January 10 Truly Focused Isaiah 26:3
ANNOUNCEMENT: Baptist Tabernacle Church will be 100 years old, in 2022. A grand celebration is planned for May 22, 2022, to commemorate the first service as an organized church body! Special information, recognitions, God’s Word, and a catered meal will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
***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… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Over the past two years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of prejudice, hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. In the middle of political and radical changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the craziness of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and expectations. How am I to react to the ongoing anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-morality rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and important and edifying to our Savior! A few days ago, on a local TV station, a reporter boldly said that COVID19 and its variants have caused a spike in mental health issues! Really? You Think? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distance and the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing some levels of depression and mental health issues! Dear friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for His 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 the past two 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 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 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!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!