Does Job fear God for nothing. Have you not made a hedge around him? But now, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse you to your face (Job 1:9-11).

With these words, Satan voiced a weighty and serious accusation against Job, who just before had been described by God as a man of exemplary godliness. We know how the drama unfolds from this point on - how the Lord allows Satan to afflict Job, and how Job retains his love for God, thus proving that he was not serving God just for the blessings it provided, or just because God had made it "easy" for him.

Job was not the only one whose character was being questioned by Satan. Back of his accusation concerning Job was an attack on the very character of God. There was, in Satan's words, the implication that God was not worthy to be praised and served simply on the basis of who He is. "Take away the blessings," Satan said in essence, "and even the most adoring servant will turn away from God."

You may not realize it, but this same struggle is played out again and again even now. The setting may not be the same, nor the incidentals, but Satan is still tempting God's people to conclude that He is not worthy to receive praise and service from Christians, on the basis of His own holy and sinless character. Satan is still telling people that they should serve God only when He can make it as easy and comfortable as possible. For instance, what is really being said when someone stops attending the services of the church because he has been mistreated or neglected by one or more of the members? What is really being said when people reject God on the basis of what they perceive to be some failure on His part to "come through" for them? What is really being said even in the case where someone turns away from God because of some tragedy in life which he cannot accept or understand. In each case, when we weed through the incidentals, the message is the same. People are implying by their rejection on of God that He is not, simply because He is God, worthy to receive the praise and service of men.

Job proved long ago that God is worthy. And, just for the record, there are two answers to Satan's question, "Will Job fear God for nothing?" Yes, because he was willing to do just that, in the final analysis. No, because God would not have it so (cf. Job 42:10-17). Those who feel that God has somehow cheated them in life need to remember that there were two sides to Job's words when he discovered that his earthly blessings had been destroyed. He did say "the Lord has taken away," but not before he had said, "the Lord gave." The Lord gives abundantly. But whether He gives or whether He takes away, He is worthy to receive your praise, your service, and your faithfulness — at all times, in all circumstances.

Our Hearts go out in deepest sympathy to Frank and Marilee DeBord in the passing of their cousin, Dennis DeBord, last week in Spencer, TN. Keep the DeBord’s in your prayers.

May Calendar
The May edition of the Orange Street Activities Calendar and Men To Serve List is available today in the foyer. Get your copy so that you’ll be informed of the coming months activities and duty assignments.

Fellowship Tonight!
Our monthly last Sunday fellowship is scheduled for after services this evening in the annex. We will honor the current birthdays and anniversaries.

Personal Work Group
Visitation Team “B” will have a brief meeting, immediately following the evening services tonight in Assembly Room “B”.

Ladies’ Work Group
The Ladies Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. in the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend and participate.

Change for Children
The Mt. Dora Children’s Home “Change For Children” cans should be turned in by Sunday, May 11 to Mike or Karen Thompson. The change is scheduled to be counted on Thursday, May 15, here at the building.

When a dishonest person makes a mistake, he tries to cover it up, but when an honest man makes one, he corrects it.

Upcoming Area Events

• Today - Wed - Gospel Meeting - 7:00 pm nightly
New Port Richey, w/Steve Fuchs (Fox)
• May 2-4 - “Youth Retreat”
Weeki Wachee Christian Bible Camp
• June 2-5 - “Vacation Bible School”
Here at Orange Street