Wednesday, May 25, 2011

OCC Week 3 May 2011 - Good Word, Pastor Joseph, NEW Bible Study, From The Heart, Free Wallpaper and Book Giveaway!

Welcome to OCC online!  Here's what you'll find new or updated for this third week in May:

  • Good Word by Pastor Joseph.  Another section of our journey through 1 Samuel (stay on this page, below)
  • Book Giveaway (stay on this page, below)
  • Announcements, Current Events - NEW - Bible Study!  (stay on this page, below - end of post)
  • "Stop Comparing!" (From the Heart tab, top of this page)
  • Free computer wallpaper (The Gallery tab, top of this page) - preview below!



*****


Pastor Joseph Fernandes

We continue with our look at I Samuel chapter five.
We last looked at the following position:
If we read through that passage quickly then it’s easy to miss the significance of this simple statement and its impact. “Yahweh was defeated by another god!”
Let’s take a look at verses 1: “Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.” Here’s what I would like to suggest to you, that battle had not ended in Ebenezer but instead it shifted to Ashdod. It may have ended in defeat in Ebenezer but it will continue in Ashdod. The difference however is that God enters the battlefield in Ashdod and vindicates his name and his people in the process.
I Samuel 5:2-4 states: “When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod arose early in the morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set it in its place again. And when they arose early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on its face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The head of Dagon and both the palms of its hands were broke off on the threshold; only Dagon’s torso was left of it.”
In verse two I believe what we see in essence is a show-down between deities. One the one side you have Yahweh the God of the Israelites and on the other Dagaon the god of the Philistines. The venue for this showdown is none other than Dagon’s temple – his home turf so he has the advantage. This may seem like an awkward description to you but if you’re an Israelite that has seen one on one combat I believe that this is picture that you would see. In verse 3 we see round one between the two battling deities and Yahweh is the victor as Dagon falls before him. The battle continues in verse 4 and Yahweh wins again - only the torso of Dagon is left after his hands and head were severed.
Don’t miss this picture – this is not meant to be seen as anything less than a merciless dismemberment of Dagon – when God says that he will have no other gods before him he not was joking around.
In Ebenezer the Philistines won on Israel’s home turf which meant that Dagon beat God on his own turf. Although the Philistines thought that they were taking the ark of God back to Ashod as a spoil of victory, they were in fact only bringing the battle back to Dagaon’s home turf and there he is defeated. In battle against Dagon, Yahweh acts in a calculated, exact way as he mercilessly dismembers Dagon and vindicates himself as the one true God and in doing so he vindicates his people too.
I wonder what this story says about the battles that we fight in our life?
I wonder have you ever found yourself defeated; admitted there was something in your life that prevented God from moving on your behalf, much like the Israelites when they fought the Philistines? Is there something here for us,  that even when we fail in our own strength and we lose the battle, that God will redraw the battle lines and fight on our behalf?  I think so.
God wants us to walk and live in victory!  I have no doubt,  and this is the life that we need to continually strive and struggle for because  only then are we truly free and victorious. 
However, if you feel that you’ve failed, trust that God will not leave you alone and He will have a show-down with the enemy on your behalf.  On the flip side of this we need to remember that God will not allow any other god before him.
I think this is a good story for us to think about as we look in our own lives to see if we have erected idols before Him - whatever they may be.  If our lives are his temple he will not have any idols before Him.
Blessings,



*****
Book Giveaway!
And, as we are only ONE post away from our 100th blog post at OCC Women Online - (post meaning how many times we have put information on this blog and updated it) we have another book giveaway for this coming week. 


Product Description
WARNING: This is not just another book on evangelism. It's a simple idea of evangelism through friendship first, and the opportunities to share your faith that follow. It will bring friendships you already have to a new levels, and create opportunities for new, authentic friendships with those you will eventually meet. OUT: Evangelism as sales pitch, as conquest, as warfare, as ultimatum, as threat, as proof, as argument, as entertainment, as show, as monologue, as something you have to do. IN: Disciple-making as conversation, as friendship, as influence, as invitation, as companionship, as challenge, as opportunity, as conversation, as dance, as something you get to do. You're more ready for this than you realize, and so are your friends!

From the Back Cover

WARNING: This is not just another book on evangelism. This book contains fresh, encouraging, challenging, groundbreaking, and doable ideas you’ll want to share with your pastor, your small group or class, your board, or your parachurch organization. OUT: Evangelism as sales pitch, as conquest, as warfare, as ultimatum, as threat, as proof, as argument, as entertainment, as show, as monologue, as something you have to do.
IN: Disciple-making as conversation, as friendship, as influence, as invitation, as companionship, as challenge, as opportunity, as conversation, as dance, as something you get to do.
You’re more ready for this than you realize, and so are your friends!
So, how YOU get your name into the draw for this week's book? Simply comment (look at the bottom of this post for the COMMENT button) on our blog or email us at occwomenonline(at)gmail{dot}com and request to either put your name "in the hat" or alternately sign up for our weekly newsletter which lets you know whats happening at OCC each week on our blog and for special events! Please, invite a friend or two (or your congregation) to sign up! We also welcome your church to place event notices on our blog as well.

*****
CURRENT EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS

Prayer at Kaye's Every Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
7806 Gravenstein
NEW!!
Bible Study
Every 2nd Thursday, beginning May 26th
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
We will begin with the book of Mark.  Materials provided though we encourage you to bring you to bring writing materials and of course, your bible!

Thursday Night Open Worship Every Thursday - 7:00
Osoyoos Christian Centre
42 Finch, Osoyoos
For more info: 250-495-2550
An intimate time of prayer - personal, community, government and worldwide for the Lord to meet spiritual and physical needs.  Bring a friend!

Mariposa Christian Ministry Mariposa Gardens
8816 97th Street, Osoyoos
Sundays at 2 pm
We welcome you to join us if you are able to assist with your musical talent or to help with fellowship! Email us for more info:  occwomenonline@gmail.com




Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Two Sermons, Book Winner and Another Giveaway and From the Heart - Week 3 May 2011

Hi Everyone! 

Thank you for visiting us here at OCC women Online!  Here's what we have for you this week:

  • 2 sermons!  (main page, below this info) One sermon from our own Pastor Joseph who spoke at Elim Tabernacle in Keremeos and the other sermon from Pastor Jason who spoke at OCC here in Osoyoos!  Thank you Jason and your lovely family for your visit and encouraging message.  It is truly inspiring and wonderful that our churches are getting together and we welcome this opportunity in the future.  You can visit Jason's church by clicking on the Elim Tabernacle link on the sidebar of this blog.
  • Book winner is Sheryl P - Congrats Sheryl!  You have won a copy of The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf
  • New Book Draw - (info below this list)
  • New and Current events (info below) 
  • FREE scripture wallpaper for your computer (under The Gallery tab - top of page) Here's a preview:
  • "What It Means To Win" (under From The Heart tab - top of page) 
*****

Pastor Joseph has a life beyond our Church and his job is needing his attention at this time so as much as he would have liked to post a "Good Word" here this week he's apologising and hopes to post again soon.  He thanks you for your patience! 

In the stead, we have both sermons from Pastor Joseph and Pastor Jason Weibe as follows:

Pastor Joseph - The Struggle (click on triangle to play sermon)


Pastor Jason - God in the Valley
You can also visit Elim Tabernacle online at:



*****

A WINNER!  (drum roll, please!)  The winner of The Faith Dare by Debbie Alsdorf is Sheryl P.  Congrats Sheryl! 

And, as we are only two posts away from our 100th blog post at OCC Women Online - (posts meaning how many times we have put information on this blog and updated it) we have another book giveaway for this coming week. 


Product Description
WARNING: This is not just another book on evangelism. It's a simple idea of evangelism through friendship first, and the opportunities to share your faith that follow. It will bring friendships you already have to a new levels, and create opportunities for new, authentic friendships with those you will eventually meet. OUT: Evangelism as sales pitch, as conquest, as warfare, as ultimatum, as threat, as proof, as argument, as entertainment, as show, as monologue, as something you have to do. IN: Disciple-making as conversation, as friendship, as influence, as invitation, as companionship, as challenge, as opportunity, as conversation, as dance, as something you get to do. You're more ready for this than you realize, and so are your friends!

From the Back Cover

WARNING: This is not just another book on evangelism. This book contains fresh, encouraging, challenging, groundbreaking, and doable ideas you’ll want to share with your pastor, your small group or class, your board, or your parachurch organization. OUT: Evangelism as sales pitch, as conquest, as warfare, as ultimatum, as threat, as proof, as argument, as entertainment, as show, as monologue, as something you have to do.
IN: Disciple-making as conversation, as friendship, as influence, as invitation, as companionship, as challenge, as opportunity, as conversation, as dance, as something you get to do.
You’re more ready for this than you realize, and so are your friends!

So, how do you get your name into the draw for this week's book?  Simply comment (look at the bottom of this post for the COMMENT button)  on our blog or email us at occwomenonline(at)gmail{dot}com and request to either put your name "in the hat" or alternately sign up for our weekly newsletter which lets you know whats happening at OCC each week on our blog and for special events!  Please, invite a friend or two (or your congregation) to sign up!  We also welcome your church to place event notices on our blog as well.

*****
CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Prayer at Kaye's Every Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
7806 Gravenstein

Thursday Night Open Worship Every Thursday - 7:00
Osoyoos Christian Centre
42 Finch, Osoyoos
For more info: 250-495-2550

An intimate time of prayer - personal, community, government and worldwide for the Lord to meet spiritual and physical needs.  Bring a friend!
*note* we will be beginning bible study as well during this time as well - every second week I believe.  Stay tuned for more info!

Mariposa Christian Ministry Mariposa Gardens
8816 97th Street, Osoyoos
Sundays at 2 pm

We welcome you to join us if you are able to assist with your musical talent or to help with fellowship! Email us for more info:  occwomenonline@gmail.com



Friday, May 13, 2011

Event - Celebration of Life for Greg Tweedy

Our condolences to Linda Tweedy (Kaye Harkness's daughter) on the loss of Linda's husband Greg this week.  There will be a Celebration of Life held in his honor at the Sonora Centre on Saturday May 14th at 2 p.m. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

FREE Scripture Wallpaper, a Book Draw and Mother's Day at OCC!

If you are blessed with a mother, we hope you had a special day with yours - or honoring her at least.  Perhaps you were pampered yourself?  At this time its also our calling to think carefully for those moms who might be a single mother, or a widow with no children nearby.  Perhaps you can think of them today, as you read this, and though the official "Mother's Day" is over, in the name of Christ Jesus, wouldn't it be nice if you were to do something kind for them today? 

This week's blog is on the short side - here's what we have for you:

  • Book Giveaway - last week to get your name in for the draw
  • From the Heart (tab at top of this page)  and article called "STAND"
  • Photo - Moms of Osoyoos Christian Centre 2011 (OCC Photos tab)
  • FREE Scripture Wallpaper - John 6:35




Book Description - Jesus came to give us abundant life. So why are so many Christian women living with worn-out faith, struggling just to get by? What if there was something more? What if we could be set free from worry, fear, and the constant cycle of searching for significance? The Faith Dare is a 30-day challenge for women who are tired of ho-hum living and want to break the pattern of self-reliance and people pleasing by putting their trust in God alone and learning to live to please him. This energizing book will change a woman's focus from her moods and attitudes to living in the power of God's Word. It will encourage her to take the next step and begin to live out real faith in her real life.





To win this book, please send us an email at occwomenonline@gmail.com or leave a comment here and we will enter you into the contest. We would love to add you to our newsletter mailing list so mention it if you are interested and we can do that. Signing up means we will send you a notice via email each time we update the content here on the blog (about once a week) so you will be the first to know what's going on at OCC (current and upcoming events), benefit from some positive messages and even download FREE scripture computer wallpaper each week here. We will draw a name for this book on Tuesday, May 17th. Please, send your friends here to put their names in! Men - don't think this is not for you too - surely you have a mom, wife or friend who would love this for a gift! 



*****

There will be no sermon posted this week, nor a "Good Word" from Pastor Joseph but stay tuned for next week!

*****

CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Prayer at Kaye's Every Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
7806 Gravenstein

Thursday Night Open Worship Every Thursday - 7:00
Osoyoos Christian Centre
42 Finch, Osoyoos
For more info: 250-495-2550
An intimate time of prayer - personal, community, government and worldwide for the Lord to meet spiritual and physical needs.  Bring a friend!

Mariposa Christian Ministry Mariposa Gardens
8816 97th Street, Osoyoos
Sundays at 2 pm
We welcome you to join us if you are able to assist with your musical talent or to help with fellowship! Email us for more info:  occwomenonline@gmail.com

Work Bee
Osoyoos Christian Centre
Wednesday, May 11
10 a.m. onward
We are redesigning our Children's room at OCC and doing some general sorting and cleanup of the storage area in the basement.  We will spend the day sanding, priming.  If you would like to lend a hand just stop in.  We will be there from 10 a.m. onward! 

*****

As always we encourage you to leave a comment here on our blog or you can also email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

There's Lots going on in May at Osoyoos Christian Centre!

Welcome everyone - OCC wishes you a wonderful week.  Perhaps its just me but I usually think of March or April as the months that are changeable - the weather never the same one hour to the next, but if the first few days of May are an indication then you might want to be packing your umbrella with you just in case!  Here's what you will find new on our blog this week:

  • GOOD WORD by Pastor Joseph:  "Two Gods"
  • Upcoming 100th blog post BOOK DRAW giveaways - happening over the following six weeks of posts
  • Current and upcoming events (scroll down on this page!) 
  • FROM THE HEART (tab top of the blog) - "Priorities" taking care of ourselves so we can take care of others
  • THE GALLERY (tab top of the blog) New FREE Scripture Computer wallpaper
***** 




TWO GODS
Ongoing exploration of 1 Samuel

As we continue to work through at our series in I Samuel we will take a look at 5:1-12.

When I first approached this narrative I looked at this passage several times over. When we read the word of God we need to keep in mind that as readers we stand over the Bible in such a way that we can read its stories in a matter of mere minutes, yet the  events that have unfold in many of these narratives have occurred over a period of days, weeks, months, years or decades. With this is mind we need to be very intentional when we approach the word of God and sometimes we just need to slow down so we don’t miss anything. Let’s take a look at this now:
In I Samuel 5:1: “Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.” Now before I go any further I would like to bring one thing to your attention. You would think that the author would have went into more detail about the significance of this event and spend a bit more time on it.  However, it seems as if he has just glossed over this event -  but, there is a reason for this.  Let’s take a look at this for a moment.  The reason for such sparse amount of detail around this event is realized by the fact that author is communicating in a high context. “High context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other. Your family is probably an example of a high context environment.”
As significant as this event is, the author doesn’t need to say too much about it because if you were an Israelite reading this story the full weight of it would bear down on you. “The Philistines took the ark of God,” is all that was needed for the Jewish reader or audience to hear and they would have gotten the full impact of this statement because they lived in a high context culture. Everyone knew how important the ark was to their way of life, their identity as a nation, and to their security. Being of a high context culture, the author doesn’t need to say much about this event, however, for those of us who live in North America the same cannot be said. Because we do not have intimate knowledge of Jewish cultural realities during the time period in question, we come into the story from a low context position, and as such it’s easy for us to miss the point because we would expect a very serious event of this magnitude to be described at length.
When the Philistines took the ark of the covenant, it sent a message that their god Dagon was victorious over Yahweh. Remember the old saying: “It’s to the victor goes the spoils.”?   Well, in those old days of war, the winning army pretty much got to loot the countryside and take what they wanted--wealth, harvest, women, whatever. Those would be the spoils of victory. There is little doubt that this message would have been devastating for the Israelites when viewed from this perspective. If we read through that passage quickly then it’s easy to miss the significance of this simple statement and its impact. Yahweh was defeated by another god! When the Philistines took the ark it meant that they had won and they took the ark demonstrating this point. The fact is, if they hadn’t won – they would not have been able to take it, it’s just this simple.



At this time I would like you to think about this the point and how you would feel as an Israelite experiencing this event for the very first time. We will continue to look at this chapter for the next two weeks and I believe that what you will find will be fascinating and encouraging at the same time!
Blessings,
*****
Our blog is coming up on 100 "posts" (each time we update here it is called a "post") in the near future. We are at 95 so we want to celebrate over the next six weeks until we reach 100. For the next three sets of two weeks we will be giving away some books - one each two week block. The first of three books is:
Book Description - Jesus came to give us abundant life. So why are so many Christian women living with worn-out faith, struggling just to get by? What if there was something more? What if we could be set free from worry, fear, and the constant cycle of searching for significance? The Faith Dare is a 30-day challenge for women who are tired of ho-hum living and want to break the pattern of self-reliance and people pleasing by putting their trust in God alone and learning to live to please him. This energizing book will change a woman's focus from her moods and attitudes to living in the power of God's Word. It will encourage her to take the next step and begin to live out real faith in her real life.
To win this book, please send us an email at occwomenonline@gmail.com or leave a comment here and we will enter you into the contest. We would love to add you to our newsletter mailing list so mention it if you are interested and we can do that. Signing up means we will send you a notice via email each time we update the content here on the blog (about once a week) so you will be the first to know what's going on at OCC (current and upcoming events), benefit from some positive messages and even download FREE scripture computer wallpaper each week here. We will draw a name for this book on Tuesday, May 17th. Please, send your friends here to put their names in!  Men - don't think this is not for you too - surely you have a mom, wife or friend who would love this for a gift! 
*****
EVENTS:

Prayer at Kaye's Every Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
7806 Gravenstein
Thursday Night Open Worship Every Thursday - 7:00
Osoyoos Christian Centre
42 Finch, Osoyoos
For more info: 250-495-2550
An intimate time of prayer - personal, community, government and worldwide for the Lord to meet spiritual and physical needs.  Bring a friend!

Mariposa Christian Ministry
Mariposa Gardens
8816 97th Street, Osoyoos
Sundays at 2 pm
We welcome you to join us if you are able to assist with your musical talent or to help with fellowship! Email us for more info:  occwomenonline@gmail.com

Communion Sunday & Fellowship LuncheonSunday, May 8th
This is a pot-luck style luncheon.  Barb will call you regarding your contribution to the luncheon, however you are welcome to bring whatever you like!  Please, spread the word, bring a friend - or TWO!  

*****

As always we encourage you to leave a comment here on our blog or you can also email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com