October 13 Serving with Gladness Psalm 100: 1-2
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” (Psalm 100: 1-2)
My dear mother was the example of making others feel better. Even when she was down or dealing with difficult issues, she was still encouraging to others. Every Thursday, mama would drag me to the Colonial Store for groceries and then to the local meat market for our weekly meats. The one thing that I remember about our weekly trip to the butcher was his attitude! Mr. Fail was always upbeat and had a smile on his face and he was always encouraging the customers to smile! I remember a specific example of his encouragement, when a lady, in front of us, seemed to be down and depressed, and Mr. Fail asked her if she was alright. She started crying and told him that her husband had just been diagnosed with cancer and that it was serious. She continued to tell him that she had decided to take the extra money that she had saved and buy some steaks for a special meal to make him feel better. Mr. Fail offered his special encouragement and he told her that her money was “no good” there, and he gave her 4 T-Bone steaks so that she could make that meal for her husband and family. Mama got the meats that she wanted, and we went to the car to go home. I asked mama about what Mr. Fail had done and she said, “Ralph lives the instruction to ‘Serve the Lord with gladness!’” I will never forget that experience! Folks, we all have that same opportunity, every day, to make others feel better! A simple butcher, with an act of kindness and concern, made a sad and troubled lady realize that she was not walking alone, and touched the life of a young boy, fascinated by this man’s act of love! Regardless of the issues of the day and regardless of our own troubles, we need to claim the instructions of the psalmist and “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” May we be “Encourager” to others as we navigate through this life, until we are in the presence of the “GREAT ENCOURAGER!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!