a servant attitude does not come from a boastful position but rather from a position of support and care of one who is dedicated to the community rather than self. Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt 28:18-20 NLT All power and authority is given as a gift from God to go out into all nations baptizing and teaching in the name of the Lord, not in the name of the individual. Be careful of those who teach and preach but do so to bring glory to self over the Almighty. The Truth is for the benefit of the whole of creation and not for the glorification of any one individual. There was not one specific disciple singled out in this message from Matthew 28, they all had the same message to relay to the world. In 1 Cor 15:9- 10 NLT, Paul even claimed that; “...I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” So here is a thought, when it comes to dealing with those who are focused on self over the needs of the whole, let them boast and yammer on because the truth will be revealed. For me, I have come to understand that I am not in this for the recognition of self but to glorify God in my words and actions, addressing the needs of those in our community. Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. 2 Cor 10:12-13 NLT The Main Avenue service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessing, Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship YouTube Live – You Tube www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Settling Disagreements God’s Way’ Day 1: Matthew 18:15, 16 – “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.” Day 2: James 1:19, 20 – “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” Day 3: Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Day 4: 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 5: Hebrews 12:14, 15 – “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 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 6: Proverbs 12:18 – “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Day 7: Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.” CONCLUSION: Proverbs 17:4…”Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

This past week, a neighbour of ours passed away suddenly. He was a very well known and cracker jack mechanic. He worked long hours and especially his quarter mile Mustang along with his brother. For the forty-seven plus years next door there must have been thousands of customers come and go, because he was that good, and that fair. Just like my brother-in-law, who passed two years ago, and my dad, almost thirty years, each one of them have left a footprint on this earth. All of them in their own way have left behind the very best of impressions that will be spoken well of for many years. They served others with an unselfish spirit, knowing they always did something good for someone else. I can only keep doing my personal best to do the same thing, as we all should. It would pain my family to think that I left a trail of anything that would disgrace my name. I can only try my best to treat everyone as fair as I can while I’m here. I do not want to be known as someone who dishonored any employer, caused an offense at a church body, or left any bad debts. These are things that we all should strive for in the years we’re given. We could do a thousand things right, but a stumble will by human nature, be what we are remembered by. I point these examples out only to illustrate the human failure to be perfect. Our nature these days seems to be one of easy influence, especially when we’re bombarded with the lure of possessions and privilege. I don’t profess to understand many of the ”causes” that people wave their own flag about. I don’t agree with the free reign that some will try and take on our children and grand children. I may not agree with some political groups or leaders, but I won’t be baited into compromising my morals and values given to me by my parents. I will do my best to follow the teachings and examples that Christ has given us yet may fail like anyone else. I have done my best, so far to work for and earn what I have honestly and should expect nothing less from those around me. These days, with social media watching every move, it’s getting harder and harder to avoid the microscope of strangers. I wonder what Jesus would think these days if He were in human form? I can only imagine what He carried all those years ago when the earth was in turmoil while He spread the gospel. There was no fake news of the internet then, as His words, deeds, messages were written down as truth. He gave us words and guidance to follow today to live with love for everyone, not just those who agree with us. These days, those very words are being tested and twisted for some agendas. If it’s to make the scriptures fit a life style, or to justify bad behavior then a real reckoning is coming for sure. Let’s not be trapped or tricked into using scripture for personal gain. Rather let’s learn them and apply His teachings in a way that brings honor to our memory. Here we are almost two thousand years after His death & resurrection, and He’s the most famous person who ever lived among us. That should speak volumes about His character. Those are the footprints we should be following before the sands of time erase us from our lives. Demonstrate His agape love as best you can. Lead by example in a good way. There will be a time when we all stand before Him as He asks us to look at the footprints we left behind. Will we be proud of ourselves and the life we lived? Will we have to answer for misrepresenting Him? My best for Him will come on the last day I breathe, because so far, my best has yet to come. I hope the footprints I leave are of a good path, and not evidence of my down-trotting on anyone else to get somewhere. Mike Shindruk Master’s Hand Ministry

When I look back on my career in management, I can remember using the line “where do you see yourself in five years” as not only a part of yearly reviews, but also in the interview process. In the review process, it served as a tool to not only find out an individual’s outlook for the future, but also see if their goals or focus had changed. You see, as we get older, sometimes our goals shift and it is a good thing to occasionally look at our focus in a new light. Now, for a person in an interview, this question can be a bit of a setup because I used it as an opportunity to see if the candidate did their homework. I was hiring for entry level positions, and I was focusing on succession planning for the future. If the candidate did their homework, they would know what things would be available to them and what it could lead to. I giggle at the thought of me asking that question in the fall of 2019. What would you say to a person if they replied, “I see myself sitting at a kitchen table in pajama bottoms and a shirt and tie with a fake background answering questions in a virtual meeting at my home”? How about if the answer was this, “I see myself retired, doing projects around the house, listening to the Guess Who, and sipping coffee”? To tell the truth, I was getting rather tired of asking people “where do you see yourself in 5 years” because it was usually the same rehearsed answers that changed like the sands on a beach. I do have my own plans for the future and am working towards setting up for retirement, but I have come to the realization over these past few weeks while working with a couple of Padres in Cold Lake, that retirement is only a small aspect of my future. You see, while Chaplain Tony and I were chatting about the next few years, and I shared with him some of my thoughts about moving forward into the “Golden Years”, he pointed out that we never truly retire from our calling. This got me thinking about the future in a whole new way. You see, I was making plans for the future, but I was not leaving room for His will in my life. We are all messengers of the Truth, and we need to remember this is a life calling, not just something for a time. This bit of scripture popped out at me and has changed my way of thinking. It is not about where we see ourselves in five years but rather where we see ourselves when the race has been run. I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. Phil 3:12-16 Msg So please do, go forward and make the plans, and when you are asked about where you will be in the next five years, be confident in saying that you will be serving the Lord in whatever capacity He sees fit. I wonder how that would go over in a job interview? Maybe I will give it a try should I be asked that at some point in time, it could be a rather interesting conversation starter. Remember, in all things praise His name, give thanks for the time He has provided us and serve Him with all you are until the day the race is over and He calls you home. That is where I see myself in the next five, ten or twenty years. The Main Avenue service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB. Blessing, Facebook Live - Main Ave Fellowship YouTube Live – You Tube www.mainavefellowship.ca Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Sureness of God’ Day 1: 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 2: 1 John 1:9 – “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 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: Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Day 5: 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 6: Philippians 4:6, 7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Day 7: Malachi 3:10 – “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation HIS PROMISES ARE YES AND AMEN TO THOSE THAT BELIEVE.