Author: Steve Singh

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What Is God’s Will For My Life?

If there is one question that every Christian has asked, if there is one issue that every believer has thought about it is the issue of “God’s will for my life.”

 
“What is God’s will for my life?”
“Should I go here or should I go there?”
“What does God want me to do?”
Sometimes it has to do with education – what school should I go to?
Sometimes it has to do with work and career – what job should I take?
Sometimes it has to do with ministry – should I quit my job and “go into the ministry”?
Sometimes it has to do with marriage – what person should I marry?

This issue certainly is an important one. How do I make decisions according to God’s will?

Acts 16:6-10 is a very interesting portion of Scripture. It is a passage that has to do with “discerning divine direction”. In these verses God leads one of His children into a certain geographical place, by preventing him from going one way and then giving him a vision of a man asking for help.

The book of Acts is an important book in the Bible because it traces the growth of the church from a small group of 120 Jewish followers of Jesus, meeting in an upper room in Jerusalem, to a very large, perhaps innumerable group of disciples all over Judea, Samaria, and into the western world of what we now call Europe.
The Apostle Paul is the man that God used to take his message throughout the areas of what we know as Turkey, Greece, and into western Europe.
Here in Acts 16 Paul and his companions Silas and Timothy are traversing the land, talking to people about the Messiah, the Saviour Jesus, whom God confirmed through signs, miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and through raising Him from the dead.
As they are spreading the message of the gospel, God re-directs their steps.
They want to go one way, but were “forbidden by the Holy Spirit.”

The try to go another way, but “the Spirit did not permit them.”

Two closed doors that ultimately led to an open door. Sound familiar?
This might be an important topic for you because you are wondering about God’s direction as it pertains to your decisions about your job, education, residence, or an important relationship.

These are huge areas in our lives. They not just impact our future, but the futures of those who love us.

The first thing that is important to realize is that God does have a plan for you.
Take a look at these passages:
““I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”” (Jeremiah 1:5)

“For those whom he foreknew…he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29)

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:16)

“Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” (James 4:15)

Yes, God has a plan for you. Beyond that, there are several things that we can learn in this passage about making good decisions. This coming Saturday, February 18, I will be taking a close look at these verses and uncover these “tools” that you can use as you “learn to discern” God’s will and direction for your life.

Hope to see you there!

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Youth Camp: WOL Recharge 2017

(This week’s post is by Sarah, age 16.)

Last weekend a few of the youth and I spent two nights at the Word of Life Bible Institute’s “Recharge” snow camp. I was really excited because I’ve heard so much about Word of Life, and have wanted to go for a long time.
The campus in Owen Sound was covered in two feet of snow when we got there Friday evening, and it kept snowing all weekend; a huge change from our warm winter here in Oakville. But we were all ready for it, and snow camp did not disappoint!

There were way too many activities for us to try everything, but we had a great time tubing, playing soccer, running around completing a scavenger hunt, climbing the high ropes course, jumping into freezing water for the “ice cube” challenge, and eating super delicious food. The cardboard sled race Saturday night was extremely exciting, and our “Fishers of Men” fishing boat took home 1st place for design!!Over the weekend there were four sessions to attend. First of all we got to watch a creative skit the staff had put together that really got everyone thinking, then a gospel meeting on Saturday morning. We also listened to a workshop about modern culture and how to approach some difficult topics with a Biblical attitude, which was really very cool. And before we left on Sunday, there was a wonderful session about sharing your faith, which I hope most kids enjoyed and learned from as much as I did.

Above all, the highlight for me this weekend was the Word of Life staff: honestly some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Every one of them was so pumped to be there, eager to get to know us, and passionate about Christ, I would be so down to go again just to spend more time with them. I can’t imagine better role models for the hundreds of young kids that attend their camps every year. They truly, truly inspired me.

Overall, I’m so so grateful that we had this opportunity. I had a really great time at Recharge; we all did, I think; and I will definitely be first in line if we decide to go back in the summer.

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Bible Study Devotional

3 Easy Parts of Your God-Story

“…tell how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39)

We often call it a “testimony.” It’s defined as “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.”

I like to call it a “God Story.” It’s the story of how your life was changed by God. And it is a very powerful tool that God can use in your life to reach someone who is far from God. Every testimony, every God Story, has three parts. Here they are.

  1. What was my life like before I met God?
  2. How did I meet God?
  3. How has my life changed since I met God?

The beauty of a testimony is that it can be shared in as short as thirty seconds or as long as thirty or more minutes. Here’s a sample of a thirty second testimony:

  1. Before I was a Christian, I had no sense of purpose or meaning in my life. I felt like something was missing. I was unfulfilled.
  2. My friend told me about his relationship with Jesus and invited me to church one Sunday. It seemed like everything the pastor said was directly related to my situation. I prayed with my friend afterwards and asked Jesus to be my Saviour and Lord.
  3. Since that time, I have an abiding sense of peace and purpose. I know for sure that when I die I am going to heaven.

Each of us should have a short version of our testimony that we are always ready to share. Be prepared! God can and will use you if you are available. People need to hear your story. Share it.

 

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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.

Calvary Chapel Oakville