loving God, loving people
and bringing the two together
Airport Road
Church of Christ
Volume 51 July 21, 2024 Number 27 FROM YOUR MINISTER: I want you to travel with me for a moment. Let’s go back to about 1425 B.C. It is a pivotal time in Jewish history. They are slaves in Egypt no longer! The wandering in the wilderness forty years is over! They have taken the Promised Land from their enemies! Life is good! Their leader, Joshua, is old and knows his departure is near. He gathers Israel together for his farewell address. “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Well, it’s been many years since then, but each of us and our families need to make that same choice for a lifetime. That will set a pattern for our daily lives. So, “choose for yourselves this day…”
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK: The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. ~Chuck Swindoll The power of CHOICE is the most powerful weapon available to you. Make choices that will propel you into your destiny. You have no choice but to excel in your ordained purposes because that is God's plan for YOU! ~Matthew A. Ashimolowo Nothing harms or destroys us but the wrong use of that liberty of choice which God has entrusted to us. ~William Law
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
FAMILY NEWS: Since his mother’s passing, James Fisher has been going back and forth to California trying to maintain and refurbish her properties. We are proud to announce that her house is in escrow! Good job, James! It is wonderful having our sister Pam McNeill back with us. Welcome home!
Danette Clawson is in Florida celebrating her mother’s 90th birthday! ENJOY!
DON'T SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST by Alan Smith
The story is told of a professor who stood before his class of 20 senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam. "I want to say that it's been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you've all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer. So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a "B" for the course."
There was much rejoicing amongst the class as students got up, passed by the professor to thank him and sign out on his offer. As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked, "Any one else? This is your last chance." One final student rose up and took the offer. The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining. "I'm glad to see you believe in yourself." he said. "You all have "A's."
Too often, we're content to settle for second best. A lot of students would be thrilled to settle for a "B" ("That's better than I usually get." "That's doing better than most of the others I know."). And most students, I think, would rather get a "B" with little time spent studying, than to make the effort it takes to get an "A".
A lot of us are content to settle for second best in our spiritual lives as well. We're close to God (at least closer than many people we know), but we aren't willing to take the time and the effort to have the kind of relationship we know God wants us to have. The biggest problem with settling for second best is that we miss out on that which is best.
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' " (Luke 10:42)
What Martha was doing was good (second best, even), but "Mary has chosen what is better." May we always seek out and choose "what is better" in our relationship with God
PRAYERTIME: Lord, I choose You today and every day! Let us be in daily prayer for our nation during times such as these. We also pray for the difficulties and struggles of people throughout the world. Sue Biegler requests prayers for her son Mark Tuthill in Southern California as he cares for his aging father. We continue praying for Evelyn Hadnot who is in the Philippines to be with her mother who is not feeling well. Please join us in prayer for John Rude who is to have heart surgery this month. Keep praying for Pete and Lori Mendez through his cancer and her Parkinson’s disease. Please be praying for Aulika and Mickey (God’s guidance), Juniper Ammons (4 yr old in therapy) Reuben Crowder (Gary’s son as a new Christian), Russ and Kim Garvin (long term health issues), Ansley Griffin (physical therapy after surgery), Bill Kenson (daily blessing), friends and family of David LaCuse (upon his passing) Al and Susan Sheehan (on waiting list for assisted living). Sergio Torres and family, and Uday’s family (as they move to Las Vegas). Please also be praying for persecuted Christians around the world as for our mission works in Venezuela with Daryl and Valerie Griffin and in Vigan City, Philippines with Rolando and Ludy Azurin 1 Chronicles 5:20 They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.
Lord, forgive my shortcomings and help me forgive others. Let your love and grace flow through me in all my interactions. God, give me the strength to face challenges with courage and the faith to overcome them through your guidance. In the name of Jesus, AMEN. ~Christianity Today
Volume 51 July 14, 2024 Number 26 FROM YOUR MINISTER: When I was a teenager, it really bothered me to hear old men talking about the good old days and complaining about the current generation. Well, now I’m an old man, and I need to take counsel from God’s word. “ Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19). God is still at work; let us trust Him!
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK: Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence. ~Augustine
There are five toxic hope killers: Bitterness & Resentment, Worry & Anxiety, Looking back & Complaining, Guilt, and Past failures. ~Ray Johnston
We cannot let the past redefine our present reality and reduce our God-given destiny to what we feel we can handle. ~Kathy Vallotton
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Acts 17:27-28, MSG. …so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! One of your poets said it well: "We’re the God-created"
FAMILY NEWS: It is great having Ferdinand Deza with us once again! He’s back in Carson City after helping to set up tents for the homeless in Reno. He can now follow the services better through captioning on his phone. Welcome home!
Leaving the Past and Living the Kingdom
As we get older, we have a tendency to look back, and if we aren't careful, to give in to the selective eyesight that sees only the problems and failures of the past. It's too easy to look for someone in the past to blame or resent and way too easy to stumble around in bitterness and regret.
The best thing to do with the past is to learn from it, while keeping our eyes on today and looking forward to the days to come!
Jesus talks about a man who "looks back" because he is not ready for service in the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). Now what that passage is telling us is that the past can be a distraction that keeps us from being what the Lord needs us to be today!
The apostle Paul writes, Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). We've got to stay centered in today, seeking to honor God and living for his future for us.
Remember what Jesus taught us to pray: "... your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).
The best way to change the past is to leave the past and live the Kingdom! We seek to live the way God wants us to live today, rooted in the moment and living for God and his future, living in service to others and God's Kingdom.
By Paul Faulkner, heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME: Lord, take my hand, and lead me! We continue in love and prayer for the friends and family of David LaCuse who passed away last week in hospice care in Oregon. Let us continue praying for Evelyn Hadnot who is in the Philippines to be with her mother who is not feeling well. Please join us in prayer for John Rude who is to have heart surgery this month. Keep praying for Pete and Lori Mendez through his cancer and her Parkinson’s disease. Please be praying for Aulika and Mickey (God’s guidance), Juniper Ammons (4 yr old in therapy) Reuben Crowder (Gary’s son as a new Christian), Russ and Kim Garvin (long term health issues), Ansley Griffin (physical therapy after surgery), Bill Kenson (daily blessing), Al and Susan Sheehan (on waiting list for assisted living). Sergio Torres and family, and Uday’s family (as they move to Las Vegas). Please also be praying for persecuted Christians around the world as for our mission works in Venezuela with Daryl and Valerie Griffin and in Vigan City, Philippines with Rolando and Ludy Azurin. 2 Kings 20:2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord.
Thank you, God, for the blessings in my life. I am grateful for your love, grace, and the people who surround me. Heavenly Father, lead me in your ways, for I trust in your wisdom. May I walk according to your will and find your purpose for my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN. ~Christianity Today
Volume 51 July 7, 2024 Number 25
FROM YOUR MINISTER: Not too long ago, our Bible class studied through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. Once again, I became intrigued by teachings that seem so opposite from common human behavior! He taught the blessedness of mourning, of being persecuted, of turning the other cheek, of loving and praying for enemies, and of forgiveness instead of vengeance. Jesus also taught that the greatest people are those who serve others. Yes, it seems as though the Kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom of opposites! In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he mentions those who have gone the way of the world and says, “but you did not learn Christ in this way.” Let us always live what we learn from Christ!
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK: The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results in men becoming like Him. ~Henry Emerson Fosdick Fosdick
The man or woman who does not know God demands an infinite satisfaction from other human beings which they cannot give, and in the case of the man, he becomes tyrannical and cruel. It springs from this one thing, the human heart must have satisfaction, but there is only one Being who can satisfy the last abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. ~O. Chambers
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.
FAMILY NEWS: What a wonderful Potluck on the Lawn we had last Sunday! We thank Kathy Fosnaugh for the plans, all the sisters and brothers who brought it all together, and God for the beautiful day!
~Uday, Angelina, Aaric, and Arielle Adedhela have been transferred to Las Vegas and have already purchased a house! We love them and will miss them greatly. ~Once again, Linda and Steve Beach are away for a few weeks visiting family in Arizona. Enjoy, but we miss you!
Read Psalm 83 Dealing with Enemies
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ~Matthew 5:39-40
Does it strike you as strange that one of the hymns (Psalm 83) in Israel’s hymn book was “Kill All My Enemies, Lord”? When I search the inside of my hymn book, I do not find a single section for complaints, vindication, or get-rid-of-my-enemies. Most of the folks I know cut their teeth on the words of Jesus to the effect that we should turn the other cheek and love our enemies. However, it is often a long trip from being wronged to loving one’s enemy. Sometimes, we have to speak out loud of our terrible hurt and anger.
What is reassuring is that God allows us to do so. In Psalm 83, Israel sang about her unspeakable pain and provided a model for us today. The point of the confession of pain is not to strike out against one’s enemies, but to turn the trouble over to God. We are still expected to turn the other cheek, but doing so seems easier when we know that God has heard our cry. He, after all, is the “Most High over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18).
Sing “God Will Take Care of You”
Dear Father, sometimes I want to strike out against my enemies. At times of weakness, I want You to vindicate me by punishing them. But it is enough to know that I have been heard and that I am not alone. Remembering Jesus on the cross makes my petty complaints seem light, and I am grateful. Through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
~Bruce W. Logue, in Power for Today
PRAYERTIME: May we humbly behave as Jesus and not as the culture around us. Amen. For several months we have been praying for a family member and friend of the Jones, Fosnaugh, and Gegory families, David LaCuse. We now send love and prayers for them and others in Oregon as David passed away Wednesday morning. Let us also be in prayer as Evelyn Hadnot is in the Philippines to be with her mother who is not feeling well. It’s great to meet John and Teresa Rude! Please continue in prayer as John is undergoing difficulties breathing as well as issues with his heart. Keep praying for Pete and Lori Mendez who are back at UC Davis for a change in his medications. Please be praying for Aulika and Mickey (God’s guidance), Juniper Ammons (4 yr old in therapy) Reuben Crowder (Gary’s son as a new Christian), Russ and Kim Garvin (long term health issues), Ansley Griffin (physical therapy after surgery), Bill Kenson (daily blessing), Al and Susan Sheehan (on waiting list for assisted living). Sergio Torres, and Uday’s family (as they move to Las Vegas). Please also be praying for persecuted Christians around the world as for our mission works in Venezuela with Daryl and Valerie Griffin and in Vigan City, Philippines with Rolando and Ludy Azurin.
2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.”
Dear Lord, as I begin this day, I offer it to you. Guide my steps, fill me with your love, and help me to shine your light in the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN. ~Christianity Today
Volume 51 June 30, 2024 Number 23 FROM YOUR BIBLE: Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.
Psalm 118:5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me free.
Psalm 119:45 I will live in perfect freedom, because I try to obey your teachings.
John 8:36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK: This Independence Day we’re reaching out to say the best things in life are free… Just like God’s love. ~enkiquotes
The founding fathers gave us liberty. We get freedom from sin in Christ. ~Roger W. Hancock
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. ~Ronald Reagan
It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? ~Thomas Jefferson
FAMILY NEWS: Let’s have a potluck! This Sunday, June 30 at about 12:30 on the church lawn. Brothers and sisters, we’ll need help setting out food, tables, chairs, and tents! Bring what you want. Come and fellowship together!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Les came back from World War II without one arm and missing several fingers on the other hand. He has carried the price tag of freedom in his own body ever since. He is like so many who are among us who purchased and preserved our freedom at great cost. It is a cost they can never forget because they bear on their bodies, and their psyches, the horrors of war. But, Les came back. Tens of thousands of others have never come back from their tour of duty. The old line from the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song is true: "Find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground." On Independence Day, July 4th, let's remember that cost!
Let's also remember the great cost of an even greater freedom. This occurred during a war fought for the whole human race in which freedom from sin and death were purchased. This freedom was purchased at great cost as well. The symbol of this cost is not a hillside with rows of white crosses, the Tomb of the Unknowns, or a reflective black wall of names. As precious as these symbols are, they do not compare to the symbols of the Cross and the Empty Tomb. These symbols transcend ethnic, geographical, and national boundaries.
The Cross and Empty Tomb are our symbols of the cost of true freedom for all people — the cost of Jesus leaving the security and safety of heaven and becoming earthbound and mortal. It is the symbol of the degradation of a crucifixion, the humiliation of mockers, the agonizing death on a cross, and three days in the tomb. However, the words to this tune are different. "Find the cost of freedom, no longer in the ground."
You see, the Empty Tomb is the sign of ultimate freedom. It is the reminder that we no longer have to fear death. All of our mortal fears are conquered. As the apostle Paul says, "'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' ... How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT)
For the Christian, Independence Day doesn't come once a year, but every week. The early Christians met on the first day of the week, Sunday, to take of the Lord's Supper. (Acts 20:7) This was their Independence Day celebration. By the end of the first century, Sunday had become the Lord's Day. (Revelation 1:10) On this day, they remembered the Lord's death and anticipated his return because their freedom from sin and death had been won. The ultimate Independence Day for Christians is the day of the Empty Tomb! So as each Sunday approaches, let's remember the cost of our freedom and give thanks!
~by Phil Ware, heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME: 2 Chronicles 7:14 …if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. We welcome John and Teresa Rude who have recently moved to our area! Please include them in prayer as John is undergoing issues with his heart. Please continue praying for Aulika and Mickey (God’s guidance), Juniper Ammons (4 yr old in therapy) Reuben Crowder (Gary’s son as a new Christian), Russ and Kim Garvin (long term health issues), Ansley Griffin (physical therapy after surgery), Bill Kenson (daily blessing), David LaCuse in Oregon (back in the hospital after a fall and in much pain), Pete and Lori Mendez (he- cancer treatments, she- Parkinson’s disease), Al and Susan Sheehan (on waiting list for assisted living). Sergio Torres, and the Ward family and Mountain Vista Baptist Church upon the celebration of life for twelve year old Zoe Saturday, June 29. Please also be praying for persecuted Christians around the world as for our mission works in Venezuela with Daryl and Valerie Griffin and in Vigan City, Philippines with Rolando and Ludy Azurin. 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
God our Father, extend our horizons, widen our vision, and remind us how interconnected we are as your sons and daughters. Breathe your Spirit into us so that we may live more truly as brothers and sisters of one another. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.~quotement
Volume 51 June 23, 2024 Number 22
FROM YOUR MINISTER: For many years I have known and have memorized that list in Galatians 5, the “fruit of the Holy Spirit”. For me it was simply a list that was up to me, by my own work and labor, to somehow diligently reproduce in my life! It became a list to check off items as I had them mastered. Wait a minute--- that’s not fruit! That is forced labor, and it is anything but natural! As the Holy Spirit lives within believers, He gradually grows the very character of Jesus in us as we remain in and yield to Him! With the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are spiritual works in progress. Here we are Lord; keep working!
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK: God prefers fruits of the spirit over religious nuts. ~Adrian Rogers
The fruit of the Spirit is not what we can make ourselves do for a moment, but what God makes us to be for a lifetime. ~Wayne Jacobsen
Grow deep roots to harvest rich fruit! When your roots run deep, you cannot help but bear the fruit of the Spirit. ~Michael Beckwith
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ~ John 10:28-29
FAMILY NEWS: Several of our families were infected once again by covid last week. Bruce thanks those who filled in for him last Sunday! The Hendersons greatly enjoyed and appreciated the cruise of the British Isles that the congregation gave them in appreciation for their fifty years of ministry. Their Scotch-Irish roots are even more appreciated after being there nearly two weeks. THANK YOU!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23
Thought Where the Holy Spirit's influence thrives, our human character is transformed, and we display spiritual fruit. This maturity isn't developed overnight. It is, however, noticeable over the long haul of life when a person pursues Jesus and reflects the Lord's righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful lovingkindness. So, what fruit does the Spirit bring alive in your life? In what ways have you matured to become more like Christ? In what areas do you want the Spirit to exercise greater control? Why not take a moment and consciously yield those areas in which you struggle to the Lord as we pray?
Prayer Almighty and ever-present Father, we thank you for empowering positive changes in our lives as we seek to be more like Jesus. Please bring the fruit of the Holy Spirit to full maturity in our lives. You know where we continue to struggle with sin. We intentionally turn over those parts of our lives to your Spirit to redeem and fully sanctify us so the Spirit will continue to transform us to be more like our Savior. In his name, we pray. Amen.
Thoughts and Prayers are written by Phil Ware, heartight.org
PRAYERTIME: Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me. ~Daniel Iverson, 1935. We welcome John and Teresa Rude who have recently moved to our area! Please include them in prayer as John is undergoing issues with his heart. After several months, our sister Melinda Long is back home in Wellington and continuing to improve! We rejoice that our sister, Arin Reiutz is doing much better, and she appreciates your prayers! Unfortunately, this is her last week with us before she moves to Kennewick, Washington. You have blessed us greatly, Arin! Please continue praying for Aulika and Mickey (God’s guidance), Juniper Ammons (4 yr old in therapy) Reuben Crowder (Gary’s son as a new Christian), Kathy Fosnaugh (recovering from hand surgery), Russ and Kim Garvin (long term health issues), Ansley Griffin (physical therapy after surgery), Bill Kenson (daily blessing), David LaCuse in Oregon (back in the hospital after a fall and in much pain), Pete and Lori Mendez (he- cancer treatments, she- Parkinson’s disease), Al and Susan Sheehan (daily blessing and guidance), Sergio Torres, and the Ward family and Mountain Vista Baptist Church upon the passing of twelve year old Zoe. Please also be praying for persecuted Christians around the world as for our mission works in Venezuela with Daryl and Valerie Griffin and in Vigan City, Philippines with Rolando and Ludy Azurin. 1 Kings 9:3a And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea which you have offered before Me…”
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may always be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.~quotement
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