Proverbs 31:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Moms need to be esteemed more in our society!

Moms should be seen and tended to with special care and affection for her role is essential if a family is to be successful. If a child is to thrive every husband and father should do all he can to honour the woman in which God used to knit together in her womb that special gift we call children.

The following is from the Farmer’s Advocate & Home Journal dated June 10th 1910 entitled:

NO OCCUPATION

She rose before daylight made crimson the East
for duties that never diminished
And never the sun when it sank in the West looked down upon work that was finished.

She cooked unending pro¬cessions of meals.
preserving and canning and baking.
She swept and she dusted She washed and she
Scrubbed with never a rest for the taking.

A family of children she brought in the world raised them and trained them and taught them.
She made all the clothes and patched, mended and Darned ‘Til miracles seemed to have wrought them.

She watched by the bedside of sickness and pain her hand cooled the raging of fever.
Carpentered, painted, upholstered and scraped
and worked just as hard as a beaver.

And yet as a lady-of-leisure, it seems, the government looks on her station.
For now, by the rules of the census report
It enters —NO OCCUPATION.

Mothering is an awesome responsibility that no woman should ever have to give account for if she chooses to stay home and raise her family. We honour all our mom’s and grand mom’s today at Mapleview Community Church.

Eternity is a long time!

I hope you are growing in your understanding of eternity. The bible states – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2Cor.4: 18

Eternity is all about time; God has made time to march on forever and ever. Eternal means, “Perpetual time” – This includes times past and times future. For you eternity began at conception. The consequence is that everyone born will live forever somewhere. – Either in heaven or in hell. People of God’s Word don’t try and minimize this fact. (Note: No scientist has ever been able to prove that Hell does not exist.) Also worthy of note, is the fact that eternal time will continue like today’s time. 24 hrs a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute.

Genesis 8:22 gives us reason to believe that fact. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Time is absolute and time eternal will tick by as we know it without change. This makes your final and eternal destination a serious outcome to consider. To make a wrong choice in the matter will be terrifyingly costly.

Having your name written in the Lamb’s book of life is essential if you are to avoid the punishment of Hell and enjoy the Glory of Heaven.

Some choose to make jokes regarding Heaven or Hell. Yet from the start of your life to the end of your life this is no joking matter. Eternity will press onward – time will not cease – you live forever. Only through the Love of God and Christ’s death will you enjoy eternal life in heaven.

Jn.3: 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Don’t put it off – be part of the multitude rejoicing in heaven.

Heb12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.

Look forward to seeing you on the heavenly side of eternity one day in the future.

Psalm 119: 105  “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Why are the power verses that we start each Sunday message this year so important to me? Well, it is my opinion that if we are to think straight in the invisible, and see straight in the invisible, and successfully complete our Expedition of faith this year that we all need a precise map as well as a credible guide to follow. The infallible Word of God becomes the precise map and the Holy Spirit Of God is our incredible guide.    Psalm 119:105 tells us that Gods Word is a lamp that guides my feet. Lamps shine down and illuminate the path right where I am walking currently. Gods word in Psalm 119:105 also shares that it is a light shining down the pathway ahead of me illuminating my steps further on.  With Gods Word as my map and the Holy Spirit as my personal guide what I once saw as a frightening wilderness in now turned into an amazing camping trip.  Don’t under estimate the power in a verse! Following are the April Power verses;

April 1st – 2 Cor.4: 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

April 6th – Heb.1:2  Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross!

April 8th – Revelations 1:17,18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

April 22nd – Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

April 29th – John 9: 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

My prayer this month is that you would not neglect the sign posts found in Gods Word and that which the Lord has erected in the wilderness for you to follow. The truth of the Bible will keep you from stumbling around without purpose in addition to keeping you from being snared by our enemy the Devil.

As most of you know, this summer 17 of our young people are going to Guatemala to work alongside PAOC missionaries Ruth and Hector Aragon. This is not only a great opportunity for our youth to serve, but also a time for them to share the gospel message with those living in and around Guatemala City. As our church family we are looking to you for support; be it by either spiritual or physical  means.

First, we need a prayer covering for protection, provision, and intercession on behalf of those we will be meeting. Since we know that when the body comes together in prayer that things in the heavens are moved (Matt 18:19-20) we believe that prayer is the most important element to the success of this trip.

Secondly, we are also in need of a financial outpouring. Our youth are being very creative with different fundraising avenue’s- but if there are any ideas that you as a congregation have we would be SO open to it!

Currently these are the following ways for you to support the youth group

1) Bake Sale: After both services on April 22nd, there will be a bake sale with all proceeds going towards the missions trip. If you would like to donate baked goods, OR if you would come ready to buy some sweets that would support us a lot!

2) Old Electronics: ALSO on April 22nd, bring any used/old electronics that you need to get rid of to the church for disposal, and a local company will make a donation towards the trip. This can be anything that has a plug or a battery!

3) Air Duct Cleaning: This is an opportunity for fundraising provided by a local company. If you are in need of Air Duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, or air conditioner cleaning, this company will make a donation towards the missions trip (up to $100 depending on the service). If you are wanting this service contact Scott Bowen at Sears Home Services (705) 722-8554 for a quote.

4) All Night Mini-Golf-A-Thon!: On April 27th we are doing an all night mini-golf-a-thon competition at Putting Edge from 12am-6am! The youth will be looking for sponsorships! Feel free to contact a youth and sponsor them!

5) Worship/Music Night: Mark your calendar! On May 27th at 7pm we will be having a Worship and Music night in the Worship Arena at MCC, hosted by the youth group. During this time there will be a love offering and a silent auction. We would LOVE to have your out! If you have any items for that could be donated towards the silent auction please contact Laura!

6)) Corporate Sponsorship: This is an opportunity for business’s, both local and within the congregation to sponsor the missions team. Our request to you as a local business is a corporate sponsorship. As a result, we will be placing ads for your business in our Music Night Program. Furthermore, we will provide a place on our website (www.thestudentlife.cc) from May 27^th-August 16^th for your business promotion. The sponsorships will be as follows:

If you have any ideas for fundraising, or are able to help out in anyway we would love to have you! If you have any questions please feel free to contact Laura at laura@thestudentlife.cc.

North America is known for zealous individualism. As a result of this cultural emphasis many Believers’ have not realized that serving Jesus Christ involves more then just believing – it also includes obedience and belonging! Victorious believers are connected believers’– “for there the Lord commands His blessings, Life evermore!”

Unfortunately, today to even mention church membership can invoke many negative images. Yet, membership is more than paying dues, meaningless rituals, silly rules and having your name on a roll in the church archive.

By attending the membership class in April I hope to show you that membership at Mapleview means being an intricate part of a living body that is headed in a specific direction, and not just a cold institution or lifeless denomination.

The membership seminar may help answer a number of questions you may be asking your self?

• Do I fit here at Mapleview Community Church-acceptance?
• Does anybody want to know me – friendship?
• Am I needed at Mapleview Community Church – value?
• What is the advantage of being a member – benefit?
• What is required of members – expectations?

The membership course will be broken into five sesions!

• Session I (9am) Mapleview’s Purpose
  • Our Faith Statement: What we believe
    • 1. Affiliation with the P.A.O.C.
  • Our Purpose Statement: Why we exist
    • Our Christ centered Passions
    • Our Mission – South Barrie Bill
  • The symbols of our Salvation
    • Baptism
    • Communion
• Session II (10am) Mapleview’s Vision
  • Our Vision Statement: What we intend to do.
  • Our Value Statement: What we practice
• Session III (11am) Mapleview’s Goals
  • The S.T.A.N.D. always strategy of Mapleview
  • Our future – Moving forward in the future.
  • Mentoring & maturing process to help grow
• Session IV & V (Lunch 12pm) Mapleview Roles & Pledge
  • Mapleview organized for growth.-Discovering your roles
  • Membership Pledge – Explaining the commitment!

Palm Sunday is the Sunday prior to the week of the death and resurrection of Gods beloved Son – Jesus Christ! Palm Sunday, is the triumphal ride into Jerusalem by our savior and Lord and the official coronation of our Heavenly Fathers Son as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over not only Israel the nation but over the entire earth.  The promises now all fulfilled from Genesis 3:15 “he will crush  your head, and you will strike his heel.”  To all the promises made to Abraham Isaac and Jacob. Gen.22:18 “and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed”

To even the Bible prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9 “O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold, your King comes to you: He is righteous and has salvation; humble, and riding on the foal of a donkey.” Every detail of scripture has been established for this historic entrance by Jesus into Jerusalem.

The Triumphal Entry is one of only a few events that all four gospel writers record. (Mark 11.1–11; Luke 19.28–41; John 12.12–19) This event was an impact moment for all the Christ followers of that day. At the point of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem was arguably the single most significant event of Jesus’ three years of ministry. The lowly peasant’s son was coming into Jerusalem as a King. The one that the wise men first called “King of the Jews” was being recognized for the first time on earth as Jesus the King! Beyond the miracles, the teachings, and all other stories of Jesus’ life this was truly a day beyond comprehension.  What were the peoples hopes? Israel would once again be a powerful nation. The Roman Empire would no longer occupy the land of Abraham. All enemies vanquished!

If only they knew…. what lay ahead.

If only they knew ….how a crowd could turn

If only they knew ….how wicked men could be

If only they knew ….what Satan had planned

If only they knew…. Jesus knew!

And he came for us anyway!

Is.42: 16 “I will guide them down paths they have never traveled. I will turn the darkness in front of them into light, and level out the rough ground. This is what I will do for them. I will not abandon them.

What an incredible verse of promise to hold onto as we track through the unknown wilderness of life’s expedition of faith. The adventure and sometimes fear of unknown paths is countered by God turning the darkness of our way into the light of day. (Seeing what’s ahead is easier then groping in the darkness)  In addition to that is the extra bonus of our path being smooth and straight. If that wasn’t enough the Lord also says he will accompany us along the way and not abandon us! Now, that is a power verse if you have ever read one!  Below are the Power verses for March, as always memorizing them or marking them in your Bible will be beneficial when faced with moments of challenging wilderness travel!

Mar 4th – Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the Lord says— “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Mar 11th – Lamentations 3: 21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22  The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23   Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Mar 18th —Matt. 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Mar 25th – Rom 12:2  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This concludes the first quarter of our journey this year. January thru February of 2012 can never be repeated and you have made it so far. “Thinking straight in the invisible” now moves to “seeing straight in the invisible” I invite you all to press on with me in the next phase of our faith Expedition!

Wow – If we could get everyone on board with what God outlines as His Chosen Fast in Isaiah 58 and if we take the Lord at His Word and He is true to His Word ….what type of signs and wonders would begin to occur in our midst!

The message: Isaiah 58

6–9 “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.  What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way.  The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer.  You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

9–12 “If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins, If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.

I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden,  a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,  restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.

13–14 “If you watch your step on the Sabbath and don’t use my holy day for personal advantage, If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, God’s holy day as a celebration, If you honor it by refusing ‘business as usual,’ making money, running here and there— Then you’ll be free to enjoy God!  Oh, I’ll make you ride high and soar above it all. I’ll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob.” Yes! God says so!

Let us put into practice the Chosen Fast that brings life and freedom!

Is.30: 21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

At times your faith expedition will be challenging. Indeed, the path you will be required to take will be narrow.  And of course the lower wider path will always be tempting to you. In those moments of temptation resist the enemy and listen for the still small voice off the Lord saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Furthermore, in the moments of knees knocking and hands trembling stable your self with the power verses you have been given over the last eight weeks. They will be your anchor promises in moments of doubt and unbelief. Memorize them; mark them in your bible hold them close and abide in their truth and God will see you through to the end of your journey. The four anchor promises (power verses) helping you hold steady in the past month.

Feb 5th – Mt.18: 19
“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Feb 12th -2Cor.10: 5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Feb 19th. – Eph.6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Feb 26th 2 Tim.1:7

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Remember, there always a way of Holiness you can follow that will get you safely through the treacherous narrows of the mountain highway we call life.  There is no better guide then the Lord our God – He is might to save!

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:1

“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.”

Here is a brief overview of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit found I 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. These gifts will assist you in your Faith Expedition & ministry.

The three gifts of Revelation (illumination) given through the Spirit.

• The message of wisdom is a supernatural revelation (disclosure) communicated by the Holy Spirit of the mind and purpose of God.
• The message of knowledge is a supernatural revelation (disclosure) of the Holy Spirit revealing some past or present event, fact, or condition.
• The distinguishing between spirits is a supernatural revelation (disclosure) through the Holy Spirit of seeing beings of the normally unseen spirit world and distinguishing if they are good or bad real or not.

The three gifts of power given through the Spirit.

• The workings of faith is a supernatural manifestation of faith given by the Holy Spirit generating extraordinary certainty and belief in transforming a circumstance, condition or happening.
• The workings of healing is a supernatural manifestation of power given by Holy Spirit that alters, suspends or in some other way impacts health and natural disease.
• The workings of miraculous powers is a supernatural manifestation of power given by the Holy Spirit that alters suspends or in some other way controls the laws of nature.

The three gifts of inspiration given through the Spirit

• The workings of prophecy is a supernaturally inspired utterance communicated by the Holy Spirit to an individual for the purpose of edification, encouragement, and comfort.
• The workings of speaking in different kinds of tongues is a supernatural impartation of a spiritual language (earthly or heavenly) by the Holy Spirit in order to build up the spirit of the Believer and enabling you to speak your heart mysteries to God.
• The workings and gifts of the interpretation of tongues is a supernatural inspired utterance in an unknown language for the whole church body that is always interpreted and is equivalent to the working of prophecy.

When the gifts of the Holy Spirit are exercised in an orderly wise way they will release Holy Spirit power into the community of faith with signs and wonders following. May the Lord use you in the gifts of the Spirit to impact those in our congregation this year!