October 28 Do It Now! James 1:25
***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… “…He, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)
There was a dear lady that lived in our community, and she had an old steamer trunk that had a prominent place in her “front” room, and she would tell me that her earthly valuables were stored in this trunk. I was fascinated and curious about her treasures, yet she was always curious over this trunk. I had been doing odd jobs for her for years, and this one day, she asked me if I would like to see her valuables. So, we went into the “front” room, and she opened the trunk and carefully spoke of every item. The one that stood out was the beautiful tablecloth that was milk white and adorned with amazingly detailed lace embroidery. She told me that one day she was going to put it on her table and have a grand dinner party. When she spoke of this future event, she smiled with such anticipation that I was moved, and I anticipated that day. Unfortunately, this dear lady was all alone, and she rarely had any visitors and she spoke, of all of the things, that she was going to do in the future. “Someday,” was her favorite word when she described her activities. Sadly, my dear friend passed away without ever having that special dinner. A few days after her funeral, there was a knock at our door and a gentleman asked to come in and talk with us about our dear friend. He went directly to the business and informed me that she had left her steamer trunk and several items to me, in her will. Wow! I was speechless! Mama went with me to the house, the next day, and there it was, that mysterious steamer trunk. I felt a bit strange and was slow to open the lid. I lifted the lid and there it was, that lace tablecloth, yellowed and beginning to be so fragile. There was an envelope on the cloth, addressed to me. I opened the letter and the first words brought tears to my eyes. This dear lady told me to do what I needed to do, now, and do not wait. She gave me instructions on what to do with the bulk of her things and I was overwhelmed. When I think about that tablecloth and the idea of a grand dinner party and the fact that my dear friend never accomplished that dream, I think about all of the missed opportunities that I have had, and the times that I have procrastinated, when I should have been a faithful and active “Doer!” Serving God requires action NOW! Please do not wait until tomorrow…Today is the day to show His Love to this world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!