Let “JOY” Abound

October 6         Let “JOY” Abound            Proverbs 16:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”  (Proverbs 16:3)

Our JOY is not determined by our circumstances! Our JOY is not about good or bad situations or events! True JOY, His JOY is about our commitment to Him and His Promises of Power, Presence and Provision, for every circumstance! Our delight, and our attitudes are not about balmy weather or ice-covered roads or hot days or frozen nights, or any other circumstance, it is about COMMITMENT! God Loves Us Enough, That He Sent Jesus to SAVE Us, and to SUSTAIN Us! We flourish when we are growing in HIS GRACE and in HIS Power and in HIS AMAZING GRACE! When we are growing stronger, each day, in our Faith, we are prepared for the challenges of living, and we are ready to enjoy the fruits of our relationship with Almighty God! JOY is a product of HIS GRACE, and our receiving HIS GRACE, and living each day, claiming HIS BLESINGS! Circumstances, situations, worldly challenges do not determine our JOY! God’s JOY is so much more than circumstances! Our JOY, Our Security, our future is dependent on our growing relationship with God! Give Your Life to God, Today, and Live for HIM, growing and loving and sharing and being what HE has Called you to be! Please Lord, Grant us the courage, wisdom, determination, and vision to claim YOUR Promises and to walk in YOUR AMAZING GRACE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Brother Against Brother”

October 5   “Brother Against Brother”         Matthew 5:11-12

** THANK YOU to the Amazing Volunteers that made the BTC HOMECOMING 2026 an overwhelming success! Please Know that You are Loved and Appreciated for your tireless work and your commitment! Love You All… Pastor Glen

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”  (Matthew 5:11-12)

This world is becoming difficult for the true believer.  Sharing Jesus, and His Love, has become offensive and the sharer has the potential, to be considered, to be spreading “Hate Speech!”  Sadly, none of us are insulated from the Evil and the Chaos that Satan is churning up among God’s people.  A few years ago, I was asked to intervene in a “Squabble” between two brothers.  It was difficult to “cut through the hyperbole,” in order to determine the cause of the riff.  Finally, I determined that one brother had shared the Plan of Salvation with the other brother, and the brother that heard the message was totally and completely offended.  “How dare he say that I am a sinner!  I could tell you who is the sinner!”  I forgot to mention that these boys are twins!  They have been together, doing things together, dating sisters, marrying sisters, yet, about this one thing and about the message of Christ, the one brother broke ranks and began to criticize the other and say terrible things about him and his God.  Finally, I realized that the brother that shared Jesus with the other, was doing it out of Love for his twin.  The, the brother that was on the receiving end of the message was having no part of this, in his words, fantasy!  They were shouting at one another and saying terrible things to and about one another and I, in a stern and loud voice, told them to stop it and sit and listen!  I was praying, in my spirit, that the Holy Spirit would provide the words necessary to calm the situation and to touch the brother that was offended and to minister to the brother that shared Jesus, in order, to bring the “Lost” brother to Christ!  The one brother got up and stormed out of the house and there was the, well intentioned, brother, with tears in his eyes.  The brother that left, before leaving, said some hurtful and “hate-filled” words to his twin brother.  The brother that was left with me, looked at me and asked, “what can I do now?”  I told him that he had to be aware that his brother had to make up his own mind and that all he could do is share the life changing message of Jesus Love, and the Holy Spirit would handle the outcome.  Then he asked how he was to handle the hateful and hurtful words of his twin, the one individual that was the closest to him, in every way.  I shared this scripture for today: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”   Remember, God’s Word is offensive to this world, and we must “Armor Up” and keep Serving Him, regardless of the worldly challenges, even if it is our own brother! As Dr. Jeremiah says, “Just Keep Going!!”  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

PS… Prayers are continuing for the other brother! The one twin is committed to praying for his brother to come to a saving experience with Christ! Family functions are a bit challenging, yet they continue to be civil towards one another! Praiseworthy is the fact that Mom, Dad, and their sister have come to a saving relationship with Christ, and, together, they are praying for the other twin. Remember, Jesus has provided the means, we must believe, confess, and receive His Amazing Grace! I believe that this young man will ultimately come to Jesus! Faithful, Persistent, and “Love-filled” Prayer will make a difference!

“You Can Count on God’s Love”

October 4  “You Can Count on God’s Love”  Romans 8:38-39

** HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY TO OUR GRANDDAUGHTER, AVA SCOTT! We LOVE YOU!! **

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

When times are difficult, and the world, and all of its challenges, seems to be closing in around me, I am so grateful for the fact that God’s Amazing Love is always with me and protecting me, and sustaining me, and allowing me to flourish in this chaotic existence! I get so excited when I stop to realize that God’s Love for us is absolutely permanent, everlasting, and nothing that is or will be, can tear us away from His Mighty Love! I love Romans 8:38-39, because it is so complete in the promise of His sustaining Love! NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM GOD!  Please keep in mind the fact that this scripture does not promise us that life’s challenges and problems will not happen, or will our lives be easier, however, it does promise that He will always be with us, sustaining us, empowering us, and carrying us through the difficult times of life! Every time that I am about to doubt or fear, I recall and quote out loud this amazing promise of His Sustaining Love, and I remember and claim the fact that I have NOTHING to FEAR! Isn’t it exciting and comforting to know that God is always by our side, ready, willing, and able to protect us, and care for our every need? Let us continue to claim the victory fact: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

POST THOUGHT: God has paid the price for our redemption! It is up to us to claim the promise, embrace His love, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for Him, honor His Name and to be what He has Ordained!

The Mind of Christ

October 3      The Mind of Christ     1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But as it is written: “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.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-16)

There are days when, in my human condition, I am ready to “throw in the towel,” and walk away from the challenges! Praise God! He reminds me that I do not walk this life on my “feelings,” but I am guided and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT, and that I should and must surrender to Him if I am to successfully engage in His Holy Plan! This one scripture, this one declaration is the inspiration for me to keep on keeping on for my Lord: “But as it is written: “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.”  Friends, we are living in unprecedented times, and, as “Saved” folks, we must be ready to navigate through the challenges of evil and chaos and the insanity of the day! The Holy Spirit will guide, protect and sustain us, but we must surrender to Him, recognize His power and presence, and live our lives, committed and dedicated to Almighty God! Seek the “mind of Christ” in all that you do, and “follow” His commands! Every time that I encounter the challenges of evil and chaos, I am reminded that “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world!” ( 1 John 4:4)

Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Controlling Busyness”

October 1         “Controlling Busyness”         Hebrews 4:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:10)

 Ever find yourself in a constant state of “Busyness?” Have you ever thought that you might need to take a break? Take a week off, sleep in one morning, change your routine, but nothing seems to make a difference? Amazingly, I have always been a “Busy” person, and I have always “had things to do,” but over the years, I have sought some “Peace” in the middle of all the “Busyness.” Wow! Guess what? I can seek all of the “Peace” that I desire, but is I am not seeking His Power, His Presence, His “Rest,” then I will fail at my attempts to “take it easy!” In the middle of my hectic schedule and late nights, and early mornings, and the phone calls at 2am, and the “please don’t tell anyone” Stories and the challenges of preparing, sharing and living His sermons and His lessons, I have found that “Peace” can be attained! Matthew 6:33 tells us that we are to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Do you want rest? Seek Him first! Do you want peace? Seek Him First! Do you want a sense of control and trust? Seek Him First! Think about it… He is the one that created REST, and He is the one that first taught that we should “REST!” The very first experience that we see is found in Genesis, when God created the heavens and the earth, and all that is in it, and HE rested on the Seventh day! I have a tendency to feel a bit “guilty” when I take a moment to rest and refresh and renew, but my God has set the example and I need to follow that example, and so do you! I continue to pray that God would teach me to rest in Him! To continue to show me how to claim His authority in my life and to stop worrying about what I have not done and concentrate on doing the best at what I do! I am continuing to ask for forgiveness when I attempt to take control of what He has promised that He will Control! Does this sound like you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Which One are You?

September 30          Which One are You?         Matthew 13:24-30

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” (Matthew 13:24-30)

This is the question for the ages! “Which One are YOU?” Believers and “Fake” Believers, working together to, supposedly, achieve glory to God and to serve Him in all that we do. Unfortunately, I have witnessed the motivational differences among individuals, working within the church body, that are not, and do not, promote His Love and the Sharing of the Good News! What is your motivation? Could it be Ego, Personal Pride, Traditional Methods, Alternate Theology, or a simple desire to have things “your own way?” Pay Attention! If your motivations are anything other than the promotion of God’s Holy Word and the Sharing of the Gospel with this Lost Generation, you need to spend some time in confession, repentance and prayer!  John 14:21 speaks to the heart of this situation: “He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” Sadly, over the generations, the issues within the church body, and the divisions that have occurred, are a result of “Fake” Believers operating among “True” Believers! Unfortunately, this will be the reality until Jesus appears in the sky to “Rapture” the “Church!” I ask this question once again! “Which One Are YOU?” I continue to Pray that God, through the Holy Spirit, will convict, change and remake those that are operating with a “Fake” Faith and that He will cause them to see clearly the error of their ways! A quick indicator of your position is this: If you are motivated by anything other than the Cause of Jesus Christ and the Sharing of the Good News, and the Salvation of all that we meet, then you might possibly be in the category of “Tares!” It is time to decide which you will be!  I stand with Joshua 24:15: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”

September 29 “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 though 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!

Living with JOY in this Chaotic World

September 28   Living with JOY in this Chaotic World   Philippians 4:4

( I am posting the morning devotions through October 1, 2026, in advance. I will resume the morning postings on October 2, 2026)

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!”  (Philippians 4:4)

Every day, in every way, we are challenged by the sinfulness of this world! Every day, we must be ready to face the satanic forces that are determined to steal of joy and to alter our witness for Jesus. When our hearts are surrendered to HIM, and we are walking in HIS will, then we will see the path, forward, is a blessed pathway. When we accept HIS direction for our lives and we are living and claiming each new day as an opportunity to serve HIM and to Witness for HIM and to experience HIS True JOY, regardless of the circumstances! I understand that life can bring some difficult challenges, yet I am fully confident that HIS LOVE AND GRACE will allow us to walk in HIS JOY and PRESENCE, when our lives are in the Center of HIS WILL! Contrary to what some might think, Christianity was not meant to be something that brought misery and obstacles for living. The Christian Life is meant to be JOYFUL, and we are to “Walk in that JOY,” so that others can see JESUS in us, and we are to be EXAMPLES of HIS GRACE, in every situation! What a witness to this lost and dying world, when, we as Believers, face the challenges of this life, with a smile on our faces, and a song in our hearts, and with confidence for tomorrow! JOY is contagious! JOY is Powerful! JOY is a Blessing for the Believer! You see, JOY is one of the marks of a TRUE BELIEVER! We MUST claim HIS JOY, Walk in HIS JOY, Live within HIS JOY, and WITNESS to OTHERS, IN HIS JOY! Life is difficult, yet, with the PROMISES OF GOD, we Can and Will Walk in His JOY, when we COMMIT to HIS WILL, and LIVE EACH DAY with the HOPE of HIS GLORY! My prayer is that others will see the JOY of CHRIST in my Daily Living! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Sing Praises!

September 27              Sing Praises!            Psalm 147:1

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.”  (Psalm 147:1)

There was always music in our house when I was a child. Music was an important part of our day-to-day living. My Mother loved Southern Gospel Music, and she adored the Happy Goodman Family! Vestal Goodman was her all-time favorite! Mama would sing Vestal Goodman favorites in church, and always at home. She would crank up the stereo and away she would clean and iron and do every homemaker’s task. Our house was filled with music! Now, Daddy would preach the virtues of music, of singing and “making a joyful noise” to the Lord! Daddy’s favorite group was the Chuckwagon Gang! Daddy, to my knowledge, sang only one song, in public, and that was the “Great Speckled Bird!” My parents felt that music was an anchor in times of distress, and a blessing is times of prosperity! It boils down to attitude! I believe that music helps us to focus on God’s Amazing Grace and to live out His intentions for us! On my Daddy’s office wall was a framed statement from a man that also loved music and incorporated it into everything that he attempted to accomplish, for our Lord! This man was St. Francis of Assisi. The framed writing said this: “Make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. Where there is darkness, light.” Believers, what do you say we sing a little more, sow a little more, love a little more, and be an instrument of His purpose? TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

(Regardless of what may come, keep singing, keep believing and never, ever dwell in the past, YOU CANNOT CHANGE IT!!)

Joyful Direction

September 26          Joyful Direction       Psalm 35:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.”  (Psalm 35:9)

I believe that everyone would agree that this life is full of ups, and downs, and bumps and twists. It has been said, and I may have said it, “Life is like a Roller Coaster!” If you have been to Disney World and have ridden Space Mountain, you have experienced the twists and turns and the ups and downs of the car as it zooms along the tracks. It is dark, and the next turn or drop or climb sneaks up on you and you must hang on and ride it out. Life is like that! Some hills and valleys and curves that we face are small and we barely notice the movement, and others are huge and create anxiety and dread and fear and hurt and anger. Sadly, when we face these monumental challenges, we react to our feelings, at that moment! Praise God, as a Follower of Christ, we have another option! We can go through life, drifting and aimless in our experience or we can connect with God, through His Son, Jesus, and experience the Life Changing Relationship with Jesus Christ! Keep in mind, our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, does not free us from troubles and difficulties and challenges of life, the Good News is that, because of Jesus’ Love, we experience the Peace and Joy that only God can provide. I know that claiming His Provision is better than riding the ups and downs of my emotions and feelings! HE is Steady and I, in my humanity, am not! Please do not place your trust in your feelings! Feelings change like the wind… Trust God and Ask Him for Guidance and His Peace and Strength and Protection and His Joy! As we experience greater and greater challenges to our Faith and beliefs, we MUST claim His Power and Seek His Will and Trust His Word and not our “FEELINGS!” My “feelings” will fail me; God’s Grace and Peace and True Joy will NEVER FAIL!! What God does with us is up to us…Always has, and Always WILL!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Seven Powerful Words that Will Change Your Life

September 25  Seven Powerful Words that Will Change Your Life        Romans 1:16

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16)

There is a story told, of a lady that was out hitting all the local yard sales, when she came across an old needlepoint picture that read, “PRAYER CHANGES LIVES.” She purchased it, took it home and began to look for just the appropriate place to hang the new picture message. Finally, she decided that it went well in the dining room over the dining room table. With great pride she admired her garage sale discovery and could hardly wait to show it to her husband. That evening when her husband arrived home from work, she proudly showed the picture to him, but he made no indication one way or the other of his likes or dislikes of this new addition to their dining room. The next day as the lady was cleaning the house, she discovered that the new picture was gone. As she continued to clean the house, she discovered the picture behind the bookcase. She thought, “That’s strange,” and re-hung the picture in its original location. The next day, to her dismay, she discovers the picture was gone again, and again she discovers it behind the bookcase. When the husband arrives home, she confronts him and asks him if he is displeased with the art of the needlepoint, to which he responds, “No, not at all, it is a great work of art.” She continues, “Is it the place? Do you not like the place it is hung?” He says, “No, not at all, it is in a great location.” She concludes that it must be the message and asks him if it’s the message that he doesn’t like. He says, “No, not at all, the message is great.” Finally, she says, “then what’s the problem?” He says, "I JUST DON’T LIKE CHANGE!” I believe that the story reveals more of a truth about us all than we might be willing to admit! The reality is that you cannot become or be a Christian without CHANGE! From the moment that we accept the Grace of God through Jesus Christ; we begin a beautiful process of change – we become New Creatures in Christ Jesus! The Good News is that it is Christ that gives us the ability to change! We are HIS Workmanship, HIS Creation, Created for HIS Purpose! This morning, I want to share with you an avenue of change! Simply said, I want to share with you Seven Words that will Change Your Life! They are in our scripture passage for this morning! They are found in Romans 1:16. Did you see them? The Seven Words are: “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!” Our World is rapidly becoming so Evil and the Anti-God, anti-Christian attitudes and actions are growing every single day! If we are to survive, and thrive, we must have the Mindset and Commitment and the Determination to Represent Christ in EVERY Area of our Lives! Just so that we know, it is impossible to please God with a personal belief in God, that is practiced only when convenient and a public, political belief that is contrary to God’s Holy Word! We MUST be Consistent, and We MUST be Surrendered, and We MUST be the Same in Private as We are in Public! “Surely your sins will find you out,” Mama used to tell me, and she was so correct! Our Goal, Our Desire, Our Vision, Our Lives MUST be Focused on Serving God, Through HIS Son, Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Blessed Holy Spirit, and being BOLD in Our Witness and to be STRONG in our Proclamation of His GOOD NEWS to this Evil and Depraved World. The Apostle Paul declared that He was “NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!” How about you? Does Your Life, every aspect of it, reflect the attitude of total commitment? Do your public actions and thoughts match your private thoughts? Are you consistent in your public and private actions? Are you 20% or 50% or fluctuate between 15% and 70%, depending on the circumstances? WE MUST BE 100% SOLD OUT, COMMITTED TO GOD, AND THAT HAPPENS WHEN WE HAVE THE ATTITUDE AND CONVICTION OF… “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!” It is up to you …Stay Strong, Stay Focused … Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

REAL & LASTING JOY…

September 24    REAL & LASTING JOY…          Psalm 35:9

** Please Pray for DAVID RAGAN (Pacemaker Today); DANNY PERRY (Heart Issues); CAROLYN FLEMING (Pneumonia)… **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord.”  (Psalm 35:9)

Is there “Joy” in your life? Real, true, regardless of the circumstances, “Joy!” Unfortunately, I am witnessing, professing Believers, that are living with Zero “Joy” being expressed, to themselves and to others! The plan is simple! When we are grounded in Jesus, and our lives are consumed by HIS Grace and Salvation, then we have the opportunity and privilege to walk in His “Joy,” through every situation! Friends, Jesus Christ is the answer to the sadness and discouragement and challenges of this present age! Our hearts and our lives must be attuned to the Will of God, and we must seek Him, and Trust Him, and claim His “Joy” for our lives! When we are growing in His Grace, we have the opportunity to overcome the discouragement and challenges, and live our lives with His “Joy,” and the privilege to witness to others, of His Amazing Grace! Claim your Privilege, Live for Jesus, and allow His “Joy” to cover every area of your life and allow it to overflow into the lives of others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

ATTITUDE

September 23                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 highly educated in her craft, treated 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!

** Is Your Attitude edifying to Christ? Are Your Words and Actions causing folks to Seek Jesus, or are they pushing them further away? **

Turn the Other Cheek

September 22   Turn the Other Cheek            1 Peter 3:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)

It appears to me that the deeper I get into God’s Word, and the stronger my relationship is with my Savior, and the more that I am witnessing for His Grace and Forgiveness, Satan is more active in attempting to distract and thwart my growth! Satan is using all manner of obstacles to achieve his objective. Amazingly, he is using people that are considered friends, activities that are of a righteous nature and the unsuspecting individuals that he can manipulate into his service. As the intensity of the attacks increase, I activate a lesson from my dear daddy when Satan attacks! Daddy told me to “STOP, DROP, and PRAY!” He warned me to avoid the human response to assaults, when he quoted 1 Peter 3:9 that clearly tells us to “repay evil blessings,” and he instructed to “pray for those who would attack you and abuse you in the service of your Savior!” You may be experiencing a similar situation, and you really want to “clean their clock,’ but, as witnesses for Jesus and Redeemed Believers, we must follow the instructions of our Savior! FORGIVE, PRAY FOR THEM, KEEP ON SERVING JESUS! Luke 6:29 truly indicates the attitude and actions that we should be demonstrating when it tells us, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.” You cannot control the actions of others; however, you CAN control your reaction to it! We Serve a Risen Savior that has the Power to Redeem Us and to Ensure Our Salvation unto the Day When We Will See Him in Eternity. I Declare Boldly – NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!

 

Post Thought: “It is your attitude, not your aptitude that will determine your altitude!” My heart breaks when I am told of conflicts between fellow believers! Often, I am called upon to solve the issues and to “fix” the opposing person and their views (From both sides). Sadly, our negative reaction to basic human encounters is an indication of Spiritual Maturity.  James 1:19 provides an ironclad solution for our human encounters: “then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…”

BE STILL….

September 21     BE STILL….                   Psalm 46:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)

In the challenges and conflicts of any given day, each one of us has choices to make, decisions to decide and challenges to face! As a pastor, shepherd, encourager, leader, the path, the methods, the way can become difficult, cumbersome and burdensome! When these times occur, I know that it is time to STOP, DROP & PRAY!  Hebrews 4:16 provides the answer: “Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Every one of us needs to “Be Still and Know” that God is the answer to our every challenge and our every need! Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Talk with God, Read his Word and Share His Good News! Remember, STOP, DROP & PRAY is a requirement, not a suggestion! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Overcoming the World

September 20     Overcoming the World         John 16:33

**Please Pray for ANNETTE RAGAN (Infection); DEBBIE CHRISTIE; MARIE SHUMAN (Zebulon Rehab); JANE STRICKLAND; CAROL HIMMEL (Loss of Sister)… **.                      

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

There is one sure fact of living, and that is the challenges that we will face in the journey of Life! As a Born-Again Believing Christian, we are told that this world is against us, and that Satan will attempt to thwart our efforts and he will be actively engaged in the systematic destruction of our witness for Jesus Christ! Recently, I overheard a young man, in the middle of a “Poor Me” rant, and he was sharing the misery with another young man, and the recipient of the ranting was less than impressed, or at least, his facial expressions indicated his displeasure! Intrigued, and a bit curious, I made a pretense to be looking at a generic product, while eavesdropping on their conversation! The young man, that was complaining about life, grew louder and louder, as he described the perceived misery of his life. The other young man, waiting for an opening, responded with grace and wisdom and he reached out his hand, placed it on his friend’s shoulder, and spoke words of authority and wisdom, when he declared, “We all have rough times, and we all have difficulties, and we all have moments when we do not understand the actions of others, and we all have to make choices!” Wow! The young man looked at his friend and seemed to be a bit frustrated with his response. “You don’t understand! My car broke down, my commode overflowed, and I have to have the septic tank pumped out, and I found out yesterday, that my job may be ending, and my wife informed me this morning that she might be pregnant! So, you just don’t understand!” The friend, seemingly unmoved by the description of this man’s misery, spoke some beautiful words of encouragement! “Are you a Christian? I was there the day that you publicly professed your faith and claimed Jesus as your Savior and Lord, so, I ask again, Are you a Christian?” His response was telling! “Yes, yes I am, but the problems that I am facing have nothing to do with my being a Christian!” His friend, once again, spoke with love and authority when he declared that it has everything to do with your Christianity! “Brother, Jesus told us that we would have troubles and trials and tribulations and frustrations and aggravations and that this life, here on earth would be difficult, but He declared that we were OVERCOMERS! Please don’t forget that, as Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us, and His purpose is to assist our navigation through the challenges of this life! Jesus told us that all of the junk that happens is just this life, and that we must not allow the issues of life to cloud our focus, our dedication, or our devoted service to Him!” Then he quoted John 16:33 and asked his friend to allow him to pray with him! As tears flowed from this man’s eyes, he embraced his friend and spoke with confidence! “Thank you for being here, today, to share with me the reality of what is happening. I just needed to be reminded that He is in control, and that He has OVERCOME, so, I am an OVERCOMER, because of Him!”  I walked around to the opposite side of the aisle, and I stopped, bowed my head, and began to pray (silently, at least I thought)! “Thank you, God, for allowing me to have experienced this “Church” moment! Thank You for Your Grace, Power, and Presence, and I repent of any time that I have doubted Your Faithfulness, and I am so sorry that I have ever questioned Your presence. Thank you for my Victory, through and because of YOU! In the name of Jesus, Amen!” I didn’t realize that I was praying out loud, and the one friend came up to me and he said, “Pastor, thank you for that prayer! We all need reminding that He is in control, and that, through Him, we are OVERCOMERS!” After a quick handshake, we departed to continue our individual lives, yet with the assurance that, although, we each have our life-paths to travel, and that we, each are unique and individually blessed, that we all share, under the Blood of Jesus, one amazing and powerful fact, WE ARE ALL OVERCOMERS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST! So when you have the tendency to complain about your issues of life, and you want to moan about the details of living, and you act as if there is a “Little Black Rain Cloud,” hovering over your head, STOP, DROP, PRAY and RECOGNIZE that HE said, “ In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” I choose, daily, to be an Overcomer! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Humility, Patience, Love, Peace

September 19 Humility, Patience, Love, Peace Ephesians 4:2-3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Amazingly, and sadly, professing believers, within the church, continue to be in conflict and disharmony and strife and it is a recurring issue. If one will examine the history and the culture of the local church body and recognize that conflicts, challenges, hurt feelings and a host of immaturity driven results are not edifying to Christ, His Mission or His Grace! Traditions, Expectations, Past Positions, Family Influences, Political Bias, combine to create an atmosphere of conflict, not harmony or peace! When we are “walking” in our own attitudes and prejudices, then we will be a part of the problem! God did not, and does not intend for committed, “Born-Again,” Believers to act with animosity, nor does He expect us to “wear our feelings on our sleeves and be ready to be offended at the drop of a hat! Satan gets excited when the body of Christ acts like 2 wild cats in a sack, scraping, fighting and creating chaos, with the motivating factors of immaturity, jealousy, anger and expectations of “my way or the highway!” “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The world is watching the church! Satan is encouraging “baby” believers to engage in conflicts and he enjoys the display of chaos and “hurt” feelings, so that his job of diluting the message of Jesus Christ is made much easier! Colossians 3:13-14 spells out our need to “get along:” "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." When I examine the local church body (a general view of the organized church that we have in 21st century America), I recognize that we, you and I, are doing a poor job of representing Jesus to this world and that we are allowing our Carnal Self to have dominion over our Spiritual Self, consequently, presenting a distorted picture of the Love of God, and His Saving Grace through Jesus! Church, we are to live out the themes of the church: Unity and Love and Forgiveness! In our walk with Christ, we are to Emphasize and Embrace the need to forgive one another to maintain Christian harmony (Your Human, Personal Opinion does not matter). We are to Encourage and Promote Humility: Encouraging fellow believers to approach each other with humility and gentleness and God’s Grace. We are to recognize and practice our Shared Purpose! This Purpose is to Highlight the importance of working together towards a common goal in faith, and that goal is to share Jesus, and help navigate folks into a Saving Experience with Jesus. These verses collectively remind us of the church community’s calling! The calling to reflect Christ's love in our words and actions, and to live in peace with one another! Ponder this: When you were involved in your last conflict, if Jesus walked into the room, would you continue to hold your position, your promotion of conflict and would you loudly proclaim what you “Feel?” Probably not! Let God Speak to You! READ HIS HOLY WORD! Allow the WORD to GUIDE YOU, MOTIVATE YOU, and MAY HIS PURPOSE BE DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR EVERY WORD AND ACTION! As I have heard folks declare my entire life… GROW UP! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Perseverance

September 18       Perseverance              Ephesians 6:18

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:18)

 How do we live in the presence of God? How is it that we can feel His unseen hand on our shoulders and hear His voice in our ears? How can we grow in His Grace and be ready to Hear His Voice and Follow His Call? Consider these thoughts…

Give God Your First Thoughts of Each New Day! Before you face a new day, before you climb out of bed, come into His presence!

Give God Your Idle Time Thoughts! Spend some quality time with God in silence, anticipating His Word!

Give God Your Quiet Thoughts! Offer every moment as an opportunity to commune with God!

Give God Your Last Thoughts of the Day! At the End of the Day, Focus on Him, Be Grateful for the Blessings of the Day, and Conclude Your Day as You Began, Talking and Communing with God!

When we are focused on Him and walking in His Presence and living each day as an ongoing worship experience, then we will be “Living in God’s Presence,” and enjoying the bounty of Hid Amazing Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

**Satan will attempt to “muddy the waters,” but he will only be as successful as you allow! When we are committed to “Walking in His Presence,” then we will be successful! He Said it, He Promised, and I Believe it! **

Staying Truly Focused

September 17    Staying Truly Focused     Isaiah 26:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  (Isaiah 26:3)

Over the past few years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. I the midst of political and radical ideological changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the insanity of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and desires. Satan is having a “Field-day!” How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-moral standards rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, my upbringing, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and edifying to our Lord and Savior! Over the last few weeks, once again, Political Leaders, News Outlets, Radical Groups are promoting and proclaiming Anti-Christian, Twisted and Evil concepts and the sad reality is that so many are being deceived by the rhetoric! Really? There have been extreme and radical changes to our American culture and when I witness the twisted and radical transformation of one political party into an Anti-American, Anti-Law & Order, Pro-Islamic, Radical Promoting of the Overthrow of our Constitution, Standards of Morality and Civility and the systematic destruction of everything that has made the United States of America the greatest place on earth! Yesterday, I saw an interview with a young woman and she was declaring that she was leaving the USA because it has become hostile to her way of life. The interviewer pressed her to be specific, and she said that she would be safer in Gaza than in America. As I contemplated her statements, I realized that she was either ignorant of the political and social rules of this Islamic area, or she was genuinely “hate” driven and she was clueless about the realities of Life! This woman was angry, and she seemed to blame everyone and everything that didn’t agree with her “If it feels good, do it” attitude! (I grew up in eastern North Carolina, and the vast majority of my family and neighbors were “Dyed in the Wool” Democrats. I can state with firm assurance that if these folks were here today, they would not be voting Democrat! Radicals had overtaken this political organization and now, radical anti-American anarchists have become the face of this traditionally noble American Institution) Evil, Radicalized Ignorance, Hatred and Twisted Political and Religious Ideologizes have replaced basic Common Sense! What are we going to do? PRAY, SEEK GOD’S FACE & SERVE HIM despite the Evil and the Insanity of the Morally Void Individuals! Friends I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for Peace! God has promised that, when we are focused on the correct things and when we are committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect Peace,” regardless of the circumstances! For six years, I have ended each daily devotional, with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires True Focus on what is Real and Just and Edifying to our GOD! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, and now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed O God on Thee, my eyes are now on things above, from worldly yokes, Praise God I’m free, I’m running o’er with Joy and Love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, upon the prize that lies before; all other claims I will reject, My Heart is fixed forevermore. No longer tossed upon the waves, Of sin and doubt but now I sail; within the lifeboat, JESUS SAVES, No Storms against me shall prevail.” Jesus Christ is the answer to the evil that exists! Because of His birth, and His life and death, and His Resurrection, and our privilege of claiming His Selfless act at Calvary, we CAN have victory over the challenges of this life! Keep in mind, we will experience difficulties and challenges, yet His Great Love and sustaining Power will bring us through to experience complete victory! I Thank God for His Love and For My Jesus! Let this be a time to really Focus on Jesus, and to claim, embrace and celebrate, our Savior and Lord, JESUS CHRIST, in Your Life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

MY OPINION: (Stop long enough to really look at what is happening in our country! 25 years ago, in one of the great cities of America, radical, religiously hate driven individuals, who despise America, and anything that represents Western Morals and our Way of Life, purposely and premeditatedly commandeered airliners and flew them into the World Trade Center Twin Towers and the Pentagon and had other targets that didn’t work out! Today, in that same city, 25 years later, a Radical, Muslim, Communist occupies the office of mayor! Wow! How quickly we forget! Please pay attention to what individuals are promoting and their political agenda! All of the words and rhetoric cannot undo their actions and their evil intent! There are wolves going around in sheep’s clothing! My dear mama, used to warn me about appearances… “Honey, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig!” Pay attention to who and what you support and what they support! If politicians are promoting a radical agenda, and you pull the level for them in the voting booth, then you are supporting the same radical agenda, regardless of your traditional political views and ideas!)

“How to Defeat Satan”

September 16   “How to Defeat Satan”   James 4:7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!”  (James 4:7)

“Don’t even think about it!”  Have you ever heard these words?  My mother had an amazing ability to know when I was thinking up a way, to get into trouble and to “aggravate the stew” out of her (at least, that was the way that she described it).  “Get it out of your mind,” was another one of her statements that would cause great concern for me. How does she know what I am thinking and how does she know what I am about to do?  If my earthly mother, with her human flaws and shortcomings, could anticipate my actions and know my thoughts and motivations, just imagine what my Heavenly Father knows!  God tells us, in His Word, that we should “Think on the good, just, noble, edifying, faith-filled and divine expectations.”  Mama used to tell me that I must protect what comes into my mind through my eyes and ears.  Basically, she demanded and expected that I control what I saw, and I heard, the way I spoke, what I spoke and my actions, both public and private!  “Mama, can I go with ‘So in So’ to the party?”  “NO!”  “WHY?”  Here was her standard answer, “Because it don’t look good!”  My dear Friends, I am asking and pleading with you to surrender your hearts, your minds, your words, your actions, and your ALL to Jesus and walk in the assurance of His Love, His Promises and His Eternal Provision!  REMEMBER: IF IT IS NOT EDIFYING TO GOD, LEAVE IT ALONE!! What God does with you, depends upon what you do!  It Always has; It Always will!!  Be Sure, be Productive and Continue to Share the Love of God with Others…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

**CALL TO SERVICE: (ONE MAN’S OPINION): One of the more difficult challenges that I face is the tendency to shout from the rooftop about the Political and Social Destruction that is going on in America! Who would have thought that New York, arguable the best-known city in America, 25 years after the brutal and savage attacks on 9-11-2001, that this once great city would have a Muslim, Communist Mayor! This man openly supports and defends the Terrorists that attacked and killed innocent Americans, twenty-five years ago! He attempts to justify the hate driven attacks that killed thousands! WAKE UP AMERICA! In 25 short years, this Evil, this Millennial’s Old Hatred is spreading across our land, and it seems that one political party is the vehicle that is promoting the unchecked hatred and violence! The unfettered Hatred for one man, Facebook, social media, Major News Outlets and Information Dispenser Sources are directly and subtly promoting hatred and conflict! Agree – Disagree, it really doesn’t matter… What Matters is the fact that Hatred, in the form of Islamic Terrorism, and the systematic acceptance of its ultimate results is sweeping across America, and we are supposed to embrace and promote this evil! NEVER… THIS IS THE CALL TO COME TO JESUS, GET RIGHT WITH THE LORD AND SHARE HIS GOOD NEWS AND NEVER STOP UNTIL EVERY SOUL HAS HEARD THE SOLUTION TO THE HATE THAT EXISTS IN THIS WORLD! John 3:16 MUST BE OUR BATTLE CRY AND WE HAVE TO LIVE IT, SHARE IT AND NEVER EVER GIVE IN OR UP! This isn’t a Republican, Democrat, Independent issue, this is an American Issue, and a Soul Issue! REPENT! REPENT! JESUS is COMING SOON! PLEASE GET READY TO FLY…. At the Great Judgement, your Political Thoughts will have NO value, only His Blood, Your Surrender, and His Grace!