A Prayer

Happy New Year

Just For A Giggle

Evangelism - Discipleship Continuum

Resolve

"I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made- I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised regarded or rewarded. I now, live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and I labor with power.”

From a friend and fellow follower of the Way - Thanks Tyrone

A Christmas Poem

The First Christmas

This is Mary
This is Joseph
This is their donkey gray.
This is the town of Bethlehem
Where they would like to stay.
This is an angel.
This is a shepherd.
This is a brand, new star.
Later came the wisemen
Travelling from afar.
This is a stable.
This is a manger
By a cattle stall.
This is the Baby Jesus
The Savior of us all.
This is the very first Christmas
That anyone did keep—
To honor Baby Jesus—
Shh! He's fallen asleep!
—DaLee C. James

You Might Be A Scrooge

YOU MIGHT BE A SCROOGE IF…

You turn on the lawn sprinklers on Christmas Eve
to keep carolers away;

You get your Christmas tree at a rest stop at night;

Your idea of holiday decorations is a rotten pumpkin;

Your favorite Christmas pastime is putting defective bulbs
in your neighbor’s string of Christmas lights;

Your favorite Christmas drink is rotten Egg Nog;

Your favorite Christmas song is
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer;”

Your idea of a staff or company Christmas party is
“O, just forget it;”

You like snow only because you know it will mean
there will be some cool car accidents;

Your favorite Christmas snack is one-year old fruitcake;

You don’t like the ending to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 31st Street,” “The Grinch,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

You put a laxative in Santa’s cookies,
knowing and laughing about the outcome;

And finally, if your three favorite words are
“Ba Hum Bug”

A Great Christmas Prayer

Praying At Work

What does it look like to “pray without ceasing?” How might a prayerful heart oriented towards God express itself at work?
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says,

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Mark Herringshaw, teaching pastor at North Heights Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Nicole Symmonds, managing editor at UrbanFaith.com, recently created a helpful list of “21 Ways to Pray at Work.” They write,

Many of us will spend the majority of our waking hours behind a desk, having only one prayer – the one that we prayed in the morning – to keep us throughout the day.

Here are some of their tips. View them as suggestions for what “pray without ceasing” might mean – not as a list of rules which you have to follow.

1. Pray on your way into work in the morning:

Glance at the sign or logo of your organization. Thank God for his provision to you and your family. Ask God to bless all the individuals who are a part of this enterprise.

2. Pray while working on your office phone and contact list:

Pray the ancient Hebrew blessing for your contacts: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance on you and grant you his peace.”

3. Pray while you’re in a meeting:

Pray to focus on the message that is being delivered, that you will ask the necessary and appropriate questions and make sensible comments.

4. Pray when you hear of firings and layoffs:

Pray to not be taken by the spirit of fear or anxiety, but of calmness and peace. If you hear of colleagues getting fired or laid off, pray for their peace and provision.

5. Pray when you have to work late or travel:

Pray that God would protect your family in your absence and give them patience and understanding to adjust to your business and travel schedule. But also pray that he give you the courage to erect the proper boundaries so that you may not become more consumed with your work than you are with your family life.

You can read all twenty-one of Herringshaw’s and Symmonds’s tips here. These are just some of the ways we can begin to develop a habit of prayer while at work. It’s certainly not an exhaustive list, and you may have creative ideas for praying throughout the day (please share in the comments section below).
This list is also not meant to be a checklist, something we have to do out of obligation. It’s important that our prayer be Spirit-led. True prayer is “in the Spirit.” There is a difference between forced or rote prayer and spontaneous prayer led by the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18 says,

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

Our places of employment are the areas of responsibility God has called us to cultivate. We can walk and converse with God through our offices and construction sites and classrooms the way Adam walked with God through the Garden of Eden, in a spirit of total dependence on him to equip us with what we need to carry out our responsibilities.

Taken from www.tifwe.org

Christmas Again

Isaiah 9:6-7

Psalm 116:1-7

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 

2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 

3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!"

5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 

6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. 

7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. 

Thankful and Remembering

O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen.

-Samuel F. Pugh

Thank God - 30 Days - 12

Thank God - 30 Days - 11

Thank God - 30 Days - 10

Thank God - 30 Days - 9

Thank God - 30 Days - 8

A Thankful Heart

Stewardship

Thank God - 30 Days - 4

Oops. Skipped a day. 

Thank God - 30 Days - 7

A Prayer of Thanks To God

Lord I come before You, desiring to provide thanks.
Father, I have so much to be thankful for, things unseen and seen,
that You have done in my life.

Lord, mostly I am thankful for the relationship that I have with You.
Lord, You initiated this relationship, by what Your Son endeavored to accomplish,
paying the price for my sin, redeeming and reconciling me.

Dear Heavenly Father, You know the times I have been ungrateful, held ill thoughts toward You and my fellow humans. You know the times I complain and grumble about life and its circumstances, about suffering, going through what seem endless trials and tribulations. Even yielding my members to unholy deeds.

Yet God You are and always will be there with me, even when it seems like I am forever in the wilderness, running further and further from You, You, my God are there guiding me back to Your loving arms.

I am thankful Lord for everything that You allow to cross my path. Thankful for the decisions that You allow me to make and the lessons that come from these decisions.

I’m thankful, Lord, that I do not have to live under condemnation anymore, that You have truly set me free, that I am a new creation that I need not live under the law anymore. Thankful Lord that You have given me joy unspeakable. Thankful Lord that You are longsuffering, allowing me to mature in You!

Lord, words do not express my thankfulness. For Your mighty power is at work in me, transforming me, renewing my mind. To You Lord belong thanks eternal.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

allaboutprayer.org

Thankfulness

Thank God - 30 Days - 6

Thank God - 30 Days - 5

Thank God - I Chronicles 29:10-20

10 Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said: "Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all.

12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.

13 "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.

14 But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You.

15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.

16 "O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.

17 "I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.

18 "O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You.

19 "And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the temple[fn] for which I have made provision."

20 Then David said to all the assembly, "Now bless the LORD your God." So all the assembly blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king.

Thank God - 30 Days - 3

Thank God - 30 Days - 2

Thank God - 30 Days - 1

Thank God

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

Thank God

Thank God - Count Your Blessings

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8

 

   When you are asked to count your blessings, your list may not be overwhelming. You struggle to make ends meet; your days are hard. You are grateful for much, but weariness clouds your vision.

   Pause to think of this: when you have the Lord Jesus Christ, you have the greatest blessing possible. That is not spiritualizing; it is the bedrock of your existence now on earth and one day in heaven.

   In Christ Jesus you have the Source of true life. He gives love, joy, peace, strength, comfort, hope, and patience. He nourishes your soul and energizes your spirit. Possessions are nice, but they can not impart life- only Jesus can.

   In Christ you have a Friend for all seasons. He understands your disappointments, rejoices in your triumphs, and stands with you in your trials. You can confide in Him, weep before Him, and celebrate with Him.

   Begin with all you have in Jesus Christ when you count your blessings. Then you will lose count.

 

Jesus, You are my greatest Source of blessings. You are my life. You give love, joy, peace, strength, comfort and hope. You nourish my soul and energize my spirit. Thank You Lord!

 

From:

Tyrone R. Lawton

"As iron sharpens iron so does one man sharpens another"                                                            Prov. 27:17

Thank God

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

Thank God

This was done during worship on Sunday, November 1, 2015. 

Be Still

A Missionary...

A missionary is one sent by Jesus Christ as He was sent by God. The great dominant note is not the needs of men, but the command of Jesus. - My Utmost...

Christmas Already

A Christmas Rap (When Sacred Love Came Down)

By Gwen Smith

 

A long time ago an angel told a girl

That she would have a baby and He would save the world

Now Mary was confused ‘cause she hadn’t known a man

But her innocence was a part of God’s plan

 

The angel said the Spirit of the Lord would make it happen

“He’ll be the Son of God. He will be a man of action!”

“May it be as you have said, I’m a servant of the Lord.

Blessed among women! I can’t wait ‘til he is born!”

 

So nine months later on the night the babe would come

A twinkle in the sky brought attention to God’s Son

The shepherds, they were chillin’ in the fields with their sheep

When the Angel of the Lord came and stirred them from their sleep

 

“Do not be afraid! I bring good and joyful news

That will be for every man, this will be a sign to you.

For unto you is born, in the town of David

The Christ! The Messiah! And He will be your Savior!”

 

“Now listen, there is more – and you might find it stranger

You will find this baby, lying in a manger.”

Then suddenly the sky was filled with angels singin’ praise

Joyful songs to celebrate the One who came to save

 

The shepherds said, “No way! Let’s go and check it out!”

They ran to see the babe that the angels sang about

They came upon the child then ran to spread the word

And people were amazed at the story that they heard

 

O what a holy night, when sacred Love came down

To wear a suit of skin, to wear a thorny crown

For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son

To reconcile hearts. It is finished! It is done!

Thanks to Anita for sending this my way. 

Acts 1:8

November Approaches - THANK GOD

As November approaches may we all evaluate ourselves. In Horizon Community Church our November Theme will be THANK GOD. We are going to form a long line of people thanking God.

In Thy Hand

Brotherhood

A PRAYER FOR BROTHERHOOD:

God, my Father; Jesus, my King; Holy Spirit, my Counselor . . . I

need men in my life. I know it’s not good to be isolated, no matter

what my instincts tell me. I’ve turned my life over to you, and

I need men in my life who are willing to do the same. I need to

know other men, and I need men who know me . . . truly know

me. I want to commit myself to other men, and I need other

men who are willing to commit to me . . . to make me a priority

in their lives. I want to be honest and transparent, and I need

men who are also willing to do the same. I need men in my life

to whom I can confess . . . and they to me. I need men who will

encourage me and help me to keep focused on you . . . fueled

and aflame. I need men who will stand with me through hardship

. . . and I with them. I need men with whom I can search

for my true identity . . . the one you dreamt of, so long ago. I

need brothers.

Holy Spirit, lead me to the right men or bring the right men to

me. You know who they are; I do not. I trust you, not my own

worldly instincts. I pray that you build a brotherhood that will

stand apart, that will stand in your name.

Amen.

 

Tyrone R. Lawton

"As iron sharpens iron ...so does one man sharpens another"

                                                                      Prov. 27:17

One Touch

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God. - George Macdonald

Right On!

5 Things The Church Did Not Do For You

http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/03/5-things-people-blame-the-church-for-but-shouldnt/

What Have You Gained - Prayer

This Is Christianity

The Calling of Everyday Work

“We must dispense with the myth that commitment to Christ means becoming a clergyman, or that work done inside a church building or in a church organization is more holy, somehow, than work done in the marketplace. Christ came to give us a sense of calling in everyday work. This is where the world is changed, and where the kingdom is built.”   Bruce Larson

Not mine, but Yours

Lord, it is far too easy to chase my own desires andpassions. Forgive me for my selfish wants and pursuit ofself-centered activities. Help me to place You first and tolook for what You are doing and want to do in my life.

ODB 2-19-15

THINK

Lenten Thoughts

Wiki Lent Info
Lent 101 by the Upper Room
Lent by About Religion

Ash Wednesday, Madi Gras, Lent, Holy Week, and the Passion of Christ are in the news and on some people's mind these days. Over the  years I have had some open and lively conversations and discussions with friends, family members, colleagues and church members, anti-church people and anti-religion people about Lent. I have even been asked if I participate and others have shared with me how they plan to participate. I am not much of a Lent person and yet I am all about Lent as we allow Christ to live in us and through us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

So I must say, I think lent is a little ridiculous. Actually, I think it is absolutely preposterous. Yes, I am aware that this is "out there" for some and may cause your heart to stir and may even lead you to become a little bothered, upset, or even a little angry. Good. Now that the blood is pumping and the mind is stirred please read on.

This blog is about hope so I must explain myself a bit. It seems Lent was started with good intent and yet "the drift factor" has occurred. Lent seems to have been a time for people to draw near to God and dwell on God and His love, sacrifice and power as Easter Sunday approached. The conversations and discussions I have been involved in are about giving up Coke, electronic devices, chocolate or even a fav TV program or other trite aspects of life during the 40 or 40+ days of Lent. As the"The drift" factor has taken place it seems Lent has become about me - The focus in the local Church again has been shifted and "I and me" become the center, and therefore, I do not care for Lent. Wait, I do like Lent if we as followers of the Way would seek to live it daily. I do understand and get and have practiced the whole 40 day concept found throughout God's Word and I do believe that there are times in a follower of the Way life that fasting, a renewal, and a rediscovery of True North is needed. I just am not sure if Lent these days is about that. The Lenten practice of giving up Coke, electronic devices, a TV show or even a favorite candy bar, cussing, blah, blah, blah blah blah concerns me but Lent in the sense that we draw near to God, dwell on and seek to walk in God's love, sacrifice, grace, holiness, and power on a daily basis as we follow Jesus Christ, now that is.. Christianity. I mean I visit with people who are sporadic in their worship attendance, Group Life, Scripture Reading, give very little, have never offered to take a new church member to lunch because they are so focused on their friends, their time, their seat in worship, their schedule, their finances that they do not even know the church family that has helped them in many ways has new people, WOW, that is mind boggling and yet so true. Dear God, help me and us.  Dear God, forgive me and now empower me. Father in Heaven, Use me like crazy for Your Kingdom.

Lent is a seasonal practice for Christians yet it needs to be a daily expression for all followers of Jesus Christ. I do know a handful of followers who practice Lent in its full intent during the season, but I also know that they practice Lent in it's intent all of the time in all of their life. They have come to grasp Galatians 2:20.So they are Lented followers (in it's full intent) all of the time. I mean they fast, pray, give, serve, read Scripture, love people, struggle with God, love God, converse with God, are Kingdom oriented and seek to live in Christ 23.5/6.3 (No one is perfect). Think, you will get it. LOL.

So I say, "forget Lent, the season." Enjoy your Coke, enjoy your candy bar, enjoy the TV show, use the electronic device in Christ. "In Christ", if not in Christ then move away from these things. I mean, I like my Dr Pepper, but if I drink the Dr. as much as I would like to there would be so much more of me (weight) than there should be. Catch the meaning. It's not just about health by the way, it's about "In Christ" which is "For Christ" which is "About Christ" which is "Of Christ". The early Church had a mantra long before Lent came along, "Jesus Christ is Lord." They got Lent without Lent, because they walked in the power of God and gave themselves fully to God.

So let's get the lint out of our pockets, purses, pillow cases, dryer vents and socks and get the Lent out of our lives so the Christ of Lent, the Christ of hope can increase in our lives and we can then experience His power in and through us which will bring others to Him. After all, Lent is about focusing on God and when we really do that we will desire to be disciple making followers of the Lord of Lent.

A Place - Yes!

The lyrics below were went to me by a fellow follower of the Way who is well read, intellgent, thoughtful, gracious and growing in Holiness. He is a saint of God. He is making disciples and is seeking to love God and love others as he loves himself. Thanks for sending this my way.  THANKS.

If this is not the place where tears are understood,
Then where shall I go to cry?
And if this is not the place where my spirit can take wings,
Then where shall I go to fly?

I don’t need another place for trying to impress you
With just how good and virtuous I am, no, no, no.
I don’t need another place for always being on top of things
Everybody knows that it’s a sham.
I don’t need another place for always wearing smiles
Even though that’s not the way I feel.
I don’t need another place to mouth the same old platitudes
Everybody knows that it’s not real.

So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked.
Then where shall I go to seek?
And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard,
Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak?

So if this is not a place where tears are understood,
Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly?

If This Is Not a Place,  song by Ken Medema

An Interview with Ken and Homiletics Online

The Ministry of Introduction - Discipleship

I recently gathered with some fellow pastors and we discussed the topic of discipleship. As a leader I was challenged and encouraged.  I left the gathering with many good thoughts and one that I really resonate with is the idea of the Ministry of Introduction - that we as followers of Jesus Christ and the church have been given the opportunity to introduce others to God and one another. This Ministry of Introduction was mentioned briefly and was discovered while one of the pastors was in Seminary and had the privilege to learn from Dr. Wayne Oates. We did not get to fully flesh out the concept introduced to him by Wayne Oates and yet I really like this idea of the Ministry of Introduction...

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to God
Welcoming people into an experience of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ should be the heartbeat of every church. As followers of Jesus Christ and as a local Church we are to introduce people to the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We are to share the Good News of God's redemption with others and introduce them into a relationship with the one and only God who loves them, gave His life for them and desires to live in and through them.

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to one another
The Ministry of Introduction also includes introducing people to one another. Christianity is about a relationship with God and a relationship with others. The church is God's people. As followers who are seeking to make disciples one key way for this to happen is for us to be "one another introducers". Churches should encourage people to build relationships designed to spur one another on in their walk with God and with one another. Making Disciples involves introducing people to one another and helping people connect with one another so that they can experience many of the one another found in Scripture and be built up in their faith walk so that they will be more apt live out the ministry of introducing others to God and His Good News in Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1-12

The Ministry of Introduction - Introducing people to the Mission of God
God is moving all around us and as followers of the Way we have the wonderful opportunity to be involved in His redemptive work as we serve in a local church, as we serve with a local church and as we offer ourselves to God and allow Him to do His work in us and through us on a daily basis in our everyday lives - in our families, homes, friendships, acquaintances, places of employment, etc. As we introduce others to opportunities to serve in a church ministry, or be involved in a community activity, a mission trip, or mission weekend, any opportunity that allows them to move beyond themselves and into God plan or redemption we are potentially helping them grow in their walk with God and others. Followers of Jesus Christ are to serve others and share Christ with others and introducing others into the mission of God allows people and opportunity to be involved in serving and sharing.

The Ministry of Introduction - I am thankful
In no way is the Ministry of Introduction completely fleshed out in the brief thoughts above and yet I am thankful for this concept being mentioned briefly in our discussion about making disciples or discipleship. I am even more thankful that some followers of Jesus Christ practiced the Ministry of Introduction with me and introduced me to a relationship with God, a relationship with others and opportunities to be involved in God's mission of bringing people to Himself. Their Ministry of Introduction led me to become a follower of Jesus Christ and has given me the wonderful experience to be involved in the Ministry of Introduction. May we as followers of Jesus Christ make disciples as we live the Ministry of Introduction.

Salt and Light

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

This Is Good, Practical and Helpful

How To Click With People You Meet

Decisions

Our lives are shaped by our years,
Our years are shaped by our months,
Our months are shaped by our weeks,
Our weeks are shaped by our days,
Our days are shaped by our hours,
Our hours are shaped by our moments,
Our moments are shaped by our decisions.

II Corinthians 5:17

Ben-Hur

Read Ben-Hur in early 2014. Could not put it down. 

From ODB 1-12-15.

In the years following the American Civil War (1861–1865), Union Major General Lew Wallace served as a governor of the New Mexico territories; New Mexico not yet having been admitted as a state. His work there put him in contact with many of the characters that make up the Wild West’s near-mythic history, including Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. It was here that Wallace wrote what has been called by some “the most influential Christian book” of the 19th century, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

Wallace witnessed the worst impact of sin on humanity as he saw the violence of the Civil War and the Wild West. In life and in his best-selling book, Wallace understood that only the story of Jesus Christ has the power of redemption and reconciliation.

For the follower of Christ, the climax of our lives was the moment God “delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14). Now we have the privilege of being storytellers of God’s wonderful redemption.

Lord, please take control of my words today.

Fill me with Your words of love and grace.

Use them to turn some heart toward You.

I can do nothing without You.

The difference Christ makes in your life is a story worth telling.

Things

God nowhere tells us to give up things for the sake of giving them up. He tells us to give them up for the sake of the only thing worth having - viz., life with Himself.

My Utmost... OC 1.8.15

Isaiah and the Uncommon

Peter and the Uncommon

Uncommon

If we have never had the experience of taking our commonplace religious shoes off our commonplace religious feet, and getting rid of all the undue familiarity with which we approach God, it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. My Utmost... O.W. 1.3

The Bible In One Word - Redemption

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed through His infinite mercy—

His child, and forever I am. —Crosby