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The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘God’s Promises are Yes and Amen to Those That Believe’ Day 1: Jeremiah 17:7, 8 - “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Day 2: Proverbs 3:5, 6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Day 3: Psalm 37:3 - “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.” Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: Psalm 9:10 - “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Day 7: Romans 15:13 - “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘God is Faithful… Are You?’ Day 1: Galatians 6:9 - “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Day 2: Colossians 3:23, 24 - “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Day 3: 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 4: Proverbs 3:3, 4 - “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” Day 5: James 1:12 - “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Day 6: Deuteronomy 5:33 - “Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” Day 7: Hebrews 11:6 - “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.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Let me preface this by saying that there is a very important place in everything for tradition but if the tradition is in conflict with the Message God has given us, then it needs to be reviewed and revised in order to lift up His Word and not reflect the imperfect preferences of mankind. Yes, this may sound rather harsh, but the world has demanded that God fit in the box mankind has designed and has sullied the perfection of His Message. Consider this story for a moment. A young woman was preparing a roast for the family. It was the first time she had done a full on roast beef meal for the family and she was doing it exactly the way she was taught, it was all tradition. The parents came by as did her new husband’s parents and all seemed to be going very well. The only hiccup came when the mother-in-law asked why she cut the ends off the roast. The young girl only said that it was how she was taught. Now, curiosity got the best of her, she asked her mom what the purpose was in cutting off the ends of the roast, and her mom simply said that is was how her mom taught her. When the grandmother arrived, they all gathered and asked how the tradition of cutting off the end of the roast came to being and why. The grandmother replied that she had a small roast pan and that was the only way she could get the roast into the pan.  There are times when we forget the truth in the message after others have added their interpretations and preferences to what is already perfection. Go back far enough and you will find that it was inappropriate and downright rude to show up to church without a proper head covering, a conservative dress (not pants), the right coloured shoes and white gloves for women and a proper three piece suit with freshly shined shoes and a clean handkerchief for men. To show up any other way would be considered an insult to the Lord and there would be words had with those who did not follow the good, solid Christian rules. All were required to read one version of the scripture, the only authorized word of God, the King James Version with room in the margins for notes. The service ran the exact same way every Sunday, the week was predictable with Wednesday bible studies and kids groups, young people met on Fridays and, so long as nothing interfered with the way things had always been done, life was good and people were well on their way to Heaven when the time came. Say the prayer of salvation and you were good to go.   Can I offer this up for consideration? The tradition of meeting often throughout the week is wonderful and building relationship is very scriptural and foundational in His teaching; love others as you love yourself. Grasp a hold of this message and hold it close to your heart, in fact, hold God close to your heart and follow His directives. Love God with absolutely every ounce of your being and embrace those around you with the love Christ exemplifies and, remember, Jesus paid the price; praise Him and declare Him as your Saviour. Here is my question for you all with regards to some of these traditions that some may say are required to get into Heaven. Is there a dress code in Heaven? The thief on the cross would say no. Do you need to be clean-shaven and have short hair to get into Heaven? History notes that Paul was lacking in the hair department and yet he was the author of many epistles in the Holy Book. Were the original Christian teachers preaching from the KJV? It took a long time for the Word to go from Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic to Latin and English. Different languages, same message. Tradition is important but the foundational message trumps. His word is shared around the world by faithful servants of God and not all wear three piece suits, in fact, Jesus did not own a suit. Jesus wants us, just as we are.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 NLT   Pastor Todd is back this week and will be bringing a message of hope through faith 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

Pastor Todd and Natalie at Big Lake Camp in Nova Scotia Almost three decades ago, someone in the church took me off to the side and told me they had a message for me. What was told to me that day has come to mind a few times over the years, but I did not have a clear understanding of it until recently. You see, at the time, I was very new to the ministry and was on track to become a licensed minister in our local church and was rather naive about how things worked in ministry. I truly believed that everyone had one focus in the faith community, and we were all on the exact same page when it came to doing church.   Here is a bit of background to set the stage. My grandparents and relatives helped to build the church in Calgary, my parents were married in that same church, and I attended that church since before I was born. Eventually, our family ended up at a different church in Edmonton and, over time, we ended up attending occasionally with my grandparents. I want to make this perfectly clear; I was raised up with Christian values through my parents and they are/were (my father has since gone on to be with the Lord) strong Christians. Regardless of how I acted at times growing up, I never lost sight of my Saviour and am ever so thankful that He watched over me through my stupid years.   To make a long story short, one day on my way to work, I felt convicted deep in my soul to change my ways and take up the calling that I had acknowledged decades before. You see, I told my Grandma MacDonald that one day I was going to be a minister and, low and behold, it happened a mere twenty-three years later. Funny thing about this story is that I was on my way to work, driving on the Deerfoot in an old mustang and when I came around the corner, the sun shone through my dirty windshield and I was temporarily blinded and I pulled off the road to not only calm down (rush hour on the Deerfoot and unable to see is enough to rattle anyone), but to also clean off my windshield and that is when I felt the call to ministry, again. The message; you have done it your way long enough; it's time to take up my calling.   So back to the message at the church. This person mentioned two things to me and had I fully understood what they meant, I may have run away screaming. The first message was this; you and your ministry will be a catalyst for change. The second message was that my calling was very much like that of Paul (Saul). I had no clue what these meant, like I said, I was very new to ministry, but I have come to find out a few things. When it comes to change, there will be some feathers that get ruffled. There are those who do not want change and are quite comfortable in maintaining the status quo. I have written of these many times over the years but have come to an understanding that change is going to be tough. There are going to be many who will do their very best to discredit and malign, but in the end, so long as the truth is told and the focus is on the Kingdom, then who can do me harm? In the book of Psalm chapter 118 verse 6 it says “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”    Part two to this is with regards to a ministry similar to Paul’s. At the time, I did not have the knowledge to understand what that fully meant but over time, I have come to be more aware of what it would mean for my life and my spiritual journey. Paul was beat up, ridiculed, teased, imprisoned and through it all trained future leaders, helped churches deal with the issues of the day and encouraged them to keep on keeping on. When Peter the Apostle refused to associate with the Gentiles, Paul pushed back against the manmade rules and supported the primary focus; love and grace over all and for all. You see, when we get to Glory, I am certain there is not going to be a board assembled checking to see if those who arrive have been properly circumcised or if they had mixed their fabrics on their clothing. The message is simple, do you acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and have you asked Him for forgiveness? This is the transparent truth, and it is what I will preach and teach until I give up my final breath.  I invite you to follow these writings over the next few weeks as I prepare to retire from the pastorate in Sundre and step into another roll that Natalie and I feel led to embark upon. I will unpack the rest of the story but for this week, we will hear another wonderful message from our community pastor, Eryn Bergen-Austin. 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 ‘When You Are in a Hard Place’ Day 1: Psalm 18:16-19 - “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.” Day 2: Psalm 34:6-8 - “In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Day 3: Psalm 145:18, 19 - “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.” Day 4: Psalm 119:50 - “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Day 5: 2 Samuel 22:20-22 - “He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil.” Day 6: Psalm 121:1-3 - “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.” Day 7: Psalm 32:7, 8 - “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. [Interlude] The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘God’s Perfect Timing’ Day 1: Psalm 27:14 - “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Day 2: 2 Peter 3:8,9 - “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” Day 3: Proverbs 19:21 - “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” Day 4: Lamentations 3:25, 26 - “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Day 5: Isaiah 40:31 - “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.” Day 6: Psalm 62:1, 2 - “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.” Day 7: Isaiah 55:8, 9 - “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Can I start by saying this; change can be beneficial for growth but when the change is compared to a Newton’s Cradle swinging back and forth from one extreme to another, then life can seem somewhat chaotic. This is not going to be a political commentary but rather an observation of how our modern culture can swing so violently that it is enough, at times, to make a Saint swear. For example, let’s say that you’re company brings in a new hotshot to get things ramped up but they did not realize the person they brought in was not what they had come to expect. The ideas and policies were rather chaotic and had the feel of someone with a handful of darts throwing them at a target and going with whatever stuck. If the one idea didn’t work, they ramped it up with using another idea added to it and kept on moving the goal and the focus shifted faster than the colours of a chameleon on a Scottish tartan. This style of management is commonly called chaotic management style and can, according to numerous leadership institutes is an approach to management where uncertainty and unpredictability are embraced, often with a focus on fostering creativity and adaptation but potentially at the cost of structure and control (taken from a Google search). This can be rather disruptive and stressful but consider this, it can be very good as a learning moment. Have you ever learned some great truth or growth opportunity by watching what is happening and then formulating a plan that includes what not to do when you are setting up a strategy? I have learned so much on how to be effective by watching others and taking notes on what not to do going forward. Some of my best leadership training came from a guy named Jim who was possibly the most chaotic district manager I have ever worked for. Every two weeks he would show up at my office with a new set of ideas he wanted implemented to spark growth and demanded we follow his directions. Very few of them worked but we did give it our best effort. When I moved to another district, I implemented some of the strategies that we adapted and reworked ensuring that we never lost track of what was truly important, that foundation that made us a successful entity in the retail world. In the end, something good did come of the erratic swings of my former manager, a solid change for good with a focus on the future. There are those who are caught up in the chaos of the world and it seems like everywhere we turn there are people wanting you to accept the chaos and others who beg us to rebel. The stress can seem almost overwhelming and the shifts from one side to the other are so radical that it seems like it will never end. Here is the thing, the frame of the Newton’s Cradle never changes, it is the constant, the framework for the whole thing and, at some point in time, the moving parts will come to rest and things will be peaceful once again, changed, yes, but in a state of rest. So many want to live in that place of excitement and chaos but, at some point in time, this will take its toll and there will be a need for peace and calm. In life, there is a constant, a blessing that allows for choice and excitement but is also there when things get a little out of control. He is the way, the truth and the light and He is forever. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them. Heb 13:8-9 NLT This Sunday, Pastor Todd will be bringing us a message of hope from Hebrews 13 and we will ensure the sound works this week. No fault of the sound crew, just a freak computer glitch that messed up the plans last weekend. 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 other day, I took a close look at my buddy Fergus. I studied his face, his beard, I watched his gate and saw the weariness of his steps as he walked up the stairs. There is a bit more grey on his muzzle, more grey flecks around his eyes and what seems like a grunt when he has to stand up but the moment I ask him if he wants to go out, he is up like a lightning bolt and ready to run in the back yard. Moments after he is back in the house chewing on his favourite treat, he is fast asleep. Funny how things change. I got up this morning, started getting out of bed, sneezed and put out my back. There are commercials on TV that are geared to seniors and the ailments of getting older and I can actually relate to them, in fact I write down the names of the products so I can get them the next time I am at the pharmacist. I have more years behind me than I do in front of me and am realizing that things are changing a lot. The more I think about the future, the more I realize that all this is only temporary. The aches and pains will soon be replaced and those things that cause me angst today will not even be a memory in the not too distant future. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4 NLT Chatting with a group the other day and we were talking about the final days and the road to Glory. There are so many out in the world who think that in the final days there is going to be a great forgiveness because “your God” is a kind and loving God and none will perish. Think about this for a moment, Jesus was very clear in John 3:16-17 when He made mention that one needs to have that personal relationship with the Saviour. That understanding leads us to know exactly the “way that Jesus is going”. Our discussion was with regards to the wall that is at the end of the road of life and, for those who do not know Him, there is no sign of a way past that wall. They see only a mass of bricks and mortar and yet there is a way to get beyond. What those who have that relationship with the Savoiur see is a door and as we approach the wall, we see the door, we recognize the Way and, as we draw closer, I would suggest that we can hear a knock. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Rev 3:20 NLT. I know this piece of scripture refers to inviting Jesus in but could we also envision the door at the end being our opportunity to knock and go in with the Messiah and break bread at His table? Times are changing, the world is in chaos, leaders are making some rather questionable moves, wars are breaking out all over the place but this does not have to be the way. Times are changing, people are asking the question “when will this all end” and “where is the hope”. The hope is in the Message of the Father and the promise of the Son. Times are changing, maybe not as fast as we would like, but they are changing and more people are asking “what will happen when we come to face our own mortality?” Here is the answer, look to the Lord, He is not a myth, He is not a fallacy, He is the creator of all and is our hope. Things are changing, time on earth is finite but the promise of Glory is infinite. This Sunday, our Community Pastor, Eryn will be bringing us a message. 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   ‘Let Holy Spirit Work in You’ Day 1: John 16:8 - Conviction of Sin - “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgement.” Day 2: Romans 8:16 - Assures Salvation - “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Day 3: 2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transforms You - “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Day 4: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - Gives You Gifts - “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” Day 5: John 14:26 - Teaches You - “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” Day 6: John 3:5-7 - Regenerates You - “Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’” Day 7: Acts 1:8 - Empowers You - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Quick preface before I start; I have never and will never preach a sermon directed at any one person.  Last weekend after service, I was asked what I was going to preach about next week. Jokingly I said “whatever He wants me to talk about” and then I asked why and the person said that this week’s sermon was rather harsh and tough to listen to because it felt like I was trying to make them feel bad about themselves, in fact others had told them the same thing. I asked who else and they simply said others. This never washes with me. If someone says others are talking, then, out of love, encourage them to come forward in love to openly discuss the situation. In love, we can honestly talk to each other and grow with each other but if all we can do is go behind our backs, gossip and try to tear each other down, we are not acting out of love but rather we are reacting from the position of the world.  The evil one does not need our help to make things worse, he is doing well as it is. It takes effort to lead out of love, it takes no wisdom to force one's will through fear. To lead by fear is to lead through temporary power, but to lead through love, His love, is to depend on infinite power that is over and above all that we know on this planet.   My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.   My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! 1 John 4:7-12 MSG   John talks of love, agape, that is the foundation of all we should endeavour to follow in our daily lives. Agape, that unconditional, never dependent on payback, freely given love, is above all and is the guiding principle for prevenient grace, that grace that goes before us all and that grace that forgives perfectly. This is the premise for the final sermon in this series before we head into the Easter season. Go figure, we are almost upon that celebration of God’s gift for us all, our salvation through His Son.   This Sunday, we finish the Temporary Power series with Pastor Todd. 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’s Power is in Your Life’ Day 1: Colossians 2:12 - “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” Day 2: 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 3: Romans 15:13 - “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Day 4: Ephesians 3:20 - “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Day 5: 2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Day 6: 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 7: Isaiah 40:29-31 - “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 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.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks ‘Listen… God is Talking to You’ Day 1: Proverbs 19:20 - “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” Day 2: Matthew 7:24 - “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Day 3: Isaiah 55:3 - “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.” Day 4: Romans 10:17 - “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Day 5: Proverbs 4:20 - “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.” Day 6: Proverbs 5:1 - “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.” Day 7: Proverbs 8:32, 33 - “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.” ** Verses taken from the New Living Translation