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The
Servant of God and You have probably seen the little verse on posters and bookmarks which reads: "God give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." There is certainly a great deal of insight conveyed in these words; insight which, if applied, would help Christians to deal much more successfully with the situations of life and to lead settled and peaceful lives. There are things which we
simply cannot change. Some are unchangeable by their very nature (weather,
certain illnesses, etc.), while others could be changed only by people
other than ourselves, and these people refuse to change those situations.
Some things we can change, if only we have the courage to try.
Such things as bad habits and certain marital and family problems can be changed with effort and commitment. Knowing the difference between the two helps us to save ourselves much needless frustration and worry on one hand, and to avoid making excuses on the other. This principle is well illustrated in the life of King David. In 2 Samuel 11 and 12, we learn of David's fall into the depths of sin- lust, adultery, dishonesty, and murder because of a sinful relationship with Bathsheba (11:5, 27). Because of his sin, God told David that the child would die (12:14). After David had repented of his wrongs, and when the child became ill, David "pleaded with God for the child," and "fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground" (12:16). When he later heard that the child had died, he stopped fasting, and basically got back to life as usual (12:20). When asked about this unusual behavior, which seemed to be a reversal of standard mourning activity, David replied: "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?' But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (12:22-23). Notice that David first tried to change the situation while it seemed there was yet any hope that he could. When he knew there was nothing he could do, he accepted the situation and resolved to get on with life. And he clearly knew the difference between the two. We all have both types of situations in our lives. We can learn to be more effective servants of God and have more peace of mind if we will learn to apply this principle to our lives, whatever the adversity. |
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AM
SERMON:
"Are
We Good Samaritans In Our Soul Winning?"
(Luke 10:25-37) Bob Bauer |
PM
SERMON:
"Responsibilities
of an Eldership"
(Acts 20:28-31) Bob Bauer |
The Eagle Lake congregation will host the monthly 3rd Sunday Singing this afternoon at 3:00. They will then have their Sunday evening worship services immediately following the singing at 4:00. All are invited. Tonight..
. . Graduating
Tonight Sign-Up
Lists
 The "change" cans from the Mt. Dora orphans home have arrived and are available in the foyer. We have about a month or so to fill the cans with change and return them. See Lancaster or Libbie for more information.
 "Associate
yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation;
for it is better to be alone than in bad company."
-- George Washington -- |
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Charlie
& Betty Dupree, Jasper Sims, Cliff Powell, Wilda Cox, Brice Oliver,
Don & Sheila Adkins, B.C. Carr, Sue Church, Norris Clark, James Huggins, Robert Cox, Earl & Vernon Wilkes, Karen Bauer, Roger Reece, Leland Copeland, Vannie Dowdy, Frances Austin, Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Mona Howard, Eugene DeBord, Sherry Hobbs, Mattie Hughs, Alzonio Rhodes, Ray McNeely, Linda Thompson, Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Talmadge Royal, Victoria Wooster |
