Standing on His Promise!

Perhaps today's post should be about "forgiveness" - because... ahem, it seems that due to the fact I shut off my audio-recorder by simply pressing the "off" button I managed to delete the entire recording of our service in one quick moment.  Sometimes experience is a good teacher - I certainly won't do THAT again.  So, I'll beg your mercy and try to sum up today's service as best I can. 

Betty spoke today, an enlightening word.  An encouragement, a testimony and reflection of God's grace.  She shared with us the history of her journey with her daughter Danielle who, at the tender age of 10 years, was diagnosed with Lupus. 

What a crossroads - and Betty turned to our Lord at that time for the answer, and found comfort in, and claimed Psalm 121 for this situation. 

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the LORD,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
       the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore.

And God was GOOD - and though she's never been "miraculously cured" Danielle has been able to keep her malady in check - until recently.  Danielle is now a beautiful young lady, wife and mother herself.

A few weeks ago, Danielle began to experience something called "night terrors" and one night she was even injured through this.  And so, once again, Betty called God on HIS promise, claimed Psalm 117 over Danielle - and Praise Be - Danielle is again free from torment and living in the favour of our Heavenly Father. 

Have YOU claimed scripture for a trial or tribulation?  We would love to share YOUR testimony here!

*****

Just a small note of THANKS for our sister-church in Oliver, Park Drive Pentecostal for their providing the music last Sunday.  I'm sure it must have been the "Away" team, because it always seems Miles and I are AWAY when they come to play! LOL!  We heard good reports that your worship was a blessing to our body. 

*****

Here's a little experiment - I found an inspiring poem I'd like to share, so I'll offer it two ways.  You can simply click on the audio player button to listen, and alternately the text will be provided below in case you'd like to read it - or read along!

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Thy prayer is heard, O gracious word from Heaven!

Thy burning prayer of passionate appeal;

The Father's ear has caught thine earnest pleading -

The Father who can all our sorrows feel.

Thy prayer is heard, tho long thy heart's petition

Has mounted to thy Father's throne on High;

Tho years have passed since first that prayer you uttered,

E'en from the first He heard thy bitter cry.

Thy prayer is heard, fear not!  Look up and praise Him,

The God whose tender love remembered thee;

Rejoice! be glad, and rest upon His promise,

His word is sure, it cannot broken be!

Thy prayer is heard, then let us all take courage;

Press on and on and on, till night is done;

And in the golden glow of early Morning,

We'll sing His praise before the glory throne.

~ Anonymous

Please let me know if you liked this reading - if you would like to see (I mean HEAR) more! 

*****

Sunday, March 14th - we welcome Jussi and Leena to our Church body!   They have secured a place for the month and will be looking for longer term accommodation (so if you hear of a really nice place needing really nice tenants - with a one adorable cat...)  At any rate, lets have a good turnout to welcome them to our ministry!  We are praying you here!

Events:

Wednesday, March 3 - 7:00 p.m.

Led by Al Johnson

18 Larkspur Place

Phone: 250-495-5133

~ studying Psalm 118

Women's Bible Meeting

Tuesday, March 9th - 1:30 p.m.

18 Larkspur Place

Phone: 250-495-5133 (Rose)

We will be having a demonstration by Vi Kovaks who will present ways we can put our hands to work in benefit the Canadian Food for Children, an organization which aids the poor in developing countries.  All welcome - bring a friend! 

*****

Prayer Needs:

Dale and Florence - as they minister in the USA

Dallas  - medical

Jussi and Leena - as they move here

Marie & family - loss of husband

Nicole  - missions to Mexico

Angie  - school bus route

Jim and Elaine - as they help hurting churches and for Jim's book

 

A Little Love...

This week was Valentines and of course there was a whole lot of LOVE flying around.  All week I pondered on this theme - seems the entire world wants to celebrate for this one day.  It occured to me that God loves 365 days of the year, and HIS love is incomparable, unconditional.  HIS love is something so amazing that its incomprehensible. 

Even in this week I saw the Spirit moving in lives.  I saw love poured out through different situations.  I saw love in its different facets.   I saw the passing of a husband (Cecil) and father, and in this I saw a pouring out of love from family within family, friends to family, church family to family.  I saw the love of widows to widows.  Such a unique love that is defined by the very tragic loss of a life-long companion.  How precious must the conversation and friendship be between a long time widow and a newly created one (Marie).  What a precious gift of comforts can only come from one who's known this particular bitter-sweet pain. 

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

I saw a friend who's husband suffered a terrible injury to his body this week.  She sent me a message (which I missed until later when she was offline) and so I called her - yes CALLED her on the phone and we prayed together.  And I called the second day, and we prayed together.  And I've emailed each day since.  What a special love to be asked to pray for her husband's injuries.  The good news - his injuries are healing - with physio-therapy he should have almost full recovery.  What a splendid love that allows friends (me and my friend who have built an on-line relationship and met in person only once) to KNOW that we can count on each other to pray.  What a hopeful love this couple and their young family will need to sustain them over the coming months as he heals and they have to exist on whatever funds they can.  What a unique love she will have to have to nurse her mate through this most difficult time.

PSALM 147:3

He heals the broken-hearted 
and binds up their wounds.

I have a friend who the Lord brought to a crossroads in their life this week.  He pulled this person up short - convicted them of a sin in their life which was eating up their very being... God took this person and brought them to the point where they had to make some very hard decisions... and then when this person did what they had to do to get right with HIM - He caught them in His arms when they jumped.  He delivered them from their sin.  Took the control the enemy had over them through this sin and turned it to HIS glory.  It had to be one of the hardest days of this person's life - but they chose to trust God.  They had to confess sin to friends and family, come clean with facts that had the potential to make or break relationships.  And God was merciful.  Instead of this situation breaking up relationships it strengthened them... HE is the one who FREES us from sin as He knows what it means to be tempted Himself...

HEBREWS 4:15

For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.

In these three cases - the LOVE which was needed in each was a sort of love that comes of the process.  In the case of the widow it came through the sacrifice of her beloved husband.  A loss which will rend her heart. But in the loss of her husband she was delivered love from her family and friends and church body.   In the case of my friend who's husband was injured - a LOVE was revealed when this wife assured her husband she would stay by his side, nurse his injuries.  In the third instance - this person took the risk that revealing sin could cause the loss of relationships.  And their family said "I love you and will stand by you"   Each of these sorts of love have NOTHING to do of the airy - fairy love on Valentines Cards - these sorts of LOVE come from a sacrifice. 

Only when a flower is crushed is a full fragrance released to make perfume.  Only when grapes are crushed can we have wine.  Only when olives are crushed do we have Olive Oil... And only when there is some sort of sacrifice can we experience the sort of LOVE that Christ gave us when he bore the stripes for us - when He went to the cross for us.  Though it was a difficult week - aching for my friends, I feel overwhelmed and blessed to think about THESE kinds of Love.  HE supplies us with the deep and unique loves we need to comfort those in need.  

JOHN 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.

So while there is a whole lot of love flying around... at least until the drugstore sells what's left at 85% off to clear out their stock of chocolate and hearts - remember the most influential, mind-blowing love is HERE, NOW and its free for the asking.  Valentines is a great way to have fun, tell our friends we LOVE them, but its the every day - often in painful situations where we find something much, much deeper...

*****

Al Johnson provided us with some more 'love' food for thought with the Word this Sunday.  Entertaining and interesting message, Al - thanks for sharing! 

Just click the button to enjoy.  This message is approximately 25 minutes long.

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We had our monthly church luncheon this Sunday - went with the Valentine's theme with the tables decorated.  Betty was presented with a gift in honour and appreciation for her long and dedicated service to our church.  Bev did the presentation to Betty and said some words about the work Betty has done in the church and about how Betty has touched the lives of each one of us. We are so proud to know Betty. 

 

OCC Valentine’s Luncheon 2010

*****

EVENTS:

Bible Study (Al Johnson)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

7:00 pm

at Osoyoos Christian Centre

Phone Al if you need more information.  250-495-5133.    Bring your bible, pen and paper.

Women's Meeting

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Helen's Place

1:30p.m.

Presentation by Vi for the Canadian Food for Children - how our Women's group can be of service.   Bring along - a friend or two!  Snacks provided

*****

PRAYER:

Jussi and Leena - as their church has released them to do their work among us.  That this next month will be a special time of preparation.

Marie and Family - with the loss of Cecil, loved husband and father.  Pray for comfort for the family. 

Lindsey - a 14 year old young lady who is suffering with Luekemia.

And the two other UNNAMED needs from the beginning of this post.

Florence and Dale as they minister in the USA.

Jim and Elaine as they travel to churches who are hurting.

Angie and family - fighting to keep their bus stop.  They are in danger of losing it and it's creating animosity and burden to these families who live in the rural areas.

Gina - for her health.

Sorry - no content this week!

 

 

My husband and I took three entire days "away from the world" over the weekend and now its time to play catch up with the world.  New content coming next Monday.

 

EVENTS:

Valentine's Day Luncheon

OCC

right after the service.  Come and enjoy - bring a friend or two!  I will be calling around tomorrow (Wednesday) to find out what dish you can contribute. 

LOVE - according to Our Father...

 

 

First things first - Osoyoos Christian Centre welcomed Jussi and Leena this past Sunday.  Leena joined in with worship while Jussi provided The Message.  I'm afraid I won't do it justice trying to sum it up in words here so I won't even attempt it.  Rather - here is his message in full (1 hour, so be sure to set some time aside!)  Just click on the player and away you go!

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Thank you, Jussi and Leena for stepping in this weekend and we eagerly await your move here and we know there are exciting things in our future!

~ Never let yesterday use up too much of today ~

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. 

Behold, I will do something new."

Isaiah 43:18-19

Guest speaker for OCC service February 7, 2010 is Al Johnson. 

Guest speaker for OCC service February 14, 2010 is Stacy coming to us from our sister church Park Drive Pentecostal in Oliver.

*****

EVENTS:

Bible Study (Al Johnson)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

7:00 pm

at Osoyoos Christian Centre

Phone Al if you need more information.  250-495-5133.  Please be studying Psalm 115 in preparation.  Bring your bible, pen and paper.

Women's Meeting

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Rose Johnson's house - 18 Larkspur Place

1:00 p.m.

We will be following along Part 5 of "Friendships of Women" audio podcasts.  Bring along - a friend or two!

Valentine's Luncheon

Sunday, February 14th 2010

Osoyoos Christian Centre

I will call around in the next weeks to find out what you might bring to our celebration.  Friends and family welcome! 

*****

Ah - this is the month of love... according to the world.  Hallmark is definitely counting on you thinking this too.  Valentines day has become a huge industry.  Its easy to get swept up in the worldly definitions of love. 

Its always made me shake my head in wonder that flower shops make their biggest sales for "romantic bouquets" for occasions like this because for me personally though its ALWAYS nice to receive flowers or gifts from my husband - it means so very much more when it comes without any sort of prompting.  And NEVER ever ever EVER for an apology. 

I think its awful to get "I'm sorry" flowers - each time of seeing them would be a painful reminder of a wrong.   And yet it seems this is how many men do their apologizing.  My advice?  Give a SINCERE apology in words only.  Let your lips do the giving. Your heartfelt words (even if they are not eloquent or poetic) - your willingness to try to talk things out, will mean more than any flowers. 

Later, without any special occasion declare your love in flowers to your wife.  She will have much pride in explaining her bouquet as a "just because he loves me" when asked how she warrants them on a day other than Valentines Day, a birthday, anniversary, an "I'm sorry", marriage or ... funeral!  (then you really are late...) 

This sort of love spoken previous is the sort the world dwells on most but there are many meanings of the word love.  The greek words for love are as follows:

AGAPE -is used in ancient texts to denote feelings for a good meal, one's children, and the feelings for a spouse. It can be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard. Many have thought that this word represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful love.

EROS - can be interpreted as a love for someone whom you love more than the philia, love of friendship. It can also apply to dating relationships as well as marriage.

PHILIA - includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity. In ancient texts, philos denoted a general type of love, used for love between family, between friends, a desire or enjoyment of an activity, as well as between lovers.

STORGE - It is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. Rarely used in ancient works, and then almost exclusively as a descriptor of relationships within the family. It is also known to express mere acceptance or putting up with situations, as in "loving" the tyrant.

THELEMA - t is the desire to do something, to be occupied, or to be in prominence. In the Lord's prayer, "Let thy will be done" is Genetheto to thelema sou.

So, as you can see, real LOVE is so much more than a worldly celebration and its certainly something that is explored and expressed every moment of our lives.  Something so much deeper.  I challenge you use Valentine's day to open dialogue with people you know - to discuss these different types of love.  Explore each of these different meanings in depth and discuss them with your spouse, family, friends. 

What if you told EVERYONE you know you care about them this month?  What if?  I'm not asking you to be cheesy or fake or to manufacture flowery things to say but I am suggesting that if you were to pick out a few positive qualities about the people in your life you may be surprised at what comes back.  It costs NOTHING and you won't be haunted by a "what if" scenario for we do not know the number of our days.  I can say that jewels in my own memory are the few times that may father (who was an undemonstrative type) told me in words that he loved me.

**

I found these observations in a book called Love Life by Dr. Ed Wheat and I'd like to share them with you.

REAL LOVE is not mysterious or irrational.

REAL LOVE is not a simple, easy doing what comes natrually.

REAL LOVE is not an uncontrollable feeling.

REAL LOVE is not produced by trying to attract it.

I can understand what love is through the Word of God.

I can learn the art of loving.

I can choose to love.

I can produce love by giving it first and giving it wisely.

Love recognizes a unique value in the beloved.

Love chooses to affirm the value of the beloved always.

Love consistently does the best for the beloved.

Love is an active power to be controlled by the will.

Love is always a choice backed up by an action. 

Love is costly even when the giving is pure joy.

**

~ Anyone can hate, but it costs to love ~

"Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

*****

 

I may not post here on this blog next week because it is Miles and I wedding anniversary and we will be taking ourselves off to celebrate!  I may repost events or new news if I have it submitted to me - you may send your requests to occwomenonline@gmail.com

In honour of this month of love and in honour of strong marriages built on faith I am going to point you to a fabulous website which is a wonderful resource for marriages built in faith!  I've really enjoyed this website which is choc-filled with great information and even audio for you to enjoy and its all provided to promote healthy marriages and strengthen you in faith!  Just click on the picture to be taken to Growthtrack!  (don't forget to sign up for their FREE newsletter!)