January 2 Time to Say, “YES!” Matthew 10:22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
Many years ago, at New Hope School, in rural Wayne County, I experienced a lesson that has remained with me until this day. My teacher was a strong and dedicated lady, with a passion for teaching, and she used various methods to accomplish her goal. She was known for her assignments, and they usually included standing before the class, and reading your essay assignments. The first student rose and began to recite their essay and Mrs. Monsees shouted, “NO!” You can imagine that this rattled the speaker, and he stopped. He began to read, and she shouted, “NO!” Humiliated, the boy sat down with his head hanging low. Well, it happened that it was my turn and as a shy person, this was so very difficult, yet I knew that I must, so I stood and began to read my essay. I was so focused on the essay and making sure that I spoke properly and with enough volume to be heard, I essentially closed out the entire class and was focused on the task ahead. What happened next was amazing! I had read a couple of lines, and the teacher shouted, “NO,” but I was so focused on the task that I ignored her and kept on reading. Mrs. Monsees said to me, “Very Good!” At the end of the class, one of the students that had been shouted down, asked a question: “I read the same way, yet you tell him that he did very well, what gives?” This amazing lady, our teacher, said that when she shouted “NO” to me, I kept on reading! She was attempting to teach us that when assigned a task, stay focused and do not allow outside forces to distract you from your mission! This lesson is simple! As a Born-Again Believer, this world, and its satanic influences, will always say “NO!” As believers, we must be ready to say, “YES,” and continue to serve God in the Beauty of His Holiness! We must be focused on God’s Grace and His Mission for our lives, and we must be ready and willing to shout, “YES,” when He calls us to action! Please let 2025 be the time of commitment and renewal and service and a willingness to say, “YES!” We must be confident and committed… focused and faithful… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!