January 11 Try Wisdom Proverbs 4:7
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… “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
The year was 1964, and the Brock family moved into their new home, deep in the countryside of Eastern Wayne County. We began to settle into our isolation and all that the quiet brought to the experience. We noticed that our dog’s food was being eaten, but not by him. Spot would howl and moan and bark all night, and when you are in the middle of that much quiet, it was loud! Daddy decided that he would stay up and observe what was going on. What he discovered was interesting. He observed, at approximately 2:00am, a very brave and determined raccoon. Amazingly, my dog, Spot, would only howl and bark at this “Coon,” and did not offer to hurt or chase him away. For us, it became an issue, yet this ole coon seemed to enjoy the nightly trip to consume the free food. Daddy and I were up at the local general store, and Daddy mentioned this nightly visitor. One of the old farmers gave us some amazingly smart advice. He said, “That coon was there before you, and he is only doing what he knows, so I reckon you ought to try some tolerance.” He also suggested that we put out some food, just for him. So, that very night, Mama put together a smorgasbord of groceries for our visitor. Spot stopped howling and he was able to eat his own food and the raccoon, we named him, Ronnie, was perfectly content to peacefully coexist with this family that had invaded his living space. Why am I sharing this simple story? I believe that, as Followers of Christ, we are to respect each other and we are called to love each other and we need to be tolerant of the differences that we each enjoy, while exercising the Love of God, in each situation. As it worked out for “Ronnie,” and my family; there was amble room for us all, and, following the advice of the old farmer, we employed a little tolerance and respect, and “Ronnie” seemed to understand, and I have got to believe, appreciated the opportunity to tolerate each other. Mama’s groceries, on a regular basis, didn’t hurt! Folks, we share this world with different peoples, with different ways and thoughts and backgrounds and different missions, so, if we are to be in the position to “Share Jesus” with them, we must be in “Position” to “Get Along,” and establish a relationship that we facilitate our ability to SHARE! I have established relationships with others, that, on the surface, might seem odd and unlikely, yet, if I am to Share the Message of Christ with them, I must be patient and tolerant! Notice that I didn’t say that I had to agree with their politics or social thoughts or their behaviors. My purpose, my goal, my desire, as a believer, is to be in position to honor God’s calling and to be obedient to that call! It requires wisdom to navigate through a world that is consumed by Evil, yet, God has promised that we can be and should be and must be prepared to serve! Our mission is Jesus, and we must have the attitude of service and devotion to him! This is not about us, or how “WE” feel; it is totally about Him and our obligation to Share with others! Listen, He has promised…James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all liberally, and unbraided not; and it shall be given him.” When you ask for “Wisdom,” HE WILL PROVIDE!! Equipped with the tools to serve, we must press on to fulfill our calling! “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).” Remember “Ronnie” and try a little WISDOM, PATIENCE and TOLERANCE in your relations with others, while staying focused and true to your commitments, convictions, and your mission! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!