Bulletins


NEWS NOTES March 8, 2026
 
The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.   I Samuel 3:1-5 NIV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning and the first day of Daylight Savings Time 2026. Critics of the time change says it causes temporary “social jetlag” by misaligning the body’s internal cloak with the sun.  On the plus side, the increased evening daylight encourages outdoor living where we can directly appreciate God’s creation.
 
Prayers:  for those mentioned in our announces who are in cancer treatment.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • Next Saturday March 14. Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” Breakfast starts at 8:15 AM with the study from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
  • Next Sunday March 15 LaVerne Congregation is hosting a potluck and songfest.  Charles Fry is their morning and afternoon speaker.  See Michael if you want a ride to La Verne.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned; but individuals may still be able to arrange to share a site with someone else.
  • June 29-July 3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Hear the Word of the Lord
Adapted from a message by Douglas McKenzie 1/31/2016
 
6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”  “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” I Samuel 3:6-10 NIV
 
Early in American history, it wasn’t unusual for kids to learn to read by reading the Bible.  Often the only book in a home was the Bible.
 
A prophet and last Judge of Israel, Samuel went to life at the Tabernacle with the high priest Eli when he was just a very young boy.  He was still a lad when the voice of God called to him.  The child Samuel didn’t understand what was happening.  It took the old priest Eli a while to understand too.
 
“Hear the word of the LORD” a common phrase in many of the Old Testament prophecy books.  What does it mean?
 
We find God’s word in the Bible, but we have to open it, read it, study it, and do something with it in our lives.  It’s important not to just hear or rely on someone else’s interpretation.  We must read it for our self.
 
The writers of the Bible were inspired (II Timothy 3:16).  But they weren’t like court reporters just taking word-for-word dictation.  They were more like a good news reporter - retelling it in their own style.
 
We have an “on” and “off” switch when it comes to our ears.  We can hear, but not listen.  Jesus encourage the seekers coming to him, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  (Matthew 13:43; Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8).
 
We have to open our Bibles and open our minds in order to hear the word of Gods. 
 
The Bible is “news” about and from God, written down over a long time period.  Each inspired writer speaks of God from their perspective and experience.  It shows us God’s character, His will, and gives us the spiritual nourishment we crave.


NEWS NOTES March 1, 2026
 
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:10-13 (NKJV)
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.What a blessing to have several visitors last week.
 
Next Sunday will be Daily Light Savings Time.  Clocks change from 2 AM to 3 AM.  Go to bed an hour earlier than usual so you are not late to church.
 
Prayers & Gratitude: shared last Wednesday night at Bible study, the discovery of a new blessing in needing to use a cane - people open doors at stores and offices and are more patient about waiting for you to go first.  God bless the compassionate.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • March 14 (Saturday). Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” Breakfast starts at 8:15 AM with the study from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
  • March 15 (Sunday) LaVerne Congregation is hosting a potluck and songfest.  Charles Fry is their morning and afternoon speaker.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out.  Campsites have been assigned
  • June 29-July3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Habits
Adapted from a message by Glen Owens 1/18/1998
 
And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Acts 16:13 NKJV
 
Habit: a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.  Brushing your teeth daily, checking car mirrors before changing lanes, and holding the door open for others to enter ahead of you are all good habits acquired through repetition, eventually take little thought.  People spend a lifetime developing habits.  The good thing about good habits is they give us time to focus on doing good things that are not yet habits.  Another good thing about habits is that they can be changed if they are bad habits.
 
Most English Bible translations don’t use the word “habit” very much.  But much is written about it.  Paul told Timothy to devote or give attention to reading the scriptures (I Timothy 4:13).  The Church at Thessalonica was told to pray without ceasing or continually (I Thessalonians 5:17).  Lydia and others at Philippi had a reputation for meeting by the riverside to prayer on the Sabbath (Acts 16:13).  Each of these citations indicates an activity which was a regular practice; thus a habit.
 
The Greek word ethos meaning a custom, habit, or personal routine does show up in some key passages.  We get our word “ethics” from it. Its use in Luke 22: 39 shows Jesus was a man of important habits, “And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed Him.” (Luke 22:39 AMPC) The Mount of Olives was a place where Jesus regularly taught and prayed.  Jesus continually prayed and went on the Sabbath to the synagogue (Luke 4:16).
 
Many habits adversely affect us.  Extensive medical studies show that tobacco is harmful to the user’s health and those who breath second-hand smoke, and it takes money away from the family.  A difficult habit to stop because of its additive properties, breaking it should be a health priority.  A spiritual bad habit to break is highlighted in Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit (ethos), but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
 
Paul uses a stronger form of ethos in 1 Corinthians 15:33 to warn about the dangers of hanging out with people who have bad habits, Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (NKJV). Put another way, other people’s bad habits or lifestyles can weaken our own good habits, similar to breathing second hand tobacco smoke, or lead to making the same bad habits.
 
Bad language, gossip, abusive language, and general misuse of the tongue is a problem for many.  James deals with the tongue at length in chapter 3.  For example verse 8: But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. I cannot tame or control your tongue, but you can.  If you have a bad habit of abusing others with your tongue, make it a point to work on breaking that bad habit this year.
 
A self-examination of our habits is probably all that most of us need.  It isn’t so hard to see where we can make changes that will be better for us and those around us.  Often we resent others telling us what we should change even when we know they are right.  Be grateful they care about your physical and spiritual health.  Pray to God for discernment that you can make your own godly assessment about your habits.  Then with His help, keep the good habits, add to them, and take away the bad ones.


NEWS NOTES February 22, 2026
 
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning. We welcome Jay Graham as our speaker and we will have potluck lunch here at the building. 
 
We are grateful for last week’s winter storm that blanketed our mountains in snow.  
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • March 14 (Saturday). Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” Breakfast starts at 8:15 AM with the study from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.  Lunch is provided.  Bring something round for desert (cookies, pie, cake, etc.).  Read ahead Luke 10: 38-42; John 11: 1-45; and John 12:1-11.
  • March 15 (Sunday) LaVerne Congregation is hosting a potluck and songfest.  Charles Fry is their morning and afternoon speaker.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out
  • June 29-July3 Midwest Bible Campout in Eminence, MO sponsored by the Prince Road church of Christ, Alton IL.  See their website for details.
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Two Birth Dates
 
4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:4-8 ESV
 
Before the two Federal holidays were consolidated into “Presidents’ Day, our country remembered both February 12th (President Lincoln’s birthday) and February 22nd (George Washington’s birthday).  Many school districts still give the students two days off in February. 
 
But February 22 is George Washington’s second birth date.  Born on February 11, 1731 (using the Julian calendar), Washington celebrated his 20th and subsequent birthdays on February 22, the date we use today.  This was because the British Empire (including the American colonies) made the jump to the more accurate Gregorian calendar in September 1752 and 11 days of inaccuracy vanished one second after midnight.
 
Do you have two birth dates?  Jesus told Nicodemus he had to be born again (John 3:3).  Nicodemus was befuddled and Jesus says it again, adding more details (verses 4-8), born of water and the Spirit . . .
 
This phrase signifies a spiritual birth necessary for salvation. "Born of water" is a reference to baptism, symbolizing purification and repentance, as seen in John’s baptism, and our spiritual resurrection as a new creature in Christ: 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-11 ESV).
 
We can physical hear the wind, feel it against our skin, and see it’s effects; yet it is invisible.  The effects of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is similar.  It’s transformative effects should be clear to everyone, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)
 
If you don’t have a second birth date, today is a good day to change that: 6 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (Acts 22:16 ESV)


NEWS NOTES February 15, 2026
 
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning. We welcome Joy and Brad Tutterow of Illinois.  Brad will be our morning speaker.
 
Prayers & Gratitude:  Many were sick/absent last week.  But now have recovered.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • Next Sunday February 22, Jay Graham will be our speaker and we will have potluck after morning services
  • March 14 (Saturday). Save the date: Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” Breakfast starts at 8:15 AM with the study from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.  Lunch is provided.  Bring something round for desert (cookies, pie, cake, etc.).  Read ahead Luke 10: 38-42; John 11: 1-45; and John 12:1-11.  See Catherine Manning to RSVP.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Flowers and Love
 
I am a rose of Sharon,a lily of the valleys. (She)
2 Like a lily among thornsis my darling among the young women. (He)
3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forestis my beloved among the young men.  I delight to sit in his shade,and his fruit is sweet to my taste. 4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall,and let his banner over me be love. (She) Song of Solomon 2:1-4 NIV
 
Valentine’s Day is the biggest sales holiday for florists and other flowering plant growers in the United States.  Estimates were that people would spend over $3 billion on flowers for this weekend.  Mother’s Day is the second largest sales holiday for plants and flowers.
 
Flowers, aromatic plants, and blossoming trees have long been associated with affection and romantic love.  Song of Solomon in the Old Testament has several allusions to plants and flowers.  A collection of poems that celebrate love, it may also be viewed as an allegory of God’s love for His people. But as beautiful as a fresh bouquet of roses or a cattleya orchid in full bloom are, they are only a token of love if genuine love exists.  God showed His love to us despite our sinful nature (John 3:16) and expects us to have this kind of love for each other:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
 
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
 
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
 
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
 
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13 NKJV


NEWS NOTES February 8, 2026
 
For an overseer (elder), as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:7-9 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning. Much of the nation will be tuned in later today for the Super Bowl.  Be cautious driving home today.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • February 15 (Sunday) Brad Tuttterow of Illinois will be our speaker.  
  • February 22 (Sunday) Jay Graham will be our speaker and we will have potluck after morning services
  • March 14 (Saturday). Save the date: Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” Breakfast starts at 8:15 AM with the study from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM.  Lunch is provided.  Read ahead Luke 10: 38-42; John 11: 1-45; and John 12:1-11.  See Catherine Manning to RSVP.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Stewardship
Adapted from Ladies Study 2006
 
And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.Luke 12:42-44 NKJV
 
From ancient times, it has been the practice for wealthy people to have a trusted, capable person to manage their physical property, financial affairs, and direct the other servants. In the absence of a biological heir, such a servant could even inherit the estate. Before Isaac was born, Abram (Abraham) designated his servant Eliezer of Damascus as his heir (Genesis 15:2).  After Isaac was born and nearly 40 years old, Abraham still relied on his trusted “chief servant” to find an appropriate wife for Isaac.  This servant demonstrated the same faith in God as his master by praying to God to help him chose the bride wisely (Genesis 24:1-27).
 
Abraham’s great-grandson Joseph became a steward to Potiphar in Egypt after his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 39:1-20).  He showed the same trustworthiness, skill, and faith as Eliezer of Damascus, eventually acting as a steward to Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt (Genesis 41:46-57).  God blessed Potiphar and Egypt because of Joseph.  And Joseph, in turn, relied on his own steward to run his household and act as a trusted go-between when Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain.  (Genesis 43:16-19)
 
Jesus told a parable of a faithful steward and an unfaithful steward (Luke 12:35-48) and the consequences they receive from their master.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all entrusted with the Gospel, both to live it in our individual lives and to share it with others.
 
Paul described himself and the other early Gospel spreaders as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. I Corinthians 4:1-2).  The Hebrews writer extends this responsibility for trustworthiness to church leaders saying, Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. (Hebrews 13:17 NKJV).
 
Each individual believer is a steward of God, of God’s gifts and graces.  We strive to be like the faithful steward in Jesus’ parable.
 
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister[serving] it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers[serves], let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 4:9-11 NKJV)


NEWS NOTES February 1, 2026
 
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning. The flyer for the March 14th Ladies Day Study is on the bulletin board.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • February 15 (Sunday) Brad Tuttterow of Illinois will be our speaker
  • February 22 (Sunday) Jay Graham will be our speaker and we will have potluck after morning services
  • March 14 (Saturday). Save the date: Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Portion.” More details to follow.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Jacob’s Legacy
Adapted from a message from Samuel Manning 7/6/2025
 
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law... And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:1-6 ESV
 
God introducing Himself to Moses as the God of “your father,” Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob describes the continuity of His covenant relationship with Moses’ immediate ancestors and the more distant patriarchs.
 
Abraham was the Great Patriarch.  The one God called to go to a foreign land.  His legacy was his great faith in God’s promises.  Isaac was Abraham’s son of promise.  God promised an heir for Abraham through his wife Sarah - the son of the free woman (Galatians 4:22-31).  Jacob’s legacy (Abraham’s grandson) was the great house (nation) promised to Abraham.
 
And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. Genesis 35:10-11 ESV
 
When Jacob went to Egypt near the end of his life to join Joseph, his descendants that went with him numbered seventy (Genesis 46:27).  After the 430 years in Egypt (Exodus 12:40) Balaam described them as uncountable - dust of Jacob (Numbers 23:10) and prophesied I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; (Numbers 24:17-19).
 
Jesus Christ the Savior of the world was coming through Jacob’s house (Micah 2:12-13; Luke 1:32-33).
 
In John 4:5-43  Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well that had been Jacob’s (vs 6) and promises her living water (vs 11).  She challenges Him, are you greater than our father Jacob (vs12).  The Samaritans considered themselves descendants of Jacob through Joseph's sons and revered Jacob.  And “yes” Jesus is greater than Jacob and all of the patriarchs (vs 14).  As both the woman and the people in her village came to understand, Jesus “ is indeed the Savior of the world.” (vs 42).
 
Hebrews 11-12 describes that God had made decisions on His Plan in the beginning.  God operates in our lives through His Plan and His Will.


NEWS NOTES January 25, 2026
 
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 
Romans 12:1-2 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning.
 
Prayer requests and Gratitude:  It was a blessing to have rain last week.  Thanks to those overseeing major updates to our electric system at the building to bring it up to current code.  
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • February 15 (Sunday) Brad Tuttterow of Illinois will be our speaker
  • February 22 (Sunday) Jay Graham will be our speaker and we will have potluck after morning services
  • arch 14 (Saturday). Save the date: Ladies Bible Study “Choosing the Good Part.” More details to follow.
  • June 22-26 Shaver Lake Camp-out
  • July 26-31 Bible study meeting at Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation
 
 
Are You a Smelly Christian?
Adapted from a message from Allen Kline at the July 2023 One Week Meeting
 
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
 
Some animals have an amazing sense of smell. A Great White shark can smell a single drop of blood in an Olympic-sized pool.  A dog can smell a female dog in heat up to three miles away.
 
Some smells are sweet or pleasant aromas.  To me a pot of brewing coffee in the morning and fresh cut hay are pleasant smells.  Sweaty, dirty children are not so sweet, but the smell of sweaty, dirty adults is worse.
 
And you shall present with the bread seven lambs a year old without blemish, and one bull from the herd and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Leviticus 23:18 ESV
 
In the Old Testament, God commanded his people to make burnt animal and grain sacrifices, which were described as a “sweet” or “pleasant” aroma to God if acceptably done.  But if done while continuing sinful behaviors, these same sacrifices were detestable to God (Isaiah 66:1-4).
 
Animal sacrifices are no longer needed.  Jesus Christ provided the most important sacrifice.  The perfect sacrifice that God accepted (Ephesians 5:1-2).  And thanks to Christ we can be acceptable living sacrifices.  Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection redefines sacrifice as a living, continual act of worship, contrasting with the periodic dead animal sacrifices under he Old Law. This involves dedicating one’s self physically and spiritually to God, reflecting a life of holiness and service that is “Christ-like” (Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 6:19-20). 
 
The prayers from his children is another thing that is a sweet fragrance to God.  Psalm 141:2 petitions the Lord God to “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you.”  Revelation 8:3-5 describes an angel offering incense and “the prayers of all the saints” before God.
 
We are also to be a “smelly” Christian in this world, diffusing Christ to the world.  Our manner of life should make it easy to pick us out in the crowd.  And that life coupled with the words we speak about Jesus should spread the Gospel.
 
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? II Corinthians 2:14-16 ESV


NEWS NOTES January 18, 2026
 
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake (and pray).  Mark 13:32-33 ESV
 
Welcome to our in-person service this morning. Good to have travelers home.  
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • February 15 (Sunday) Brad Tuttterow of Illinois will be our speaker
  • February 22 (Sunday) Jay Graham will be our speaker
  • June 22-26, 2026 Shaver Lake Camp-out.
 
 
Summer Storms
Adapted from a message from Rich Holly at the July 2025 Eminence Campout
 
“It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:34-37 ESV
 
My family has good genes.  I have memory of seven great-grandparents.  But genes are only going to take you so far in this life and not at all after this life.  We don’t know when our life will end or if Jesus will return while we live.
 
As recorded in Mark 13, Jesus taught his disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and then transitioned to the final judgment starting in verses 32-37.  His repetitive theme is to stay awake to the end.  He told the disciples in verse 23 to “be on guard” and then repeats it so we don’t miss it - “be on guard, keep awake.”
 
Lots of things in life can distract us from being the faithful servants that God wants (I Thessalonians 5:1-11).  I think of these as summer storms.  In the Midwest we have days of high heat and humidity that build to bursts of intense wind and rain; thunder and lighting too.  Houses and other buildings require good maintenance to weather them.  Even then, sometimes there is damage.
 
A storm is anything that brings disruption to our life: health problems, death of a loved one, breakup of a family, loss of job, carrying for elderly parents or young grandchildren, financial loss, loss of property, or loved ones leaving the church.  These happen to some degree to all of us.  Some storms are self-inflicted by our poor choices.  Sadly our poor choices affect those around us causing them unnecessary storms.  Some storms individually are small, but collectively add up and wear us down.  Think of what happened to Job and his wife (Job 1).  Or not dealing properly with a smaller storm can multiply bad consequences.  Think about when King David did not deal with his son Amnon raping his sister Tamar  (II Samuel 13).
 
Every storm must start and end with God.  If we are rooted firmly in Christ before the storm, we will still be rooted at the end of the storm.  Jesus says it this way, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). The “things” He was talking about are our daily needs and help through the storms of life.  God will indeed help us through the storms.
 
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. Psalm 57:1 ESV


NEWS NOTES January 11, 2026
 
But the Lord said But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
 
Happy New Year and welcome to our in-person service this morning.
 
On the second Sunday 2025 a dear Christian sister worshipped with us instead of her home congregation in North Pasadena because nearly every member had been impacted by the Eaton wildfire.  Two lost their homes and others had extensive smoke damage making their homes uninhabitable.  We had a small taste of what smoke can do later in 2025 with our own building.  She reported to us later that everyone had found places to live as they worked through repairs.  God is gracious even in hard times.  This year Southern California has received record-breaking rainfall and we are at least for now considered drought-free with green hills and snow in the high mountains.  Again God is gracious in abundance.
 
Read the Bible Through in 2026.  Steve Wright’s Bible reading is on Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/steven.wright.587268) so a person has to have a Facebook account. He makes each broadcast public so anyone can find them and listen. If you are his friend on Facebook you can easily go to his page and find them. Facebook takes live posts down after 30 days.  This year he is doing a “thematic approach.”
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • February 22 (Sunday) Jay Graham will be our speaker
  • June 22-26, 2026 Shaver Lake Camp-out.
 
 
A Heart For God
Adapted from a message from Emery Wright 1/12/2025
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
 
God said of David that he was a man after my heart, who will do all my will (Acts 13:22).  David made many mistakes and some were horrible sins.  But his moral compass and heart always pointed to God.  When he sinned he always asked for God’s mercy, accepting with a contrite heart the punishment and consequences for his actions.  He didn’t make excuses.  This was a big contrast between David and King Saul. 
 
The contrast between Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot in the New Testament is equally egregious.  Judas betrayed Jesus for money and when remorse set in he committed suicide rather than repent.  Peter underestimated his vulnerability to fear and denied Jesus three times.  Like Judas he was sorry for what he had done (wept bitterly).  Unlike Judas he sought forgiveness and strength to overcome his sinful nature.
 
God looks at the heart.  I Samuel 16 records God talking to the prophet and judge Samuel about selecting a king to replace King Saul: 
 
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 ESV. Proverbs reminds us we can’t assume health of our spiritual heart; we must always be guarding our heart.
 
Many things can get in the way of a healthy spiritual heart:
  • Success can puff us up and we forget we need God and owe everything to God.  King Saul was an example of this.
  • Selfishness shrinks the heart so there is only room for me, myself, and I.  Love and putting the needs of others first grows our heart.
  • Slothfulness dries up our heart from inactivity.  We waste away spiritually.
  • Sin hardens the heart to things that are important similar to the blackened lungs of a smoker.
  • Stress breaks the heart with excessive demands that are not important to our spiritual health.
 
When you find out you have a heart problem, what are you going to do about it?  A sincere desire to change is always the first step.  Then God will help.
  • Be humble in spite of success (I Samuel 18:14).  Acknowledge God as the source of success and that any success on earth is temporary.
  • JOY is the antidote for selfishness - Jesus first, Yourself last, and Others in between.  Exalt God and “feed His sheep.”
  • David didn’t have time for slothfulness.  He make himself available to God: “Here am I, send me.” Be of service.  Repent (change your ways) and bear good fruit.
  • Sin separates us from God.  True repentance is not making excuses, but changing by turning away from what tempts you.
  • Stress can break the strongest heart.  Pray, trust in God (II Samuel. 22:33).  If God’s eye is on the sparrow, know that God will help you too.


NEWS NOTES January 4, 2026
 
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:2-6 ESV
 
Happy New Year and welcome to our in-person service this morning.
 
Read the Bible Through in 2026.  Consider joining The W.O.R.D. (Working on Reading Daily!) sponsored by the Pleasant Hill IA church of Christ.  Seven different readers will lead you through the Bible.  See the bulletin board for details.  Or contact Steve Wright to join his daily readings encompassing all the Bible in one year via his Facebook page.
 
Upcoming events/guest speakers:
  • February 15 (Sunday) Jay Graham will be our speaker
  • June 22-26, 2026 Shaver Lake Camp-out.
 
 
THE  GREATEST  TEACHER  EVER!
Adapted from a message from Jay Graham
 
Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Mark 1:21-22 (NKJ)
 
One challenge I have in my work as an evangelist is how to communicate a thought clearly to others. I take this seriously in speaking to people about God and His will for us.
 
Jesus never had this problem. He always had the proper answer or teaching that was perfect to the circumstance. Always!  Jesus was able to do this first and foremost because He is the One and Only Son of God (John 3:16).  John 1:14 describes Jesus’ teaching as “full of grace and truth.”  The Apostle Peter recognized Jesus as God’s Son and proclaimed, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6: 68-69 ESV)
 
Also Jesus knows all men (John 2:24). When He was on earth He knew what was in their hearts and minds. He knew what they needed to hear in order to perfectly communicate words and thoughts that would urge them to repentance and understanding.
 
Jesus knew exactly what to say to the Pharisee Nicodemus (John 3:1-15) to cause him to think of deeper spiritual truths. It took Nicodemus a while, but I do think he eventually figured most of it out. That would explain why he spoke up for Jesus (John 732-52) and why he helped provide costly burial ointments at Jesus’ burial (John 19:38-40). Jesus knew exactly what to say to the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42) to provoke her thinking on spiritual matters as she considered whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Then she immediately encouraged others in her town to consider the same message. He knew exactly what to say to the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) that would in the short term make him very sad, but in the long term would lead to his eternal salvation.
 
Even nonbelievers recognized He spoke with authority and NOT as the scribes (Mark 1:21-22). He always said the exact word of God and gave the perfect answer to questions.
 
This is a gift I certainly do not have, yet God still expects me and every Christian to tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Like the apostle Paul, we can pray for and ask for prayers so that we may speak as we “ought to speak” as noted in Colossians 4:2-6.  Peoples’ souls are in jeopardy, and they need to hear the Lord’s Word spoken as clearly and properly as possible.