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Scripture Referenced: Exodus 20:8-10; Mark 2:27

Five Benefits to Taking A Vacation: https://selecthealth.org/blog/2019/05/5-benefits-of-taking-a-vacation

Three Tactics To Regain Rhythm To Get Unstuck

1 - Divert Daily. Allow for a distraction every day. Focusing briefly on other things helps us not succumb to the pain of what we may be currently facing.

2 - Withdraw Weekly. The concept of “sabbath” is not about doing nothing… but about not doing anything. It’s about taking control of your day… instead of the day taking control of you.

3 - Abandon Annually. You “need” to get away. It’s actually good for your health. Working consistently more than 55 hours a week will exponentially increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

FIRST STEP:

Set an alarm every day to take a moment and intentionally divert your attention. If you carve it into your schedule, you place its importance and value to you.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

Craig McKibbon

IG: @mckibber

facebook.com/mckibber

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC:

“Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -

www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 5:23; Matthew 18:15; Hebrews 12:14

Reconciliation is not about simply fixing “others”... but doing what is necessary to fix the “relationship”.

Reconcile: 1100’s used in French: “to bring together again”. In Latin it means “to win over again”. You cannot win over “again” without admitting you lost it in the first place.

In mafia families, the conciliare was the right-hand person who was the representative of the family to other mafia families.

Reconciliation is about rebuilding the bridge between parties.

Three Keys To The Road To Reconciliation

1 - Seek first to understand; then to be understood. The more you know, the more you will then know how to respond.

2 - Aim to act; not react. If you are always the one responding or reacting, you will never build trust. You MUST take initiatives to build trust.

3 - The effort will match the intent. Repentance without remorse simply equates to a “replica”... a fake effort. This will be revealed in what you are willing to do to restore the relationship, as well as what they are willing to do.

REMEMBER… Even though there may be potholes along the road to restoration… at least you are on the road! Don’t downplay the fact that you are actually working towards restoration. Any progress… is still progress.

FIRST STEP:

Pick a relationship that has recently gone sour. Write down all the reasons why “they” may be upset with you. Once you feel right about it and have prayed for guidance, reach out being willing to a) hear only “their” perspective, and b) ask for forgiveness for all you have done to contribute towards the breakdown in the relationship.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

Craig McKibbon

IG: @mckibber

facebook.com/mckibber

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC:

“Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -

www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: John 1:42-43

Inc.com Article - “Four Ways to Avoid Mental Burnout”: https://www.inc.com/heidi-zak/adults-make-more-than-35000-decisions-per-day-here-are-4-ways-to-prevent-mental-burnout.html

Most of the decisions we make we don’t even notice we are making. (There are at least seven decisions in John 1:42-43; six decisions aren’t even noted)

Any “decision” to do something by defacto “decides” to NOT do something.

Decide: (latin: decaedere - to cut off) (FR: dechirer - to tear off)

Many “decisions” we tend to make don’t “cut off” other options but rather we “sweep under” or “brush back”.

Three Things Best Decisions Do:

1 - They better your goals / plans. Labyrinths may seem to go in the wrong direction many times, but they ultimately get you going further along.

2 - They consider the cost. When you ascertain what you gain, you also choose what you lose. Anything you choose to hold onto / not deal with only slow you down.

3 - They are “made in the shade”. We think best when we can think straight. We turn off all distractions when we are trying to concentrate better. Clearing your surroundings allows you to properly clear your mind.

FIRST STEP:

Choose something to be an easy decision to make (supper, clothes, movie to watch, etc)

1 - Clear your surroundings so you can give it the proper attention.

2 - Ask yourself how this decision will better you.

3 - Ask yourself how it will not benefit you.

Make the “best” decision for you based on those answers.

The more often you do this, bigger decisions will be able to take less time.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

Craig McKibbon

IG: @mckibber

facebook.com/mckibber

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: 

“Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -

www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4

The Lord’s Prayer shared by Jesus reveals God’s will for us to recognize that we need to keep an eye on today including both the past and the future.

You cannot make the most of your “today” without considering multiple points of reference.

“It is what it is” is so passive, non-influential, and reactionary. We will look at that saying as to how it should be changed based on all three tenses.

1 - Past: “It was what it was.”

God was before anything else was. The past cannot change… and you cannot change it. Dwelling on it, staying or mentally staying there does nothing.

The past is there not to re“live” it... but to “LEARN” from it. When we learn what happened, it helps us to move forward.

2 - Present: “It is what I choose it to be.”

Give us… THIS DAY… our daily bread…

He gives us what we need. So if we did not receive what we thought we needed, we should consider why that did not happen. Perhaps by looking at “why” it is the way it is or (or “what” it is) we can learn to “LIVE” in the presence of it.

We are to be present… in the present.

3 - Future: “It will be what it could be.”

It is impossible to say the word “future” in the present tense. By the time you start the word, some of it will be in the past by the time you are done.

We can “plan” for the future or “react affecting” the future. But technically a reaction or a response can never be something happening in the present. They all “happened” (past tense).

So, being prepared and being proactive (both present decisions) best position you to be able to “LEAN” into the future.

You cannot prevent or predict the future, but you CAN best prepare / position yourself for it; which increases the likelihood of things going a certain way.

Momentum is simply a series of successive moments.

FIRST STEP:

Pick something you actually want to continue to be doing two days from now.

1 - Ask what has stopped you from doing it so far (LEARN).

2 - Decide the when “now” for you to do it (LIVE).

3 - Schedule a time tomorrow and the next day to do it (LEAN).

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

Craig McKibbon

IG: @mckibber

facebook.com/mckibber

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: 

“Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

“The Elevator Bossa Nova” by Bensound - www.bensound.com

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Scripture Referenced: Genesis 1; Galatians 5:7-9

In sports, you cannot win the “whole thing” without winning the things “enough times”. The more wins you have, the better position you place yourself moving forward.

Doing / not doing something “once” is good. Doing it “repeatedly” is harder and harder.

THREE KEYS TO CONSIDER TO MAKE A WINNING STREAK

1 - Remember that Wins Take Work

It is not a “win” if it wasn’t actually “won”. They are most likely “wars” before they are “wins”.

2 - You are only as good as your NEXT win

One win is not a streak… it’s a start.

God took a universe that was formless and void and formed it and filled it.

Keep your “rearview mirror” and your “front windshield” the appropriate sizes.

3 - Don’t give IN to the give UP

Persuasion happens over time. It’s the relentless call to comfort and not control.

“Good enough” should never be good enough.

One of the fruit (byproducts) of the Spirit is SELF-control. The only person who can / will do it is YOU.

Don’t do it for the “fans” you are trying to impress. Fans are fickle.

Impress YOURSELF. That is “disciplined” living. That is “discipleship”. That is giving God “worship” (the Jewish word for worship is “work”).

FIRST STEP:

Pick a war you CAN win (challenging but attainable). Chart it for 30 days. See if you can get a 30 day WINNING STREAK.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Psalm 139

Missing Woman Searches For Herself: https://torontosun.com/2012/08/28/missing-woman-unwittingly-joins-search-party-for-herself

Pros and cons are two-dimensional. They leave too much left unknown or not properly considered.

Though God knows us and understands us, that should never stop US from doing the same by engaging in self-discovery.

What would happen if we reworded Psalm 139 so we were gauging how much of ourselves we understood?

The woman joined the search party because she did not recognize her own description. What do we miss about how we realistically view ourselves or how others view us?

We should join God and search and know ourselves. Moreso, we should change what’s “offensive” so others start not “recognizing” the “new” us… even to the point when “we” would stop recognizing “old” self because of the changes.

FIRST STEP:

Carve out one hour and throw a “search party” on yourself; noting what may need to “change” to become better.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Pros and cons are two-dimensional. They leave too much left unknown or not properly considered.

Pros and cons lists become based on “volume”, not “values”. Many decisions then get based on the “size” of the list instead of the “significance” of the items on it.

Just like purchasing a house or car needs a house inspection or car safety, things are discovered when you take the proper time to “kick the tires”.

This one question brings the different perspectives needed when facing big decisions; simply asked four different ways. Do this exercise the next time you need to make a big decision.

1 - Take a piece of paper and divide it into four equal quadrants

2 - Write on top of the paper the ONE question with the least amount of words. (ex: “Do I move to Chilliwack?”)

3 - Write four versions of this question in the four quadrants:
Top Left: What do I gain if I do?
Top Right: What do I lose if I don’t?
Bottom Left: What won’t I gain if I do?

Bottom Right: What won’t I lose if I do?

4 - Set a timer and start in any quadrant (recommend “what do I gain if I do?”). Write down thoughts as quickly as they come. If you think of something that applies to a separate quadrant quickly write it in the appropriate quadrant and resume with the quadrant you are working on.

5 - Repeat the process until all quadrants have been thoroughly considered.

6 - Now, evaluate the quadrants based on their merit… and the decision will become more clear based on values, significance, and wisdom (marinated knowledge).

FIRST STEP:

Write down the decision you need to make in the least amount of words before writing the four quadrants below it.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -

www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 6:33

Sunday's Message: I Wanna Be Rich (Facebook) (YouTube)

Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first God’s Kingdom and God’s Righteousness. It is about following God’s DIRECTION as well as God’s DIRECTIVES. The rest will line up under it.

Covid has made us all have to “PIVOT”

Definition of “pivot”: to modify something while retaining some continuity with its previous version.

Three Things To Develop The Passion To Pivot

1 - Embrace The Discomfort

We shift when we are uncomfortable. That is the only time we’ll move.

Embrace the discomfort by facing it head-on. We can make the best decisions by looking at it straight on.

2 - Pick The Open Lane

If the sandbox isn’t working out for you, move the box onto another part of the massive beach.

It also keeps you moving… like taking a detour because of an accident. It may even take longer, but you are still moving and now have new strategies based on what you discovered.

Remember the past simply got you to where you are now. It does not commit you any further.

3 - Commit Your Plans In Pencil

Develop “planned obsolescence”. Determine at the beginning of any project/decision that there will be a day when it is no longer necessary to do.

Make sure to shift your long-range planning (LRP) to a shorter time frame. The reduction in scope will depend on your risk.

Make sure to place marker dates to:
a) review
b) redirect (even if is the same direction - be willing to adjust)
c) resume (don’t stall out)

FIRST STEP:

Embrace what is currently uncomfortable about your life. Look at it dead on to prep to “pick the open lane”.

Remember that Easter is the best example of having the “PASSION to pivot”

Because of our sin God went to the open lane by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sin. He solidified His work in our lives by not committing it with a “pencil”... but His “Blood”.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: 2Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 24:16

Sunday's Message: Passion Fruit (Facebook) (YouTube) 

Conscious vs. Subconscious Reading Power

A reaction is what we’ve pre-programmed our brains to do based on repeated actions (REactions).

The brain is always trying to reduce energy spent on thinking.

If 10,000 movies were playing at the same time (subconscious mind), you can only concentrate on ONE of them (conscious mind)

To imagine the speed of information compared between your conscious/subconscious mind, it would be equivalent to your conscious mind containing information the thickness of a dime (1.22mm) traveling at 100mph (160kmh) while your subconscious mind was containing information the thickness of the CN Tower (553,000,000,000mm) travelling at 100,000mph (160,000kmh).

Five Steps in Renewing Your “Reactions” 

1 - Recognize it - you need to admit it’s a negative reaction needing change

2 - Review (Replay) - walk through the scenario to discover what patterns may have initiated it

3 - Respond - decide in the calm time how you will respond the next time that reaction would happen. Decide something like this: “When I do X I will RESPOND with Y INSTEAD.” By adding “instead” you are consciously committing to a new way of responding to a typical reaction.

4 - Reenact - train the mind to see and foresee scenarios and respond with healthy responses. Reactions are “instinctual”. Reenactments are “intentional”.

5 - Repeat - the “tower” will fight the “dime” to conserve energy by simply doing what it always did. Your conscious mind is stronger than your subconscious mind because of its “will”.

“The difference between an amateur and a professional is that an amateur does it until they can do it right. A professional does it until they can’t do it wrong.”

FIRST STEP:

Write down a few negative reactions you know need changing. Pick one and try the process of changing your “response” until it becomes a NEW reaction.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -

www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Sunday's Message: Love Lost (Facebook) (YouTube)

After saving the tree in our front yard, I saw how we can do similar steps in saving our own lives letting us “spring forward”.

Four Steps to Saving Your Own Life (based on saving the “tree” in our front yard)

1 - Decide Which “You” Dies / Lives

We have different versions of ourselves. Just like different “trunks” coming from the bottom of a split tree, we need to decide which one we will focus on letting live.

If we don’t decide which version of ourselves will live / die, the other versions of ourselves will become underdeveloped and drain us. You cannot feed every version of yourself

2 - Cut Off The Other Versions of Yourself

You must decisively cut off the other versions of yourself. They cannot stay connected to you or else you will not grow to your potential.

3 - Cut Off The Suckers

Suckers are the branches that branch off existing branches underneath the healthy branch. They do not have access to the sun or potential to grow leaves / more branches so they “suck” the nutrients away from healthier branches with more potential.

Take some time to evaluate what parts of your life are actually “sucking” resources from you. They may be time, money, relationships,marriage, etc. Anything that may look healthy, but upon reflection, are stunting your overall development.

4 - Annually (Periodically) Cut Off The Lowest Branches

Though it may sound counterintuitive, they stop the top branches from growing even higher.

The bottom branches take too much resources from the top branches needing lots of resources to grow.

Remember… all that may have got you “here” may not get you “there”

Note: Make sure you make these changes “periodically” and “calculated”. Do them in a season of rest so you have time to heal / prepare for the new growth coming.

Also, do not cut off too much too quickly. Just as the healthy bottom branches got you “here”, they still offer lots of protection and resources for nutrients (leaves - photosynthesis). Cutting off too much will not give the new branches enough momentum / energy to grow.

Too much stability will stop you from “springing forward”

You need to carefully and mindfully “choose what to lose”.

Keep in mind: Stop comparing with “other trees”. Compare with your own growth. Take snapshots of your life and then evaluate it periodically.

FIRST STEP:

Take 15 minutes and write down the different versions of you (split trunks). Decide which one of “you” is going to live (and in so doing, which versions of yourself are going to die).

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 16:28

Sunday's Message: Dead In The Water? (Facebook) (YouTube)

There is a difference between “transparency” and “vulnerability”. One can be life-changing; the other has the potential of being life-damaging.

“Where there are no secrets, Satan has no power.”

Confidentiality is things said having the “confidence” they will not be repeated.

The hardest commodity to get back is not money. It’s trust.

“Cinco, Cinco, Cinquenta” - “Five, Five, Fifty”. It takes five years to gain trust. Five minutes to lose it. And fifty years to get it back.

“Wokeness” can bring out “weakness” because it can leave some / others unnecessarily exposed. Do we consider the collateral damage others may endure?

The past may describe us… but it won’t define us.

The world demands vulnerability of others… but defends it from themselves.

Transparency is controlling access to the unseen. Vulnerability is “trusting” access to the unseen.

You lose two things when things are disclosed. And depending on how important these two things are to you determines how “vulnerable” the things are:

1 - Context - you lose the ability to control the “why” behind the info

2 - Containment - you lose control of who knows.

The less you care about those two things, the less “vulnerable” you are and more “transparent”.

Transparency is not caring who knows. Vulnerability is choosing who knows, and how much.

FIRST STEP:

Next time you want to say something, ask yourself this: “Is it my story to tell?”

If so, then to who and how much? Be in control of what is shared to who.

FIND US:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 6:14-15

Sunday's Message: Who Are You Rooting For? (Facebook) (YouTube)

Bitterness is actually evidence of deeper issues going on underneath.

FIve Digs (Scoops) To Beat Bitterness

1 - Take Your Temperature.

Assess how you are reacting to an issue. Are you OVERreacting? Are you UNDERreacting?

Both are evidence of something happening.

The opposite of love is not hatred; it is indifference.

2 - Take A Step Back

Become “self-aware” when you are reacting. Try some of these options:

• Count to ten
• Take ten minutes away from the situation. But MAKE SURE you come back to it and don’t just bury it deeper down.
• Pray and Listen. Talk less and listen more.

Remember that your subconscious mind does not have words… it has feelings. So you need to take “time” to decipher and interpret the feelings.

3 - Get It Out

Write it down or talk to someone without interruption so you can exhaust giving your feelings words.

Research “free writing” or “free talking” as an option for discovering the roots behind the bitterness. (If you free write, don’t journal it… you will want to get rid of it afterward to not “hold onto it” (shred/burn / etc).

Eph 4:31-32 CMV (Craig McKibbon Version) - There needs to be a shift. What you first dig out, fill it back in with things that are better.

4 - Get Out Of The Box

Great resource: Leadership and Self-Deception

We defend what we value (office, family, relationships, etc…)

We need to deal with the data before we are forced to deal with the damage.

5 - Seek To Restore

The origin of the word “restore” is where we also get the word “restaurant”. It is a mutual transaction where we do something that helps someone else out… where both parties actually benefit from it (restoration). THAT is restoration.

Life is about building relationships with God… as well as others.

We cannot receive forgiveness from God when we don’t fully understand what forgiveness actually is. If we are unwilling to give it to others, we are unaware of the power of God’s forgiveness offered to us.

Bitterness is using anger as fuel. As it burns, it may keep “them” away, but “you” are the one being consumed by it.

FIRST STEP:

The next time something happens that concerns you, (1) check your temperature. Are you too hot or too cold? If so, keep digging. If not, keep a lookout for future issues.

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

First Ave Message Podcast: on Apple and Spotify

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 5:7-9; Ephesians 4:16; James 1:19

Sundays Message: Death Of A Shortcut (Facebook) (Youtube)

It is a fine line nowadays trying to find a balance between truth and love. All love and no truth is “enablement”. All truth and no love is “judgment”.

When you are struggling with the need to speak the truth, you are getting close to having the “love” you need.

“Cowardly Keyboarding” happens when you give your opinions without seeing the person’s face. 

“Temper Tantrum Terrorism” is the fear that anything can blow up into a huge fight.

“Being louder is not being ‘righter’.” Seeing as we should not reward bad behaviors, how do we have crucial conversations while still honoring God and others. How do we speak for those who do not have a voice in our society?

1 - Blessed be the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Mt 5:7)

Our society wants to mine for mistakes when we should be mining for mercy. Mercy does not mean they get off for what they do. It means that the “judgment” does not fall on the transgression.

2 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Mt 5:8).

If God affects my life, it should also affect the lives of others.

Jesus never backed down from a debate… but He was more concerned that they saw the proof of His way of living than proving the reasons for His way of living.

3 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Notice it isn’t peace”keeping”... but peace”making”. It’s not about placating or hiding. It’s about finding ways to “make” peace.

Seek first to understand… THEN to be understood.

We don’t make peace with our voice. We make peace with our ears.

Be quick to LISTEN, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).

FIRST STEP:

We need to bring down the temperature around us. We can do that not by being the “thermostat”... but by being the “thermometer”. Wait until things cool down to the point where we can finally seek and speak truth in a loving way. By then, after listening, we may actually have changed what we think.

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD - www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Almost 100% of marriages “start” with good intentions… but not all last.

Craig’s wife: @pinkerry 

We should ensure future generations are given proper examples of healthy relationships.

Referenced Valentine’s Message: The Honour Roll (Facebook) / (Youtube)

Two major pivots that affect the health of romantic relationships:

1 - THE ROMANCE DYING

It may be based on an event, date, or season.

Romance is the “sales pitch” of the relationship to put your best foot forward.

You focus more on “them” than “yourself”.

The problem starts when we focus on the “hunt” instead of the “catch” as well.

A “sales pitch” means nothing without continued “customer service”. 

Keep “upselling”.

2 - THE 50/50 PRINCIPLE (POISON)

It is “common knowledge” that 50% of marriages fail. That stat is mostly used to give up instead of keep going… almost becoming a self-fulfilled prophecy.

Always look for better ways to better the relationship. Find new things to do (like dogsledding - crazy romantic adventure)

Great book resource: Love Languages - Gary Chapman

FIRST STEP:

If your marriage coin is flipped “down”... then flip it back up!

If your marriage is going “ok”... it won’t last. So keep “dating” (not only date nights). Continue to explore and aim to impress.

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -

www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd

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Scripture Referenced: Romans 14:12

Three “obstacles” stop us from progressing in our efforts to change: bridges, dams, and fires. For those specific obstacles we need three tools: an axe, a shovel, and a match.

We struggle often when we try to use the wrong “tool” to address our issues.

1 - Bridges: The Axe

The axe will clear the area and give us the pieces to get to the other side.

Any “habit” we want to create actually is a collective of MANY “habits”. The habit of reading the Bible starts with the first habit of “picking up the Bible”. Then “open it”. It’s a series of many habits creating a bigger habit (smaller bridges becoming a larger bridge).

2 - Dam: The Shovel

The shovel will dig up what is around you and create a roadblock to stop you from doing the old habit (inverting the habit).

You need to “unchoose” things to start “choosing” other things.

An example of this is if you don’t have time in the morning to read the Bible, then put your phone in your drawer so you don’t grab it until you’ve read your Bible.

3 - Fire - The Match

The match is what you use to start the fire needed to make the change. Remember that to build a fire, you start off small and keep adding things to it to get it bigger.

To build up the fire, stop looking at the “what” and focus on the “why” it’s important to you.

FIRST STEP:

What is ONE “obstacle” that you are facing? Do you need a “bridge”, a “dam”, or a “fire”. Once you decide that then you know which “tool” to use to overcome it.

Make sure to write down your plan and keep track of your progress (even break it down into stages if that helps you find other potential obstacles you may need to address first / as well).

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

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Article: Seven Phases of Running A Marathon: https://www.runtastic.com/blog/en/7-phases-to-be-mentally-prepared-for-running-a-marathon/

The average person takes 59,150 strides to run a marathon (42km).

Here are the phases (and adapted for bringing personal change in our lives):

Phase One: The High (0-5km) - filled with excitement.

Phase Two: Ignorance (5-15km) - trying to ignore considering the challenges / failures of the past. Watch that you don’t over do it.

Phase Three: Panic-ish (15-21km - half-way point) - start seeing your decline and it makes you nervous. Don’t give up. The slow down is expected and part of the process of the high no longer being the motivating force.

Phase Four: Isolation (21-30km) - your mind starts to mess with you trying to get you to stop. The further along the phase, the louder the “voices / excuses” get.

Phase Five: Rock Bottom (30-35km) - everything is now screaming at you to stop

Phase Six: Silver Lining (35-42km) - now you start seeing the goal at around the 80% mark. Take advantage of the excitement and momentum and pick up the pace.

Phase Seven: Finish Line (42km) - YOU DID IT (keep running - don’t stop).

FIRST STEP:

Whenever you “drop out”, don’t think that “YOU” failed… but one of the “PHASES” took you out. Look at what phase was responsible for it and make sure you don’t let it win next time.

Remember that running a marathon is actually saying “yes” to 59,150 different strides.

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

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Discipleship is being “disciplined” to make a difference in yourself… and ultimately the lives of others.

Discipleship is more about “being” different than “doing” different.

Blue Monday: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Monday_(date)

We often make the mistakes of either helping people move “on” from their pain instead of moving “through” it… or trying to help people get “over” it instead of “through” it.

How To Help The Hurting:

1 - Ask them “what do you need” instead of “what do you want” or “how can I help”

Help them find the first step that they “need”.

Do not ask them if you are not willing to help. It shows you want to be there for them.

2 - Have a ministry of “presence” not a ministry of “problem-solving”

Difference between “coaching” someone or “counselling” them:

A coach helps “them” get better. A counsellor “helps” them get better.

3 - Let them live in the pain… but not lie in it.

If you don’t help them process their pain it will never be dealt with

Grief is having memories of those things one loved, cherished, lost, or gave value to.

Be cautious when you find people finding “comfort” in their “discomfort”. The pain will start to be what they feel “defines” them. Don’t camp there with them by fuelling it. Help them find their next step forward.

4 - Know Your Paygrade

Do try what you’ve Googled. Instead help them find the person(s) they can reach out to for help.

A way to help the “hurting” is to help them do the “hunting” for those who can help them.

FIRST STEP:

Slow Down - practice active “listening” instead of active “fixing”

Look for “fixing patterns” in your life to break so you can actually help them.

Hear Sunday’s Message:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/35AoS00o3f/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/auME9ZS0Xuw

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

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IG: @firstavechurch

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Scripture Referenced: 1Corinthians 11:1

Harvard psychologists say we “mind wander” 47% of our waking hours: https://www.inc.com/nate-klemp/harvard-psychologists-reveal-real-reason-were-all-so-distracted.html

ADHD is Attention DEFICIT Hyperactive Disorder. It is the inability to isolate stimuli.

Distractions are the enemy’s way of stopping us from moving forward.

Distractions are not things that stop you from an “action”... they stop you from “traction”.

Just as momentum is a collective of moments, traction is a collective of actions.

You Steer Where You Look (12 seconds): https://www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook/-/knowledge_base/drivers/eye-use

How to Diss Distractions

1 - Know where you want to go

2 - Define the “next step” (what is “12 seconds” ahead)

3 - Write it down (in a positive way)

4 - Have scheduled reset points.

Use strategies that will keep you on track (timer, Bible reading, prayer, solitude & reflection, etc)

FIRST STEP:

What change / direction do you want to “start” today?

Write down on the margin 3 possible distractions that will stop you from gaining “traction”

Hear Sunday’s Message:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/2YorOEw8YU/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y-cX3zNTzSs

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

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SHOW NOTES:

Every minute we do something we are actually “spending” that time doing something. Which means it cannot be “spent” doing something else.

We have to decide the “won’t do” to make room for the “what to do”.

The only way we can make changes in our lives is by making “other” changes to remove things in our lives to make room for them.

We need to sometimes break down our plans into “smaller” plans to be able to afford it (same as making change with money).

Every fifteen minutes constitutes 1% of your day.

Choosing to do something means you must “un-choose” something else.

You cannot “make” time… you can only “take” time.

“Making” change… “takes” time.

There is no such thing as “instant change”. Change happens when we “instantly become different” over time.

You are exactly where you are today based on the systems and priorities you’ve placed on your life. Your time is spent exactly the way you choose to allow it to be spent.

First Step: Find something “small” to change in your life (meaning time each day). Now, before starting to “make” the change, choose now what you are going to “take” away to make room for that to happen. THEN start the process of making the change you desire in your life.

Hear Sunday’s Message:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/2P7JnnmAIy/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/0tFJOYqlWJA

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

facebook.com/FirstAveChurch

IG: @firstavechurch

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 6:33; Matthew 2:5-6; Luke 16:10-14

Jesse & Erin’s podcast: The Anti-Average Project (on all streaming platforms)

The Great Reset: We make the mistake of “adding” things to our spiritual lives without removing the things that clutter / hinder our growth.

We need to ask ourselves “if it is not giving us joy, why are we doing it?”

Leaders can sometimes create clutter points and hinder people from experiencing joy by creating / upholding overcomplicated or unnecessary processes.

Leaders need to clearly lay out expectations with those involved so they can be fully aware of what is needed from them. We need to define what constitutes as the “win”.

Simplifying is not a simple task.

We need to assess what is the bare minimum for us to feel like it is a win.

One of the benefits of others knowing what constitutes a win for leaders is they can now bring their own flavour to the task knowing the win is really what matters.

Volunteers can sometimes create clutter points and hinder leaders from seeing success when they agree to carry out responsibilities but end up not following through.

Leaders need to make sure they are giving those involved all the resources necessary for them to carry out their responsibilities. Leaders should regularly check in to ensure volunteers have all they need to succeed.

First Step: As a leader, ask yourself what may be hindering you or those you lead from fulfilling the tasks / goals set out by you or those above you. What would you need to do to reset the flow?

Hear Sunday’s Message:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstAveChurch/videos/3901352369928079

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dndc6Ot1tOc

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

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Scripture Referenced: Matthew 6:33; Matthew 2:5-6; Luke 16:10-14

Self-discipline is not just making the right decision… but rather making right decisions. It is doing the right thing repeatedly.

Puppet rulers may have “position”... but they have no “power”.

Just because you’re not on the platform, does not mean you’re not in the plan. It may just not be your season to rule.

To be an effective ruler, you have to start by effectively ruling yourself.

To “shepherd”: to tend, guard, guide, feed, fold back into the flock.

Folding (baking): to incorporate delicate components without deflation

God is looking for new leaders who will “shepherd” His people.

Jesus ruled… by caring. He loved and served people.

First Step: How are you going to make a change in how you lead your own life today?

Hear Sunday’s Message:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/2wKL9NueXz/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/0GJUxQUFlok

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

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What (and who) do you see when you look in the “mirror” of your soul? Are you happy with the progress, or do you quickly look away so you don’t have to look at what may be glaring right at you? In this episode, we take a look at how discipleship is like pivoting the “mirror” in front of you so that it can actually help you see and influence others; and help them see and reflect their image back on you.

-Average person looks at their phone 96 times a day: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americans-check-their-phones-96-times-a-day-300962643.html

-Average person looks in the mirror 8 times a day: https://www.today.com/popculture/women-how-often-do-you-look-mirror-study-says-8-flna773394

-Scripture Referenced: Ephesians 4:11-13, Luke 9

-Anyone in Christian leadership should be caring for others based on Ephesians 4:11-13

-Leading Is Bleeding: It is bleeding out what has been bled into you (a transfusion both ways)

-Though Jesus is the central figure of the Bible, He quickly aimed to get others involved in the ministry.

-Jesus IS the Light; yet He didn’t “steal” the Light, nor “share” the Light, but “shone” the Light on and through others. He “pivoted” His Light onto the disciples.

-We want to be pivoting and pouring our lives into others… so that “they” can do the same with others as well.

-For us to better others, we need to first better ourselves. Bettering ourselves is not discipleship… that is called self-discipline. Discipleship is us reproducing ourselves in others.

-Discipleship (leadership development) is to equip others with the resources that have already been equipped in us.

-Discipleship is hindered because people have lost their self-esteem.

-“Rising tides lift all boats.”

-The recipe for unity is doing life and ministry together.

-Ask yourself: If you are not involved at church, what can I do right now to help be a part of building up the church body?

-Ask yourself: If you are leading at church, what can I do right now to shine God’s light in me on others to help them bring unity to the church body?

Hear Sunday’s Message:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/2nx8BJDHnx/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/8k-AhBluQY4

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

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-Ask yourself… when does the day start for you? When you wake up? When you come home?

-The Jewish day cycle is sundown to sundown.

-Are we supposed to work so we can rest… or rest so we can work?

-Scripture Referenced: Romans 12:15, Genesis 1,

Psalm 23 (NKJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

-There is a rhythm of rest and work found in this psalm as God allows us to rest… so God can then lead us afterwards.

-There are times when God MAKES us to lie down (v 2).

-Sometimes the race of life does not allow us to notice the need to rest.

-After rest, God leads us to still places… before leading us to paths of righteousness (vv 2-3)

-Even when we walk in various “valleys”, God is with us (v 4).

-He even goes ahead and prepares what we will face next (v 5).

-The byproduct of Godly rest and work is goodness and mercy (v 6)

-“Enough Is Enough” may mean something different to different people.

-For some “enough is enough” means you have gone too hard and now need rest.

-For others “enough is enough” means you have rested long enough, and now God wants to lead you on.

-God’s “restoration” (v 3) happens in the middle of the leading; not just in the resting.

Ask yourself: Is God asking you (or “making you”) to lie down and what is stopping you if God is?

Ask yourself: Is God asking you to trust Him and get up from a time of rest so He can restore your soul as He leads you?

Hear Sunday’s Message:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/6zW7jO9CMRY

Facebook: https://fb.watch/2ef6YmyZrM/

Find Us:

First Avenue Christian Assembly - 46510 First Ave. Chilliwack, BC CANADA

www.firstave.org

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-This episode is based on the message entitled “Let It Go” at First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

-Scripture Referenced: Ephesians 5:16-18

-Mount Cheam: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheam_Peak

-Jason Gianotti - Instagram: @jason_gianotti

-Salomon Hiking Boots

-The vision statement should reflect your ultimate goal. The mission statements are the “missions” you establish to reach the “vision”.

-Our “walk” with God should be focused on the “journey”... not just the “jaunt”

-Wise: “skilled, learned, cultivated.” - Wisdom takes time to develop

-“Wisdom is marinated knowledge”

-Many times, it is best to find someone who has already “climbed that mountain” in your life to be your “guide”.

-God can use our “summits” then to help others “climb” it later on.

-What God does in us personally can eventually be poured into others at a later time.

-People will not trust you “off” the map until they trust you “on” the map.

-Making the most of the time: “Ransoming the time.” - Paying back what you lost. You don’t “get” it back… but it no longer “holds” you back.

-“Climbing Cheam” starts with walking and mastering your block.

-Ask yourself: What is your “Cheam”?

-Ask yourself: What do you need to do to get there?

-Who may you need to reach out as your “experienced guide”?

Hear Sunday’s Message:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/sAnM6EPCyO0

Facebook: https://fb.watch/24_j5vOpWx/

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This episode is based on the message entitled “The Snub Hub” from the “First Things First” series at First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Scripture Referenced: Romans 14:1

-Make sure you choose wisely the battles you’re going to fight; and then do all you can to avoid those battles from happening.

-Discipleship is the act of letting what God pours into your own life affect those around you as well.

-Social media has unfortunately turned into battlegrounds of various personal opinions.

-Churches have too often figuratively made their entrances lead right into their laundry rooms full of dirty laundry.

-People see what Christians fight about on social media and think that’s what church is like.

-We often expect more development from “spiritual” children than we do “physical” children. We don’t give the same patience and/or willingness to help them develop.

-Romans 14:1 CSB - “Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters.”

-Paul was dealing with people who knew “more” but perhaps didn’t know “better”. Their maturity in their faith may have made them lose perspective of those new in the faith.

-We expect people to be at “our” level without letting them take the time to “rise” to our level.

-Leaders need to think of their role as one who sets the “hockey rink boards” on a lake; determining the safe place to “play the game” (personal development).

-Meekness is not being “willing” to fight, but rather not “choosing” to fight.

-On black and white issues, as disciplERS we need to take a “stand”. But on grey areas we need to choose “sensitivity” instead, on how to deal with them; and help ‘them” deal with them.

-Lead people at the speed of what they can handle; not the speed that we can handle.

-Ask yourself: How do you handle conflict? Do you battle to win or do you ask if the battle is even worth it?

-Ask yourself: How could you help others affect their faith without it affecting yours?

Hear Sunday’s Message:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilREw3LIDN0

Facebook: https://fb.watch/1Z5Zh4LpXL/

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This episode is based on the message entitled “Family Ties” from the “First Things First” series at First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Scripture Referenced: Ephesians 2:9-11

-Ask yourself: How concerned are you at helping others “join” the faith journey?

-Ask yourself: In what ways could you “slow down” to help others merge along with you in your pursuit of following Christ?

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This episode is based on the message entitled “The Thrive Divide” from the “First Things First” series at First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Scripture Referenced: 2Peter 1:3-4

-Ask yourself: How are your “brakes”? How often would you say you “service” them?

-Ask yourself: What area of your life is currently the most “out of control”? Determine if it is a lack of applying “brakes” or a lack of getting them “serviced”? List 1-2 things you can do this week to get it back under control.

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This episode is based on the message entitled “The Credit Card” from the “First Things First” series at First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Scripture Referenced: 1Tim 4:12; Nehemiah 9:1-4

-Whether you are a leader of others or a leader of yourself, we are to set an example to all in our how we conduct ourselves.

-The struggle within is that we need to balance our “personal” worship with God and our “positional” worship as a leader.

-“Leading” worship always needs to begin with putting ourselves in a “personal” position to choose to worship God.

-Worshipping God (as a person or in your position) always needs to be authentic and genuine.

-Worship is not about responding to WHAT is happening around us. Worship is about responding to WHO God is.

-When you choose to lead others, in whatever capacity, you are taking on the responsibility of giving them the example on how to live their lives; regardless of the area - worship included.

-The word for praise in Hebrew “yad-ah” is the same for the word for “confess”.

Praising is a “confession” of our faith in God.

Ask yourself: What stops you from giving God “praise”?

Ask yourself: Who is currently looking to you to be their example of godly living? How well are you showing them how to follow Christ in all aspects of your life?

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This episode is based on the message entitled “Remember When” from the “First Things First” series at First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Scripture Referenced: John 1:1; Psalm 119:9-11

-People feel they attend church “regularly” if they come once every three weeks.

-The Bible acts as the “owners manual” for our lives. How we navigate our lives depends on how we know and use the manual.

-By reading the Bible on a regular basis it reveals things we either never knew or perhaps need to be reminded about.

-God uses our regular Bible reading regime to speak to us on a continual basis.

-Jesus was the Word (Jn 1:1) so if we choose to follow “Christ” by default to need to follow the “Word”

-Sin is against God. Whenever we decide to go against the “manual” (God’s Word) we are deciding to no longer follow “Christ” but rather follow “self”.

-The Bible helps us “keep” pure. The Bible does not “make” you pure. The work of “Christ” (Word) is what “makes” us pure… but the work of “us” is what “keeps” us pure and free from sin.

Ask yourself: What is your “Bible Pulse”? How regular is your rhythm?

Ask yourself: What steps can you take right now to commit to make the Bible become more relevant to your “daily” life?

Parasource Christian Resources: www.parasource.com

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This episode is based on the message entitled “Believe It Or Not” from First Avenue Christian Assembly in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Scripture Referenced: Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 6:33

-Jesus was the “super model” of our determining how we think and how we behave.

-We model our belief and behaviour systems by “seeking first the Kingdom of God AND His righteousness.” (Mt 6:33)

-Jesus is our Saviour by what He did on the cross. Jesus is our Lord based on our willingness to surrender to Him.

-The righteousness of God is not legalistic living but allowing His example to be the filter on how we determine to live our lives.

Ask yourself: Who are the five people you spend the most time with? What similarities do you admire? What similarities do you wish would stop in your life?

Ask yourself: What are some beliefs or behaviours in Jesus that you want to begin to model in your own life? What can you do this week to make those changes?

Find Us:

www.firstave.org

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IG: @firstavechurch

MUSIC: “Summer Nights” by LiQWYD -www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd