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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”

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘7 Godly Habits to Follow’ Day 1: 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18 - PRAYER - Every day you sense the need & desire & habit to seek God – “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 2: Hebrews 11:6 - FAITH - God is in control & you can trust Him – “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Day 3: Joshua 1:8 - MEDITATE - Search your heart & focus on Him - Search your heart & focus on Him – “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Day 4: Ecclesiastes 12:13 - OBEY - Be obedient to God & leave the consequences to Him – “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Day 5: Psalm 62:5-7 - DEPENDANCE - Be filled everyday with Holy Spirit to give you guidance – “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.” Day 6: 2 Corinthians 9:5-7 - A GIVING HEART - Give your time, talent & treasures and watch what he will do – “So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. 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.’” Day 7: Colossians 3:13 - FORGIVE - The key to forgiveness is recognizing how much He has forgiven you. It sets you free & keeps you close to Him – “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The simplicity of His message is so easy to understand and even easier to accept yet so many try to add further rules and regulation to appease their own sense of superiority over others salvation. My question for those who feel it necessary to add more rules to God’s gift for all peoples of the world is this; “who do you think you are, a god?” I have sat through so many lectures and conversations where learned people try to explain salvation by deeds (which is what their ideas lean towards) where if a + b x c equals G then salvation can occur. All throughout the New Testament, the Master’s message is very clear. For example, read 1 John 2:1-2 NLT. 1 John 2:1-2 NLT My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. You see, if we add all these idiotic man-made rules to the simple message that Christ lived, communicated and told us to preach, then we end up with division, stress a feeling of unworthiness. Here is something to consider, God’s message has never changed but the additional rules His creation has added is very akin to a game of Calvinball where the rules change to meet the needs of the person carrying the “ball”. For those who keep changing and adding to His perfect Word, could I suggest they are so in doubt of His way that they have to set up proofs in order to have confirmation of salvation. Read through John 3:16-17 NLT. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. I hold to this Truth rather than the sometimes ridiculous rules made by the doubters of the world. An old joke about marriage comes to mind regarding happiness. I could be happy or I could be right. In the case of following the Lord I am happy and I am right when I stick to His perfect Word. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9 NLT This week, Pastor Todd brings a message of victory over doubt and worry. 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 of Wonders’ Day 1: Psalm 77:11-14 – “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.” Day 2: Exodus  15:11 – “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord — glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?” Day 3: Psalm 86:9, 10 – “All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.” Day 4: Psalm 40:5 – “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 5: Job 12:7-10 – “Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you. For they all know that my disaster has come from the hand of the Lord. For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.” Day 6: Psalm 72:18, 19 – “Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!” Day 7: Hebrews 12:28, 29 – “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

When I worked in security, I came across a person who was trying to break into the office I was guarding. While I was discussing with him the error of his ways, he asked me if I knew who he was and who his father was. Well, this was something I had never heard before. Never had I heard anyone, who was incredibly intoxicated, ask me that question as I was holding them until the police came to take the person away. In fact, it is so kind of them to inform me of their name and also inform me their father was a famous lawyer. I would ask who that person was as I may know them. To follow this up, not two minutes later when the police are presenting him with a brand-new pair of chrome bracelets, the individual clams up when he is asked his name. That is when I look at the officer and ask “don’t you know who this is? This is John Doe, son of the famous defense lawyer Jack Doe”. This morning, I was having bit of a pity party because I am exhausted, frustrated, argumentative and sore. I am just waiting for someone to recognize my mood and either tell me to get over it or try to get me to see the sunny sky (it is actually overcast and snowing). Either way, it is going to take all I have to keep it on the down low and not blow-up causing people to ask “who do you think you are?” Here is what changed it around for me this morning; God recognized my mood and I felt led to take an extra bit of time in bed in conversation with the Lord. That is when it came to me, scripture has Christ asking Peter in Matthew 16 “who do you say I am?”, I asked the Father this morning, who do you say I am? I am a child of God (1 John 3;2) and I belong to Him (John 14:18) and He loves me as a perfect Father loves His children (John ,3:1), “and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”. God claims us all as His own and He tells us that we are His children. Jesus testifies who we are to the Father and, I suggest, He loves it when we testify as to who He is in our life.  It opened my eyes this morning to the fact that I identify as a child of God and should always be ready to ask, “do you know who my Father is?” The rest of the morning is going very well and, even though it is still snowing, my chat with the Lord has changed my mindset. This week, we welcome Pastor Eryn as she continues 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”