August 26 HE Really Does Know Me…. Psalm 139

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; 12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. 19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men. 20 For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”

Do you ever find yourself discouraged and weary in your journey through life? Are you, often, bewildered and confused by the complexities of our struggles as we navigate the emotions and attitudes of everyday “living?” I must admit that there are times when I do not understand my own moods, reactions, missteps and inadequacies. But I am assured that my God takes one glance at me, and HE knows everything about me, and I get excited about this amazing FACT! How exciting is it that our Powerful and Mighty God is so great that HE created this entire world and set the stars in place and formed man from the very soil that we walk on, yet HE is so infinite and intimate and so personally loving to each believer! I get excited each time that I read Psalm 139! Within these 24 verses, they divide into 4 distinct parts: God knows Everything about Me (vs 1-6) – God is Everywhere (vs 7-12) – God is All Powerful (vs 13-18) – God is Righteous and Holy and HE knows Me (vs 19-24)! Several times a month, I read this beautiful reminder that God has me, holds me, loves me, and nothing can change this FACT! When you are down, read Psalm 139, when you are burdened, read Psalm 139, when you are searching, read Psalm 139… Once again… Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

The Need for Wisdom

August 25 The Need for Wisdom Proverbs 2:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

In the light of all that is going on, in our world, and the insanity that seems to be dominating the actions of so many, I truly believe that the words, found in Proverbs, are words of instruction and direction for believers! On Wednesday evenings, at our weekly Prayer Meeting/Bible Study, we are always studying the subject of “Prayer,” and the need to “Pray!” It is crystal clear that God wants us to pray! We need to pray! In Philippians 4:6, Paul encouraged us “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to the Father,” and in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, he tells us to “Pray without ceasing!” What should we be praying for? Listen, if you could make one request of our God, and knowing for absolute certain that He would honor the request, what would you pray for? Folks, I believe, just as King Solomon did, that the request for “Wisdom,” would be the best and correct thing to desire of God. I love Solomon’s words… “Give Your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern Your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this Your great people (1 Kings 3:8-9)?” Solomon prayed for wisdom and God was pleased with his request and provided wisdom and great blessings. True wisdom comes from God, and we need to pray for this same wisdom, as we deal with the insanity of our present day. The closer we are to our God, the wiser and the more prepared we are to face the challenges of the day! I am praying for our leaders and for our country… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Signs of the Time

August 24 Signs of the Times Matthew 24:3-14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:3-14)

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time at a local restaurant, where the “Learned & Wise” men gather around the “Hardhead” table and discuss the issues of the day. Amazingly, there is conflict in the process of solving all of the world’s problems. The longer I sat, listening to these men regale about the ways to change our country, there was one man that was silent, and that was me! One of the men turned to me and asked, “So, what do you think Preacher?” The “ball” was now in my court, and I had a “captive” audience, and I simply stated that we, America, and the World, are experiencing a “SIN” problem, and that this will continue, and get worse, because it is in God’s plan (Just Read the BOOK)! Wow! One of the gentlemen spoke directly to me and let me know quickly that we could turn this world around if we would elect the right individual to office! He was, almost, angry when he expressed his opinion! He, then, with some level of arrogance, asked me, “So, what do you think about that?” My response was measured and direct! Everyone at the table, and some that were standing around the table, were silent, ready to hear what this “Preacher” was going to say. You see, the entire population of this table, save one, were “diehard” political animals, and were viewing life through the “rose colored glasses” of the concept that one man/woman, one election, one party could solve all of the world’s issues! When I spoke, I looked directly at this individual and did not waver in my stare. I began by restating the core, basic problem, and that is SIN! Then, I shared the message of Matthew 24, as it clearly tells us that all of the issues that we are experiencing right now, right here, in America, in North Carolina, in Wendell, and in this world, were predicted and are coming true, before our eyes! I reminded them that Matthew 24 tells us: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass…” “That may be true, but what are we to do about it?” Trying not to be judgmental, and being amazed at this professed, “Deacon,” and his response to the reality of God’s Word, I quietly spoke that we must be prepared ourselves, meaning that we must have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and that we are to share Jesus, and His message of Hope, Peace and Redemption, and we must be concerned about the individual souls that have not heard about Jesus and the solution to the issues of this world ARE found in one man, and that is JESUS CHRIST! Now having the attention of the crowd, and this golden opportunity to “preach” HIS Word, I went on to say that we MUST prepare for the challenges by following God’s Word and preparing for the battles ahead. We must be prayed up, read up, armored up and ready to bring clarity into the chaos, through the Redeeming Word of God, and the Grace of His Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, the table began to empty, and for one brief moment, I was all alone at the “Table of Wisdom!” As I prepared to exit the table, and the restaurant, two beautiful ladies, who were seated across from the “Hardhead” table, reached out their hands and expressed their agreement, and one of the ladies said, “You really told them today!” “Well, maybe, but my prayer is that they will grow in Christ and recognize that our ability to change this world begins with one soul at a time!” This world is as it is, but we must PREACH JESUS to as many people as we can, and continue to focus on the Love of God, through Jesus Christ! What are we going to do about this world? The world is a done deal! Concentrate on your relationship with Jesus, and share His redeeming Grace with others, so that they can miss HELL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post with Purpose)

Keep Growing…

August 23 Keep Growing… Colossians 2:6-7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Have you ever experienced a change in your life? Has the status quo become a footnote in the history of your life? Are you different than you were ten years ago? The one thing that we can count on, in this life, is Change! Millions of dollars, each year, are spent in an attempt to keep our appearance the same as today, yet we continue to change with every passing day. I hear of the need for a change in others, however, not me! Right? We resist this inevitable reality with passion and determination. From the very moment of our conception, we are changing, and when we are born, we begin the changing process called aging, and we continue to change until our death! I like to think that this should be called “Maturity.” The Holy Scriptures speaks of our “Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” yet so many of us are still babies in the Spiritual Christian Experience! As I go deeper into my sixth decade of life, I have become keenly aware of the changes that have occurred in my own life (and body) and I am excited about what is to come! Granted, it took some adju8stments to see an old man looking back at me, from the mirror, each morning, however, I remain hopeful that this image of this “Old Man” will keep growing and aging and maturing spiritually, until it is time to “go home!” Just as we age physically, we must age and grow spiritually! Sadly, many are still at the spot where they got in and resist the changes (growth) that the Bible teaches! Could it be that the struggles and trials of the modern church experience are aa direct result of immature Christians who spend more time resisting change and less on becoming what God has intended? (Is there a possibility that those who refuse to grow and those that resist changing might not be Christians at all?) The Holy Scriptures are Crystal Clear! If you expect to receive the manifold blessings of God, then you must be “Born-Again,” and be in a constant state of maturing! Nothing is sadder than a fully grown (physically), “Collard Green Eating Country Boy,” whining like a child over some trivial thing that has occurred in their lives, or in the church! Folks, there are some real and serious issues going on in our world today! We are witnessing and experiencing “Wholesale” changes in our entire way of life, upheavals in political, social, and interpersonal relationships and an arrogant disregard for the moral and proper way to live! What are we supposed to do? Our Challenge today is to recognize that Change is Inevitable and to Embrace it, and Enjoy it, and to Become what God has Intended for Us to be: Strong, Mature, Dependable, Examples of His Love and His Amazing Grace! We Must Be Born Again! We Must Be Bold in Our Witness! We Must Be Strong in Our Commitments! We Must Continue to Grow, Learn, mature and to Become a Strong and Dedicated Warrior for Our Lord! Please Remember! We cannot change the unfolding and prophesied Plan of God, but we can Keep Believing, Keep Receiving, Keep Claiming, and Keep on Keeping On! Praise God! THIS WORLD IS NOT MY FINAL HOME; I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH! Guess What? God is not finished with us yet! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Let His River Flow….

August 22 Let His River Flow…. John 7:38

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

Our Living is made so much sweeter when we are walking in the Love of God and trusting in His Holy Word! Our plans, our jobs, our families, our very existence comes from a Loving God, and we need to recognize this fact and live accordingly! We will never be more alive, more joyful, more content, than when we are Growing in His Holy Word, and embracing our relationship with Him! We have been given an incredible gift! We are assured that God Loves Us, and that He Sent Jesus to Die for Our Sins, and because of His Great Love, and the Life Changing Power, we have an obligation to Share the News with Others! Think about it… “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” That, my friends, is a beautiful image! I want to be a vessel of that Living Water, and I desire that my words, actions, and my thoughts are consumed by this “Living Water!” What an Honor to Live for Jesus! What a privilege to Live Life with Him! Every day, I am praying with gratitude that my God is filling me with His Great Love through my Savior, Jesus Christ! My job is to embrace His Love, Share His Love and Live His Love! He promises that he will refresh me, Comfort Me, and fill me with his Living Waters! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… I am excited that the BEST IS YET TO BE!

Under Siege

August 21 Under Siege Psalm 147: 1-6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. 5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. 6 The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.” (Psalm 147:1-6)

Just recently, a fellow pastor friend called with some distressing news. He told me that he was considering leaving the pastorate and pursuing another avenue of service. It took a few questions, and several minutes of general conversation to get to the real cause of his distress! Finally, he said that he felt isolated and alone, and that he was struggling with the reality of ministry and the overwhelming challenges that he was encountering. My friend was heartbroken and discouraged! Sharing Jesus in the face of great opposition, both from within the church, and without! Petty issues, immature actions, non-spiritual responses to challenges and criticism of his family and their involvement in the church ministry, and a perception of isolation and a lack of assistance from fellow believers, and his failure to focus on the real and important aspects of personal ministry, conspired to create an atmosphere of gloom and despair! I, immediately, explained that everyone, every believer, feels isolated and challenged, as we serve our God. This world, we are warned, is absolutely opposed to us, our God and everything that we represent! Wow! I asked him the last time that he prayed, really prayed to God for release, guidance and for strength. He admitted that he was slack in his prayer life and that he and his wife were having troubles in their relationship, as well! Okay, here we go! First, I asked him to pray with me, right that minute! Secondly, I encouraged him to recognize his calling, define his mission, and to remember that God promised to “build us up,” “Bind our wounds,” “Provide His Power,” “Life us up,” and to sustain us, regardless of the challenges! I asked him to find one person, in the church, that he respected and that demonstrates a spiritual foundation, and ask him or her to become a partner in prayer, with him. Thirdly, to confess his challenges with his wife and to re-kindle their love relationship, based on the Love of God! I suggested a “Date Night,” each week, when he would “woo her,” and dedicate the entire evening to her (odds are that she is feeling isolated and alone, as well)! Praise God! He reported back to me that he has implemented my suggestions, and things are turning around, and church life is improving! Could this be his focus, his process, his daily procedures were off? Listen closely! When we stop praying, and when we stop recognizing that God is in control, and we seek solutions to our despair and brokenness from human, worldly sources, then we set ourselves up for failure! “Great is the Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” My prayer, each day, is for God to heal in the difficulties of living, and to heal in the midst of every situation in which Satan attempts to bring hurt and chaos and brokenness to His Children! I shared this beautiful affirmation with him: “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my mind and body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of life! All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank Him every single day!” ““NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Don’t Be Weary

August 19 Don’t Be Weary Isaiah 40:31

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Ministry, Church Work, Administrative Duties, Late Night Interactions, Early Morning Phone Calls, Multiple Encounters with Parishioners before Breakfast, and the Expectation that I know how to “Fix” Everyone and Everything, can create a large and heavy burden for the strongest to carry. When I begin to sense the “Weight” of Life’s Activities causing me to lose focus and it begins to affect my ability to represent Jesus in the proper manner, I, STOP, DROP, and PRAY! Not just a routine prayer, but a blood, sweat, and tears prayer! Everything stops when I reach this point! I tune out everyone and everything and it is me and my Lord, in an extended communication experience! The duration of the experience varies and can be hours, or it can be minutes. I recognize that every Believer faces a similar situation, and it is imperative for our Spiritual Health and Growth, that we STOP, DROP, and PRAY! Yesterday was one of those days when I ask my Savior, “Are YOU sure that I am the one that YOU want to lead this Flock and the one that YOU want to represent YOUR GRACE and GLORY?” Pastors are not perfect, and neither are Believers, but we are FORGIVEN, and we must continue to SEEK HIM, PRAY, and SERVE HIM in the BEAUTY of HIS HOLINESS! Please Pray for me as I continue to SERVE HIM, SERVE BTC, and continue to be a BEACON of HOPE in this Dismal and Decaying Sinful World! REMEMBER - “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Triumph

August 18 Triumph 2 Corinthians 2:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Many years ago, I played on a softball team that started out, well, the worst team in the entire softball league (we lost every game the entire season). The next year, we had a new coach, and he taught us to “have a good time and enjoy the game!” For the next 3 years, we won every game, and the folks began to expect a win from us. The last game of the season had arrived, and we were ready to play ball. After the dust settled, we lost a hard-fought game by 1 run. As we were walking off the field, I heard a lady say, “What a way to end the season… what a waste!!” A bit later, at the Pizza Party, for the team, I heard this same woman say that “Winning is not just the most important thing, it is the only thing!” We had won 35 straight games, yet she was saying that that was not enough. Guess What? Life is like a Game. We have victories and defeats and ups and downs. I think of ole Solomon. He was one of the biggest winners of all time, yet it was not enough. Think about the “Rich Young Ruler” that approached Christ with the question of his future. He seemed to have it all, but his soul was empty and bankrupt, and the answer that Jesus gave him, made him sad. He had great riches, and, apparently, to him, Jesus was not enough. Daddy used to say that “Folks will always be restless and dissatisfied, until they “Rest in Him!” Our Triumph, Our Joy, Our Happiness will always depend on our Relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Reflecting on the current social and political situations that exist, I remind you that, whether in victory or defeat, our Hope is found in the Love of God, and not in and of this world! The world will never be satisfied because it is empty and void of any real and lasting Hope! Our Hope is found in HIM! When we “Rest in Him,” we are VICTORIOUS! As Followers of Christ, WE ARE TRIUMPHANT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)

Praying Always…

August 17 Praying Always… 1 Chronicles 16:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

We were in the mountains of North Carolina, a few years ago, with the purpose of renewal and refreshing. The past several weeks had taken its toll on me, and I was just going through the motions, with no power and enthusiasm and my prayer life was suffering. It was one of those times when I had placed everything in front of Prayer Time and was just casually engaging in prayer. Annette said, “We need some down time!” She has a God-Given ability to discern when I am about to “Burn Out!” So, off to the mountains we went! We enjoy going to various “flea markets” around the local area, and this trip was no different. In one of the stores, I spotted a pair of metal roller skates that you put over your shoes and I purchased them. My mind went back to those days of my youth, and I could see myself skating around the carport as soon as we returned to the mountain house. Sure enough, I put the skates on, tightened the skates, with the key, and stood upright. Ok, all is well! So, I slowly eased off from the spot where I stood. Thoughts of my agility and my joy in skating came rushing into my mind, and as quickly as it entered, it exited. The thoughts of my youthful skill and the pleasure of skating, were quickly replaced with the reality that I was falling! Sure enough, my knees met the concrete and my, not so youthful body, told my mouth to groan! As I removed the skates and tossed them into the bushes, I realized that, if I was going to enjoy skating, I would have to do it more often, maybe, even every day, in order to receive the joy that I had remembered. As I was sitting on the cold concrete, I had a moment of clarity! If I expected my Prayer Life to be fulfilling and effective, and if I were to receive the Power to serve God and to obey His commands, then, I, like this skating, need to do it more often! If I wanted my relationship with God to be more meaningful and if I wanted to serve Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then I was going to have to pray “Constantly!” I got up, dug the skates from the bushes, and told myself, “I’ll skate some more tomorrow, but right now, I am going to pray!” Every time that I have sags or down times, spiritually, it is because I fail to “Seek the LORD and His Strength!” PRAISE GOD! He has shown me that the Power that I operate in; is activated, at its greatest effectiveness, when I am constantly in prayer! The more that I pray, the stronger I become!! The stronger that I become, the more I need to Pray! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)

Replacing Fear with Faith

August 16 Replacing Fear with Faith Exodus 4:12

**Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” (Exodus 4:12)**

I have always been shy and one of my greatest fears was speaking in front of a crowd. What a traumatic experience it was when I was forced to do an oral book report. In my human flesh, I would cringe and shrink into a mess, when confronted with the possibility that I was required to talk before a crowd. Moses was like that! God had called Moses to perform a task that required that he speak before the Pharoah and his court. Moses lost his nerve, and he began to complain, and he attempted to tell the Lord that he was ill-prepared and that he lacked the skills necessary to accomplish this ominous task that he was called to do. God tells Moses to “Go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say!” This verse, this story, this reality has encouraged and has provided the energy and faith that was required for me to answer the call to ministry. How am I to tell people about Jesus when I can barely speak out loud, in public? God promised Moses that He would fill his mouth with the proper words and that he was to “GO,” and let God handle the rest! Folks, that is our responsibility, our calling, or duty! Why do I fear? When it comes to speaking up, why do I find it so difficult? I can tell you that it is usually that we are afraid of what others might think of us rather than what God requires of us. I am always nervous when I speak before crowds, and I suspect that I always will, however, trusting God and claiming His promises and power and provision, I have replaced my “fear” with “Faith!” Praise God! The older I grow, the less I am concerned about what others may think! Growing in His Grace and Knowledge and growing in my Faith in Him, I am ready to “shout to the world the GOOD NEWS of JESUS CHRIST and HIS REDEEMING BLOOD!” Thank you, Lord, that I do not have to worry about what to say! Thank you, Lord for always giving the right words to say! “Fill my mouth with what YOU would have me say and provide opportunities to exercise my “Faith in YOU!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!

Secure on My Journey

August 15 Secure on My Journey Ephesians 1:13-14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Have you ever been lost? By that, I mean, not knowing where you are and where you are going. We all lose our way, from time to time. Occasionally, I get lost in myself. I get so busy “going,” that I forget where I am going and why I am doing it. Not so long ago, I was in my car, and I was supposed to be headed to Duke Raleigh, only to realize that I was in the parking deck of UNC Rex. Oops! Praise God, this was a teachable, spiritual lesson. Even though I might have felt lost, I was not lost! When I accepted the Grace of Jesus Christ and He came to dwell within me, He provided an amazing gift of assurance and security for me! The Holy Spirit has moved into my life, and I am excited that He is with me forever! Jesus came to provide forgiveness of our sins, and the Holy Spirit is ever-present to lead, guide, correct, transform, equip, remind, and to sustain us in all the trials and “lost-feeling” days ahead, until we stand in the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Listen, we might temporarily lose our way, and we might question who we are, but we cannot lose our place among those that are purchased by the shed blood of Jesus! Simply put: WE BELONG TO HIM AND HE HAS PROMISED THAT HE WILL SUSTAIN US AND KEEP US UNTIL THE DAY THAT WE STAND BEFORE HIM IN HEAVEN… So, regardless of my human feelings, I am Safe and Secure in the knowledge that HE HAS ME! So, I must live for Him and Honor His Love, by my actions and words! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Safe…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Fulfilling God’s Purpose

August 13 Fulfilling God’s Purpose Mark 16:15

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

What is the role of the “Church” in modern times? Fundraisers, Socials, Potluck Meals, Committees, Teams, Buildings, Prosperity, Busywork, Special Programs, are activities of the Church, but not the Purpose and Destiny of the “Body of Christ” that is called “the Church!” Our goal, our responsibility, our destiny is to share Jesus with this lost and depraved world, and we are to do it with a passion, with a “Kingdom Vision,” and we are to Live each day, Guided, Directed, Empowered, and Promoted by the Holy Spirit, in order to complete our stated purpose, and that is to share the Love of Jesus, and His Saving Grace with EVERYONE that WE MEET! Your Christian Life MUST be an ongoing and active and growing part of who you are and there can be NO wavering in our commitment to Him, and the Cause of Christ! All of the activities of the Local Church Body are great, but if we are not promoting Jesus, then we are falling short of our responsibility to share the Good News! Our Focus MUST be on the Selfless Act at Calvary, and His Promise of Redemption, Cleansing, and Restoration! Friends, if Jesus is not the Center of Your life and the Motivating Power that drives your thoughts, attitudes and actions, then it is time to STOP, DROP, and PRAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Do You Trust God?

August 12 Do You Trust God? Philippians 4:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy! Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy? As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life. I am excited for the future! God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I have to do; is Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED! The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack. God said that He would supply my every need, and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises? How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity. Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you? How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH? Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)

We Have A Choice

August 11 We Have A Choice Joshua 24:15

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If you don’t want to serve the Lord, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

There is one overriding fact: God has invited us to be a part of His Kingdom, to be “Forgiven” through Jesus Christ, to embrace His Love and Grace, to serve Him and to be saved! There is no mistake in His invitation to us! God loved us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins, and He loved us enough to ensure that our lives would be secure, through the Holy Spirit, and He has provided redemption and Grace! He is clear in what He asks of us, and His offer to us is clear! God has left the choice to us! I find it amazing that God has left the choice to us! He loves us, He has provided relief and redemption, He has offered complete salvation, yet He has left it up to us! It is incredible that He has “moved heaven and earth” for us to be in a relationship with Him, and the decision is ours to accept or reject! So much of this life is a done deal! We cannot choose how tall we are, or how large we are, or if we will have a small nose or a “honker!” Praise God! We can, and must, choose where we will spend eternity! This is a BIG choice, this is a CRITICAL decision, and He has left it up to us!
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” You make decisions every day and the only real and true and lasting and MOST IMPORTANT decision is WHO ARE YOU GOING TO SERVE! But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Perspective: Men trying to be Women, Women trying to be Men, Constant attacks against our Children, Anti-American, Anti-Christian, Anti-Jewish, Pro-Muslim, Pro-Communism, Flag Burning Insanity, Oxymoron declarations by Anti-Anything that is decent (ex. “Queers for Palestine” – Do these people realize that they would be killed if they were living in the so called area called Palestine?), and the idea that tolerance is a one-sided affair! Notice the Evil, that is becoming acceptable, and the intolerance masquerading as inclusiveness! Welcome to 21st Century America (for that matter, the entire world)! Choose today, whom you will serve! Time is drawing short – Make a Decision, NOW!

HIS Power

August 10 HIS Power Isaiah 40:29

Today would have been my mother’s 90th Birthday! Happy Birthday Mama! I miss you every single day…

**Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)**

There are days when I am “Wide Open” busy and attempting to get from one need to another, and to do it with compassion and care and to be available when I am needed. Those days require all the human concentration that I possess. On those days, I find myself focusing on the activities, and not on what is the most important factor. It is on these amazing days that I seem to be the most grumpy and short-tempered and fussy, and I feel like a clothes dryer, set on medium, instead of “HOT!” Listen, when I take time to think about the issues, I find that slowing down and bowing on my knees and praying to God for peace and strength and guidance, my energy level increases, and my attitude improves, and my overall disposition becomes tolerable to others! It is in these quiet moments of total surrender to my God, that I am able, to focus on and tune in HIS Power of Comfort and Strength and Direct, for my life! Once my spirit is restored and my mind clear, then I can embrace His Power that I need to keep on serving and honoring His Calling! “Be still, and know, that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:10-11). In the face of this evil world and all that it has, in the way of distractions, Stay Strong, Stay Focused, and “Be Still and Know that He is GOD!” Remember… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Hide God’s Word in Your Heart, NOW!

August 9 Hide God’s Word in Your Heart, NOW! 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

From the time that I was able to read, my parents insisted and encouraged me to read my Bible. There were times, I would read the scriptures and thought that it was worthless for me to habitually read these same words, over and over. Amazingly, there was a situation that presented, and I immediately thought of a scripture that was appropriate for the issue. Wow! How did that happen? Mama used to tell me that, “the more that you learn, the more you will want to learn!” Why? She would follow up with some abstract answer like, “it will light your path!” She would say, “Read Psalm 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” How did she know that? I began to reflect on my early life, and I remember both of my parents, spending time in God’s Word and always encouraging me to do the same. Now, at 65 years old, I may not be able to recall the amount that Mama could, however, I continue to store up His Word, in my heart, and continue to strengthen my knowledge of Him. (Psalm 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.) Just recently, a dear friend and Prayer Partner, were discussing the necessity of memorizing the scriptures, and doing it as much as possible, with the purpose of being ready to take on the wiles and ways of Satan. When we hung up the phone, I thought of another reason to “Hide His Word in Our Hearts!” Sadly, I thought, of all, of those amazing saints of God, that I have ministered to, over the years, and the sad reality of their situations. Many could not remember who they were, and did not recognize their own children, yet; they could quote scripture; chapter and verse, as if they had just read it! That conversation with my wise prayer partner, and her words of wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit, ministered to my Spirit, and has caused me to desire, even greater, the hiding of His Word, in my heart and mind! 2 Timothy 2:15 provides a great reason for doing just that, every day and in everything: Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Read God’s Word, Study God’s Word, Memorize God’s Word, Live God’s Word, BE God’s Word, Share God’s Word!!! My words are limited and time sensitive, but His Word is limitless and eternal and will last forever!! I get so excited about what is to come when I am, deeply, into His Word and the Holy Spirit reveals the intent and the power for living, that is mine, when I am “IN HIS WORD AND LIVING IN HIS WILL!” If you end your earthly days with the inability to recognize your family or to remember who you are or remember what you did 5 minutes ago, what do you want to remember? I choose to remember MY GOD’S HOLY SCRIPTURES. So, while you can, store up that precious word! DO IT NOW!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Do You Believe This?

August 8 “Do You Believe This? John 11:25-26

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

John 3:16 provides an amazing promise and a “life-changing fact: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Believing is key to our faith! Believing is the very foundation of our salvation experience! Jesus came to earth with a divine purpose, and that was to be our one, true and last “Blood Sacrifice” for the remission of our sins and to reestablish the relationship with God the Father, through the Son, Jesus! The scriptures assure us that “Earthly Death” is a reality for all, but it is not the end! God has promised, for the believer, victory over death, Hell and the grave! I am excited about the future because of the past, and I am persuaded that God will honor His Promises! When you truly believe, that Jesus lived, suffered, died, and rose again from the tomb, and is now seated at the right side of God the Father, interceding for every believer, God has promised Eternal Life with Him! Live each day with renewed awareness and with empowered faith as you serve Him, increase in your faith, and anticipate that glorious day when you will see Him, in all of His Glory! “DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?” PRAISE BE TO GOD! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Place Your Hand in His”

August 7 “Place Your Hand in His” Acts 11:21

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the Hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21)

I was in the Target Store, just recently, and a little boy was frantic and was crying because he had lost his mother. I bent down and attempted to comfort him and to assure him that we would find his mother. Even though he allowed me to assist in the search for Mom, he continued to loudly cry and to call her name! It was clear that my support and my hug were not enough to calm his fears and to ease his anxiety. I began to shout, “Mom,” and within seconds, his mother appeared, and all was well. She calmed his fears and eased his anxieties! That is exactly what was happening in the passage of scripture, for today. When you look around, this is exactly what is happening today! People are stressed out to the MAX! Even though we are not experiencing the same level of persecution that the early church experienced (yet), we are still being challenged, and circumstances are difficult! Look around…Marriages (and the institution of marriage) are under attack, Individuals questioning their gender, violence and destruction abounds in the inner cities, prices for basic goods and services are skyrocketing, instabilities around the globe, and anxiety and fears abound! Fear Not My Friends… God has our backs! He has not; and will not remove His Hand from our lives! The call, today, is to place your hand in His and hold on, and claim His Grace, His Power, His Provision and His Sustaining Promises, that He WILL see us through until the End! Place your Hand in HIS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Am I Alone in This?”

August 6 “Am I Alone in This?” Hebrews 6:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” (Hebrews 6:19)

There are days when I am convinced that I must be going crazy! I have asked myself if I am the only one that feels this way and am I the only one that sees the insanity that is happening around me! We are all faced with the realities of life, whether we acknowledge it or not! The challenges that come from a “New” normal; that has been thrust upon us, and all that goes with it, creates upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of Life cause us to become disillusioned and become a bit fearful. There are times when we feel as if we are adrift in the middle of a raging storm with no “Safe Port” in sight! Dear Friends, I am here to declare that we do have “HOPE!” We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Praise God, Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST! He is Our HOPE! He is Our FUTURE! He is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all of the craziness of this present age, we must be firmly and securely attached to our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! You have heard me use this before: “In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor; Be very sure, Be very sure, Your ANCHOR holds and grips the Solid Rock! This Rock id Jesus, Yes, He’s the One; This Rock is Jesus, The Only One! Be very sure, be very sure Your Anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!” In times like these, we really do need that ROCK, which is JESUS CHRIST! So, the answer to the question is clear … NO, you are not going crazy; crazy things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises and provisions of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY! I am clinging to the Anchor, which is my Savior, and when I feel confused and when I feel like walking away, and when I experience a sense of despair, I drop to my knees and call on Jesus as I am grasping hold of the anchor rope that gives me “PEACE,” “RENEWED STRENGTH and VISION,” and “ETERNAL HOPE!” I am praying that you will “ANCHOR DEEP” and grab hold of the HOPE that only comes from a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST! If you are without HOPE, please read John3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is only found in JESUS! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with Purpose)

HIS Guiding Light

August 5 HIS Guiding Light 2 Peter 1:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

When the power goes off, at my house, the first thing that we do is to open all the curtains and the doors, to allow the natural light to come in. Although natural light is usually minimal, we can continue to operate, awaiting the power to be restored. Amazingly, in the Christian life, we experience a momentary loss of power. Think about it… When the Doctor reveals a serious health issue, or you receive a message that your loved one is in trouble, or you experience the death of a dear friend, or you experience a financial reversal, or the unexpected revelation of wrongs by a dear friend… These are the moments in our lives when we need to run to the Light! I thank God that He has provided infinite and dynamic power to keep our world operating along and it is bursting with energy. This same Divine Power provides strength, vision, endurance, and guidance when we face the seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles of life! PRAISE GOD! It is through HIS Power that we can face the present-day challenges and are prepared to deal with the issues of the future, with Divine Confidence and HIS Power! We have what we need when we are walking with HIM, PRAISING HIM, and actively SERVING HIM, even when we are experiencing a momentary power outage in our lives. There are days when I am overwhelmed with the challenges and issues of the day, and I “feel” that the light has dimmed, and at times, has gone out, but, in those times, I slow down, walk deliberately, call out to God, and Claim His Power for Restoration, Recovery, Direction, and HIS GUIDING LIGHT! Every one of us experience times of “low light,” but HE is ready, willing, and able to BRIGHTEN our Way, and Illuminate our Path! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, LOOK TO HIS LIGHT WHEN LIFE GETS DARK!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!