M A R C H
2 0 1 6
Our vision is to be a Holy Spirit driven church growing in the passionate love of Jesus so that together we can reach thousands and impact millions.
Pastoral Devo
Facing Depression by Pastor Joe Houser
The ultimate cure is only found in Christ because only Christ can heal the chemical imbalance and the deep wounds that caused the imbalance. But as of yet Christ has not fully healed me, so I am left to daily face my depression. So why hasn't Christ completely healed me? To be honest I don't fully know. But I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul wrote regarding a personal struggle he faced in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. He stated, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
So how do I face depression? I take my medication, I try to eat and sleep well, and I try to exercise. But the ultimate key for me to find victory in the midst of my depression is to daily lean upon and trust in God that even in the midst of the darkest valleys, God is with me and that He will give me the strength to endure. But, perhaps most hopeful is that He is in control and will use my depression for His glory and purpose. These are promises of God that I daily hold onto.
We all have our own crosses to bare. For me, I praise God for my depression because through my depression I have been able to point people to the true cure of all struggles and sickness and that is Christ Jesus. How are you facing your struggles? Are you willing to trust and lean upon God and allow Him to use that pain for His glory, even if you are not instantly healed? Are you rejoicing not that you have struggles, but that God can use your struggle to draw others unto Him? Remember Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." I encourage you brothers and sisters to lean upon God. Allow Him to walk with you and help bare your burdens. God is with you and He will not leave you or forsake you. He is the ultimate redeemer and brings beauty from ashes.
God bless,
Pastor Joe Houser
Upcoming Events
Easter Sunday Services
Burn 24-7: San Diego
First Friday
Life Groups
Friday Night Service
We will meet every Friday in the Sanctuary at 6:30pm except for on the last Fridays of every month where we will be having our regular Burn 24-7 services. Please contact Pastor Julian at julian@ob1church.com for more information.
All Church BBQ Picnic and Baptism
This is a potluck-style event so please bring a dish to share. OB One Church will be providing hamburgers/hot dogs. If you are interested in helping with setup or cleanup, or have any questions, please contact Matt Wadley at Outreach@OB1church.com // Cell Phone: (619) 228-4333
Ministry Update: OB One Kids
What's Going On in Kids' Ministry?
We are so excited about the vision God has given to us for OB One Kids in 2016. We want to continue to grow in excellence and give our kids the best. The next step we want to implement to continue to fulfill this vision is to develop lead teachers for each of our classrooms. We envision a lead teacher that will invest in a specific group of children, their families, and our volunteers. In this position they will do the following:
For children:
- Be a consistent person each Sunday who has a trusting and loving relationship with the children in their class.
- Know the child’s family and the challenges they may be facing.
- Understand how each child learns new concepts and then tailor their teaching style accordingly to them.
- Form a relationship with new children and their families to help them get more connected with the church.
- Specifically pray for each child and their family.
For families:
- Support parents on their parenting journey.
- Encourage them with prayer, God’s Word, and resources.
- Update parents with their child’s progress and their child’s spiritual development.
For volunteers:
- Help them grow in their teaching gift as they help out in the classroom.
- Encourage them in their journey to deepen their faith in Christ.
- Partner with them in shepherding our children.
Please partner with us in prayer as we seek God’s direction in finding these shepherds for our children, families and volunteers.
OB1 Financial Update
Specifically, in April 2016 we expect to purchase a plot of land for an orphanage and church in Africa. The land, orphanage, and church are projected to cost ten thousand dollars, and your faithfulness has OB1 four thousand dollars towards our goal! We are receiving amazing reports about how our ministry is impacting the locals. The children were elated simply to receive buckets for clean water. This puts perspective on what God can do with our tithes and offerings.
Also, our church building has kept us warm and dry for more than 100 years, but the time has come for a new roof. This is a substantial investment, and current bids total $75,000. The Lord prompted brothers and sisters who came before us to provide a church building, but now it is our turn to invest in the next 100 years.
Please continue to pray and partner financially with OB1. Respond to God’s call, and let him multiply what we joyfully give. After all, it is the highest privilege to follow God by preaching the Gospel to our community and the world.
God is good all the time. Amen.
Connect with US!
Email: admin@ob1church.com
Website: ob1church.com
Location: 4790 Santa Monica Avenue, San Diego, CA, United States
Phone: 619-223-7187
Facebook: facebook.com/ob.one.church