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Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks   ‘You Must Walk With God Daily’ Day 1: Micah 6:8 - “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Day 2: Proverbs 10:8, 9 – “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.” Day 3: Psalm 25:4, 5 – “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Day 4: Psalm 119:102-106 – “I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.” Day 5: John 15:4, 5 – “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. ‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.’” Day 6: Psalm 143:8 – “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.” Day 7: Joshua 22:5 - “But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translatio

I am currently working two jobs over the summer. Today I am at an Army cadet camp as a duty driver but tomorrow I will be back in Sundre to jump back into ministry work. Now, I am going to preface this account by saying that, though I miss seeing my congregants, I am mostly looking forward to seeing my wife. What a day that will be, when my wifey I shall see. When I am away from home, there are times when I catch myself looking around for Natalie or starting to ask her a question only to realise she is not there. The people around me often wonder who I am talking to which can be good, especially in those times when I want to be left alone. I roll over at night to curl up with her only to bash my hand into the locker that is beside my bed. What a day that will be when I am able to sit in front of the TV holding hands with her, fighting the dogs for her attention and just relaxing with the family. Warm, safe, comfortable and wrapped in love.  So, let’s bring God into this. What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. You see, there are so many things going on in the world right now that are very frightening and, to tell the honest truth, it feels like we are living in the final days but there is a grand hope, He has gone on before us and is there waiting. You see, in Deuteronomy 31 starting at verse 8, the Lord Himself goes before His people and was with them always. History proved that He never left them nor forsaken them, that is Israel, and He told them do not be afraid or discouraged. I think that is a message that is very relevant today. The world is looking for a “proper leader” who will lead the nations to peace. I have seen the candidates vying for power all around the world and still none compare to Jesus. What a day that will be when our Jesus we will see. You know, the best part about all this chaos is that when that day comes when Jesus returns, He is going to straighten things out and then all those who were a part of the problem will suddenly become aware of the futility of their mortal efforts. So many out there know what is to come and in that we are hopeful. I fear, however, there will be many who are going to be sorely disappointed.  What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, when I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land, what a day, a glorious day, that will be (Jim Hill)! Wrap yourself in His comforting love and be assured that He has it all under control.  This week, Pastor Todd, will share a message with us, a message of promise and hope in Christ. Please plan to 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

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks   ‘Can You Take Correction?’ Day 1: 2 Timothy 3:16 - “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Day 2: Proverbs 10:17 – “People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” Day 3: Proverbs 12:1 – “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” Day 4: Proverbs 13:18 – “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” Day 5: Proverbs 15:32 – “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Day 6: Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Day 7: Job 5:17 - “But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Many years ago, I had a dream that was so real, I remember the vivid details to this day. I have referred to it many times  in print and sermon and it begs repeating again. You see, I was walking down a very well lit path heading towards a distant point of light. The path seemed very safe but there was an uneasiness in the darkness beyond the path. There was a constant murmur just beyond the light, in the cold just outside the safety of the path. After a few more steps, I paused to peer into the void beyond the light and suddenly a hand exploded from the darkness, flailing in the hopes of grasping onto anyone or anything that would serve as an anchor to pull themselves out of the grips of the void. It was almost as if they could not sense the path but could see the Light that was within and were pleading for help, for a release from the suffering. As I got closer, the hand grasped my arm, the only thing I could think of was to call out,” in the name of Christ, release him!”  As he came out from the shadows, even more reached out and the cycle was repeated over and over again but they all just hung around, not knowing what to do, some even falling back into the darkness. That was when it came over me to tell them to look to the Light, that point in the distance, and walk towards the point of Light with a laser focus for in Him, the Savior, for in Him is perfect hope, a release from the grip of death. Those who listened walked into His perfect love and, by the grace of God, they were saved. In this message, this vision, I realized two things; if someone is reaching out for help, take the time to stop and lend a hand. Second, once they are on solid ground, they still need direction and guidance to walk on the path and not fall into the ditch of despair.  In our lives, we will run into those who are seeking help, please, take the time to help them up. Also, we will run into those who are on the path but they need a gentle nudge or guidance to walk the path to Jesus and His Glory. For some, the hardships of life can throw a wrench in their path and they get turned around a bit. Point them in the right direction because, one day, we may be the ones in need of a gentle nudge. This is the way. This week, our Community Minister, Eryn, will share a message with us. Please plan to 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

This article is very late in getting out, in fact I was thinking that since I am on holidays, I was going to take this week off from writing. This would have been the first time in nine and a half years with Main Avenue Fellowship that I did not write. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to chat with friends over lunch and we started talking about the future. We did reminisce about the past for a short time, it was a bit of a rough season for both our families, but the conversation quickly turned to the future. We walked around the back yard and I was taken aback at the changes there. New buildings that were, at one time, only a dream, now a reality, and there were four. There was now a garden that was much larger than the one I remember from the last visit. We walked around the property and he shared the dream of a fruit garden and some additional expansions and that would be there before we returned in a couple years. So many changes, and yet the foundation to the relationship has never changed for us. When the disciples chose to follow Jesus, they did not fully understand what was going to change for them in the future. Thinking about tomorrow meant what will we have to eat and where will we be sleeping. They did not think that the hard times were going to truly test them, but Jesus knew. When He sent them out, they were paired up so they would not be alone. There is comfort in going out into the unknown with a buddy who will support you and help you up when you fall down. Better yet, there is even more comfort in knowing that, together, friends can overcome a great many things, but with Jesus at their sides, there is an endless hope for a great tomorrow. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT While we both have those needs that only God can address, we also have those needs that a friend, a brother or sister in Christ, can help with and I truly believe God brings people together not only for great relationships but also for support in those times of need. We may look at tomorrow with a sense of trepidation and some fear, but with good friends and a mighty Saviour, there is nothing we cannot overcome. This week, Pastor Todd and Natalie return from Nova Scotia with fresh hearts and a tan. Please plan to 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

I am currently in the wonderful province of Nova Scotia where the days are hot, the beach is near and the salt water is so cool and refreshing when you need to wash off the sweat. The temperature was hovering around the 30C mark when we got out to The Merb, slang for Melmerby Beach, and, for Natalie and I, beach time is relaxing time. The moment we arrive, we look up and down the beach for what would be our base camp. We have a routine, Natalie says she is headed for a walk which means she is going to hunt for shells and sea glass, while I set up the towels, move the sand around to make perfect indentations and piles so that I am comfortable. Once that is accomplished, I close my eyes, thank God for a perfect moment in time, and listen as the waves caress the shore. Most times, I tend to drift off into a light slumber until Natalie comes back to inform me as to the temperature of the water. Well, this time was rather different, thank you Lord for the inspiration on this, because there were two ladies about thirty feet away who were carrying on a conversation that was not all that quiet. The more aggravated the one lady became while recounting the events of what I can only assume are events from the past many months, the louder she became. The stories, which one could not ignore unless one chose to move out of earshot, were so negative and so caustic that it got me to thinking about life in His presence verses the lack of hope so many have these days. I was on a beach, surrounded by the beauty He has provided, smells that are so soothing and sounds that calm and yet these two were so focused on the garbage cards that someone had dealt them that they did not see the wonders around them. Big thing going through my mind on all this goes back to Genesis where we were made in the image of God and God is love. Focusing on that helps to eliminate some of the stress of the anger because we are also commanded to love as God loves and that includes our enemies. Once again, I find that forgiveness is a great stress reliever but it is also a hope for a future. Pray for your enemies, for those who vex you, just as your Father in Heaven forgives you. Another great stress reliever! Finally, seek out the joy in creation all around you and let that which He has provided for you, for us all, be the thing we look for. In the whole time they were at the beach, they missed the laugher of the two kids down the beach as they threw the football around, they missed the sound of the puppy as he chased the waves coming onto shore, and they missed the wonders God provided for them and all others who were enjoying the beach. When your hope is in the Lord, things seem just a bit brighter, life a whole lot easier and the future filled with the promise of joy and love. This Sunday, we welcome Rev Bob Hillock as he brings a message of hope to our faith community. Pastor Todd is still on the east coast but will be bringing a message to our faith family in Nova Scotia at Master’s Hand Church. Please plan to 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

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks   ‘God is Your Provider’ Day 1: Matthew 6:31-33 - “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Day 2: 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “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 3: 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!’” Day 4: James 1:17 – “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” Day 5: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” Day 6: 2 Peter 1:3 – “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.” Day 7: 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.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks   ‘Have Confidence in God’ Day 1: Hebrews 10:35, 36 - “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” Day 2: Psalm 139:13, 14 – “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” Day 3: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.’” Day 4: Ephesians 3:12 – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Day 5: 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.” Day 6: Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Day 7: Philippians 1:6 - “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

This article took me awhile to put to post because I had to look back on the weekend and examine my attitude. You see in Luke 9:23-25, Jesus said this:  And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?   You see, most of the time I am a rather easy-going guy who is very focused on the needs of others, but for the past few weeks I have been “off my feed”. My mood has been rather morose and, instead of taking much more time than I have with my God, I have been fighting my way out of the hole on my own by my own strength. Go ahead, ask me how that worked out. It got so bad that I split logs for over an hour using my new splitting axe and was feeling exhausted but not emotionally or spiritually renewed. Truth be told, I was feeling worse, and I had no explanation for my foul mood. Natalie asked me what was wrong, but all I could say was, “I don’t know, I’m just mad at everything and at nothing”. I had forfeited my spiritual and emotional peace for a darkness that was of the world. This was not doing anyone any good.  The next night, I opened up to Natalie about how I was feeling, and it was then that I realized my emotions were based on selfish dark thoughts. The people around me were all loving and supportive, and I am guessing that Natalie was praying for peace and contentment. As I set my head down on the pillow, I felt at ease because He was washing away the anger, and, as I took some much-needed time to converse with the Father, I gave up the stressors that had taken hold of my thoughts and came into a place of His calm. Give up the darkness to the Light and let Him take control of the future. God wants only the best for us, but we must get out of our own way to see His blessings. I am at peace today, praise the Lord, and tomorrow I start my holidays.  Pastor Todd is going to be on holidays for the next couple weeks, so we will be welcoming our own Rev. Glenn Reeder this week. The team will be working together on a series concentrating on the work of the Holy Spirit. Please plan to 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

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks   ‘Importance of Fellowship’ Day 1: Romans 12:4-8 - “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. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Day 2: Hebrews 10:23-25 – “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 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 3: 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 – “Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, ‘God is truly here among you.’” Day 4: Acts 2:42-44 – “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.” Day 5: Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Day 6: Colossians 3:12-17 – “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Day 7: Philippians 2:1-4 - “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

If you missed the service last week, you missed quite the fashion show. I was informed that my jungle camo shorts did not match up with my blue Aztec pattern shirt and my dark green camo Keen sandals. Come to think of it, they also noted it did not really match up with my position in the church on a Sunday morning. Here is the kicker though, when I changed into a head-to-toe tunic and a prayer shawl, that was also not the norm for a preacher, well not in Canada at least. Was I uncomfortable preaching the Message in either outfit? Not at all. You see it is not whether you present the Good News in a particular outfit, it is the fact that the Salvation story was presented. There are so many who feel the Gospel must be presented in the church by an ordained clergy member. Well, guess what, that is not how it works.   Moses stuttered but Aaron was with him as was the Lord, Gideon was fearful, yet God provided in the victory, Peter denied yet God made him the rock upon which the church was built. So long as you have breath in your lungs and the breath of the Spirit living in you, giving you strength and wisdom, preach the Good News in shorts and a tee shirt. The world needs your voice to communicate His perfect hope Message.  Pastor Todd is going to be on holidays for the next couple weeks, so we will be welcoming our Minister of Community, Eryn this week. The ream will be working together on a series concentrating on the work of the Holy Spirit. Please plan to 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

Years ago, I remember a story of a woman who was of meagre means but still tithed, and then some, to the church. When the doors were open, she was there, when help was needed, she was the first to raise her hand. Her husband had passed years before and had left her enough to cover the bills for years, but she still had to pinch pennies to make sure there was enough to make her commitments when the payments came due. The only items of true wealth she had, besides the home, was a silver tea setting inherited from her mother and her wedding band, which she wore in remembrance of the love of her life.   Now, the church was in rather a tough spot and was in need of some extra funds to cover a rather major expense so the preacher, at the request of the elders, went out to the congregation asking for whatever they could afford to build up the church. After some time and a couple cups of tea, the pastor walked out the door with the silver tea service, washed of course, and a wedding band. The pastor did not feel right about what he had done, but the deed was done, and the perceived crisis was averted. It was not long afterwards that she left the church, moved away to relatives and never darkened the doors of a church again. Her thought was that if one church could be so uncaring, they must all be that way.   There are so many things wrong with this in my mind, the church is not the building, the fellowship is the church, and we must do everything in our power to build up the fellowship and not tear it down. Secondly, the building is only temporary, the fellowship is forever, it flourishes on earth and will become perfect in Glory. For years, I have questioned the rationale of some of the practices in religion and wonder “what would Jesus think?” The time has come to re-prioritise our faith lives. Jesus did not say “go out and make more church buildings”, He said “go out and make disciples”. We need to remember that basic fact and not adapt the Message for personal gain or for the glorification of the temporary. Our eternal reward is in Glory, and the more that show up, the merrier it will be.  Pastor Todd is going to dig a bit deeper into some of personal preferences that have no Biblical foundation. Please plan to 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