December 19 Staying Truly Focused Isaiah 26:3
** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022, BTC will have a 10:00am CHRISTMAS 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… “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 hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. I 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. Satan is having a “Field-day!” How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, 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! Yesterday, once again, the news outlets were reporting on the idea that the COVID-19 virus and its variants, have caused increased stress and a spike in mental health issues, and because of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, that we should go back to mandates and masks and “Shutdown” protocols. 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 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 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!