BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMEBR 22, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

REBECCA B. DUNBAR

FRED FLOWERS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MATTHEW & BROOKE SANDERS

“The GREAT LIGHT”

December 22      “The GREAT LIGHT”      Isaiah 9:2

** TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2024, BTC will have a 4:00pm CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”  (Isaiah 9:2)

I believe that everyone would agree that this world is a dark and desolate place, without light. People have struggled, for centuries, to provide illumination for their lives. Growing up in the country of Eastern Wayne County, when the Sun went down, it got dark! It is difficult to walk from the back door to the place where I fed our dogs, without some light. Have you ever experienced the Linville Caverns? When the lights are turned off, it gets extremely dark! Sadly, without Jesus, we are walking in the absence of LIGHT, and we are wandering aimlessly in the Dark World! Hang-on… THE LIGHT is about to make an entrance into the world! Can you imagine those who were there to hear the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus and the Fact that He IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! The True Light, the Light of Love, provided by God, through the person of His Son, JESUS! Without JESUS, every one of us would be walking in eternal darkness! Thank God for His Love for us! Every Christmas Eve, Daddy would read the Christmas Story, usually from the Book of Luke, before we would eat or open the first present! Daddy always talked about God’s Love and His providing “LIGHT,” so that we could navigate through this life, with “Blessed Assurance!” 2024 has been another record experience, and I suspect that its influence will be felt for years to come, however, calamities, pandemics, struggles, challenges, social and political upheavals, will NEVER dim the TRUE LIGHT OF JESUS! So, walk in HIS LIGHT and FOLLOW the STAR of CHRISTMAS, and remember God’s blessings and His Promises! What a Christmas Gift!! What a Christmas Blessing … THE LIGHT OF JESUS INTO THIS DARK AND DECAYING WORLD! “Sweetly the Light is shining on Thee, Oh, once I was blind, but now I can see, The Light of the world is JESUS!” Dear Friends, there is a price that must be paid for anything worthwhile, and God loved us enough to pay the ultimate price with His Only Son! I Believe, I Receive, I Experience, I Claim, I Share… How about you? My prayer, for myself and for you, is to be a True Reflection of the LIGHT OF JESUS, into this Dark and Lost World! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). May this Christmas Eve be the Brightest and Best that you have ever enjoyed and as this world grows “Darker,” may your LIGHT grow BRIGHTER! To God be the Glory!! Merry Christmas… Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 21, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ERMA ADKINS

CAROLYN STEVENS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

TOMMY & ROWENA PERRY

“On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…”

December 21  “On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Paul was writing to the Church in Corinth, and he was talking about running a race. There were many such events that occurred in and around Corinth, and he used this comparison to help the believers in Corinth to understand the need to be committed and focused. Thinking back to those High School Days of running track and those Football Days of running “wind-sprints!” Paul was telling the folks of Corinth that to be in a race requires “running!” He says that all that are to run in the race, must “RUN!” We are not to “walk” or “stroll” or “jog,” we are to “RUN!” We are in a race! A race that requires our total focus and commitment! Running the “race of Life” requires that we meet certain conditions. God has told us what is required to “run the race!” We need to “Hear,” “Believe,” “Repent,” “Confess,” and to “Remain Faithful” to the very end! Paul tells us to run as if we are going to win! No wavering or doubts, just solid commitment and determined effort to achieve the “Prize!” As I observe the conditions of the “Race of Life,” I recognize the absolute need for commitment and the need for a “New Attitude!” Stay focused on Jesus and may we all be able to say, as Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul had a good attitude, regardless of what went wrong, he constantly looked for the good and made the very best of the conditions. Listen, when things get rough, and they will, don’t complain or sulk about, and don’t blame others. Please don’t make excuses, just remain faithful to Almighty God, and remember that at the end of the Race, for the Christian, is Heaven and our “Crown” of Life! I leave you with the beautiful and powerful words of Hebrews 12:1: “Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us!”  RUN TO WIN! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 20, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LINDA HAMMETT

CHARLE’ JOHNSON

CLAY HAISLIP

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

JIMMY (In Heaven) & BRENDA LEWIS

“One Accord…”

December 20  “One Accord…”       Acts 2:1

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

 What does it mean to be in one accord? If several people do a particular thing and they, do it in full agreement or accord with one another! Other words would be, unanimously, without exception, by common consent, unitedly in a common cause! God’s Word, from the beginning until the end, teaches and preaches that it should be the reality of Believers to be in “One Accord!” Granted, each of us come from a different place, with various experience levels and understandings, yet we are to be in one accord (get along), based on the Good News of God’s Love, manifested in the Person of Jesus Christ! When professing Christians come together and the will, cause or motives are not centered on the message of Jesus Christ and their actions are not edifying to the Cause of Christ, then personalities, preferences, prejudices, egos, attitudes and harmful words and actions will, ultimately, be the unfortunate results! Thank God for the Diverse Experiences that each one brings to the Fellowship, and it is exciting to be a part of a growing and dynamic cause, but when “My Way or the Highway” attitudes begin to dominate the endeavors, then failure is just around the corner! One Mind, One Accord… Focused on the Cause of Christ, Coming Together to Promote His Word, His Grace and His Holy Mission, NOT OUR OWN NARROW HUMAN IDEAS, DRIVEN BY SELFISH and DISRUPTIVE INTENTIONS! I continue to Pray for the “Church,” God’s Anointed Peoples, that we would understand the concept of harmony and unity, not based on human emotions, but the Divine Nature of a HOLY GOD, and His Complete Love for Humanity! Just yesterday, I was asked if I had heard about the issues going on in another church fellowship, very close to our own church, and the comments were sad and the words had to have made Satan smile! HERE IS A THOUGHT! If you come together with an ATTITUDE, check it at the door! If you have a desire to disrupt and to be a “stumbling block,” then check it at the door! The assembly of God’s People is NOT FOR CHAOS and DISHARMONY! Because of the Selfless Grace of God, through Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to actually fulfill the mandate of “getting along,” and Being in ONE ACCORD! Before you act, speak or otherwise do anything that is not edifying to the Cause of Christ, STOP, DROP, and PRAY for UNITY in JESUS, EMPOWERED by the BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Sray Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 19, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JON CARROLL

AUSTIN HIMMEL

Strength for the Battle

December 19  Strength for the Battle    2 Thessalonians 1:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power…”  (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

How strong are you? In our culture, being strong is equated with being tough. Have you ever seen someone who appeared to be emotionless, stern, self-asserting? We refer to these folks as “strong!” Listen, regardless of how strong that you are or perceive that you are, the strength and resolve of the strongest will rapidly fade under the onslaught of pressures and battles that Satan is poised to bring to us and is in the middle of attacking our Spiritual wellbeing! For Followers of Christ, this is where the “Battlefield” really exists! In Ephesians 6:12, it tells us about the battles that we are, and will engage in, and none of us are strong enough to stand up under the onslaught and pressures of this kind of battle, on our own! Listen… “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Dear friends, do not fear the battles, because we have the ultimate weapon in this struggle between “Good” and “Evil!” God did not mean for us to fight this battle alone! He has promised Victory, and I choose to claim this Victory, Power, and Strength! Friends, we are the strongest when we surrender to Him and rely on His power, provision and His Glorious Promises for Complete and Total Victory over the Evil One! As Born-Again Believers, we are not alone, nor are we fighting this battle by ourselves! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!!!” (Ephesians 6:10). TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, and Prepare for the Battles that are Coming… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

 P.S. Satan continues to challenge my service and my ability to be a strong and effective witness for my Savior! Amazingly, he has, and will use any means, and anyone, to accomplish his stated goal and purpose. Many have stated that they would not be used by Satan, so my warning is that you need to be Prayed Up, Read Up, FOCUSED and Alert or you will be a part of his Evil plan! We must be prepared for the challenges, and we must be ready to actively resist and to take the battle to him! My God provides the Power, the Holy Spirit, to face the challenge, and He prepares us, through His Holy Word, with the knowledge necessary to defeat Satan! NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! GET AWAY FROM ME!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 18, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BEN HOCUTT

BOBBY SELLERS

VICTORIA BUNN

Living More Abundantly

December 18   Living More Abundantly         John 10:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Amazingly, it is possible to live our lives in a bland and joyless manner.  Going through the motions and accomplishing, doing, yet never finding joy in our existence. Unfortunately, this is true of believers, as well as non-believers. Think about it: God has given life so that we can serve Him and to enjoy His Creation. Believers, we need to figure out how to embrace God’s blessings and to enjoy His Bounty! Regardless of the circumstances, we have the opportunity to enjoy His Blessings! This is an Attitude, and a conscience Decision! Frustrations and unbelief and struggles tend to steal our joy and reduce of quality of living! As we approach a New Year, I choose to leave my problems at the foot of the Cross and believe in My Savior for Joy and Spiritual Bounty! Please don’t miss out on the joy that is yours, as a “Birth-right!” May God help us to live our lives, walking in obedience and embracing the blessings and enjoying life! To God Be the Glory…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 17, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

NITA EDWARDS

BILLIE FAY WILSON (In Heaven)

TRUDY FRANKS

SARITA DEANS

Are You a Christian?

December 17  Are You a Christian?  Matthew 7:22-23

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23)

Can you be a Christian and not believe in the Immaculate Conception and the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ? Can you be a Christian and actively support worldly activities and actions that are diametrically opposed to God’s Holy Word? Can you be a Christian and Hate your Family or your Neighbor? Can you be a Christian and not follow His Guidance and Instructions that are found in His Living Word, the Holy Bible? Can you be a Christian and deny the Power, Presence and the Direction of the Holy Spirit? Well, apparently there are those individuals that believe that the mere act of declaring that they are Christian, without any commitment or alteration in their thoughts and behaviors, that would honor and edify that selfless act of Love on the Cross of Calvary, is sufficient to elevate them to Christian Status! THE FACT IS THAT IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD AND THAT HE CAME WITH THE MISSION OF REDEMPTION AND TO REESTABLISH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THE FATHER, AND YOU HAVE NOT REPENTED, CONFESSED AND RECEIVED HIS GRACE AND FORGIVENESS, THEN YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN! It does not matter that you think or feel! What matters is your recognition that no one is righteous and that without recognition of our sinfulness and confession of our sins, we ARE NOT CHRISTIANS! Romans 10:9 declares the path to becoming a Christian: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” John 3:16-17 provides a beautiful reality for humanity when it states: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  Being a Christian involves more that just “being,” it requires a Personal Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ and an acknowledgement of His Amazing Grace, and the Receiving of His Atonement for our sins! Simply put, YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE AND YOU ARE NOT LIVING IN HIS GRACE! Recently, I was asked about this thought, and when I declared that Salvation is required in order to be a Christian, a fellow pastor challenged me on this point! Wow! Really? Satan really is moving about, looking for those that he can destroy! 1 Peter 5:8 gives clear and direct instructions when it says: “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 16, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JUDY DAVIS (In Heaven)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

JAMIE & KIM JEFFREYS

“Trust”

December 16         “Trust”              Jeremiah 17:7-8

**THANK YOU to SANDY TRIPPE, PAUL BROWN, JR. and the BTC CHOIR for another Amazing CANTATA Experience! It was a genuine worship experience! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

There isn’t a person alive, nor a power on earth or in heaven, that can touch a soul that is abiding and living in Jesus Christ! Our God has promised that He would protect us and shield us as we serve Him and honor His calling! “What are we going to do?” That is the question that I am asked, on a regular basis, and the answer is clear and plain! If God is for us, it does not matter what comes against us, because nothing can disturb or hurt us, because we are under the protection of Almighty God! Keep in Mind, we may have physical challenges and difficulties (John16:33), but we are to recognize the sovereignty of our God and “Be of Good Cheer!” Dear friends, we must see God in everything that we are! We must trust in His power, presence, provision, and His Redeeming Grace! Every one of us is experiencing a rough patch, and we MUST TRUST in His Promises and Live each day Under His Grace and continue to Share the GOOD NEWS! “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Please allow His Grace to build TRUST and, with that TRUST, build Action! “I trust in Your unfailing love; My heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me. (Psalm 13:5-6).” May our lives be open to serving and may we TRUST in Him, until we stand in His presence! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 15, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

MADISON ADAMS

ADAM DRIVER

JOHN NOWELL

AUTUMN HARGREAVES

LISA KAMPING

Look Up, Step Up, Grow Up!

December 15  Look Up, Step Up, Grow Up! Mark 12:28-31

TODAY, we are CELEBRATING the BIRTH of JESUS with our ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CANTANA at BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHURCH, during our 11:00am Service. Ya’ll Come and Celebrate with us as we Proclaim His Good News and Honor His Birth! A Special “THANK YOU” to Sandy Trippe & Paul Brown, Jr. for their hard work and guidance, culminating in another Great Service! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

 As I prepare this devotional, I am aware of difficulties and struggles among God’s people that are causing undue stress and unrest! Being the Shepherd of this flock, I am called upon to navigate and to direct the flock into a growing and productive relationship with our Savior and to instruct the flock in the process of “Getting Along” with one another! One would think that “Born-Again, Bible Believing, Professing Christians,” would be receptive to the guiding and instructions, yet you would be wrong! When we allow the influences of self, pride, human arrogance and the influences of Satan and his minions to direct our actions and our words, then we create an environment of disharmony and division, and we are NOT EDIFYING CHRIST! When this occurs, just like Joe Friday, on Dragnet, used to say, “when this occurs, I go to work, I’m the Pastor!” The most difficult situation that I face as a Pastor is the unforgiveness and the human sensitivity of individuals and their confusion on what should be PRIORITY for LIVING! Every one of us are on this journey of becoming what God intends for us to be, and this journey, if it is to be successful, requires that we lay aside our personal human desires and embrace God’s will and ways for our living! The Greatest Commandment provides the key to success! Love and acknowledge the power and sovereignty of Almighty God, and to Love Your Neighbor as Yourself! Nowhere within the commandment does it declare that “Me, My, Mine” attitude should be the default position for living! Folks, it is CHRISTMAS, and what better time in this life, than to “Repent, Confess, and Receive the Forgiveness and Grace of JESUS CHRIST! If “My Way” is your priority, then there will continue to be conflict and division and turmoil within the body of the local church. Who is responsible for your actions? Regardless of what this world might say, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS, DECISIONS, AND YOUR WITNESS FOR CHRIST! Love God, Love Your Neighbor and by doing so, you will Love Yourself with the Love that God intended! Please, Please, Please focus on Jesus, Walk with Him, Talk with Him, and determine to be what He has intended for You to BE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 14, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

FRANCES “Aunt Fran Fran” CARROLL

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

TRACEY & CYNTHIA HUDSON

DAVID & HOLLY HUGHES

DJ & KAYLA SCOTT

True Celebration

December 14  True Celebration     Luke 1:38

**THANK YOU to AMY BOYKIN and ALL that Participated in the “LIVE NATIVITY” pageant, at BTC last night!

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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:   The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE the REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … *

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)

Little Mary, this simple Jewish girl, has been presented with a “mind-blowing” reality, directly from God. Mary’s response to this fact that she was to be the mother of the Son of God was inspiring: “May Your Word to me be fulfilled!” Think about it! Mary is accepting the disgrace and condemnation of many that know her, and her simple life is about to be radically altered forever! Mary loved God, and trusted the Lord with her life, and became the mother of Jesus Christ! Mary celebrated the honor and privilege that God had placed upon her. She accepted God’s Will for her life, and she sought His Will as she placed herself in God’s Hands. This begs the question; What does it take to celebrate Christmas? The answer goes back to Mary! Faced with this unbelievable reality, Mary chose to accept God’s Will and to embrace His Calling and Trusted that He would complete His Work in her! To celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, we must ask the Holy Spirit to help us to “Trust Him, Be Guided by Him, and Surrender our all to Him!” May God give you the Faith to Believe that this child that we celebrate is Your Son, Our Savior! Today, Tomorrow, and every day to come, CELEBRATE JESUS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused …THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 13, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JIMMY LEWIS (In Heaven)

BILLY HALES

SHEILA CURRIN

DEBORAH TAYLOR

Staying Truly Focused

December 13  Staying Truly Focused     Isaiah 26:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  (Isaiah 26:3)

Over the past four years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of hatred and evil, both political and social, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. In the midst of political and radical ideological changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the insanity of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and desires. Just to site an example of the insanity of the twisted thoughts of our modern ideology, apparently, the flatulence of cows is a major contributor to “Climate Change!” Satan, is having a “Field-day!” How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-common sense, anti-moral standards rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, my common sense, my upbringing, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and edifying to our Lord and Savior! Over the last several weeks, once again, political leaders, news outlets were reporting on the idea that if one party, or political leader were to be elected, then, the world, as we know it, would come to an end, and the rhetoric associated with this insanity has caused increased stress and a spike in mental health issues, not to mention the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, and the normal stressors of living! Really? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distancing and all the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing some levels of depression and disfunction! Friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for Peace! God has promised that, when we are focused on the correct things and when we are committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect Peace,” regardless of the circumstances! For almost three years, I have ended each daily devotional, with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires True Focus on what is Real and Just and Edifying to our GOD! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, and now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed O God on Thee, my eyes are now on things above, from worldly yokes, Praise God I’m free, I’m running o’er with Joy and Love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, upon the prize that lies before; all other claims I will reject, My Heart is fixed forevermore. No longer tossed upon the waves, Of sin and doubt but now I sail; within the life boat, JESUS SAVES, No Storms against me shall prevail.” We are celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and because of His birth, and life and death, and Resurrection, and our claiming His Selfless act at Calvary, we CAN have victory over the challenges of this life! Keep in mind, we will experience challenges, yet His Great Love and sustaining Power will bring us through to experience complete victory! I Thank God for His Love and For My Jesus! Let this Christmas Season be a time to begin to Focus on Jesus, and to celebrate, our Savior and Lord, JESUS CHRIST, in Your Life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!