HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONNY TRIPPE! Enjoy your day and always know that you are loved and appreciated! In His Love, Pastor Glen
CLAIMING HIS PROMISE...
July 17 Claiming His Promise Matthew 6:33
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Are you a worrier? Do you focus on the problems of life, and forget the solution? Mama used to tell me to “Give it to Jesus!” She would say it with such conviction and with such expectation, that I wondered what she knew that I didn’t. Finally, after several encounters, I ask her how it was that she seemed to be resistant to deep worry and that it appeared that she was insulated from the day to day worries that afflict us all. Her response was priceless… She said that “Jesus said that we were not to worry about what we would eat or drink or wear or the essentials of our lives. God loves us and He has promised that He would take care of us. We are to focus on the real deal of living. We must focus on the ‘Truths’ of God and our relationship with Him.” Folks, that day was a changing point for my life. I realized the “real life” application of God’s Word for my life, and I understood the importance of our growing relationship with our Savior. God has promised that He would take care of the essentials of life and that I am to concentrate on living a Fruit Producing Life that brings Him Honor and Glory! Philippians 4:6 states it so clearly… “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Don’t worry, be focused on Jesus and be grateful for His provision and His sustaining Love. Claim His Promise, Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HIS GLORY: OUR ULTIMATE GOAL!
July 16 His Glory: Our Ultimate Goal John 14:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)
Prayer, and our participation in prayer, is simple; yet; has very specific requirements. Jesus told His Disciples that whatever they asked in His Name would be given to them. These are the words of Jesus, Himself, and these words have promise for us, right now, today! We need to, first, consider the “ask in My Name!” Many of us (Christians) will close our prayers with the words, “IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.” Daddy told me, many years ago, that, if I did not pray “In Jesus’ Name,” that my prayers were just “so many words…” What he was attempting to explain, is that our prayers, regardless of the intensity and specific nature of the request, if we are not asking in the proper attitude and in the proper relationship and if our prayers are not in alignment with the will of God, do not expect Jesus to fulfill the request. Folks, our prayers, our communication motives, should be completely consumed in our desire to glorify the Father through the Son and our prayers should include an attitude and desire to express “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Bottom Line: Prayer is our opportunity to “Praise God,” and our responsibility to communicate and to “Glorify” God through Jesus Christ! Everything that we do, as Believers, in about attitude and relationships. The stronger that we grow, in our faith, and the more committed that we become, the results will be a stronger prayer life and that will be demonstrated by a “Selfless” request and a “Glorifying” praise! What God does with you is entirely up to you. It always has and it always will! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HEARING WITH OUR HEARTS
July 15, 2021 Hearing with Our Hearts Psalm 94:17-19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.” (Psalm 94:17-19)
There are times when the circumstances and challenges of this life approaches maximum capacity. The “Clatter” and “Rattling” of the worldly noises and the constant pulling of our mind and body, in multiple directions, and we find ourselves trying to survive and, not willingly, living out the words of Paul, when he said that the things that he should do, he does not do them and the things that he should not, well, he does them. Throughout the trials and challenges of my life, I have depended on the Strength of my Jesus to walk with me and to sustain me in every encounter. There have been times, unfortunately, when the challenges of live have encircled me and the noise of the many voices that call my name, I find it difficult to hear the VOICE that I NEED to HEAR! Just as the Psalmist, in the scripture today, I have “walked in silence and have felt that my foot was slipping,” as I navigate through this life. Praise God for the Blessed Holy Spirit! In my prayer time, He listens to my cries, and He hears my needs, and He is there to lift my burdens and ease my pains, so why do I not spend more time, with Him, to receive His promises? As for me, I find myself, so busy, attempting to hear Him, with my human consciousness, and fail to connect on the proper level, necessary for direct and clear, uninterrupted communication. You see, I MUST be HEARING WITH MY HEART! As a pastor, I am called to carry the burdens of so many and to stay connected to our God and to do it with a smile on my face and an encouraging word for all. The reality is, that I am only human, and I struggle with the same challenges and issues as every church member. In my quiet time, I began to reflect on the challenges that I face, and I realized that you are facing the same challenges and it is ESSENTIAL for us to remain focused on Jesus, and His Love and Promises in order, to survive this world. Guess what? We are too BLESSED to be STRESSED! “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, Renewing and healing my body, Bringing power to my mind, Giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of life. All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank HIM EVERY DAY!” I know that you struggle and are challenged, just like me, so, join me in claiming God’s Love, His Power and His Provision, and Live the VICTORY PRINCIPLE, every single day! “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY…GET BEHIND ME AND LEAVE ME ALONE!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HIS Great Love...
July 14 HIS Great Love… John 15:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
In 1 John 4:8, John wrote to the early church that “God is Love!” Christianity is the only earthly belief system that, has at its foundation, the reality of Loving One Another! Love is the key. Love is the central part of our God’s very nature and existence. It is because of God’s amazing Love that He sought a vital relationship with sinful men and women, even at the cost of His Only Begotten Son. It was this GREAT LOVE that brought Jesus to the Cross and it was this amazing Love that Jesus demonstrated, on that old Cross, is the reality of God’s GREAT LOVE for us! So, when Jesus says that; “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” it is a statement of our requirement to Love God and our Neighbor! Our Jesus, willingly and with divine purpose, went to the Cross and suffered and died for our sins and this is the Greatest Act of Love that the world has ever known!! Jesus came because God Loves us and Jesus, in His Love for Mankind, was willing to be the one, true, and final blood sacrifice for our sins! That, my friends, is LOVE. I am excited to be a part of that “Shed Blood Experience” and to call Jesus, friend. As my friend, I am in communication with Him, and to have Him share in my burdens, and grateful that He intercedes, with the Father, on my behalf. The reality is clear, we are to Love God, Embrace and claim His Love through Jesus and to GO and SHARE this LOVING RELATIONSHIP and this LOVING FRIENDSHIP with everyone that we meet!! Thank you God for Loving me enough to “Lay Down Your Son’s Life For ME!” IT IS ALL ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR US!! DO YOU REALLY LOVE HIM? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
OUR COMMISSION
July 13 “Our Commission” John 20:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
Picture the scene, Jesus has been crucified and the Disciples were afraid that the same mob that falsely accused and beat Him and crucified Him, would be coming for them. They quickly gathered in one room, behind a securely bolted door. Amazingly and miraculously, their entire situation was about to change: “Jesus came and stood in the midst. (v19) … Can you imagine? Their fear was replaced with shock and amazement. The first words that Jesus spoke to these fearful followers were so appropriate: “PEACE BE WITH YOU!” Jesus came to fulfill His mission for humankind and the Holy Scriptures clearly tells us that God, the Father, sent Jesus, His Son, into this sinful world, in order to make it possible for we, as sinful man, to be forgiven and to re-establish our relationship with God, the Father. It is here and now, that Jesus commissions His Disciples to go into this sinful world, with the mission of telling others about the Love of God and the miraculous power of Jesus to have conquered Death and Sin and through His Grace, that they, too, could be saved. Jesus prepared His Disciples for the struggle and task ahead. He breathed on them, and He gave them a taste of the Power that would be coming at Pentecost: THE HOLY SPIRIT! Folks, God’s Love and the sacrifice of Jesus is for us, even today! Just as Jesus commissioned His Disciples to go into the world and share Jesus, we too, have that same commission, right now, right here, today! He promised that we would not be “Comfortless,” that is, we would not be “Powerless!” The Holy Spirit provides the guidance and the Power and the Presence to carry out this “GREAT COMMISSION!” Sharing Jesus IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PREACHER; IT IS FOR EVERY BELIEVER! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
JULY 12 BIRTHDAY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MRS. PHYLLIS ALFORD! Enjoy your Special Day!
In His Love,
Pastor Glen
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
July 12 “The Truth Shall Set You Free” John 8:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Mama used to say that; “The Truth is the Truth, and it will stand when the world is on fire!” In today’s world, the value of absolute truth is fading away. You can see it happening, as people are doing what they think is right in their own eyes and are not following the absolute truth of God’s Holy Word. Truth has become a flexible ideal, with the “if it feels good, do it” mentality. This world is in a “Spiritual Bondage” and those who choose to walk in the lie of Satan are forgetting the words of Jesus, found in John’s Gospel. “If you abide in My Word, you are my Disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!” (John 8:31-32) The world may deny the absolute truth of God, however, as born-again children of God, we must realize that this promise, this foundation of truth, is our strength to face the challenges of living and it is our responsibility to live for Jesus, obeying the standards that have been established, in His Holy Word. He promised, that if, we will follow His Truth, He will set us free from the bondage of sin. We need to study His Word and we need to live His Word, every single day. Folks, by walking in His Truth, according to His Holy Scriptures, and walking in obedience to His Calling, we are promised that we will have Spiritual Freedom. His Love for us, His Plan for Humanity, His Gift of Grace, are ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, and we must embrace His Gift, and live it every day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
July 11th...Birthdays- Anniversaries
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REAGAN SELLERS & SARAH BOYKIN! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO DONNIE & DIANA COLEY! May God Bless You All…In His Love, Pastor Glen
DEMONSTRATING SERVANTHOOD
July 11 “Demonstrating Servanthood” John 13:14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Many years ago, while attending a Sunday Night service, at my grandmother’s church, I experienced a real “Foot Washing Service!” Now, let me tell you right now, this was a totally new and slightly unnerving experience. I was paired with an older man and when he revealed his feet, I was appalled. His feet were rough and ragged, and his nails were long and yellow, and I was wondering how I was going to get out of this. The young Pastor noticed that I was having some difficulty with this new experience, and he came over and asked me if I was ok. Well, the fact was that I was not ok! I whispered to him, “I don’t think that I can do this. Look at his feet!” His response was priceless! He said, “Its not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” In biblical times, most people’s feet were dirty and dusty, because they walked everywhere that they went. It was a demonstration of hospitality to visitors, to wash their feet as they entered the home. The job of washing feet was left for the lowest of servants. After the meal was completed, Jesus began to wash the feet of His Disciples. In the Upper Room, on that faithful night, not one of the Disciples volunteered to wash anyone’s feet. Jesus was still teaching a lesson, and this did not stop Him from washing their feet. Jesus’ purpose in washing the Disciple’s feet was to demonstrate love and for the Disciples to recognize the role of servanthood. He was demonstrating that the Christian Life requires the surrender and the giving of ourselves in service to others. The reality of the message is that LOVE REQUIRES ACTION! Genuine faith and real love will always lead to godly actions. Yes, I washed that old man’s feet, and I did it while saying to myself, “Lord, if you washed feet, who am I to say no way!” That experience has stayed with me, and it has helped me to realize my role in sharing Jesus and living for Him, in humility and service. Interesting Fact: The word “LEADER” is found 6 times in the Bible and the word “SERVANT” is found 900 times in the Bible. That should indicate the importance of serving others and to lead by example. Are you being a servant to others? Folks, once again, what God does with you is entirely up to you! It always has and it always will! I am not suggesting that you wash my feet, however, just as that young Pastor, so many years ago, told me… “It’s not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” We must be in an attitude of servanthood if we are to walk in obedience! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Pray, Pray, Pray
July 10 Pray, Pray, Pray… James 4:7-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
My Prayer Closet is, literally, a closet. I go into the closet, and I come near to God through prayer. When I am weary and worn, from ministry and obedience, I come close to God through prayer. When I am excited and upbeat and feeling blessed, I come close to God in Prayer! Are you sensing a pattern? Prayer is the absolute Key to success as a Christian and for our walk in Obedience. Prayer time is a special time and I covet my time alone with my Lord and Savior. Amazingly, I have expanded my Prayer Closet to include our front porch, my car and my lawnmower. “Praying always…,” that is what He expects! Jesus was human, yet Divine. This concept is difficult for us to absorb; however, He WAS a man, and He IS the Son of God. Jesus prayed to the Father for guidance and strength and for comfort and for the completion of His Divine Mission! If Jesus prayed and recognized the necessity for prayer, and was dedicated to the communication with His Father, don’t you think that we should do the same? How do we submit ourselves to God? WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! WE ARE TO RESIST THE DEVIL!! Again, WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BEING RESPONSIBLE
July 9 Being Responsible 1 Timothy 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC… “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
When did it become the responsibility of others to take care of me and my family? When did it become acceptable to blame others for my decisions and the consequences of those decisions? Growing up in an environment of “Personal Responsibility,” I find it difficult to understand the tendency of others to blame their race, or gender or geography or anything else for their situations and their own decisions! My Daddy witnessed and experienced abuse by his father and he was brought up in an orphanage, where he was required to work for his “Keep!” My Mother grew up in extreme poverty and, yet she was taught “Personal Responsibility!” Folks, every one of us have “Issues,” and every one of us have challenges. We must take responsibility for our own actions and issues and be responsible!! “You are responsible for your own actions and do not blame others for your mistakes!” I heard these words constantly, especially when I attempted to blame others for my own bad decisions and actions. Mama would tell me that “Personal Responsibility” is not an option in the Brock household! When I think back, I have always been taught to take responsibility for myself and to not depend on others to provide for my needs. Daddy taught me to always have a watch, a pocketknife (today, if I were in grade school, I would be suspended, or worse!), a pen and a pocket handkerchief! As I observe the culture of “Blame,” that has overtaken our land, and seems to be the “Norm,” I am saddened to see entire generations that are settling for “Mediocrity!” God has promised “Abundance” and that requires “Responsible Living!” Blaming others for your issues and for your position in life is not productive. Each one of us has the responsibility to take care of our own needs and the needs of our families! Amazingly, our government has promoted this “Dependency” mentality, of assistance and victimhood, and has created this “Dependent” culture. “It is my race, my gender, my environment, my stature, my age, my parents, my nationality, that has caused all of my difficulties…” Folks, my God does not discriminate, and my God does not see color, gender, nationality or any other earthly dividing line. God, in His Great Love, expects all of us to have and to exercise Personal Responsibility and Personal Integrity, in our living. I am so grateful that my parents instilled in my life, the need to be “Dependent” on God and to be “Independent” in my personal life!! Satan is using every tool available to deceive and divide folks into believing that they are victims and that their only hope is in this world and its facilities. Keep in mind, the only “Dependence” that Christians need is our “Dependence” on God and His Promises, found in the pages of His Holy Word! I have done a poor job of expressing this vital message, however, please focus on God’s power and direction, and do not blame others for your lot in life! Live above the circumstances and claim victory in your “Dependence” on Almighty God….Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
Rest in Him…
July 8, 2021 Devotional Thought: Rest in Him...Matthew 11:28
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church... "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Let's go back to the time that Jesus spoke these profound words. The crowd that He was addressing were under tremendous pressure and we're burdened down with trying to keep the Jewish Law and working to keep all of the man-made laws that had been created by the leaders (scribes and Pharisees). Unfortunately, keeping the Law of Moses requires perfection, and they were not, and neither are we! Along comes this man and He is talking about a better way, a way that offers help and hope! This invitation, this call from Jesus, was an invitation to Hope. Folks, our world situation expects obedience and this causes weariness and spiritual and physical issues. Jesus extends the same invitation to us today! You want relief? You want peace? You want rest? Cast all of your cares and concerns and burdens on Jesus. He promised His Rest! What God does with you is entirely up to you! It always has and it always will! Stay Strong Stay Focused... THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Mechanical Issues
I am attempting to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience as I replace my computer and prepare for continued morning devotional postings…In His Love,
Pastor Glen
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA
July 4 Happy Birthday America!
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
As I reflect on this great country and I think back on how I was brought up, with respect for this country, and for a reverence for the Flag, and recognition as to what it means for me and my family, I am saddened to see the callous disregard for the sacrifices that have been made, over the years, to secure our liberties and, yes, to ensure that those who choose to protest in the streets, and stand for everything that I oppose, are protected. I am seeing a movement of “EVIL” engulfing our national conscience and it is alarming. It is alarming because, confessing believers are accepting the twisted reasoning of hatred driven worldly individuals, and compromising their beliefs to accommodate this evil. Good, basic common sense has been replaced with hatred filled emotions and is being used by individuals that are absolutely opposed to the “AMERICA EXPERIENCE!” Satan is excited to see the chaotic unrest that is happening. Names being changed, Statues being removed, Streets being destroyed, Businesses in the communities of the rioters, being destroyed, Hatred being demonstrated from every level of our nation, Leaders caving to the cries of the mobs, Flags being burned in the streets of America, The very foundations of civilized society are being dismantled, Moral character is viewed as “hatred,” and people, who are so sensitive and are offended by everything! There are those who would define our society as “US AGAINST THEM!” So, what do we do and where do we turn? By the way, with all of our faults and with all of our flaws, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS STILL THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE, IN THE WORLD!!! Believers, here is what we must do. We must stay true to what God has provided for us and to keep growing in His Grace and to keep reading our Bibles and keep praying for our Nation, Our Neighbors, Our enemies and ourselves and, as He has instructed, KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS! Where do we turn? WE TURN TO GOD! 11 Chronicles 7:14 tells us exactly what to do, when it says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” On this special day, set aside to celebrate the greatest nation on earth, we, as Christians, are to be grateful for the blessings of liberty and to Praise God for His grace and to be excited that we have a huge and very needy mission field. I do not know what the future holds for the USA, but I do know what the future holds for me! God provided, I believe, He saved me, and I am His, and I have a mansion, just over the hilltop and I am going to celebrate my earthly liberty, for as long as it lasts, and will continue to celebrate and claim my Spiritual Liberty, provided for me, through the shed blood of Jesus, my SAVIOR! It is unsettling to believe that this is the way that it is going to be in the future, so I implore you to recognize that you are a sinner and to confess your sins and ask Jesus to save you and to ask Him into your life. Galatians 5:1 clearly spells out what we are to do to enjoy “Our Christian Liberty!” “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Victory in Jesus --Bondage in sin! 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! To God Be the Glory! Enjoy America’s Birthday by Thanking God for our blessings and our liberty! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
DUAL CITIZENSHIP
July 3 “DUAL CITIZENSHIP” Matthew 22:15-22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for paying the tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar’s." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s." "And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away." (Matthew 22:15-22) Regardless of where, we as Christians live, we have, at least, dual citizenship. In some circumstances multiple citizenships. For most of us, we are citizens of our mother country, and, as children of God, we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. We are physically born into one and spiritually born into the other. For those of us who are citizens of the United States and have been born from above, we are doubly blessed. Let us consider both of our citizenships. WE ARE GREATLY BLESSED TO BE CITIZENS OF THE U.S. In spite of her grievous shortcomings, this is still the greatest nation on earth! The blessings that are ours, as citizens of the United States, overwhelming outweigh the negatives that we could list. Let us diligently work to correct any deficiency or wrongs that we may find. Exercising the constitutional right of the free ballot is the best way for us to right, any wrong, we perceive. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS U.S. CITIZENS is to obey and support our governing authorities. Titus 3:1 tells us to, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.” If Paul instructed the Christians of Rome to obey the laws of the Roman government and to “be in subjection” to the rule of its murderous Caesar, how much more would the Apostle instruct us to obey the laws of our country and honor our leaders, even when we disagree with them. We are to Pay our just taxes. “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13:6-7…We may not agree with the existing tax code and we may question how our tax money is spent, but God’s Word instructs us to pay them nonetheless. We are to Pray for our nation and its leaders. Fervent prayer to God for our nation and its leaders will accomplish more than all the petitions we can write or demonstrations we can organize. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16.
EVEN THOUGH, WE HAVE ARE BLESSED TO BE A “CITIZEN” OF THE USA, THE GREATEST BLESSING OF ALL IS TO BE A “CITIZEN” OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. We have been…Chosen and Called and Changed and Commissioned and Charged! Note: WE NEED TO ACT LIKE IT!! While we, as Christians, rejoice in the unceasing victory and joy we find in our faith, let us continually pray that our nation will turn again to the God of our forefathers. Samuel Cole in his poem “Washington at Valley Forge” tells us how this strength can be found. “The sun went down o’er Valley Forge. In the cheerless wintry air; Day after day the sun went down, And no man seemed to care; For day and night alike were fraught With suffering and disease --- Yet one man rose, when the camp was still, And went out under the trees. His heart was heavy, his burden great; He thought of his hungry men; He thought of the torn, distracted land that longed for peace again. And then he knelt and prayed --- but not to the gods of wood and stone; He prayed to the God of truth and right, there under the trees alone. The stars seemed nearer than before: A friendlier light they shed; Great branches like protecting arms were stretched above his head; Something the spirit of earth and air whispered in gentle tone --- As the father of his country knelt there under the trees alone. When morning came, and, as he won’t, He passed from place to place, they wondered at the look serene they saw upon his face.” “What keeps the General’s courage up in doleful days like these?” They asked, because they did not know what happened under the trees.” Prayer is essential for our survival and I love what Alfred, Lord Tennyson said, in his immortal words, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” I am excited to be a citizen of the USA, and I am grateful to be a citizen of the KINGDOM! I am praying to my God that I will be a productive citizen of both! 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! To God Be the Glory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
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BACKBONE OR WISHBONE
July 1 “Backbone or Wishbone” 1 Timothy 4:1-3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1Timothy 4:1-3)
Most Christians have a thorough understanding, from the scriptures, that we (the Christian Church) are the Body of Christ. Now, we know that our human bodies can survive without some of its parts, or members. Some of us have even lost internal organs and are living an almost normal life. Some have lost external parts and are living almost normal lives. So, from this, we know that the body can function without some parts, but will function with a handicap. So, also, the Body of Christ is at a great handicap when all of the parts are not there. However, there is one concerning thing about the Body of Christ today, and that is that some are trying to make the Body of Christ function without a “Backbone!” A “Backbone is essential in the human body, and it is also essential in the Body of Christ! It is one of those things that you simply cannot get along without! A body without a “Backbone will fall for sure! Our “Backbone is what makes it possible for us to stand tall. It actually keeps our chin from landing on our toes. We have all heard the expression, “He doesn’t have any “Backbone!” That means that person cannot stand up against any opposition. He is afraid or cowardly. I fully believe that many Christians have lost their “Back bone” and have replaced it with a “Wishbone!” A “Wishbone” is better known, in religious circles, as a “Jawbone!” People are always using their “Jawbones” wishing that souls could be saved, and that the church could do greater things for the Lord, but that is as far as it goes. Souls can be saved and churches can do greater things for the Lord, but it will be when people have enough “BACKBONE” to support the Lord’s work the way they are supposed to. “Wishbone” Christians are generally always discouraged. Those who have a “Wishbone” in the place of a “Backbone” will always live in a dream world of wishing, but those who face reality and have “Backbone” to face reality; will do more than just wish, they will not be discouraged because of things they cannot have or do. It takes “Backbone” to oppose the majority in this world. Without a “Backbone,” we find ourselves blending in to this world. We are called to be “Fortified” in our struggle against Evil and that requires a “SPIRITUAL BACKBONE!” Our generation and in our present day, we need men like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who will refuse to join in with the crowd and refuse to bow to the Evil of the day! Not only does it take a “Backbone” to oppose the world (evil), it requires a “Backbone” to stay on course! “Backbone to “Wishbone” and back and forth will create much issue. We, as Christians, who are traveling the “HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS” cannot and must not sway back and forth! The activities of the day, the sensitivity of the world to everything, the opposition to all that in good and noble, the blurring of what is right and what is wrong, the sacrifice of common sense and the general demise of civil discourse, requires us to be Strong in the Lord and to have a “RIGID SPIRITUAL BACKBONE!” My daddy told me, over and over, “A man that stands for nothing; will fall for anything!” I, for one, am dedicated to continuing to strengthen my “BACKBONE” and continue to be a loud voice, for Jesus, in this confused and chaotic world. Please God, give us strength to grow, vision to serve and power to proclaim! To do this, we must be surrendered to God, consumed by His Son, Jesus, and lead by the Holy Spirit, so that we can, indeed, have a “SPIRITUAL BACKBONE!” 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! To God Be the Glory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ARMOR UP!!
June 30 Armor Up! Ephesians 6:10-18
**Please continue to pray for BILLIE FAY WILSON & KIMMY WATSON MAKEPEACE**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Sensitivity, Awareness, Tolerance… Words that have broad applications, for our thoughts and behaviors. In 2021, there are individuals that have assumed some pseudo-leadership role in dictating what is acceptable and proper behavior, have completely ignored the standards of morality and standards of decency that are found in God’s Holy Word. Everyone seems to be so sensitive about everything! Being offended appears to be the emotion of choice. I was, recently, informed that I needed to be more tolerant of others and their behaviors, regardless of my own standards. Ironically, when I expressed my standards of living, that were in direct opposition to the behaviors of this individual, amazingly, the message of tolerance and sensitivity and inclusion were not even considered in his response to me. It is interesting, that acceptability is only a consideration, if it agrees with a godless and humanistic standard. By the way, this standard is based on emotions and flexible standards of acceptability that validate “if it feels good” standards of behavior! What has happened to “Common Sense?” Oh yeah…Common Sense implies a standard and, therefore, Common Sense has been described as “racist,” “sexist,” “homophobic,” “discriminating and opposed to the “If it feels go do it” mentality! Believers, God’s Word IS OUR STANDARD FOR LIVING AND HIS PROMISES ARE BASED ON FACT, NOT FEELINGS!!! This world and the evil one, Satan, are excited about the sad state of affairs that exists in this world! You see, when there are no standards, no morality, no Common Sense, and then everything becomes acceptable, except Common Sense, God’s Word and Patriotism and the Rule of Law! So, this is the World that we live in! Are you truly committed to living for Christ and practicing the standards for living; that are spelled out in His Word? Remember, we are commanded to “Love our Neighbors,” now, that does not mean that we must condone or validate their behaviors. Mama taught me to mind my own business and I try to do just that! I try to live peaceably with everyone; however, I refuse to compromise my standards for living, in order to validate behaviors that are opposed to my own standards and beliefs. Folks, we are faced with serious challenges and we are called to be prepared for the “Battle,” the struggle, the conflict between “Good” and “Evil!” To survive, we must “ARMOR UP,” and prepare for the struggle!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!!
LOVE LIKE JESUS
June 29 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, I have taught her to be aware of her surroundings and to know who is around her, at all times. 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 with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, 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 life? When we are all about growing in our Love 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 of the “Ills” of humanity... “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO AND HOW WOULD HE LOVE IN THIS 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!
"STIR UP THE GIFT WITHIN THEE"
June 28 “Stir Up the Gift Within Thee” 2 Timothy 1:6-7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Paul sent this message to young Timothy to “Stir up the Gift of God, which is in thee,” because, evidently, Timothy had a tendency to let the “Fire of God,” that was in his life, to “die down!” Maybe, he was timid, scared, or had just let the fire go out, so Paul urged him to stir the ashes and add the fuel so that, once again, he could be a “Blazing Fire for God,” so others would take note of him. Paul is telling us, that we also, should “Stir up the Gift of God, which is in you!” In verse 7, he goes on to mention three reasons to “stir ourselves!” The first thing that he mentions is something that we often have that is not from God and that is, “For God hath not given us the spirit of Fear!” Paul points out, vert clearly, that “Fear” should not stop us from being obedient to God’s Call. I clearly remember the first time that I “crawled” into the pulpit to preach my first sermon. The room was full of older, wiser, more learned, more intelligent and more experienced men and women, and I was “petrified” with “Fear!” My daddy, in his direct and effective way, told me something that has allowed me to “Stir up the Gift of God in me,” when he said, “Son, don’t be afraid, remember God has called you to share His message to this world and there will always be folks that are smarter than you and more intelligent than you and have more experience than you, so remember that these people need Jesus also!” My perspective changed, that night and I have lived, as best as possible, each day since, “Stirring up the Gift of God” in my life. The balance of verse 7 gives us the true message from Paul, divinely inspired to keep Timothy focused and to keep us focused. Paul says, “…but of power, and of love, and a sound mind!” Every one of us that are “under the Blood of Jesus;” have a responsibility to share the Gospel and to continue to grow in faith and actions to “Glorify” our God! Paul tells Timothy (and us), in 2 Timothy 4:2-5, what we are to do, as we serve God by claiming the power and the love and the clarity of our mission! He said, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” Folks, with all of the chaos and evil and unrest that exist today, we really do need to recognize that our role, our responsibility, to share Jesus and to be that BRIGHT LIGHT in this DARK and DYING world, as a Christian, is required! We are to overcome our fear (through God) and to preach His word and claim HIS Power, and to Love our Neighbor, and to “Keep our minds focused” on God. May we, as His Children, allow the “Gift of God” to be stirred up in us! God has equipped us with the “Spirit of POWER, LOVE, and SELF-CONTROL,” so go out and make a difference for God, one life at a time! 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…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-print from July 2020)