TRUST HIM!
September 13 TRUST HIM! Isaiah 55:9
**Today, we Baptize 4 New Believers! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! God is still in the SAVING Business! Come and see what God is doing in the lives of His People! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)
When I think about the majesty of God’s complete sovereignty, and His deep love for humanity, I get excited about the fact that He has, through Jesus Christ, saved me and, through the Holy Spirit, guides and protects me! Amazingly, He has paid the price for my salvation and my relationship with God the Father, through the atoning blood of Jesus, and all that He requires is Faith to Believe, Obedience to His Word, Trust in His Promises, and Commitment to His Calling! Trusting God to honor His Promises is not easy! I think about a great Bible Teacher and Devoted Servant of God, Matthew Henry. His life was filled with challenges and tragedy. His first wife died shortly after their marriage, and at least four of his children died in infancy. Despite the challenges, Matthew Henry continued to trust God, faithfully follow Him into uncharted areas of service and allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him, empower him, and to bring him into opportunities for service beyond his ability to even imagine. Trusting God, Matthew Henry was blessed with another wife and had many children. Friends, we must trust God to lead us and to guide us and to bless us and to honor His promises as we faithfully follow Him Serve Him and allow Him to fulfill His calling on our lives! TRUST the LORD today! Lay your fears, anxieties, stress and cares at the Foot of the Cross, and plead the Blood of Jesus over them, trusting God, faithfully serving Him! I claim the promise: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Stay Strong, Stay focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
TRUST in HIM
September 12 TRUST in HIM Proverbs 3:5
** 25 years ago, America awakened in a new reality! Air travel changes overnight! The Homeland Security Department was established! The American Flag was being displayed across the land and individuals were standing strong and proud to be American and songs were written, people were coming together to stand against the Evil of the Hatred Driven Millenium’s Old Ideology of Violence, Oppression and Submission! 25 year later, the very ideology that fueled the actions on 09-11-2001, and the loss of thousands of Innocent American lives, is becoming legitimized by hundreds of people, as these Hate Driven, Ideologs, are being elected to public office, across the American Homeland. Anti-American, Anti-Israel, Anti-Police, Anti-Borders, Anti-Christianity, Anti-Law & Order, Pro-Hamas, Pro-Communist, Pro-Abortion, Anti-Constitution, teaching our children that they can be a man or woman, it is their choice, Anti-Anything that resembles the “American Way, is being promoted and the sad reality is that many are falling for this hate filled rhetoric and these vile thoughts and actions are becoming their reality!” Sadly, ever so sadly, professing Christian Believers are being numbered among those who embrace and promote these vile and destructive thoughts and actions! WAKE-UP AMERICA! I wonder if the same response would occur today; patriotism, pride in the American Way, the displaying of “Old Glory” on every building and home and automobile, and the rapid response to the evil attacks that occurred? 25 years later, America has moved closer and closer to losing the very essence of what makes America exceptional! I Pledge to Serve My God, Display His Grace and Goodness, and I solemnly affirm that I will Represent the Cause of Christ in all My Dealings, and I will stand in opposition to the Hatred and Violence Driven Agenda of the Leftists, Communist, Anti-American Hate Mongers! Agree-Disagree, it does not change the reality of the present conditions! Followers of Jesus Christ, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for Souls to be Saved, and for God’s Amazing Grace to Cover Our Land!
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5)
Have you ever thought that you don’t fit in this world? Have you thought that this world and all of its challenges don’t feel proper, and correct? The fact of the matter is that this world is not tailor made for the Born-Again Believer! We, humanity, were designed and created to live and commune with God, but while we are here on this earth, we must live, walk, trust by FAITH! We must Trust God to empower us, to Sustain us, and to know what is best for us! Until we stand before Him, in the beauty of our Heavenly Home, we are to walk in Him, Trust in Him, Commune with Him, Believer in Him and to Share the GOOD NEWS with those around us, and anticipate that Great Hallelujah Homegoing Day, when we will, finally, be with Him, celebrating, worshipping, and praising Almighty God! THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME; I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH! If you see a funeral wreath on my door, please know that I am finally HOME! What does He instruct us to do? TRUST THE LORD! TRUST THE LORD IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO, AND TRUST HIM, NOT YOUR THOUGHT S OR FEELINGS! Friends, I get excited, just thinking about eternity, and the beauty of Heaven, and the fellowship with my Savior! Stay Strong, Stay Focused! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
Remembrance…
September 11 Remembrance… John 3:19-21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3:19-21)
Hatred was fully displayed on September 11, 2001. Hatred, driven by satanic ideology, and under the guise of religion, was demonstrated on this occasion. I believe that we should recognize the unmerited hatred and be aware that this destructive hatred still exists! The September 11 attacks, often referred to as 9/11, were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States of America on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. On that morning, four commercial airliners traveling from the northeastern United States to California were hijacked mid-flight by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists. The hijackers were organized into three groups of five hijackers and one group of four. Each group had one hijacker who had received flight training and took over control of the aircraft. Their explicit goal was to crash each plane into a prominent American building, causing mass casualties and partial or complete destruction of the targeted buildings. The first plane to hit its target was American Airlines Flight 11. It was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan at 8:46 am. Seventeen minutes later at 9:03 am, the World Trade Center's South Tower was hit by United Airlines Flight 175. Both 110-story towers collapsed within an hour and forty-two minutes, leading to the collapse of the other World Trade Center structures including 7 World Trade Center, and significantly damaging surrounding buildings. A third flight, American Airlines Flight 77, flown from Dulles International Airport, was hijacked over Ohio. At 9:37 am, it crashed into the west side of the Pentagon (the headquarters of the American military) in Arlington County, Virginia, causing a partial collapse of the building's side. The fourth, and final flight, United Airlines Flight 93, was flown in the direction of Washington, D.C. This flight was the only plane not to hit its intended target, instead crashing in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 am. The plane's passengers attempted to regain control of the aircraft away from the hijackers and ultimately diverted the flight from its intended target. Investigators determined that Flight 93's target was either the White House or the U.S. Capitol. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, suspicion quickly fell onto al-Qaeda. The United States formally responded by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had not complied with U.S. demands to expel al-Qaeda from Afghanistan and extradite al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Although bin Laden initially denied any involvement, in 2004 he formally claimed responsibility for the attacks. Al-Qaeda and bin Laden cited U.S. support of Israel, the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, and sanctions against Iraq as motives. After evading capture for almost a decade, bin Laden was located in a hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan and subsequently killed during Operation Neptune Spear. The destruction of the World Trade Center and nearby infrastructure seriously harmed the economy of New York City and created a global economic recession. Many countries strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded the powers of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to prevent terrorist attacks. The U.S. and Canadian civilian airspaces were closed until September 13, while Wall Street trading was closed until September 17. Many closings, evacuations, and cancellations followed, out of respect or fear of further attacks. Cleanup of the World Trade Center site was completed in May 2002, and the Pentagon was repaired within a year. The construction of the World Trade Center complex's replacement began in November 2006, and the building opened in November 2014. The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences, in addition to at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States, with 340 and 72 killed, respectively. Numerous memorials have been constructed, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington County, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial at the Pennsylvania crash site (Source: Wikipedia). Today, September 11, 2026, sadly, the Hatred that drove these individuals to attack innocent men, women, and children, still exists today and is growing stronger! Please understand the need to be prepared! I am not talking about guns and ammo or protective shields or preemptive attacks on this evil; I am talking about your SALVATION and your RELATIONSHIP with JESUS! This World Hates God and they Hate us! Terror attacks, violence and unrest will continue, and we need to be prepared for the reality! Individuals with the intent and purpose to destroy the American Way of Life, and replace it with a unique brand of hatred and terror! We cannot change the world’s condition, and we cannot change the hatred of those who are determined to kill us; however, we can control and change our relationship with God and be prepared to face the reality of Hatred that is in this world! Please be aware of the onslaught of evil, hatred and violence that is coming to America! I implore you to Believe, by Faith, that Jesus died for our sins! Confess that you are a sinner and ask HIM to forgive your sins and ask HIM into your Heart! Prepare NOW for the Reality of Evil that is before us! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… In Jesus, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“HIS Grace & Truth…”
September 10 “HIS Grace & Truth…” John 1:14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
No event in the history of mankind is more significant and more important than the fact that God loved us enough that He would send Jesus Christ, His Beloved Son, on a mission to save Humanity and to re-establish the relationship with God, the Father. Jesus took on the flesh of humanity and dwelled among us, and He walked and talked and suffered and struggled, just like we struggle, yet He was the Divine Son of God, on The Mission of Love and the Author and Finisher of our Opportunity for Salvation and the Opportunity to spend eternity with God, in a restored relationship, because of Jesus and His Divine Mission of True and Complete Restoration and Redemption and Reconciliation!!! God Loved us enough to send THE VERY BEST! God’s ultimate revelation of His Love for us, is clearly expressed in the Grace and Truth that Jesus brough to humanity! I am excited that the Creator of this Universe, the ultimate power and authority over life and death, has expressed His complete and all-consuming Love for Mankind, through the selfless atoning act of Grace at the Cross of Calvary, and has allowed us, by Faith, to experience His Atoning Love, and to get a glimpse of the Ultimate Beauty that is the eternal revelation of His Love, as we worship and dwell with Him, in Heaven. Friends, this Love is His Grace and Truth! Embrace His Love, Share His Truth, and Get Excited about the Reality of His Glory! TO GOD BE THE GLORY…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!
Do It Now!
September 9 Do It Now! James 1:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “…He, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)
There was a dear lady that lived in our community, and she had an old steamer trunk that had a prominent place in her “front” room, and she would tell me that her earthly valuables were stored in this trunk. I was fascinated and curious about her treasures, yet she was always curious and protective over this trunk. I had been doing odd jobs for her for years, and this one day, she asked me if I would like to see her valuables. So, we went into the “front” room, and she opened the trunk and carefully spoke of every item. The one that stood out was the beautiful tablecloth that was milk white and adorned with amazingly detailed lace embroidery. She told me that one day she was going to put it on her table and have a grand dinner party. When she spoke of this future event, she smiled with such anticipation that I was moved, and I anticipated that day. Unfortunately, this dear lady was all alone, and she rarely had any visitors, and she spoke, of all the things, that she was going to do in the future. “Someday,” was her favorite word when she described her activities. Sadly, my dear friend passed away without ever having that special dinner. A few days after her funeral, there was a knock at our door and a gentleman asked to come in and talk with us about our dear friend. He went directly to business and informed me that she had left her steamer trunk and several items to me, in her will. Wow! I was speechless! Mama went with me to the house, the next day, and there it was, that mysterious steamer trunk. I felt a bit strange and was slow to open the lid. I lifted the lid and there it was, that lace tablecloth, yellowed and beginning to be so fragile. There was an envelope on the cloth addressed to me. I opened the letter and the first words brought tears to my eyes. This dear lady told me to do what I needed to do, now, and do not wait. She gave me instructions on what to do with the bulk of her things and I was overwhelmed. When I think about that tablecloth and the idea of a grand dinner party and the fact that my dear friend never accomplished that dream, I think about all of the missed opportunities that I have had, and the times that I have procrastinated, when I should have been a faithful and active “Doer!” Serving God requires action NOW! Please do not wait until tomorrow…Today is the day to show His Love to this world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. Thanks to my sweet Mama, we did have a Dinner Party in her honor, and we used the lace tablecloth to adorn the table. Before we ate, we had a moment of silent reflection for our dear sweet friend…
The Uniting Factor: HIS LOVE
September 8 The Uniting Factor: HIS LOVE 1 Corinthians 1:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
In our human condition, conflict and disagreements are, unfortunately, a part of the reality of life, however, we do not have to succumb to this satanically motivated attitude! In the scripture passage for today, Paul urges the Corinthian church to be united, as strife and division undermine the body of Christ. This call for unity highlights the importance of working through disagreements and coming together in one mind and purpose (and that purpose is not our opinions, biases, or prejudices). Strife within the church weakens its witness and hampers its mission. Satan is excited when the “church” presents, to the world, a witness of conflict and disharmony and strife! Is it possible that strife and unresolved conflict is a result of immature believers and the willingness for “Pride” to dominate the narrative? Proverbs 13:10 – “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” FACT: A Growing and Maturing Believer is going to demonstrate humility and the desire to edify Christ, and not our own narrow and worldly agenda! Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Paul encourages believers to avoid actions that stem from selfishness and pride, as these are the root causes of strife. By valuing others above ourselves, we foster humility and peace, preventing conflict and promoting unity within the body of Christ. The reality is crystal clear… Our responsibility, as a Redeemed Follower of Jesus, is to “Seek” His Will, “Follow” His Way, and “Live” His Promises and Power! This does not include engaging in strife and chaos, motivated by immature and selfish human pride! Just a few days ago, I posted a devotion entitled, “Watch Your Mouth,” and the private responses were interesting! From this experience, I have determined that some who are aligned as Believers, would rather be “right,” in their own eyes, than to be “Righteous” in His eyes! I truly understand that we are not going to agree on everything, all of the time, however, our own pride and opinions should not be the motivating factor in our relationships with others! 2 Timothy 2:23-24 speaks to this clearly… “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
Paul advises young Timothy to avoid engaging in arguments that lead to strife, instead he instructs Timothy to embrace the calling for kindness, patience, and the ability to teach. Strife and quarrels often arise from pride or ignorance, but those who follow Christ are called to respond with humility and gentleness. Listen to 1 Peter 3:9: “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.” Peter instructs believers to respond to strife with blessing rather than retaliation. This reflects the heart of the gospel… Peace and Reconciliation instead of Vengeance. When we choose not to repay evil with evil, we demonstrate Christ-like love and extend grace to others, and this is the goal of the church, individual believers and the message of Jesus for this sinful world! I choose to live to represent Christ, not myself, and I pray that, as Psalm 19:14 expresses… “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Healthy Habits
September 7 Healthy Habits 2 Peter 3:18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
Growth, Spiritual Growth, is absolutely necessary for every Christian! In order to fulfill God’s plan for our lives, we must continue to grow and mature! Think about it… If a child stops growing and developing, every parent would be very concerned! When, as Christians, we stop growing, then we need help! Listen, if you are the same Christian that you were 6 months ago, please be very careful! Go now, to your knees, and ask God to restore you, empower you, and to cause you to move towards the goal that He has prepared for you! You need a check-up! Not for your physical body, but a check-up of your heart! You need a check-up from the chest up! One of the primary ways to determine your spiritual health is to evaluate your habits!! Are you habitually following worldly endeavors, disregarding your daily growth requirements? Simply put… We must develop some healthy habits, engage in these habits regularly, and watch what happens! The first (and foremost) habit that we MUST develop is the Habit of PRAYER! The second habit is the habit of STUDYING (digging into God’s Word with a passion), and the third habit is GIVING (your time, talents, treasure) and the final habit is to FELLOWSHIP with other Believers! Try it, you will like it! Remember: PRAY – STUDY – GIVE – FELLOWSHIP! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40
Time to Eat Some Meat…
September 6 Time to Eat Some Meat… Hebrews 5:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12)
Is it possible that our issues and challenges are a direct result of our immaturity in the Spirit, and the lack of committed growth in the Spirit? Could it be that we are seeing life through the eyes of a “Baby,” and not those of a mature, growing believer? When challenges are encountered, are our reactions governed by our emotions and human nature, or are we surrendered to God, guided by the Holy Spirit, and seeking His will for our lives? Are our actions, words and demeanor representing Jesus, and encouraging others to follow Christ, or are they pushing people further away from a saving relationship with Jesus? As I travel along this journey of life, I continue to wonder how professing, born-again followers of Christ can speak, act, and respond to fellow believers! Immaturity in our walk with Christ, our inability to grow in His Grace and Glory, our resistance to embrace His Full Measure of Grace, allowing emotions, prejudices, past encounters, and general worldly motivations to dictate our actions, are clear indications of a weak and immature relationship with the God that has promised victory, and the power to overcome our human emotions and the desire to please Him in all that we do! Paul was clear when he declared that we are to GROW in Christ and be Edifying and Practicing Believers! Listen - “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” – Ephesians 4:14… Does this attitude describe you? Are you habitually in the middle of controversy and strife? When troubles and controversies happen, are you quickly offended when circumstances don’t go your way? Do you think that Ephesians 4:14, Hebrews 5:12, Proverbs 18:2 don’t apply to you? Do you know better that the One that Created Us and has Promised Victory in Our Living? Sadly, the evidence is clear! Many have the idea that God is supposed to honor their opinions and actions, even though these actions and words are hurtful, destructive and not edifying to God, the Church or One Another! STOP, DROP, PRAY! Immaturity has a cure! Focus on His Holy Word… Read God’s Word EVERY DAY! PRAY to God, communicate with God, asking for the HOLY SPIRIT to be ACTIVIATED and DOMINATE in your Life! Again, your opinions, your traditions, your attitudes are NOT what God requires! HE REQUIRES COMMITMENT, OBEDIENCE AND SERVICE! I love what Mama used to tell us boys when we were fighting over who was going to be correct in every situation: BOYS, JUST GET ALONG! When Our Goal is to Honor God, be Christ-Like, and be Guided by the Holy Spirit, then we are going to be less of us and more of HIM! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PERSPECTIVE: Our actions, words, motivations, programs, activities are supposed to be sharing the Good News and bringing folks into a Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ! If your motivation is anything other than promoting Jesus, being a true example of His Love, then STOP, DROP, PRAY that God will change your perspective and cause you to be the witness that He Requires!
Forgiveness, Love, Maturity
September 5 Forgiveness, Love, Maturity Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
In my 70 years of life, I continue to observe the fact that there are individuals that seem to be a bit “better” than others, and that they have standards that fluctuate to fit their narrow perspective, at that moment! Judgmental, arrogantly superior, and self-appointed judge and jury for anything that happens that does not fit into their narrow way of thinking! Every generation has a representative of this attitude and, it seems to me that this mindset is getting stronger! God’s Word instructs us to “Love our Neighbor, to lift One Another Up, and to make sure that we are obedient before we attempt to “Correct” others! As a pastor, I am intrigued when one of these “Self-Appointed Monitors” (not necessarily a church member) calls to inform me that I need to “Fix” these folks because they are not living the way that they are supposed to live… Wow! I wonder if Luke 6:37 would apply in this situation? “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” I know that this is difficult for some, however, you were not anointed with the power to condemn, judge or correct others when you are still struggling yourself! Friends, we NEED to PRAY for WISDOM, READ GOD’S HOLY WORD, and APPLY It On and In our Lives, so that we will Honor Him, Serve Him and be a LIGHT in this DARK and SINFUL WORLD, versus being a stumbling block for those who do not meet our standards of living and attitudes! Immaturity, shallow prayer life, nonexistent Bible Reading, quickness to be offended by everything, and the tendency to enjoy drama of any kind, are clear indications of “baby” believers that need to grow, mature and to Pray, Read, and Share! “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Think Before You Speak! Pray before You Condemn! If your words and actions are not going to bring people closer to God, but further away, then don’t do it! Your Opinions have zero power to Save, Cleanse, Sustain nor Heal a Broken Heart! Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This really does apply to you… Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Love Like Jesus
September 4 Love Like Jesus John 13:34
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Setting standards and establishing acceptable behaviors can be challenging to parents. From the time that Kayla was old enough to understand, we have taught her to be aware of her surroundings and to know who is around her, always. It happened that one day, Annette had bent down to pull a pot from the cabinet and Kayla, at the same time, had pulled the drawer out; that just happened to be above where Annette was bent down to retrieve the pot. Annette stood up and banged her head on the drawer that was still pulled out. Annette shouted, “Kayla, REALLY!” Kayla’s response was priceless, “Mama, Daddy says that you need to be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you, at all times!” Obviously, Annette was still challenged, yet she affirmed Daddy’s words and moved on. Annette and I, both, resisted the urge to say, “Do what I say, not what I do!” There were times that it would have been so appropriate, however, it wasn’t right when I heard it, as a youth, and it is not right today! Mama had a standard that she lived by, and she expected me to follow her example. My dear Mother was committed to treating others the way that she expected to be treated. That is exactly what Jesus did! His motto was, “Do as I say AND as I do!” In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the Apostle Paul spoke of unconditional love, and I recognize these words as a description of the way that Jesus loves us! “Love is patient, Love is Kind. It does not Envy, it does not Boast, it is not Proud. It does not Dishonor others, it is not Self-seeking, it is not easily Angered, it keeps no record of Wrongs. Love does not Delight in Evil; but Rejoices in the Truth. It Always Protects, Always Trust, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres. Love Never Fails. But where there are Prophecies, they will cease; where there are Tongues, they will be Stilled; where there is Knowledge, it will pass away.” Think about this: If we are to be “Christ-Like,” and, if we are to “Reflect the Love of Jesus,” then we must do as HE SAYS, AND WHAT HE DID!! I wonder what our human relationships would be if we were to be patient with others, and not judge others, and if we were less prideful and stubborn and were forgiving of others. Paul is telling us to, “LOVE LIKE JESUS!” Are we living by this standard? Are we demonstrating the Love of Christ, to our fellow travelers, through this journey of life? When we are all about growing in our relationship with Jesus, then, we will, naturally, increase our capacity to LOVE OTHERS! When we are confronted with a challenging “Love-Challenge,” what are we to do? In every challenge and in every opportunity, I ask myself, “What would Mama do?” Immediately, I shift gears and go to the eternal solution, for all the “Ills” of humanity… “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO AND HOW WOULD HE LOVE, IN THE SITUATION?” Folks, this is not a suggestion, for the believer! This is a COMMANDMENT!! “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Put Away Childish Things!”
September 3 “Put Away Childish Things!” 1 Corinthians 13:11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)
In every situation, in every generation, the Church has experienced “immaturity” in the body and, consequently, strife, unrest, hurt feelings, chaos, discontent and a host of other issues, as a result of immaturity in the body of believers! Emotions are a huge part of the on-going struggle, and immature believers, that succumb to the emotions of human interactions, and do not grow in maturity in the Spirit of God! When one operates on emotions, feelings and superficial holiness, getting hurt, offended, and having feelings of betrayal are inevitable! That’s when the “Preacher” comes in! “Do you know what she did?” “What are you going to do about this situation?” “How can you tolerate this kind of stuff?” “When are you going to step up and make this stop?” “We pay you to make these decisions; do we need to reconsider your job?” “You need to do something about her mouth! She is a terrible witness!” (These are just a few of the actual questions and comments that have been presented over the years…) Mature Living is not the responsibility of the “Preacher” alone! Every Believer has the duty to grow, mature and to represent the Cause of Christ to this lost and dying world! Colossians 1:10 provides a clear message on what to do… “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” Are you bearing fruit? Are you filtering your words through the Grace of God? Are you driven by emotions and your own attitudes and prejudices? Is it possible that you might be a part of the problem in strife and broken relationships? On every occasion, in every situation, immaturity in the Spirit contributes to the intensity of the struggle! Is it possible that we need to GROW in HIS GRACE AND GLORY MORE? Is it possible that we need to PRAY MORE, READ HIS WORD, MORE, and SHARE the GOOD NEWS MORE? When we are focused on HIM, growing in HIM, sharing HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE, then we are going to be FOCUSED on HIS WILL, not our own narrow, human emotions and “knee-jerk” human reactions to others! James 1:19 tells us what to do… “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…!” Everyone of us, in every situation, needs to follow this advice… “LISTEN, PRAY, FOCUS, PRAY, RESIST RESPONDING out of EMOTION, PRAY to AVIOD ANGER, SPEAK FROM A HEART OF HIS LOVE, NOT HUMAN EMOTIONS… Wow! What a difference this simple practice would make in the lives of Believers, and what a witness for Jesus to a world that is ready to point a finger of condemnation at believers and proclaim hypocrisy and to proclaim the message of Satan! Just last month, after a sermon, as I was greeting those who were exiting through the main entrance, a lady (she is one of the best examples of anger first, then to be offended, and bout) declared to me that “You really told them today, Preacher!” Sadly, Satan has blinded the eyes of so many to think that their emotional reactions are righteous, yet others are in violation of the Biblical Code of Conduct! If your words, actions, attitudes and your lifestyle are not bringing people closer to Christ and is actually pushing them away from the Good News, then it is time to CHANGE!! REPENTANCE is REQUIRED to Serve HIM in HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and HIS HOLINESS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Perspective: Recently, in a conversation with a young pastor, he asked me why professing believers have a tendency to “fuss” and “quarrel” with one another! My answer was a bit simplistic, and wasn’t the monumental, earth moving response that he expected. I simply said, “IMMATURITY!” Immaturity in Prayer, Immaturity in Bible Reading and Study, Immaturity in Applying God’s Word into Living Reality! “What can I do to stop this strife?” PREACH HIS WORD, PREACH HIS WORD, LIVE HIS WORD, PRAY FOR EACH ONE BY NAME, STUDY THE SCRIPTURES, PRAY FOR EACH ONE, PREACH HIS WORD, PRAY FOR EACH ONE BY NAME… The Pattern is clear and the Process is apparent! It is God’s Power that changes people, not the preacher, not the Sunday School Teacher, not the Deacons or any member of Leadership! CHANGE is UP TO YOU! God has Provided the means and the method, we MUST submit, claim, receive and live His Amazing Grace! Strife, Chaos, Discontent will subside when we are more interested in His Will versus our own narrow emotional and human reaction and response!
“Christ-Like”
September 2 “Christ-Like” Philippians 2:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)
What motivates your actions, attitudes, decisions? Are you controlled by traditions, family, prejudices, habits? This is a simple reminder for the Believer! Your Life, Your Living, Your Actions, Your Attitude, Your Very Existence is, or should be, dictated by Your Faith and Commitment to Almighty God, through His Gift of Grace in Jesus Christ! How can a “Born-Again” Believer act and be offended by every turn and wave of issues and be ready to take offense and respond in kind? Before anyone “climbs to the top of their offended ladder,” I am simply stating an observation of current activities. Yesterday, I overheard a young man expressing his displeasure in one of the decisions that was made by his church’s leadership, and he voiced a thought of leaving that church if such decisions were to continue. Oh, I left out that he was wearing a cap that said, “Jesus is the Answer!” Read Matthew 13:24-30, about “The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares!” Decide who you will follow and do it quickly! Jesus said, “If you love Me, Keep My Commandments!” If your words, actions, emotions, attitudes are not edifying the Body of Christ, and are bringing folks closer to Him, then Go to Him, Confess your Sins, and Change your ways (Repent)! God does not require your attitude; He requires your Commitment and Devotion! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“WATCH YOUR MOUTH”
September 1 “WATCH YOUR MOUTH” Proverbs 13:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)
We have all said things that we wish that we had not spoken, and as soon as the words left our mouths, we regretted it. Speaking before Thinking is a universal problem, and some have perfected it to an art form! Unfortunately, my mouth works faster than my brain! My dear mother used to warn me to “Watch my mouth!” Her warning was her way of teaching me to filter my words and to control my conversations! Mama would add to her instructions by telling me to always “Tell the Truth!” As life has progressed, and I am now the instructor, I still cling to the truth of Mama’s words, to “Watch my Mouth!” Luke 6:45 speaks the truth when it instructs with these words: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” We are to be “Christ-Like” in our actions, words and deeds! Think about this truth… When Jesus spoke to individuals and groups, His words were designed to encourage and to teach and to empower and to heal the listeners. His example of communication has set a high standard for us to follow, and we need to be praying, studying His Word, and intent on controlling our tongues, so that we can be what God intends for us to be! Remember Mama’s Warning: “Watch Your Mouth!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!