ATTITUDE
October 25 ATTITUDE Matthew 12:34
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Matthew 12:34)
Many years ago, when I was a senior in High School, I was asked to help with the “Special Needs” children at the Elementary School. The reputation of these children was not good. They were struggling in their learning and there were two teachers that were designated as “Special Needs” teachers. Wow! I just happened to have been assigned to the teacher that was having the most difficulty with her class. The first day was traumatic! This lady, although educated in her craft, was treating these children with an attitude of failure and difficulty! The two classes of these Special Children would gather, in the hallway, to go outside for recess and the other teacher had the children hugging her knees and hustling to see which one could be the closest to her. What was the difference between the two classes? Both classes were for the “Special Needs” students. Then I witnessed the difference! As we were walking to the playground, this teacher was turning back towards her students and she would say, “Look at my amazing kids!” “Aren’t they the best thing that you have ever seen?” Wow! That is why her class was achieving more than the other class! This Special Needs teacher did not assume that these children could not learn, she was determined that they would learn! What an encourager! While attempting to teach these “Special” children, I learned a valuable lesson about life and interacting with others! Encourage others, lift others up, highlight the positive and leave the negative alone! How many of us are telling our family, friends, co-workers that they are special and wonderful and that you are blessed that they are in your life? Friends, sharing the good, lifting the burdens of our neighbors is our responsibility, as born-again believers! Do you think that the POSITIVE LOVE OF GOD would make a difference in this dismal and evil land? Matthew 5:16 tells us what to do… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Let’s make a difference, every day, with everyone, right where we are! IT IS YOUR ATTITUDE, NOT YOUR APTITUDE THAT WILL DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE!! Lord, help me to see the good in others, and to encourage them into a loving and saving relationship with You. Help me to see that a “hopeless case” is not “hopeless” to You… Make me a Channel of Blessings for others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with Purpose)
TRUE PEACE
October 24 TRUE PEACE 1 Corinthians 2:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Wow! As I witness the ravages of war, played out on the television screen, every day, I am fully aware of the deep darkness and hatred and centuries-old evil that has overtaken an entire population. When you listen to the politicians, world leaders, supposedly, people in educated positions of influence, speak of “Peace,” yet there is “NO Peace,” and there will not be “Peace,” as long as Hearts are full of Hate, and Cultures are determined to eradicate one another, and centuries old bias and prejudices continue to exist and flourish! Satan has deafened the ears of individuals, and He has continued to fuel the fires of hatred, division, and chaos! Darkness is upon humanity, and we are attempting to navigate in this darkness, and we cannot! When individuals shout “PEACE,” they are missing the Key Ingredient for True and Everlasting “Peace” to exist, and that is the Grace of Almighty God, through the “Light Producing Power” of our Savior, Jesus Christ! The only way to “Peace,” is the Life-Changing Power of God’s Holy Spirit, that brings “Bright Light” into this dark and blind world! What can change Hate into Love, Misery into Joy, Darkness into Light? The Love of God through Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! Satan’s sinful grip, and darkness producing blindness on humanity will be defeated by the Bright Light of God’s Love! God fills our hearts with His unlimited Love that shines brightly into this evil and dark world! When we participate in the life Changing experience of God’s Amazing Grace, then our souls are ignited in the wondrous light of Hope, and the assurance that He will accomplish great and mighty things for we who have claimed His Redeeming Love and Power! This world, regardless of those who would deny, is filled with Darkness, Evil, Depravity and a condition of hopelessness! Our choice is clear; we can live in the directionless darkness of Sin and Hopelessness, or we can Claim God’s Love, and live in the Brightness of His Grace, the Joy of His Love and Live our lives as a Radiant Light into this Dark and Dismal World! What a wonderful fact of Life, when we are redeemed (Saved) through the Grace of God, our eyes are opened to the evil, our hearts are prepared to walk in the fullness of His Power, and we are ready to be the BRIGHT LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD! When God unleashes His GRACE, POWER, LIGHT-PRODUCING LOVE, and His SUSTAINING POWER and GUIDANCE, we will, truly, begin to LIVE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Chaos is Coming!
October 23 Chaos is Coming! Isaiah 5:20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” (Isaiah 5:20)
Amazingly, and prophetically, we are witnessing the transformation of basic moral standards into something that would have been unthinkable just twenty years ago. Hatred, Prejudices, Bias, Ignorance, and a list of additional issues have made the early part of the 21st Century to be unique and threatening! Good has become Evil, and Evil has become Good in the eyes of those who have no moral standards or a moral guide! Unfortunately, many within the church are active participants in this insanity and are unwavering in the pursuit of their twisted agendas! The scripture verse warns against moral relativism, where wickedness is disguised as righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of discerning and rejecting evil in any form! Believers, TODAY is the DAY to STAND UP and CHALLENGE the INSANITY of MORAL RELATIVISM and ANTI-GOD BEHAVIORS! How do we do that? We accomplish God’s Will by Growing in Him, Walking with Him, Communicating with Him (Bible Reading & Prayer) and Being what He has called us to be! I am satisfied that this world will continue to deteriorate and thoughts and actions of satanic driven individuals will continue to deepen and get progressively more hostile to Christianity and those who follow Jesus! Focus – Pray – Serve Him - and continue to stay connected to the “Overcoming Power of the Cross!” It is my observation that politically, socially and morally, the United States of America is about to experience a quantum leap into chaos and depravity and will ultimately lead to the destruction of our way of life! Please Get right with JESUS! This is going to happen, so prepare now for the challenges ahead! Stay Strong – Stay Focused … For the Believer - THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Please Remember to VOTE!
Daily Seeking…
October 22 Daily Seeking… Psalm 88:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.” (Psalm 88:9)
“I just don’t have time!” Have you ever spoken these words? Regardless of our position in this life, we are all busy, in one form or another! There was a time in my life that I was a Full-Time Manager, a Full-Time Husband, a Full-Time Daddy, a Full-Time Son, a Full-Time Deacon, a Full-Time Sunday School Director, a Full-Time President of the Bunn Elementary PTA and a Full-Time Treasurer of the Zebulon Pool Association! How was I going to find time for God? One of my mentors, Mr. S.P. Scott (Dr. Shannon Scott’s Dad), shared some beautiful words of wisdom with me … “You can find time for all of these worldly things; surely, you can make time for your Savior!” These words hit me like a “ton of bricks,” falling on my head! He was absolutely correct! I could make time for all these things that I wanted to do, yet, the One that Died for me, and shed His Redeeming Blood to save me, I was neglecting! True Confession … My relationship and my commitment to God was suffering during this busy time! “I just don’t have time to pray, maybe, like I should!” Then, at that moment, I heard the words of wisdom that my Daddy had spoken to me, over and over … “Everyone gets 24 hours in a day, no one is cheated … MAKE TIME!!! Conviction fell on me, and I realized that I was neglecting the most important relationship in my life! I have always been an early riser, so, with the sweet direction of the Holy Spirit, I dedicated the best time of my day to Prayer, Bible Study, and Holy Spirit Directed Meditation! Amazingly, when I prioritized my dedications and when I let go of some of my “Distractions,” my relationship began to grow! I will add that I became more efficient at all the other commitments! Dear Friends, if you say that there is no time to pray, then realize, you ARE NOT GOING TO GROW, and YOU ARE LIMITING GOD’S BLESSINGS FOR YOUR LIFE! Please be aware that, in these trying times, prayer and commitment to our Savior is the only way to navigate through the difficulties that we WILL experience! Thank God, I pray early, because I am at my best! I am coming into the presence of my Savior in my “Prime-Time,” when I am at my best! How about you? Will you commit to prayer, to Bible Study, to communing with the Lord, when you are at your best? “HERE I AM LORD, AT MY BEST! God Gave His Very Best for Us! Are You Willing to Give Your Best? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Postscript: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9) Proper attitude - Proper perspective – Proper and Edifying Actions - Genuine Love for Others - and the Desire to Praise God in our Thoughts and Actions Requires a Committed and Dedicated Effort to be CHRIST-LIKE in ALL we Say and Do! Disagreements are natural and human, however, when the disagreements grow into animosity and ill will, then it is time to re-evaluate our motives and purpose! STOP – DROP – PRAY! Real and dedicated “Living for Jesus” will be evident in the “Fruit” that we produce!
“Power Failure”
October 21 “Power Failure” Philippians 2:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “… so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15)
Have you ever experienced a power failure? It is a terrible thing to be in a place where there is a power failure! Have you noticed that, in some areas, when there is a “Blackout,” evil people are running around, looting and destroying the personal property of others, and often assaults and even murders occur? What is the Common Denominator? It is DARKNESS! This is a sad time, when this occurs, however, the saddest, and far worse, is when a Christian has a power failure and their light for Jesus dims until it is barely seen! Every time that this happens, trouble occurs! Spiritual Power Failure has brought about a sad condition on our American Homes and in our extended Communities! Why has this occurred? I truly believe that we have allowed our convictions and principles to be compromised to the point that it is impossible to tell if we ever had any! Convictions & Principles, that is! There has never been a greater need for believers to have the Courage of their Convictions and Stand Strong in the face of worldly opposition. To do this, we need to be in God’s Holy Word, EVERY DAY, we must be PRAYING EVERY DAY, and we need to be WITNESSING by WORD and ACTIONS EVERY DAY! We must allow the HOLY SPIRIT, to provide us with the Power to stand and to be counted! The POWER of GOD needs to flow through us so that this evil world will see the LIGHT of JESUS in us and turn from their evil ways! In John 3:19, Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Friends, we need, and must, be the “LIGHT” of GOD that shines brightly in this dark and dying world! Believers, let’s do something about this POWER FAILURE! God does not want: “FLASHLIGHTS that go of or on temporarily! SPOTLIGHTS are designed to put light on self, or on one spot or STOPLIGHTS that indicates no forward movement or CHRISTMAS LIGHTS that just turn on for Special Occasions. GOD wants us to be FLOODLIGHTS and FLOOD the World with the LIGHT of JESUS, letting everyone see HIM in Our Lives! Matthew 5:16 instructs us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We have the Call, we have the Instructions, we have the Abilities, and we have the POWER! So, let’s “TURN ON” and let our LIGHT shine brightly, like the “Stars in the Sky,” into this “DARK & SINFUL” World! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with Purpose)
VOTE!
Why Me Lord?
October 20 Why Me Lord? Revelation 1:8
** THANK YOU for all of the “Happy Birthday” wishes and the encouragement yesterday! I am truly blessed to be in such a family as the Baptist Tabernacle Family!
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
No one is immune to troubles and trials! When we find ourselves in the midst of trying and difficult times, what do we do? Just recently, I was asked to counsel with an individual that has had some serious challenges, some created by his behaviors and some that are the results of others, and his question to me was, “Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Why do these things happen to me?” This young man was so fixated on the challenges that he would not see the blessings! I realize that, in our human perspective, that situations and the struggles that we experience are perceived as “All these is,” however, as Redeemed Followers of Jesus Christ, we are promised the power to overcome and the ability to be strong in the middle of any and every challenge! As Born-Again” Believers, we have a solid assurance that our GOD IS, WAS, AND IS TO COME!! Listen, God spoke our world into reality, and the blessed assurance is, knowing that HE has ordained our existence, and HE has promised that HE will KEEP US in HIS POWER AND LOVE! There is a Glorious FACT that is so exciting! The Reality of our existence is a cause for rejoicing! Why do things happen to me? Whether we recognize it or not, GOD, in HIS infinite Wisdom, Love, and Grace has determined them to be! Remember John 16:33…. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Difficulties, Challenges, Pain, Hurts, Deceptions, Tribulations are a sad reality of our Human Existence, however, PRAISE GOD, through HIS LOVE and GRACE, we are OVERCOMERS! So, why do these things happen to me? It is the way that it is in this life, so, grab hold of HIS AMAZING GRACE and PRAISE GOD for HIS SUSTAINING POWER and CLAIM HIS ETERNAL POWER TO KEEP US, SUSTAIN US, and TO BLESS US! This young man had the idea that he had been singled out for the misery and challenges, and when I told him that everyone experienced the trials and issues of life, and that there is HOPE to OVERCOME! I am happy to report that, not only did he surrender his life, his challenges, and his burdens to Jesus Christ, he is now, proclaiming this AMAZING GRACE to anyone that will slow down enough to hear his testify! I am praying that God’s Love and Sustaining Power will shine through the trials and issues of this day and that our lives, our words, our actions will reflect His Eternal Sustaining Power and His Promises of HOPE, HELP and HARMONY, even in the midst of the Storms of this Life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”
October 19 “HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU” Psalm 138:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7)
Wouldn’t it be great if we never had any troubles or challenges in this life? What if God promised that we would never have troubles in our lives? You know, because He loves us and as His children, He would allow us to navigate through life easily and carefree! Well, Adam and Eve messed that thought completely up! All is not lost! We do have something to look forward to and that is eternal life with our Savior, in Heaven, but as for this life, trouble-free is not happening! Do not lose heart, God has promised that He would walk beside us, sustain us, and empower us in our troubles! He said that He would NEVER leave us! Hebrews 13:5 declares the promise, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In recent days, I have had to cling to this promise, and I have had to exercise His unshakeable promise of Power and Endurance! When tough times come your way, and they will, remember this promise! God promised that HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AND HE WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
SIDE NOTE: 70 years ago, today, this “Pillsbury Doughboy Pastor” burst forth into this crazy world! I am so grateful to my God that I am still able to serve HIM, every day, in every way! Thank You BTC for being the Amazing Church Family that You ARE! Please Know that You are Loved and Appreciated More than You can ever Imagine! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Praying Always…
October 18 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, to the mountains we went! We enjoyed 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 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 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 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 with Purpose)
** PLEASE VOTE! **
HE will NEVER LEAVE US!
October 28 HE will NEVER LEAVE US! 1 Kings 8:57
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “May the Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us nor forsake us.” (1 Kings 8:57)
Solomon, after completing the first temple in Jerusalem, prayed a prayer of dedication for the new temple, and then turned his attention to the people of Israel, who were gathered for the temple dedication and he reminded them that God had given the nation a period of rest, and that God had honored and kept every promise that HE had made through Moses. At this point, Solomon expressed a Hope that was a divine message for the Hebrew people: “May He not leave us nor forsake us!” Solomon was concerned that the blessing and abundance that God had bestowed on the people would cause them to forget the source of the bounty, and that they might turn away and dishonor God’s name! Solomon might have been declaring that, “May we never forget the ONE who has blessed us so abundantly!” Living in the United States of America, we are truly blessed! Even with the failures, shortcomings, mistakes, and drama, we are still a blessed people! In 1 Chronicles 29:14, King David remined the people that all of the bounty that we enjoy, comes from God! Friends, may we NEVER FORGET the SOURCE of our Abundance, and NEVER be Tempted to Leave the ONE that PROMISED to NEVER LEAVE US OR TO FORSAKE US! Regardless of the challenges, our God has promised Victory, and it is up to us to claim the promise and to live in His Victory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
** Please VOTE! … MY OPINION, Based on God’s Holy Word (Not traditions, emotions or the price of gas or anything else!) … The Wave of Evil that is sweeping across our nation and the absolute insanity of twisted logic and the absence of basic common sense is combining to create a real and present threat to our American Way of Life! As Born-Again Believers, we have a responsibility to stand against Evil that is encroaching on our families, our churches, our businesses and our way of life! If you can support Abortion on Demand, up to and including full term killing of innocent babies, the mutilation of young children to, supposedly, change a boy to a girl, and vice vera, the confiscation of private property to redistribute to those who have not worked for the benefits, and the idea that we must submit to something as evil as “Sharia Law,” then, in my opinion, there is something amiss in the commitment and devotion to a God that loved us enough that He would sacrifice His Only Son so that we could have Eternal Life with Him and enjoy the “Fruits” of being His Children! There is no justification for supporting a party or an individual that aligns themselves with this twisted brand of evil! It is sad that a Great Political Party, with a tradition of service and dedication to the amazing American Experiment of Free Market Economics and Support for its People has become so radicalized and so far from the original purpose and intent of the founding Fathers of our Great Nation! Believers, Think about your eternal commitment, think about your devotion to God, and VOTE your convictions (Not motivated by the Hatred of one man!) … TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Remember: This World is not our home; we are just passing through! So, simply be what you say you are!
“FISHERS OF MEN”
October 15 “FISHERS OF MEN” Matthew 4:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
When I was a boy, one of my favorite things to do with my daddy was to go fishing. Generally, it was on a pond bank, or the riverbank, however, many times it was at the coast, and we would fish from the pier. Daddy was a simple man, with simple tastes and desires, yet he truly enjoyed our time together fishing. He would use the time to talk about life issues and he would ask me questions about my life and how I was navigating through the challenges. I believe this is when I understood “Multitasking!” We would prepare the lines, bait the hook, and cast our rig and wait for the natural process to play out! Daddy would always use this scripture from Matthew 4:19, to describe the task and responsibility of every believer! We are to share God’s Good News about the Love of Jesus, and we are to be actively “Fishing” for others to come to Him! On one such occasion, we were fishing at the Oceanana Pier, at Atlantic Beach, and a “Weather-worn” young man was seated next to us, and he had been listening to every word that Daddy spoke, and he interrupted our conversation to ask Daddy a beautiful and amazing question. He asked, “Would you tell me more about this Jesus?” Well, nothing was more exciting to Linwood Brock, than an opportunity to talk about Jesus. For the next hour, Daddy, and this man, talked non-stop until Daddy asked the question! “Do you want to be saved?” “I Do,” was the response from this “Weather worn,” rough looking fisherman! With the skill of a highly trained surgeon, Daddy led this new believer to a “Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ!” By this time, others had started to gather around us, and when Daddy began to pray, there were as many as 15 people, bunched up around our bench, listening to Daddy “Preach” & “Pray!” Daddy has gone on to be with Jesus, yet his example, his instructions, and his unwavering commitment to his Savior, continue to be “Instructional” for this young believer! After that night, we would encounter many that were there the night that “Jimbo” gave his heart to Jesus! We never saw “Jimbo” again. The word was, that he had been in an accident, and had died as a result of his injuries! From that moment on, when we would fish at the Pier, we would begin each fishing session with prayer! Friend, I admit that I was a little embarrassed, but I learned a valuable lesson! Daddy said that we were to share Jesus, right where we are, and that everyone, whether they know it, or not, needs Jesus Christ! I believe that I became a “Real” and “True” Fisher of Men that night, on the Oceanana Pier, at Atlantic Beach! When you have “Life Saving” information, why would you keep it to yourself? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PS… VOTE! Satanic Evil is sweeping across our nation and it is imperative that you exercise your right to vote…
HOPE
October 14 HOPE Hebrews 6:19
** Please Pray for JUDY PEARCE (Duke Raleigh); DAVID RAGAN (WakeMed)! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “We have this Hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a Hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19)
In every situation and in every circumstance, there is one amazing Presence and Power and Provision that dispels any Fear and Doubt that we may experience! Armed with the Knowledge and Assurance of His Presence and Power within me, fortifies me and instills in me HOPE! Because of this HOPE, I am prepared for every challenge and every situation! This HOPE is the assurance of His Power and is the little nudge that guides me in the proper direction! Amazingly, and wonderfully, when situations present themselves that requires healing or abundance or harmony in a troubled situation, this HOPE lifts me above the outer appearance of the situation to the realization that “For God All Things Are Possible!” No Forces or Powers or Situations can extinguish the Presence and the Power and the Provision of God that grows within me! Regardless of the challenges, I have HOPE! Regardless of the Struggles, I have HOPE! Regardless of the attacks from Satan, I have HOPE! Despite the conflicts, I have HOPE! Through His Grace and His Promises, I have HOPE! Positive Prayer, Faithful Affirmations, I am claiming God’s Amazing Plan for my Life and the Great Possibilities that are ahead! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
My Whole Heart
October 13 My Whole Heart Psalm 73:26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Physically, our hearts are powerful muscles that continually circulate life-sustaining blood throughout our bodies! Amazingly, and divinely inspired, the heart works in conjunction with the other organs of our body to support life and to continue to renew our growth! I am excited and grateful for the strong heartbeat that I feel in my chest, and I praise God each time that I feel the pumping of this amazing organ! As strong and amazing as my heart is to my physical health, it is even more important to my spiritual life and growth! My heart is the “Soul” center of Love and Peace and Joy, and it is, through my heartfelt acts of kindness, I have the privilege to share God’s Love and Grace with others! “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” It is absolutely amazing! The more Love and Joy that I share from my heart with others, the more that I use it as an instrument of God’s Love and the stronger and healthier I feel in my mind and in my body! I Thank God for a Strong Heart and a Growing Faith and a Promise that “He is my portion forever!” With my whole heart I pledge my life to HIM! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
More Than Conquerors
October 12 More Than Conquerors Romans 8:31-37
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31-37)
There are days when I feel as if I am walking through this life, all alone! Challenges, both personal and public, create issues that are hard to deal with, yet through those times, I have the assurance that my God is with me, protecting me, carrying me, holding me, and guiding me, even when my feelings indicate differently! On those days, when I feel so helpless and challenged, I have the promise that “I am with you and I am for you, in everything that you do!” Satan attempts to cloud the fact that my God is with me, and that He is my companion and my provider! My mother used to tell me that in those times when life seems to beat you down and you feel as if you are all alone, whisper His Name! Every time, without fail, when I speak His Name (The Name of JESUS), it opens my heart and my mind to His Holy Presence and Promise! When I speak to my Savior, in complete surrender to His Presence, I am renewed, and I am empowered to face any challenge that life has to offer! Every one of us are challenged, daily, yet God’s Amazing Grace is there for us! Remember what Genesis 28:15 tells us: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” We are more than conquerors through HIS AMAZING GRACE!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Armor-up, and Keep Looking Up to Jesus! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Postscript: Please pray for the pastors of the churches, in our area, that God will refresh, energize, and sustain them in their calling! Being a pastor can, at times, be a lonely and isolating experience! Recently, I met and engaged with a young pastor that was feeling the weight of isolation and resistance in his pastoral duties. He poured out his frustrations to me and asked if I had any answers. YES! Because of Jesus, we are More than Conquerors! We MUST claim His Power, Presence, Provisions, and His Amazing Grace! I have committed to prayerful support and to encourage him and have offered to be a “friend” in this chaotic world! I encourage you to encourage others and to be A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD!
Living For Jesus
October 11 Living For Jesus Titus 1:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus 1:16)
“You are a hypocrite! You preach about Love, yet you are intolerant of others and their struggles!” This statement was made about, and to me, just over eighteen months ago, and I responded with the reality of truth! I said, “To you, I suspect that it is true! You have a concept of Christianity, although, you are not living it but expect others to conform to “Your” standards and expectations!” The reality is clear! Every believer has the potential to be accused of hypocrisy, especially if we are talking a talk without walking the walk! Satan, and his servants are looking for opportunities to defame God’s Word and to deny the glory of His Grace! Sadly, I witness, every day, the fact that we all mess up, from time to time, and we are certainly not perfect! Praise God! Every believer is on a journey to ultimate perfection, unfortunately, we will never achieve perfection in this human body! When we come to Jesus, we begin the process of sanctification, and we will make mistakes and we will “mess up,” but Praise God, is Grace is H
His Grace covers our stumbles, and His Grace provides our continued strength to overcome! BOTTOM LINE BELIEVER: BE WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE AND DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO DO! LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A REFLECTION OF THE LOVE AND GRACE OF YOUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Bonafide Overcomer
October 10 Bonafide Overcomer James 1:2-3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
Wow! The challenges that are presenting themselves, in order to alter my thoughts, actions and attitude, seem to be intensifying! The political rhetoric, the onslaught of half-truths, innuendos, and blatant lies, used to alter the truth and to distort reality, all for the cause of evil and the promotion of organized chaos, in order to promote evil as good and good as evil! There are days when I feel a bit helpless to handle the onslaught of issues and challenges that continue to mount up, until the burden is overwhelming! Praise God! We are offered a choice as to how we will handle the pressures of living in this chaotic and purposely evil world! I can stubbornly plod along, on my own power and direction or I can claim His Power and Provision of the Holy Spirit, and walk humbly, in prayer, and turn my thoughts and mind to His Promises, and recognize that, through His Love, I am a Bonafide Overcomer! Realistically, the choice to choose God is a daily, on-going decision-making process, with amazing results! I love the words of the Psalmist, when he declares, in Psalm 63:7-8, “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me!” Regardless of the challenges, burdens, troubles and difficulties, God has Promised Victory! Seek Him Early, Seek Him Often, Seek Him Daily!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
The Impossible Made Possible
October 9 The Impossible Made Possible Mark 10:27
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
I absolutely love this promise from my Savior! There are times, especially in recent days, that I have been bewildered and overwhelmed by the challenges of the day and have had a sense of being defeated and I Praise God that this promise of God, spoken by my Savior, has brought me back to the reality of my living! When I remember God’s great Love for me, and all of the promises that He provides and the necessity to be what He has called me to be, well, all of the blues and defeated attitudes simple disappear and I am ready and re-energized to take on the impossible, directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit! Alone, I am weak, but through my God, I have strength to overcome and to live for Him with power and assurance and with the humanly impossible, becomes absolutely and totally possible through my God! Remember the VICTORY PRINCIPLE? I have shared this many times… “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my 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, mu Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank Him every day!” I continue to Praise God for making the IMPOSSIBLE, completely POSSIBLE, in my walk with Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Being a Good Neighbor
October 8 Being a Good Neighbor Proverbs 11:25
** Please Pray for the BRUCE DENTON Family & the PHYLLIS PERRY Family as we Celebrate their lives today. Special People, Special Lives, Great Families!
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
There was a lady, in our neighborhood, that had a “bad” reputation and most of the community avoided her. It came to my mother’s ears that this woman was very sick and had no one to help her. Mama went into action! She made her famous “Chicken Noodle Soup,” and homemade crackers and away she went to this lady’s house. She knocked on the door and when the woman opened the door, mama found a pitiful and sad sight. This lady was dirty, and her house smelled, and it was a mess. Mama took over and instructed her to eat and mama (oh yeah, I was along for the labor to come), and I began the “seek and cleanse” operation. Within an hour, the house was clean and straight, and it smelled good. This lady resisted, at first, yet finally relented, and mama gave her a bath! When she emerged from the bathroom, she had undergone an amazing transformation. Mama instructed me to pull back the covers on the bed and this renewed lady climbed into her clean bed. When we finally left, mama had instructed her to call when she had any needs, and we would be right there. Over the next few days, we visited her and kept her house straight and provided food until she was able to take care of herself. The sad and shocking reality, at least for me, was the reaction from mama’s church group (the Ladies Mission Group). Many of the ladies were shocked to find out that mama had been in this woman’s house, much less, cleaned and fed her. As I reflected on the reactions of these ladies and the way that they treated Mama, I was hurt and confused! In Luke’s Gospel, the Good Samaritan had found a man, robbed, stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left for dead. Many of the “religious” folks, ignored the injured man, yet this Samaritan, had compassion on this man’s condition, and his compassion was not defined by his status or ethnicity or his religious beliefs, and he put him on his donkey and took him to the closest Inn and told the Innkeeper, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back (Luke 10:29-35)!” I asked Mama about the reactions of her friends, and she told me that she was responsible for her own actions and that they would have to account for their actions. She went on to explain that we are called to love and minister to everyone, regardless of their position or condition, in this life! Reflecting on the world’s conditions, and the anointing of God on my life, I recognize that “EVERYONE” is my “NEIGHBOR,” and I have a responsibility, under the Saving Blood of Jesus,” to be a “Good Neighbor” to all! So, who should we be “Neighborly” to? Who is it that we should be generous to? The command to “Love our Neighbor” is a solid and firm instruction! Why don’t we give it a try? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!