Devotions
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In September 1983, I was not Christian and was not seeking GOD in any way. Although a number of people had been praying for my salvation, the god I was worshipping and serving had led me to a point where I was ready to kill myself – literally. I was looking for something with which to hang myself when GOD intervened and offered me an alternative.
I was not open to the idea of going to church, so He guided me into a group that encouraged me to live a clean and sober life style and to seek GOD in a way I could accept. They helped break down my barriers to a spiritual lifestyle, and this included my introduction to the Serenity Prayer – the short version: GOD, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference. Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr is universally attributed as the author of the Serenity Prayer.[i] It was believed to be published for the first time in the early 1930s in newspaper articles and then, in a somewhat altered form, in a book of worship in 1940. The best known version was published in 1951 with the addition of the word “grace,” and reads in part: God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Too often this petition for calmness and peace is rattled off in a very rote way. Like many others I’ve used it repeatedly over the years, and I have also studied and meditated on it. It asks for strength and courage in the face of things that cannot be changed – certainly applicable today. It is also appropriate for today as we determine to follow through with matters that can be affected for positive change. But please remember, it is GOD who directs us. Proverbs 20:24 reinforces this for us, “A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?” GOD’s righteousness and providence control His children’s paths, steps, and directions. As believers, we must be willing to accept His direction and influence before serenity can be experienced. Shalom, Pastor Bill (part 1)
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AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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