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loving God, loving people
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The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 May 7, 2023 Number 19
FROM YOUR MINISTER: When I became a Christian, I somehow thought that the only way to serve God was by becoming a preacher. I also thought that being a preacher was only about sermons. Since then, I have made many other mistakes about being a Christian! Some of my thinking has been changed by verses like these from Colossians 3:17&23, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Brothers and sisters, let’s serve Jesus in everything we do!
TODAY’S QUOTES: If you want to live in this world, doing the duty of life, knowing the blessings of it, doing your work heartily, and yet not absorbed by it, remember that the one power whereby you can so act is, that all shall be consecrated to Christ, and done for His sake.
- Alexander MacLaren
There is no work better than to please God; to pour water, to wash dishes, to be a cobbler, or an apostle, all are one; to wash dishes and to preach are all one, as touching the deed, to please God. - William Tyndale
Do all the good you can by all the means you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to all the people you can as long as ever you can. - John Wesley
Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit, and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time, fill them up with holy service. - Charles Spurgeon
The real test of a saint is not one's willingness to preach the gospel, but one's willingness to do something like washing the disciples' feet - that is, being willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God. - Oswald Chambers
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Psalm 103:1-2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
FAMILY NEWS: We welcome today members of the Gideons reporting on their work of distributing the Bible around the world as well as here at home. Please pick up their material and join others in contributing….Erin Rahme and her daughter in law are vacationing in Europe while Ralph & Sally Lindsey are with family in Southern California. May each gladly enjoy their journeys!
FREE TO SERVE
Growing up, we all had our turn at jobs like cutting grass with that old mower that didn't cut very well, or cleaning the woodwork in the kitchen, or worse, cleaning the commode and the tub and the lavatory.
Those little, tough jobs kids hate doing just change as we grow up. Eventually they turn into larger, tougher jobs we still don't enjoy doing!
But those who follow Jesus know that even the simplest, most disagreeable job can be meaningful when we do it for the Lord. As we do things out of love for Him, serving becomes a blessing whether anyone else thanks us or not — yes, even those little, tough jobs that nobody likes can become a blessing!
Paul reminds us that the Lord calls us to be free — free from law and free from sin and free to serve each other in love (Galatians 5:1-6). We are to lovingly serve all people, especially those with whom we share Jesus (Galatians 6:10).
By Paul Faulkner, heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME:Prayer is the mightiest agent to advance God's work. ~E.M. Bounds Love and prayers for the family of Mike McGroarty who passed away yesterday evening in Las Vegas. His wife Melodye is Sue Pence's best friend and appreciates our prayers. Al Sheehan's wife Susan has had a stroke and is hospitalized and may require recovery in a care center. We extend our love and prayers. June Cantwell has not been able to worship with us for quite some time and is now having breathing problems. Please include her in your prayers. We are thankful that Uday and family are back with us and that he is doing well! Fred Welden continues as a patient in acute care at the old hospital. Please remain in prayer for him and Linda. Please be praying for our sister Diana Buffaloe as she will go through cancer surgery May 10. We pray for Harlan & Rosella Paslay who are back at their home near Yuuba City as she prepares for radiation treatments. Please keep praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Gary Crowder’s son Reuben, Mary Fisher’s family, Kim Garvin, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ruth Kromka, Suzie Pence's sister Wendy, Arin Reiutz, Al Sheehan, the family of Kim Wilson and John Wood. Acts 12:15 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Dear God, I come to You and ask for healing for the world. There is conflict and unrest in many areas. Some people have forgotten to go to You first. Instead, they are trying to rely on themselves. Father, remind each of us that You are waiting for conversation. Remind us that You hear our prayers. Thank You, God. Amen. ~ibelieve.com
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 April 30, 2023 Number 18
FROM YOUR MINISTER: Lately I have been fascinated by the four words that make up the title of this week’s article on the next page. Truly I am greatly blessed by the knowledge that the Lord is near! I rejoice with the Psalmist Asaph as he sang, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works” (Psalm 73:28). Yes, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, near to all who call upon Him in truth and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18 & 145:18). Because He is near, our behavior changes! We make Him our refuge. We want to share Him! We rejoice, and His influence on us is seen by those around us! So, “Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord” (Fanny J. Crosby, 1875)
TODAY’S QUOTES: Modern man has lost any sense of God's nearness, but Christianity teaches that God reveals himself through every single thing he has ever brought into being, whether a created object or historical event. — R.C. Sproul
When it seems as if God is far away, remind yourself that He is near. Nearness is not a matter of geography. God is everywhere. Nearness is likeness. The more we become like the Lord, the nearer He is to us. — Warren W. Wiersbe
Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God the more of God will be seen in you. — Charles Spurgeon
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: John 14:23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.
FAMILY NEWS: Our sister Evelyn Hadnot is visiting family in the Philippines. We have sent with her communion trays for a new congregation there. May that work be blessed.
Jo Jones will be 90 this Sunday, April 30. The family invites us to an open house from 2-4 pm to wish her a Happy Birthday and to have birthday cake together! See Kathy for the address and more information. We welcome many of Jo Ella’s family who are with us today for her birthday. Her great grandson, Dillon, will be leading our song service. Thank you all for being here and for sharing your precious loved one with the rest of us!
THE LORD IS NEAR!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. — Philippians 4:4-5
Thought
Because the Lord is near, we can rejoice and treat others with gentleness. He is near because he lives in us through his Spirit. He is near because his coming is at hand. He is near when we gather with other believers, serve others in need, or share the Gospel with friends and people of different cultures. The Lord is near because he has promised to be with us and never forsake us. We can be joyful and tender because Jesus lives in us, works through us, and is coming for us! Nothing is more infectious than a joyous and kind person who knows the Lord IS near!
Prayer Father, I am thrilled to know that I will never be alone. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus to join me when I meet with other believers, serve others in his name, and share the Gospel with those who do not know him. Please let the abiding joy I feel from his presence be evident in how I live and serve others. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
By Phil Ware, Heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME: We draw nearer to Him in time of prayer. ~Brewster Al Sheehan's wife Susan has had a stroke and is hospitalized and may require recovery in a care center. We extend our love and prayers. June Cantwell has not been able to worship with us for quite some time and is now having breathing problems. Please include her in your prayers.
Grecia Ramirez has COVID. Please be praying for her and the boys. We are thankful that Uday is feeling well and back from medical treatments in India! Fred Welden thanks all for the cards and prayers. He is now receiving IV antibiotics as a patient at the old hospital. Please continue in prayer for him.
Please be praying for our sister Diana Buffaloe as she will go through cancer surgery May 10. We pray for Harlan & Rosella Paslay who are back at their home near Yuuba City as she prepares for radiation treatments. Please keep praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Gary Crowder’s son Reuben, Mary Fisher’s family, Kim Garvin, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ruth Kromka, Suzie Pence's sister Wendy, Arin Reiutz, Al Sheehan, the family of Kim Wilson and John Wood.
Acts 10:31 and {the angel} said, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.”
Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me remember that You really are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Mary Southerland
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 April 23, 2023 Number 17
FROM YOUR MINISTER: Lately, I have been focusing on certain Biblical words and their validity today. Praise, thanksgiving, hope, trust, and love are among these. Do you realize that the word peace is used over 350 times in scripture? Among the over 20 times reported from Jesus is this one. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Tribulation in the world? Yes, still! But Jesus is our source of peace! Paul begins every one of his letters with greetings of peace! My favorite in his mentions of peace is Philippians 4:6-7. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Although there is no way we can fully comprehend it, God wants us to have it! May you walk in His peace today!
TODAY’S QUOTES:
As we pour out our bitterness, God pours in his peace. - F.B. Meyer
Because of the empty tomb, we have peace. Because of His resurrection, we can have peace during even the most troubling of times because we know He is in control of all that happens in the world. - Paul Chappell
If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble. - Thomas Watson
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE:
Deuteronomy 31:6 {Moses to Israel} So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
FAMILY NEWS: We welcome Dwayne and Nancy Harris to our church family. It’s wonderful having them with us! Make sure you meet them—you will be blessed!
Jo Jones will be 90 on Sunday, April 30. The family invites us to an open house from 2-4 pm to wish her a Happy Birthday and to have birthday cake together! See Kathy for address and more information.
Real Peace by Melva Cooper via heartlight.org
[Jesus taught:] God blesses those who work for peace. Matthew 5:9 All summer, we watched tiny, exquisite, awe-inspiring hummingbirds feed from the tasty sugar water that my husband had so generously supplied to them. They would circle the feeder, suspend themselves in mid-air for a few seconds, and then dive straight to the tiny feeding troughs on each side. Their long beaks would soak up the juice. Swoop after swoop was made until they were full and would then flit away. It is truly peaceful sitting at our kitchen table and observing God's beautiful handiwork in the form of minuscule hummingbirds. However ...
Then came fall. The hummingbirds understand it is time to fill their tummies before they head south for the winter. Hummingbirds are very territorial, so the fight to maintain control of the feeder begins. They zoom back and forth, trying to get to the food. Peace turns to chaos as the aggressive birds strike one another. War is raged in their pursuit of getting their time at the feeder. Gone is the serenity viewing the hummingbirds gave me during the summer.
Do you know peace in your life? Are you often belligerent and contentious with those around you? Or do you find your days filled with conflict? May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13). What thoughts do you let fill your mind? And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9). In our world of noise, confusion, and relentless pressures, we often long for peace. Peace comes as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives and intentionally turn our anxieties over to God. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus gives us peace, but we must be willing to accept it. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful (Colossians 3:15). Let God's peace guard your hearts and minds as you live in Him. And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen (Romans 15:33). Work hard at living in peace with others. Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
PRAYERTIME: Throughout turmoil around us, we pray for inner peace. ~Monroe Our love and prayers for the family of our sister Kim Wilson who peacefully passed away Tuesday morning. Our brother Fred Welden is hospitalized with blood infection and heart issues but is improving. He is to be on antibiotics for about six weeks at the acute care facility in the old hospital. At that time, he is to have his heart valve replaced. Please be in continual prayer for Fred and Linda. We extend our love and prayers for James Fisher and family upon the passing of his mother (and our sister) Mary. Please be praying for our sister Diana Buffaloe as she will go through cancer surgery May 10. Kody Sackett's dad Kevin is back to work part time and in an arm sling. Al Sheehan was in the hospital last week but is now recuperating at home. We pray for Harlan & Rosella Paslay who are back at their home near Yuuba City as she prepares for radiation treatments. Keep in prayer for our brother Uday who is in India receiving medical treatment.. Angelina, Aaric and Ariel remain here. Please be praying for their well-being. Please keep praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Gary Crowder’s son Reuben, Kim Garvin, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ruth Kromka, Suzie Pence's sister Wendy, Grecia and Tristan Ramirez, Arin Reiutz, and John Wood. Acts 10:9 On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.
Abba, I cry out to You. Please protect me from feelings of inadequacy. Help me to remember I am Your child. Take away these awful feelings and fill me with Your love and glory. I am Yours. Amen. ~Ibelieve.com
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together VOLUME 50 April 16, 2023 Number 16 FROM YOUR MINISTER: As I have mentioned many times lately, I have a new “go to” word. I have been amazed how many times it comes up in my daily Bible reading and in other spiritual readings that I do. I am also amazed at how applicable that word is in the daily lives of the children of God. It is so important because it is actually the answer to all of the difficulties in which we find ourselves! Can you find the word? “Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday (Psalm 37:3-6). Trust is my word. What’s yours?
TODAY’S QUOTES: I find myself frequently depressed – perhaps more so than any other person here. And I find no better cure for that depression than to trust in the Lord with all my heart and seek to realize afresh the power of the peace-speaking blood of Jesus and His infinite love in dying upon the cross to put away all my transgressions. – Charles Spurgeon
And if God has promised to stay present with, help and uphold those who trust in Him, do we have any real reason to fear? – John Stange
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Psalm 71:17-18 O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.
FAMILY NEWS: For the Ladies Luncheon in May, the plan is to go out to eat again, so please get to Allison or Kathy with suggestions for a restaurant.
Jo Jones will be 90 on Sunday, April 30. The family invites us to an open house from 2-4 pm to wish her a Happy Birthday and to have birthday cake together! See Kathy for address and more information.
TRUST GOD IN YOUR STRUGGLE by Max Lucado
All tests are temporary and limited in duration. Peter told people facing persecution and possible martyrdom:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:6).
Some tests end on earth. All tests will end in heaven, right? Right!
In the meantime, let God train you. He watches the way we handle the little jobs. Jesus promised us:
"You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
(Matthew 25:21)
Do you aspire to do great things?
Excel in the small things.
Don't complain. Let others grumble, not you.
When you're given a task, take it.
When you see a hurt, address it.
Compassion matters to God. This is the time for service, not self-centeredness. Cancel the pity party. Love the people God brings to you. He will work in you what is pleasing to Him.
[I am] confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
You will get through this!
via heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME: The power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it. – Max Lucado. We extend our love and prayers for James Fisher and family upon the passing Wednesday of his mother (and our sister) Mary. He will be taking care of business at her home in Fort Bragg this weekend. On Tuesday our sister Kim Wilson was admitted to CICU following heart issues and is not doing well. We offer our love and prayers. Please be praying for our sister Diana Buffaloe as she is about to go through cancer surgery. It was wonderful having Arin Reiutz in services Sunday! Our prayers for her continue. Keep in prayer for our brother Uday who is in India receiving medical treatment.. Angelina, Aaric and Ariel remain here. Please be praying for their well-being. Please keep praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Gary Crowder’s son Reuben, Kim Garvin, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ruth Kromka, Harlan & Rosella Paslay, Suzie Pence's sister Wendy, Grecia and Tristan Ramirez, upon the passing of John Castle, Kody Sackett's dad Kevin, Al Sheehan and John Wood.
Acts 10:4 [of Cornelius] And fixing his gaze on [Peter] and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And [Peter] said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God…”
Lord, help me not to lean on my own understanding but in everything acknowledge You so that You can direct my words, thoughts and actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Sharon Glasgow
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