A little boy was the only survivor of a shipwreck. He was swept by the waves onto a rock. He lay there all night until he was spotted and rescued the next morning. He was asked, "Did you tremble while you lay on the rock during the stormy night?" The boy answered, "I trembled all night... but the rock on which I laid never did."

One thing that is desired by each and every one of us is security. All of us want to be able to cling to a rock that is stable and firm when the storms come.

Where is your rock? In what or in whom do you place your trust? What is the source of your security?

There are some places where security cannot be found…

Not in Men. The best of men still make mistakes. You and I can be misled by men. Men die. Men lose their influence. We cannot base our security upon men. (Mathew 15:14)

Not in Might. Power is fleeting and ever-changing. One can be in a position of leadership one moment and replaced the next! (Zechariah 4:6)

Not in Money, nor in things that money can buy. Money can be lost due to bad investments. Thieves can steal our money and our most prized possessions. There is no security in money and things. In fact, these things are deceptive: they appear to be satisfying and lasting when they are actually temporary and unable to satisfy the deepest needs of life. (Mathew 6:19-20, 1Timothy 6:10, Mark 4:19)

Not in “Me.” I, too, make mistakes. I can err in judgment. I cannot handle every trial that comes with my own resources. I need a rock that is strong enough to sustain me through the difficult times. (Proverbs 14:12, 3:5-6)

True security can only be found in the Lord. With trusting confidence the Psalmist wrote: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; he is my Fortress, I will never be shaken" (Psalm 62:1-2). Security is found in God alone. The key - is a right relationship with God that provides peace, courage and strength no matter what storms may come.

True security is found in hearing and obeying the Lord's commands. Jesus said, "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27).

In order to build our lives upon the Rock..., we must place our trust in Christ (Acts 16:31), repent of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), be baptized into Christ so that our sins can be washed away (Acts 22:16). Then, as we continue to obey Christ..., our lives are continually founded upon the Rock that will never tremble.

Upon that Rock I stand. How about you?

Ladies’ Luncheon/Devo
The ladies of the congregation are scheduled to resume their monthly luncheon and devotional tomorrow (Monday) at 11:00 a.m. in the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend and participate.

FSOP Extension Class
It is still not too late to enroll in the extension class offered by the Florida School of Preaching and taught by Bob Bauer here at Orange Street each Thursday night. This semester’s class is “Denominational Doctrines”. The class started last Thursday evening and the registration fee is $5.00.

FSOP Lecturship
The 28^th Annual Lectureship at the Florida School of Preaching begins next Monday (Jan. 20^th) and lasts through Thursday (Jan. 23^rd). This year’s theme is “Do You Understand Fellowship?” and features a number excellent speakers. A full schedule is posted on our web-site.

An idea conceived is of no value unless it is developed into a useful product. And when failure seems to be before us, develop patience and try again. When patience is in our lives we will be amazed at our success.

UPCOMING 2003 EVENTS:

• Jan 19 - NEXT SUNDAY Orange Street
Guest Speaker - Tim Kidwell

• Jan 18-19 - Springhead coC, Plant City
50^th Homecoming Celebration

• Jan 20-23 - Fla. School of Preaching
28th Annual Lecturship.
"Do You Understand Fellowship"
Complete schedules are posted online

• Feb 15 - Sebring Parkway coC
Ladies’ Day - “Keeping Your Balance”

• February 21, 22 - Orange Street coC
“Marriage Seminar” w/Garry Colley -

• Mar 14, 15 - “Relay For Life”
See Wanda or Ora Lee for details