CLAIMING HIS PROMISE
July 15 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!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 14, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SARAH O’NEAL
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LATE TO:
SAM & SHELLEY MORRIS
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! (Re-print)
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 13, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MEGAN HOCUTT (17TH BIRTHDAY)
ALTON JOHNSON
FELLOWSHIP
July 13 “Fellowship” 1 Corinthians 1:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9)
When we come to Christ and claim His forgiving Grace into our lives, we immediately have something in common with other “Believers!” Although, we may not know one another and we may not have anything in common, at least, as the world sees it, however, through the Shed Blood of Jesus, we are one! Life is full of uncertainties and none of us know what the future holds. I am not a “Miss Cleo” psychic, and I do not have a “Crystal Ball,” that tells the future, however, even though the Future is uncertain, I KNOW WHO IS IN CONTROL and HE HAS PROMISED that HE WILL TAKE CARE OF ME! One of the greatest things about our relationship with Christ is that we know that our Future is in HIS HANDS, and we need not fear! I do know that Heaven is my Home and He said that “He came to give Life Eternal and to provide “Abundant Living,” here and right this minute!! For Believers, many details of our Future are unclear, uncertain, and unknown, but our destiny, our Future, our Lives are secure because our God is Faithful and Truthful, and He has promised! Thank You God, that Your Promises, Your Love, Your Provision, is True and our uncertain Futures are clear and secure through YOU! Fellow Believers…Our God is FAITHFUL, and He has PROMISED HIS BEST FOR US! Are you getting the message? When we claim His Provisions, and walk in Fellowship with Him, then, we are able, to truly Fellowship with one another! Do Not Worry about Tomorrow, it is secure! SERVE HIM TODAY, RIGHT NOW!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 12, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. PHYLLIS ALFORD
DO WE DESERVE MERCY?
July 12 Do We Deserve Mercy? Luke 23:43
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
The courtroom events had occurred, the sentence had been declared, and the Roman soldiers were leading Jesus to Golgotha, and they nailed Him to that rugged and despicable cross and placed our Lord between two common criminals. One of the criminals seemed to take pleasure in mocking our Jesus when he sarcastically soke to Jesus… “If you are the Christ, save yourself and save us!” The other criminal had a completely different statement! He said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!” Wow! What an example of humanity and our reaction to the Love of God! One mocked Him and had an attitude of rejection, and the other one was contrite and humbled and believed that Jesus was the Savior! The words of our Savior should give us hope! The answer to this thief is an indication of our great hope! “Today you will be with Me in Paradise!” Did this criminal deserve any mercy? Absolutely Not, however, NO ONE DOES!! God’s Word tells us that we are all sinful and that none of us are worthy. God loved us enough that He was willing to send His Only Son to die for us and to take our sins upon His being and take them to that cross and to shed His Blood for the remission of OUR sins. Listen, our Salvation is not based on our merit or our worthiness, it is entirely and completely a gift from God. His Grace and Mercy is provided to us, freely, because of His Great Love for Us! God’s Love, manifested in His Forgiveness and Mercy, is our, for the asking! Folks, just like the criminal that was hanging there on Golgotha, right beside of our Savior, we have the promise of His Mercy and His Grace, that one day, one day very soon, we will be with Him in Heaven! I, for one, am grateful for this promise and I am anticipating the day when I am in His presence. Thank you, God for loving me, even when I am unlovable! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR 07/11/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SARAH BOYKIN
REAGAN SELLERS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DONNIE & DIANA COLEY
HIS GLORY: OUR ULTIMATE GOAL
July 11 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 God 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!
BEING RESPONSIBLE
July 10 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!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 9, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WYATT CARLYLE
CARL HOLT
TRIBULATION, JOY, AN OVERCOMING VICTORY
July 9 Tribulation, Joy, An Overcoming Victory John 16:33
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC… “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The impossible can become possible, through the power of Almighty God. Today, I am claiming His Power for our living and to remind each of us, of the victory that is ours through the shed blood of Jesus! When you observe the worldwide chaos and the traumatic activities of a world racked by evil and satanic activities, it is easy to feel a sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the insanity. Jesus spoke to His Disciples, with the knowledge that they were about to face some “real world” challenges and persecutions, and He would not be with them. Jesus spoke these words of promise to them, and He speaks these powerful words to us, right now, today! Praise God! God loved us enough that He sent Jesus to die for our sins and when we accept His selfless gift of redemption and claim Him as Lord and Savior, then, because He has overcome the world, and we are His, then, because of His Blood that covers our sins, we too, are OVERCOMERS! So, fellow believer, LIVE LIKE AN OVERCOMER!! Challenges are real, difficulties are happening, and sin exists in this world, yet, we need not fear…BECAUSE WE HAVE VICTORY FOR LIVING THROUGH JESUS AND HIS GRACE AND WE ARE OVERCOMERS! Let me say it again!!! WE ARE OVERCOMERS! WE ARE OVERCOMERS!! Claim the Victory and live victorious, not from our own power, but the “Overcoming Power of our God!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BESST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 8, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MIKE PEOPLES
ROWENA PERRY
JESSICA IDE WALKER
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & TRUTH
July 8 Worship in Spirit & Truth John 4:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” (John 4:24)
Jesus was in a discussion with the Samaritan woman, and she realized that Jesus was a prophet, and she pointed out the issues related to the Jews and the Samaritans. The Jews worshipped in Jerusalem and the Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, in their own Temple, and that the Samaritans did not have the same access to worship God. Jesus told this woman that there was coming a day when all peoples could worship the Father anywhere and everywhere, as long, as they worshipped Him in “Spirit & Truth!” Folks, God could care less about a person’s heritage, color, gender, or race! He expects worship and He expects us to be obedient to His call. He knows our motives for worship, and He knows our motives for going to worship. Do we worship out of a sense of Duty or Joy? What God requires and what God expects, in our worship, is a heart that is fully and completely devoted to Him!! As long, as God tarries, and as long, as the opportunity exists for corporate worship, may we remain faithful in our prayer life and may we continue to ask God for His guidance and for His Spirit to direct our worship! We MUST worship God with an OPEN HEART and a SENSE of EXPECTATION. Jesus puts it this way… “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” Does that include you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 7, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BETTIE ANNE JOHNSON
SARA PEEBLES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BILLY & ROSE GODWIN … (07/07/07 @ 7 ON 97) …15 Years Ago!… May God Bless You with Many More!)
"According to HIS WILL..."
July 7 “According to HIS Will…” 1 John 5:14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)
Many believers have been deceived into thinking that God is some type of “Genie” that pops up to grant our wishes and to answer our slightest whims of the flesh that might arise, at that moment! Pay Attention! This IS NOT TRUE! Our God does hear our prayers and He does answer our petitions that are “according to His Will!” Real Prayer does not consist of our selfish wishes and our human desires! Real Prayer is praying, “according to His Will!” This is achieved when we recognize that God wants to, and will, reveal His Will to us! The fact is that God reveals His Will to us when we are studying His Word and growing in our relationship with Him. And the most important component is to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you, and to teach you about HIS WILL! When we doubt His Will, just ask the Holy Spirit for direction and discernment! Listen, when we know the Will of God, then we can approach His Throne with confidence and boldness! When we know the Will of God, in any matter that we face, we can freely and boldly come into His Presence, and we can be assured that He will Hear us and that He will Answer us! I pray that you are walking in obedience and growing in His Grace and embracing the promise of the “Comforter,” to teach, guide, reveal and to empower our living. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 6, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KENNETTE STEWART
MACKENZIE LILES
DO WE DESERVE MERCY?
July 6 Do We Deserve Mercy? Luke 23:43
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
The courtroom events had occurred, the sentence had been declared, and the Roman soldiers were leading Jesus to Golgotha, and they nailed Him to that rugged and despicable cross and placed our Lord between two common criminals. One of the criminals seemed to take pleasure in mocking our Jesus when he sarcastically soke to Jesus… “If you are the Christ, save yourself and save us!” The other criminal had a completely different statement! He said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!” Wow! What an example of humanity and our reaction to the Love of God! One mocked Him and had an attitude of rejection, and the other one was contrite and humbled and believed that Jesus was the Savior! The words of our Savior should give us hope! The answer to this thief is an indication of our great hope! “Today you will be with Me in Paradise!” Did this criminal deserve any mercy? Absolutely Not, however, NO ONE DOES!! God’s Word tells us that we are all sinful and that none of us are worthy. God loved us enough that He was willing to send His Only Son to die for us and to take our sins upon His being and take them to that cross and to shed His Blood for the remission of OUR sins. Listen, our Salvation is not based on our merit or our worthiness, it is entirely and completely a gift from God. His Grace and Mercy is provided to us, freely, because of His Great Love for Us! God’s Love, manifested in His Forgiveness and Mercy, is our, for the asking! Folks, just like the criminal that was hanging there on Golgotha, right beside of our Savior, we have the promise of His Mercy and His Grace, that one day, one day very soon, we will be with Him in Heaven! I, for one, am grateful for this promise and I am anticipating the day when I am in His presence. Thank you, God for loving me, even when I am unlovable! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
KEEP LOOKING UP
July 5 KEEP LOOKING UP! Galatians 6:9
**Today would have been my parents 67th Wedding Anniversary! I thank God for these two special people that instilled in me the ethic of work and were the first ones to share Jesus Christ with me! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MAMA & DADDY! I miss you every day! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
The tide of “evil” seems to be growing, and the forces of “satanic” inspired actions by others, and the decay of basic moral standards, and the acceptance of “wrong” as “right,” and the sad fact that, even in the churches of America, these things are being witnessed! What are we to do? It is simple! We MUST remain FOCUSED on the Love of God, demonstrated at the Cross of Calvary, by His Son, Jesus Christ! Embrace that Love and stay in HIS WORD, and PRAY for GUIDANCE and STRENGTH, and “ARMOR-UP,” and be ready to face the challenges that are ahead! It is important to realize that the struggle is real, and the battle is present, and the challenges will, and do, come from ALL Areas! Don’t get weary, and don’t lose heart…Keep Serving, Keep Believing, Keep Reaping, Keep on Keeping on… “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
**Please Pray for the victims, and their families, of the random shootings that occurred yesterday, across our nation. It is abundantly clear that evil is exercising its ugly influence, and we need to be prepared to deal with the onset of evil. Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay Armored Up, Stay in Prayer, Stay in HIS Word, and Stay Ready to Share His Grace with others! **