loving God, loving people
and bringing the two together
Airport Road
Church of Christ
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 March 26, 2023 Number 13
FROM YOUR MINISTER: We begin every Sunday morning assembly singing the words of Philippians 4:4. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!” I think there is one word in that verse that, from time to time, we question. With everything going on around us, how in the world can we rejoice “always”? In Nehemiah chapter 8 Israel is gathered before the Water Gate and Ezra the scribe begins reading the book of the Law of Moses. The people begin to greatly weep over the words. Ezra stops reading and responds, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10 b). No matter what we go through, if we are in the Lord, there is reason to rejoice. We can have the joy of the Lord!
TODAY’S QUOTE: It is often difficult to find the joy spoken about in the Bible in the mundane moments of our lives. In the bills to be paid, deadlines to meet, stressors of family life and chaos of modern age, it is easy to become distracted and forget that God has not just promised to pour out His blessings on His children---He has already done so and continues to do the same. ~Erin Stokes
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”
FAMILY NEWS: We welcome to the Airport Road family Esther Hadnot and her daughter in law Marnita Baird! Esther and her late husband James were part of a congregation in Southern California and moved here to be near their daughter Marnita. James was incapacitated by illness until his recent passing. Marnita was baptized into Christ Sunday. She is a professional chef and brought homemade cookies while Esther brought Filipino Lumpias to celebrate the new birth with us! Be sure to meet these special people!
Shout for Joy! Why should I rejoice when things are not going well?
"Like a victorious locker room," says Philip Yancey, "church is a place to exult, to give thanks, to celebrate the good news that all is forgiven, that God is love, that victory is certain." Have you ever noticed how the celebration goes after a World Series, Super Bowl, or Junior Soccer Match? The players who made errors, missed their assignments, and dropped passes are just as excited and happy as the ones who hit home runs or kicked winning goals. If you're on Christ's team, you get to shout for joy over what he has done and to march in the victory parade.
But somebody says she doesn't feel like celebrating. Another pipes up to say he is nothing but a loser. "My health is rotten!" protests someone. "I'm on the verge of losing my job, and I don't know how we can keep from losing our house," cries another. "My divorce will be final next week," says a trembling voice, "and I never meant to be alone at this point in my life." Listen up! You're not a "loser." And despite the distress, sleepless nights, or uncertain markets, you still have reason to cheer – if you know Jesus Christ.
Think about sports memorabilia for a moment. A few days ago, I walked through a collection of bats, balls, jerseys, and other sports items that were too expensive for me even to handle – much less consider buying. A baseball that once cost only a few dollars is worth several thousand because Babe Ruth held it in his hands and wrote his name on it. A football that might sell for $20 is worth hundreds because Troy Aikman has held and signed it. Most baseball cards are worth the paper they're printed on. A signed Ted Williams card my son has in his collection is worth a few hundred because the legendary player once held it in his hands and signed his name on it.
Are you following me? Do you get the point? You're not just another sales rep, truck driver, or programmer. Even if you don't make headlines or tons of money, you're valuable. In spite of the fact that you're embarrassed about something in the past or scared of something in your future, you matter. So you can stop selling yourself short. If you have been held in Christ's hands and have the signature mark of the Spirit of God in your heart, you are saved. You have a reason for living. And you have a future that is secure. You're no loser, my friend. You are the child of the King! ~Rubel Shelly, heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME: God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. You can bring everything to Him in prayer. ~Rick Warren Our sister Kim Garvin of the Gardnerville congregation is back in the hospital in Reno. She was to have a procedure Tuesday to analyze a culture to know how to further treat her. This has delayed her third chemo treatment. Please continue in prayer for her. Our brother Uday is receiving medical treatment in India and appreciates your prayers. He seems to be improving. Angelina, Aaric and Ariel remain here. Please be praying for his health and their well-being. Former member Harlan Paslay requests prayers for his wife Rosella who will have cancer surgery March 30. Please continue praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Diana Buffaloe, Gary Crowder’s son Reuben, James Fisher’s mother Mary, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ruth Kromka, Suzie Pence's sister Wendy, Grecia and Tristan Ramirez, Arin Reiutz upon the passing of John Castle, Kody Sackett's dad Kevin, Al Sheehan, Kim Wilson and John Wood. Acts 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of joy. I pray I will show Your love and joy in all my words and actions. Help me to bring comfort and peace through the sharing of Your Word. Amen. ~Ibelieve.com
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 March 19, 2023 Number 12
FROM YOUR MINISTER: Stan reminded me the other day that our late brother Jim Oberschelp’s favorite hymn was “To Love Someone More Dearly”. So, during the recent storm and with only six of us attending, we sang it! The first two verses end with the words, “This is my task.” What do you view as your task? The Bible offers us good answers. “Trust in the Lord, and do good…Let us not grow weary of doing good… Always seek to do good to one another and to everyone…God anointed Jesus {Who} went about doing good…let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Psalm 37:3, Galatians 6:9. 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Acts 10:38, Hebrews 10:24). What if we each determined every morning to focus on doing good? We would be changed but so would the world around us! “This is my task.”
TODAY’S QUOTES: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways 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
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson “Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” – Mother Teresa
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: 1 Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.
The Great Value of the Little Things
Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you. ~Acts 3:6
In Luke chapter twenty one Jesus tells of seeing a widow, in the midst of rich people, offering at the temple treasury. She gave only two coins, but it was all she had.
There at least two attitudes that Jesus confronts in the brief episode of the widow’s offering. One is the attitude of the rich person, who might have an inflated sense of their self-worth--- both financially and spiritually---based on their “sizeable” gift. But He also raises up the attitude of the poor people, who might underestimate their worth based on the “little things” they are able to give and do.
We must recognize the value in the little. Everyday things we do. Ironing the clothes, raking the leaves, sending a sympathy card, bringing a meal to a shut-in, attending a Little League baseball game or an elementary school music recital, shoveling the snow off a neighbor’s sidewalk, saying “Thank you, and saying “I’m sorry.” Each act of kindness is a gift. Every encouraging word is a is a gift of life that reflects the image of God within us. And with every good deed and every encouraging word, God smiles.
Like the “Little Drummer Boy” of modern Christmas lore, we might be tempted to think, “I have no gift to bring.” But Jesus reminds us that it is the little things that God regards as having the greatest value.
Dear Father, whether I have barns full of grain or just a few little mustard seeds, may I give generously, in full assurance of faith. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
~Tim Willis in Power for Today
PRAYERTIME: Prayer—a small deed with huge benefits. ~Monroe Our brother Uday has been ill for two years and is now in India for treatment as Angelina, Aaric and Ariel remain here. Please be praying for his health and their well-being. John Castle, the good friend of Arin Reiutz, has been in our prayers for several months. He has passed away. We extend our love and prayers on behalf of Arin, friends and family. May they be comforted in good memories of a good man. Once again, the Van Grimbergen’s house has undergone flood damage. Please pray on their behalves. Former member Harlan Paslay has called requesting prayers for his wife Rosella. She will have cancer surgery at the end of the month. Please be in prayer for the many needs among our folks! Suzie Pence's sister Wendy has been placed in hospice in Portland. Kody Sackett's dad, Kevin, had surgery to repair a serious break and has now developed blood clots. We are greatly thankful that our sister Kim Garvin of the Gardnerville congregation is now home! Progress is slow and she has several more chemo treatments to go through. Please keep in prayer. Former visitor, Clifton Tomberlin, now of Santa Cruz, called asking for our prayers as he goes through difficulties. Let us be in further prayer for Reuben, Gary Crowder’s son, as he goes through difficult times. Please continue praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Diana Buffaloe, James Fisher’s mother Mary, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ruth Kromka, Grecia and Tristan Ramirez, Al Sheehan, Kim Wilson and John Wood. Acts 1:14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 March 12, 2023 Number 11
THE OTHER SIDE
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.” Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know…” “You don’t know? You’re a Christian man and don’t know what’s on the other side?”
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said. “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing… I know my Master is there, and that is enough.
FROM YOUR MINISTER: Yes, it’s true there are a lot of things that we don’t know about Heaven! I remember a real shock I had as a kid one Sunday while singing in church. We were singing the last lines of Sweet Hour of Prayer. “This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise to seize the everlasting prize, and shout while passing through the air. “Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!” No more prayer? That caught me by surprise! Another old hymn helps me understand. “Face to face I shall behold Him; Far beyond the starry sky; Face to face in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!” In Heaven, prayer will be replaced by God’s very presence! Now, I close with another famous lyric. “What a day, glorious day that will be!”
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Psalm 30:4-5 Sing praise to the Lord, you his godly, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
A Prayer from A to Z
All-loving Heavenly Father,
Because of Your care for us, we
Come before You now, for we
Depend on You for our very lives.
Everything is in You and from You!
Father, turn our hearts from self.
Give us hearts that focus away from today’s troubles.
Hear us as we humble ourselves before You.
I need Thee every hour, and
Just as I am are more than songs.
Keep us centered in faith and love.
Let our hearts be
Molded and formed continually in Your image-
Now and forevermore.
Occupy our lives, O Lord
Preparing us for what lies ahead.
Quiet us in the stillness of Your presence.
Remove from us the fear,
Stress and strain of this life, and
Teach us the growth available through trials.
Unchain us from this changing culture, and
Verify the truth that is Your
Word, the unchanging Gospel.
Xamine us as a people devoted to
Your light. May we always shine with
Zeal through the darkness around us.
In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
PRAYERTIME: It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without heart. ~Mahatma Gandhi Arin Reiutz thanks all for the prayers for her friend, John Castle as he is now doing better. We are thankful! We extend our love and sympathy to the family of our brother, James Hadnot upon his recent passing after a year-long illness. Former member Harlan Paslay has called requesting prayers for his wife Rosella as she undergoes cancer treatments. They live outside of Yuba City, CA where they attend church. Please be in prayer for the many needs among our folks! Suzie Pence's sister Wendy has been placed in hospice in Portland. Linda Beach is recovering from shingles. Kody Sackett's dad, Kevin, had surgery to repair a serious break and has now developed blood clots. We are greatly thankful that our sister Kim Garvin of the Gardnerville congregation is now home! Progress is slow and she has several more chemo treatments to go through. Please keep in prayer. Former visitor, Clifton Tomberlin, now of Santa Cruz, called asking for our prayers as he goes through difficulties. Let us be in further prayer for Reuben, Gary Crowder’s son, as he goes through difficult times. Please continue praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Diana Buffaloe, James Fisher’s mother Mary, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ken Jarman, Ruth Kromka, Grecia and Tristan Ramirez, Al Sheehan, the Van Grimbergens, Kim Wilson and John Wood. Luke 22:45-46 And when he rose up from his prayer, he came unto the disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray that you enter not into temptation.
The Airport Road Church of Christ
Loving God, loving people and bringing the two together
VOLUME 50 March 5, 2023 Number 10
FROM YOUR MINISTER: It was at least forty years ago, and I was as proud as a peacock to see our fifth grader, J.J. center stage singing a solo of a song that I love. “I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger traveling through this world below. There’s no sickness, no toil or danger in that land to which I go.” Fifteen years later Wanetta and I took her parents to the Grand Ole Opry and were amazed to see Bill Monroe sing the classic accompanied by his mandolin not long before he passed away. Two great memories of a wonderful song with a quite Biblical theme. The writer of Hebrews began listing many great Bible heroes and wrote, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13).Yes, that’s who we are as well; keep traveling, pilgrim!
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK: Life is a journey, a winding path filled with many unknowns. It’s only possible to navigate because of God’s power and grace. ~Brian Houston
My life is my journey with God may be hard sometimes, but I’m assured it will all be worth it. ~ReligionQuotes.info
You are not on a journey to God; you are on a journey with God. ~Steve Maraboli
God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. ~Max Lucado
THIS WEEK FROM THE BIBLE: Psalm 30:12 That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
FAMILY NEWS: We greatly appreciate Ansley and Bailey Griffin as they capably run the media booth.
The Ladies Luncheon for March will be Thursday, March 9th, 12:30 at the VanGrimbergen’s.
Congratulations to Steve and Linda Beach who are in Southern California at Camp Pendleton as their grandson graduates from Marine boot camp.
We welcome Marnita Baird and her step-mother Evelyn Hadnot to the congregation. They are in So. California this week for the funeral service of Evelyn’s husband, Marnita’s dad James Hadnot.
We’ll Never be Happy Here… and that’s o.k.
by Michele Howe
I guess if we're honest, we'll admit to struggling some every day. Why? Because we weren't made for this world.
Sure, we have our moments... those glorious, all is right in the world, fleeting, and emotionally satisfying slices of life.
I love them.
But, truth be told, they don't last very long.
Which is why I'm banking on the next life.
As Max Lucado writes:You will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you'll have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.
Your faith and your hope are in God.
Or as Peter puts it: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God (1 Peter 1:18-21 — Bold text added for emphasis.).
~Heartlight.org
PRAYERTIME: To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. ~Martin Luther We extend our love and sympathy to the family of our brother, James Hadnot upon his recent passing after a year-long illness. Former member Harlan Paslay has called requesting prayers for his wife Rosella as she undergoes cancer treatments. They live outside of Yuba City, CA where they attend church. Please be in prayer for the many needs among our folks! Suzie Pence's sister Wendy has been placed in hospice in Portland. Linda Beach is recovering from shingles. Kody Sackett's dad, Kevin, had surgery to repair a serious break and has now developed blood clots. We are greatly thankful that our sister Kim Garvin of the Gardnerville congregation is now home! Progress is slow and she has several more chemo treatments to go through. Please keep in prayer. Former visitor, Clifton Tomberlin, now of Santa Cruz, called asking for our prayers as he goes through difficulties. Let us be in further prayer for Reuben, Gary Crowder’s son, as he goes through difficult times. Please continue praying for Aulika and Mickey, Steve Beach, Diana Buffaloe, James Fisher’s mother Mary, Daryl and Valerie Griffin- our missionaries and the people of Venezuela, Ken Jarman, Ruth Kromka, Grecia and Tristan Ramirez, Arin Reiutz and friend John Castle, Al Sheehan, the Van Grimbergens, Kim Wilson and John Wood. Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
Father, I have to thank You for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me when I fail to love others in the same way. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life, and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Mary Southerland
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