August 8, 1999
What People Say About You
"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me,
this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how -
the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end. If the end brings me
out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out
wrong, ten thousand angels swearing I was right would make no difference." Abraham
Lincoln.
"But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human
court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against
myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore
do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both
bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts;
and then each man's praise will come to him from God." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, NASB.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
What should you do about what people say?
First, don't worry too much about it. Why? It's gonna happen! If you do anything,
there will be critics. Often by the folks who do nothing. Secular and biblical
history testify that it goes with the territory. You are a Christian, and your mentor and
example said to his apostles, "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not
greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you..."
John 15:20, NASB. He was perfect and they talked about him in derogatory ways. We ain't
perfect! We do make miscalculations. Now we may not deserve what they say, but that
won't stop them. Worrying about it won't change it. Staying awake at night won't change
it. Losing your hair, your religion, or your temper ain't gonna stop it! It was going on
long before you got here and it will be going on after your gone. Getting ulcers, getting
discouraged, or getting even is not going to change the tide of human history. Worrying is
futile--quit! As Jesus said about materialism, "And which of you by being anxious can
add a single cubit to his life's span?" Matthew 6:27, NASB.
Second, don't quit. If what you are doing is worth doing, and is right, it's worth doing
in spite of what they say. Lincoln didn't quit. Paul didn't quit. Jesus didn't quit. Look
at what they accomplished!
Third, don't join in repeating "what they say." "An evildoer listens to
wicked lips, a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue." Proverbs 17:4, NASB.
Remember, "He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to
him." Proverbs 18:13, NASB. And, "The first to plead his case seems just, until
another comes and examines him." Proverbs 18:17, NASB. Don't believe all you hear
(you want others to believe all that is said about you?). And if it's hurtful or
derogatory, be sure it's correct and needful before you carry it on. Don't be guilty of
what you despise!
Finally, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God,
for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19,
NASB. God will take care of your enemies. And he will see that you are judged fairly in
the end: "wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in
the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will
come to him from God." 1 Cor. 4:5. Vengeance will kill you, mentally,
physically, and spiritually. Avoid it.
The important thing? What HE says about you!
srf
--------
News of Interest
Judy Ruddells' daughter-in-law, Darla (Dusti) Ruddell, is seven
months pregnant and had emergency gall bladder surgery last Tuesday. She and the baby were
doing well and expecting to go home Friday or Saturday . . . Linda Ottersbach had
outpatient surgery last Wednesday to try to determine the source of her illness. Nothing
was found and more tests will follow . . . It seems Dorothy Ottersbach's recent
reversals in her health may be due to another stroke suffered about two weeks ago . . . Ingrid
Huddleston has been having thyroid problems and is undergoing tests . . . Phyllis Tuttle's tests turned up nothing serious. She
can be treated with medication . . . David Osteen is in Atlanta through August 21
for Chick-Fil-A training . . . Gregg Hutson and Valerie are in Budapest
while Lauren and Megan are in Oklahoma . . . Boyd and Linda Hurst are
in Seattle . . . New reports from Ruben Amador and Leon Cathey are available
in the foyer . . . Can you assist in providing transportation to Zelma Bobbitt?
Please check the list and sign up in the foyer . . . Fathers and mothers: Did you discuss
God and His Word with your children last week? He has given you that responsibility, just
as He did the Israelite parents: "And these words, which I am commanding you today,
shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk
of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down
and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as
frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on
your gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-9, NASB . . . Have a Spanish speaking friend? Valente
Rodriguez has a Spanish web site with articles, listing of churches in the Houston
area (Spanish and English), and other useful information: http://web.wt.net/~amigoval/ . .
. Clark and Toni Huehnerfuss' new address: 18814 Decathalon Ct., Humble, TX, 77346;
(281) 852-6943.
-------
Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
-- August --
Sun., 8, am - Jim Crain pm
-
Wed., 11, pm - Jeff Bogs
Sun., 15, am - Fontenot pm -
Wed., 18, pm - Rocky Rodriguez
Sun., 22, am - Larry Legg pm -
Wed., 25, pm - Jim Crain
Sun., 29, am - pm -
"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the
extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did
it to Me.'" Matthew 25:40, NASB.
--------
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, Aug 11
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
Sunday AM, Aug 15
Announcements: Bill Faulkner
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
First Prayer: Eddie Crain
Lord's Table:
Bread: Kris Emerson
Fruit of the Vine: Jim Crain
Contribution: Michael Gove
Assistant: Derek Huddleston
Closing Prayer: Jeff Bogs
Sunday PM, Aug 15
Song Leader: Gary Tuttle
First Prayer: David Dickey
Lord's Table:
Bread: Boyd Hurst
Fruit of the Vine: John Knudsen
Contribution: Bill Faulkner
Closing Prayer: Larry Legg