May 3, 2024
Hello Grace Vineyard and Friends,
Welcome to May!
We had such a great week starting last Sunday with that awesome testimony from Hany Samaan on the 5th anniversary of his baptism. Later that afternoon we went down to Buccaneer Beach and celebrated the baptisms of Jose and Ben. On Thursday the National Day of Prayer was awesome with Jesus Followers from many churches in Oceanside gathered together to pray for our nation. There was such a feeling of unity and purpose as we worshipped and interceded for many areas of focus for our nation from government to schools to businesses to the churches and more. You know, it’s not too early to put this in your computer calendar for next year so you can be sure to join us – it’s always the 1st Thursday of May. As far as upcoming events go, I think we have a more low key weekend than usual. If you can believe it, there’s nothing planned for Saturday! That’s good, cuz Kim and I are driving up to Los Angeles to help Charissa move out of her grad school apartment for the summer. Then I’ll see you all on Sunday morning. The following weekend will have our usual 2nd Saturday of the month Women’s Walk and Men’s Breakfast. We’ll give you another reminder about that with details next week.
I do want to remind you about the Breath of Heaven 10th Annual Golf For Orphans Event.
Can’t play? Tell a friend. Actually, if you are playing, still tell a friend.
Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit
This coming Sunday we will be looking at another aspect of Fighting the Good Fight of the Faith. We’ll be talking about relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit. Quoting from the book How To Overcome the Darkness, by Gary Kinnaman, ” The power of the Kingdom of God is the power of the Spirit, and the power of the Spirit is the only way the Kingdom of God will prevail over the kingdom of darkness.” In normal battles, being helpless is not a good thing. But in the Fight of the Good Fight of the Faith, the best posture to have is utter helplessness (in terms of our strength and ability) and utter dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m thinking of that old phrase, “you don’t show up to a gun fight with a knife”, and changing it to say, “you don’t show up to a spiritual battle in the flesh”. Remember the passage we’ve been learning about together these past several weeks:
Ephesians 6:10-20 (English Standard Version)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Did you notice that the way you use these spiritual weapons is by praying? On Sunday we’ll take some time to learn about both how to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, and how to engage in spiritual warfare by means of prayer. These are really important principals for our Grace Vineyard family to take hold of as we engage in the spiritual battles that our Commander in Chief, Jesus, is sending us to fight. I hope you’ll join me at 9:30 this Sunday for more equipping of the saints! If you are not able to be with us in person this coming Sunday for some reason, you can always join online via the Zoom app with this info: Zoom Meeting ID 153 112 432, Passcode 684814. You may also join us on Facebook Live at facebook.com/gracevcf.
By the way, if you’d like to watch the sermon from last week on the sword of the spirit, you can watch that one right here from our YouTube channel:
Food for the Hungry in Zambia
Last Sunday we gave you an opportunity to give money for an outreach in Lusaka, Zambia. The Bridgepoint Vineyard is doing an outreach this Saturday where they are providing food staples for about 1 month for 100 families. Together we gave $1400, which combined with some other gifts that were already given to supply all this food. Here’s a video with pastor Siseho Minyoi saying thanks to us while his team unloads the 25 kg bags of Mealie Meal that will be given away along with a sugar pack and a liter of cooking oil. Plus of course the church will be there to give spiritual support and love as they give out the food. Thank you for your generosity!
With the ongoing drought in Southern Africa, millions of people are facing starvation. We are blessed to have relationship with churches right there on the ground who are helping. If it’s on your heart to still give, I won’t stop you! We will pass on any donations you give to our partner churches there. Click here if you’d like to donate: https://gracevcf.org/zambiafaminerelief/
And that’s a wrap for this week’s update. Enjoy your Saturday and I’ll see you on Sunday morning!
With blessings and love,
Ron Ohst
Tithes and Offerings Online
THANKS for taking ownership in the life and ministry of Grace Vineyard! And thanks to all of you who are stepping into a lifestyle of generosity with your tithes and offerings. It really does take all of us doing our part with the income God has entrusted to us for His church. If you’d like to give your tithe or offering online, click the donate button below.