February 27, 2000


Volume XX - Number 9  



Winfred Clark

If you will look for this phrase in your Bible, you will find it in Hebrews 11:27. It is spoken of Moses after a long and eventful life. A life that was lived in service to God. When you think of one enduring, you think of one facing opposition or some kind of difficulties. This was the case with this good man. It was not easy for him, not is it for any man who seeks to do the Will of the Lord. Yet, it is said of him "he endured". That just means, "he kept on keeping on." Can we find some of the things he endured? Can we measure the man by what he faced? Can we see what it cost him to be faithful? I believe we can.

1. HE FACED THE CONTEMPT OF A RULER

When Moses went to Egypt, he was to tell Pharaoh to let God's people go. His answer was, "who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?" (Exodus 5:2). The man who sat on the throne of Egypt had no regard for the God that Moses served. He showed nothing but contempt for the commands of God. He was not a believer nor could he see why others would believe.

This can have its effect in the hearts and minds of people. For example. A young man or woman might find themselves in a classroom, surrounded with atheistic thinking. They will find such folks do not believe there is a God. They will deny the very existence of God. In fact, they will challenge the Bible itself What then is that young person to do? When he hears the Bible challenged or God mocked, what is his reaction to be? The same attitude is to be present as was in the case of Moses. There was no surrender of his faith just because a man like Pharaoh did not believe what he had to say. He knew what God had said and that was enough for him. He knew there was a God that was superior to all the gods of Egypt. He knew God had sent him on the mission, along with Aaron. Knowing all of this would help him to endure.

2. HE ENDURED IN SPITE OF COMPLAINTS

One doesn't have to go far with Moses and the children of Israel into the wilderness before he is aware of one complaint after another. All of this was true in spite of things God did for them. They had been brought out of Egypt with a strong arm. They had seen wondrous things, but still they were given to complaints. They had all they could need, yet then would still complain. (Such complaints are registered in Exodus 16:2-3).

3. HE ENDURED IN SPITE OF CRITICISM

Moses was no more immune to criticism than any other man. Any man that is placed in a position of responsibility like this is bound to face it. You will find that even his own kin would criticize him (Numbers 12:1-2).

The question is not "Will one be criticized? " That is going to occur. The real question is, "How will one react when such comes? " We know how it was handled in the case of Moses. He is said to be "very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). That means Moses had his feelings under control. It means he could keep his balance in a very difficult and trying situation.

When later others accused Moses of taking too much upon himself, he will show the same kind of self control. He would not allow himself to make matters worse than they already were. He would allow the Lord to take care of the matter in His own way. That is the way he would handle criticism. He endured and so can we.


Baptized Into Christ
We are so very happy to report that Ken Skinner was immersed for the remission of sins this past Monday evening. We thank God for adding Ken to the number of saints that labor here at Orange Street.


Add To Your Directory
We are pleased to welcome sister Venise Gilbert and her family to our number. Please add the following to your directory:

GILBERT, Venise. . . . . . . . . . . . . ./// /////
Denver, Christina
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Prayer Session
If you have not been a part of the prayer group that meets at 5:30 each Sunday evening in classroom #3, please won't you plan to do so. The group started meeting just after the first of the year and the results have been extraordinary. In physical numbers alone, the congregation has grown as much in this time period, as in the last two years combined. Wake up folks! "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

God said it - Believe It!!!

TONIGHT!
We are scheduled to meet tonight, after the evening services, for a time of food and fellowship in the annex. All are invited and members should bring finger foods or snacks.

Ladies' Work Group
The Ladies' Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening (Monday), at 7:00, in the annex. All of the ladies of the congre- gation are invited to attend and participate.

March Calenders
The March edition of the Activities Calender & Men To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Pick-up one and be informed.

Young Folks
Parents - don't forget to bring your youngsters for the song and story session- Sundays at 5:40 pm - just before evening worship.

Keely Watkins, Jeff Brooks, B.C. Carr, Robert Cox, Barb Faught, Latanea Sims,
Janella Ash,
Theresa Chadwick, Sue Church, Norris Clark,
Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Clay Hightower,
Brice Oliver, Macon Cox,
James & Dot Thornhill, Travis Thornhill, Robert West, Mary Beaty,
Bob Hodgdon, Vannie Dowdy, Vera Willis, Juanita Ashley, Sherry Hobbs,
Frances Austin, Mattie Hughs, Virgie Liles, Olivia Miner, Alzonio Rhodes,
Frances Black,
James Howell, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie,
Talmadge Royal,
George Willis, Victoria Wooster