Author: Pat

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Bible Study Devotional

How’s Your 2017 Going?

How’s your 2017 going? We are about three weeks in, with less than fifty to go.

One of the things that we are focusing on as a church is reading through the New Testament, one chapter a day. We started in Mark’s gospel, and will be finished with it soon. The message at each weekend service will be taken from the portion that we have read that particular week.

This has been a great thing for my family personally. Since we are all reading the same section of scripture, it prompts much conversation about God’s Word. Sometimes we all sit in the living room with our Bibles, and read the chapter together alternating verses. Other times, Janet or I will read it with one of the kids to help them with their devotions, or just to read God’s Word before bed. There are times where one of us might read it by ourselves in the morning, then read it again with the family in the evening.

I share all that with you to point out that we need to be intentional with reading God’s Word. This is one piece of the puzzle when it comes to discipleship. First and foremost, we are disciples of Jesus. He gave us His Word in order to tell us how to live.

Reading the Bible together as a church, I believe, is going to be a fantastic experience. I even spoke with another pastor in the area who heard me share about this and decided to do it with his flock!

It’s never too late to start! Make 2017 the year that you read through the New Testament.

Here is the link to download the plan.

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Bible Study Devotional

#NTin2017

As a church we are reading the New Testament in 2017. Every weekend service, Pastor Pat’s message will come from the portion that we have read that week. It’s not too late to jump on board. Click here to download or view the reading plan.

 
Here’s the reading assigned for the first few weeks of January.
 

January 1: Mark 1
January 2: Mark 2
January 3: Mark 3
January 4: Mark 4
January 5: Mark 5

 

January 8: Mark 6
January 9: Mark 7
January 10: Mark 8
January 11: Mark 9
January 12: Mark 10

 

January 15: Mark 11
January 16: Mark 12
January 17: Mark 13
January 18: Mark 14
January 19: Mark 15

 

January 22: Mark 16
January 23: Acts 1
January 24: Acts 2
January 25: Acts 3
January 26: Acts 4

 

January 27: Acts 5
January 28: Acts 6
January 29: Acts 7
January 30: Acts 8

 

To get the most out of your daily reading, consider using the SOAPS method of devotions.

Lastly, you can share what you are reading or learning on social media using the hashtag, #NTin2017.

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Article Devotional

Happy New You!

In just a few days, 2016 will be in the rear view mirror. I really can’t believe it! I am seeing too many years flying by, but I am thankful for each one of them. Some years are harder than others, but every year is full of God’s blessings!

The dawning of a New Year is the dawning of a new opportunity – an opportunity to change. Do you want there to be change in your life – good, lasting change? Do you want to grow closer to God this coming year? What if 2017 was the year for you and God?

Here’s what you can do to see good, lasting spiritual change occur in your life: Seek God with all your heart. The bible promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. One of the best ways to seek God, is to read the Bible with an open heart.

During 2017, the community of people at Calvary Chapel Oakville are going to be reading the New Testament. In order to read the entire New Testament in one year, you have to read five chapters a week. That’s only one chapter a day, for only five days of the week. It’s something anyone can do!

Here’s more information about this and links to download the exact plan we are using.

Here’s the part I am really excited about. Every weekend service, my message is going to come from the five chapters that everyone has read.

Join us!

The Bible says that if any man be in Christ he is a new creation. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17). In order to seek God, we need to prayerfully read the Bible.

He wants to speak to you. He has something to say. Will you listen?

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Bible Study Devotional

Reading the New Testament in 2017

I don’t know what you think of Christianity, or church, or Jesus. I lot of people today hate the church but love Jesus. I get that.

Unfortunately, many so-called Christians speak with loud voices and they don’t say very loving or even helpful things.
No matter who you are or what you think, I wanted to share an idea that I had. 2017 is just around the corner.

Let’s read the New Testament in 2017?

The New Testament is the part of the Bible that begins with the birth of Jesus. It talks about his life and the initial impact of his life, including his coming back in the future.

It would take you about five minutes a day, five days a week, to read the New Testament in a year..

I’m going to be doing it, and I want you to join me. You don’t have to be a Christian, you don’t have to be a church person, you don’t even have to tell anybody you’re doing it.

But when it comes to God and spiritual issues, doesn’t it make sense to go to the source?  When it has to do with Jesus, shouldn’t we read the book that talks about Him?

If you want to do this, I set up a page where you can download the reading plan that I’ll be using. You can also do this plan using the YouVersion Bible apps. I’ll post the links for that. I’m also going to post some helpful hints to get the most out of your reading.

Let me know if you are going to accept this invitation, this challenge to read the NT in 2017. And lets invite others. How many people do you think we could see read the New Testament that have never, ever read any Scripture? Share this with your friends, let them know if you’re going to be doing it.

Five minutes a day, five days a week. You are going to learn a lot about the God that made you and loves you.

Here’s a link to read an article about S.O.A.P.S., which will help you get the most out of your Bible reading.

Here’s the link to download the reading plan in paper form.

Here’s the link to grab it with YouVersion Bible app.

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Bible Study

Definition Number Two

The summer Olympics took place this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My family spent a bit of time watching online. We saw some gymnastics, a couple volleyball games, and a few rounds of diving. We were especially impressed with synchronized diving. A perfect dive, requiring hours and hours of practice, can be described in many ways, but perhaps the one word the captures it best is “grace”. The definition of grace is “simple elegance or refinement of movement.” It’s the word for an outstanding figure skating performance or even an incredible, leaping, stretching, one-handed reception by an airborne wide receiver.

But there is a more beautiful grace. It’s definition number two: “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.” Have you experienced that grace?

Paul ends his letter to the Philippians with these words, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Grace is freely given. It came through Jesus Christ. It demonstrates God’s love. It motivates God’s heart. It’s how we are loved by Him, it is how we are saved, but it is also how we grow and learn and experience His presence. Grace is never-ending. It’s why we are forgiven. It’s why we are going to heaven.

Grace is the best word in the English language. This week, at Saturday Night Church, we will be doing a deep dive into God’s grace as we wrap our study of the book of Philippians.

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Devotional

Are you content?

Contentment is defined as “a state of happiness or satisfaction.” Many people spend there entire lives searching for it, to no avail. They find, as that old song goes, “I can’t get no…satisfaction. And I try, and I try….”

We are a bit over a month away from Christmas. Usually, it is a happy time of year. People may find some contentment in receiving and giving gifts. But that contentment will be short lived. It always is.

Centuries ago, a very wise man wrote these words, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Did you notice something? Contentment is learned. It is not a reaction to outward circumstances, it is a inner state of mind and heart.

Those words were written by the Apostle Paul, who was a follower of Jesus. His secret of contentment was found in a relationship with Jesus. Having things can be good and helpful. But we have to be careful that our possessions don’t possess us. We will never be truly content until we know that Prince of Peace.

This week at Saturday Night Church we are going to be looking at the subject of contentment. If you find that your satisfaction constantly fluctuates from empty to full, I’d encourage you to come and hang out with us as we dive into Philippians 4:10-20. Spend some time over the next couple days reading this passage. God bless! See you soon!

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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Article Devotional

3 Ways to Control Your Thoughts

Where does your imagination go when your mind wanders? Do you ever catch yourself thinking about things you ought not to be thinking about? The battle for godly living so often takes place in our minds. We might be engaged in a conversation, going for a walk, or doing some work on our computer when all of a sudden — BAM! — a crazy thought hijacks our mind. Here’s three things you can do if you’ve had this experience.

1. Guard the input.

Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.” The same verse in the New Living Translation says, “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” If we are going to minimize bad thoughts, we must guard what we set before our eyes. Whether it be pornographic websites, excessively violent movies, or anything else that drags you down, if it’s garbage in, it will be difficult, if not impossible to keep your mind on a good track.

On the other hand, if you are putting into your mind good things, it will be much easier to think about those good things when your mind starts drifting.

2. Memorize Scripture.

When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He responded three times by quoting Bible verses. I have some passages of Scripture that I have memorized years and years ago that still come back to me at will. Memorizing Scripture is, BY FAR, an excellent practice to set your heart and mind on things above. Find just one or two verses that deal with your need. Commit them to memory. You will never regret it!

3. Pray

Prayer is how we connect with the Lord. We must discipline ourselves to maintain an active and consistent prayer life. When I hear of a Christian who has fallen into sin, I often wonder how they were doing in their prayer life. Spend time with God in prayer. This is a way to be a strong and mature believer.

One of the best passages about controlling your thoughts is Philippians 4:8-9. We will be taking a look at this passage at Saturday Night Church this coming November 12. Make plans now to join us!

What other ways do you think are helpful to keep your mind where it needs to be? Start the conversation below.

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Devotional

Citizens of Heaven

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)

Let’s face it. It’s easy to get discouraged when you look at our culture. Sexual brokenness, loneliness, anger, rampant immorality, political corruption, refugee crisis, apathetic attitudes, Islamic terrorism, and the list goes on.

As Christians, we should be messengers of hope and warriors for justice, as we carry the gospel to every place we go. We have the answer that people are looking for. How hopeful it is to hear about a life that has been rescued from sin!

This broken world also reminds us that, as Philippians 3:20-21 says, we are citizens of heaven. One day Jesus will come back for us and at that moment our bodies will be transformed to be like his glorious body. Yes, a big chance is coming — the likes of which you have never seen. You, Christian, will be changed! Your body is going to change! It will be a body that is ruled by the spirit, not by the flesh. It will be a new, glorious, perfect existence.

The next time you look into brokenness here in our fallen world, the next time you serve someone with the compassion of Jesus, the next time your heart cries, “How long, oh Lord?” remember that your home is not here. And one day, when you see Him, you will be made to be like Him.

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Article

Forgetting the Past

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13–14, NLT)

Do you have a hard time letting go of the past? As Christians, we are gloriously able to live in the now. We are forgiven. We have a goal, a prize. It is the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Whether it is evil things that have been done to you, failures that hang over your head, or even past spiritual, emotional, or vocational success, our past does not define who we are in Christ.

The only way to run the race, is to run to win. The only way to do that is to keep your eyes on the finish line. Don’t look back, dear brother. Don’t look back, dear sister. You have a future and you have a prize awaiting you. Reach for it! God loves you!

https://www.facebook.com/patsieler/videos/10153679662236362/?l=4284429709671534878

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Article

What is Your Greatest Achievement?

A single cross with the empty tomb in the background

What’s your greatest achievement? How impressive is your résumé? What sets you apart? What is your passion? What do you do better than others?

One of the greatest and most intelligent leaders in history was a man named Saul of Tarsus. He lived in the first century and was a very promising up and coming Jewish rabbi. His list of achievements is impressive: “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:5-6).

Saul, later known as Paul, was the cream of the crop in the Jewish religion. After he met Jesus, he successfully reasoned with many, many people, convincing them that Jesus was the Christ. He was responsible for planting churches, spreading the gospel, and writing a good portion of the New Testament.

He considered all of his accomplishments “rubbish,” in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ. Both his past (Philippians 3:7) and present (Philippians 3:8) he counts as loss. The King James Version of the bible uses the word “dung.” Paul considered everything in his life a pile of manure, compared to knowing Jesus. What a powerful sentiment!

Paul was a man who was apprehended by an insatiable desire to know Jesus. He was a man who had seen Jesus in a vision, who had been used by Jesus, and who was encouraged by Jesus, and yet he wanted to know Jesus more.

Likewise, all of our achievements, passions, and skills are manure compared to knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is the greatest knowledge we could ever have. I want to pursue Him more fervently and love Him more deeply. I pray that is your desire as well.