THE POWER OF WORDS
August 6 The Power of Words Daniel 10:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” (Daniel 10:19)
We are living in some difficult times and there are people that are passing by us, on any given day, that are struggling and depressed and overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negative and destructive information and behaviors that plague and define our Age. I was so very excited to hear these words from a lady at the Walgreens. She said to me, “Jesus Loves You!” Wow! How refreshing these words and her attitude were. I stood in the doorway, for just a moment, and reflected on her words. In our busy and chaotic lives, me must stop and realize that God’s Word brings Life! Those simple words, yet, so profound, encouraged this fellow traveler through this life. I am grateful that God loved me enough to send Jesus to Die for my sins and I want to embrace all that is mine because of this act of Love and Grace. We are called to Love one another and a GREAT WAY to express the Love of God, is to speak words of encouragement and witness. Words are powerful things, and we can use our words to encourage or destroy. I choose to Speak Life and Liberty into the lives of those that I encounter. God has given me the Words of Life that give me the power and the encouragement and the ability to speak these Words of Life for others. God has provided this gift of His Powerful Words and we should use them to provide Healing, Direction, Encouragement, and Love for others. God told Daniel to “Be Encouraged and to Be Strong,” and I am with Daniel, when he responded, “Please speak to me, my Lord, for You have strengthened me!” The more that I consume God’s Word, the more I am excited and encouraged about the future. I love what Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 15:16, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” God’s Word, His Holy Instructions for Mankind, are free for the taking and I choose to “Eat All That I Can, For As Long As I Can,” until I stand in His Presence! Read, Study, Memorize, and use God’s Word, NOW! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 5, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TONYA BAILEY
WHITT GARNER
LANDON MACK
JIMMIE NARRON
CAROLYN PRIVETTE
BOBBY STEVENS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TONY & ALLYSON CREECH
SHARPEN EACH OTHER ...
August 5 “Sharpen Each Other…” Proverbs 27:17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
We are not travelling alone, in this world, and, even though, there are times when, being alone, is healthy, we are called to build friendships and relationships that improve each participant and to be an encourager of each other. This verse from Proverbs, produces a clear and strong image of our responsibility towards each other. Do you have “Iron” in your life? Who is it that “Sharpens” you? Iron rubbed against another piece of iron, and it will become sharp, even as it sharpens the other piece. The best of Christ-centered relationships will be like two pieces of iron. A quality relationship will be based on growth in Christlikeness and “Lifting” one another up and “Edifying” Christ, in the growing relationship. Many have said that they didn’t need to go to church to be a Christian, and that is, on the face of it, correct, yet, we miss so much of what God has ordained for us to use and enjoy, in our growth process. True Christian friends will not allow falsehoods to exist within the friendship, nor within the friend. True Christian friends will love one another enough to say what needs to be said, ask tough questions, and expect the same from the other. True Christian friends will “encourage one another all the more as the day approaches” (Heb 10:25). I am grateful for my dear Christian Brother, Ricky Anderson, who has always provided the “Iron” that I need to stay “Sharp” and to keep focused on Growing in Christ! Who is your “Iron?” God has established the plan for each of us to lift-up and to edify each other and continue to grow is our relationship with Christ. Remember, to have a friend, you must be a friend!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 4, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LAUREN O’NEAL
PAM RICE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TONY & PHYLLIS ALFORD
IN TIMES LIKE THESE...
August 4 In Times Like These… 2 Timothy 3:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1)
So, what are we to do when “Perilous” times actually happen? I truly and fully believe that we are living in the last days before Jesus returns and I want to encourage you with a song that says it all… In Times Like These…
In times like these, you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
In times like these you need the Bible
In times like these o be not idle
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
In times like these, I have a Savior
In times like these, I have an anchor
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
Anchor deep and hold on…Stay close to God, Read His Word, Share His Grace and Keep Looking to the Eastern Sky for His Sudden and Miraculous Appearing! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…SURELY, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 3, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BRANDON & JULIE CARROLL
REAL LIVING ....
August 3 REAL LIVING …. 1 John 5:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12)
Is it possible for an individual to be alive yet not have a life? Our scripture passage for today seems a bit contradictory, however, a n individual can be alive and not have life! Our lives are determined by Who we have, versus What we have! We often think that the value of one’s life is determined by how much is in their bank account or how much that they can count with their hands. Have you noticed that there are folks that are quick to express how much they are worth, in worldly possessions, and take pride in their declaration, however, it has been my experience that they are worth very little in the real and vital worth that truly makes the difference! I love what the Psalmist said, in Psalm 37:16, “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.” So many times, along this path of life, I have witnessed individuals that were on an endless quest for riches and earthly acknowledgement, and they were always seeking and not finding the real and lasting and satisfying desires of their limited heart’s desires! What a lonesome road to travel! Praise God! When we have GOD, and we are walking along the road with HIM, and we possess the forgiveness and sustaining power of the SON and have received the GIFT of the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT, then we can embrace and enjoy the declaration of Jesus Christ, when he said, in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly!” There are so many that have great abundance but NO LIFE! For those that are in CHRIST, we have LIFE and we have it MORE ABUNDANTLY!! Thank you, God, that when I have absolutely nothing of this world’s goods, yet when I have YOU and walk in YOU, I have EVERYTHING! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Hide God's Word in Your Heart, NOW!!!
August 2 Hide God’s Word in Your Heart, NOW! 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
From the time that I was able to read, my parents insisted and encouraged me to read my Bible. There were times, I would read the scriptures and thought that it was worthless for me to habitually read these same words, over and over. Amazingly, there was a situation that presented, and I immediately thought of a scripture that was appropriate for the issue. Wow! How did that happen? Mama used to tell me that, “the more that you learn, the more you will want to learn!” Why? She would follow up with some abstract answer like, “it will light your path!” She would say, “Read Psalm 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” How did she know that? I began to reflect on my early life, and I remember both of my parents, spending time in God’s Word and always encouraging me to do the same. Now, at 65 years old, I may not be able to recall the amount that Mama could, however, I continue to store up His Word, in my heart, and continue to strengthen my knowledge of Him. (Psalm 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.) Just recently, a dear friend and Prayer Partner, were discussing the necessity of memorizing the scriptures, and doing it as much as possible, with the purpose of being ready to take on the wiles and ways of Satan. When we hung up the phone, I thought of another reason to “Hide His Word in Our Hearts!” Sadly, I thought, of all, of those amazing saints of God, that I have ministered to, over the years, and the sad reality of their situations. Many could not remember who they were, and did not recognize their own children, yet; they could quote scripture; chapter and verse, as if they had just read it! That conversation with my wise prayer partner, and her words of wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit, ministered to my Spirit, and has caused me to desire, even greater, the hiding of His Word, in my heart and mind! 2 Timothy 2:15 provides a great reason for doing just that, every day and in everything: Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Read God’s Word, Study God’s Word, Memorize God’s Word, Live God’s Word, BE God’s Word, Share God’s Word!!! My words are limited and time sensitive, but His Word is limitless and eternal and will last forever!! I get so excited about what is to come when I am, deeply, into His Word and the Holy Spirit reveals the intent and the power for living, that is mine, when I am “IN HIS WORD AND LIVING IN HIS WILL!” If you end your earthly days with the inability to recognize your family or to remember who you are or remember what you did 5 minutes ago, what do you want to remember? I choose to remember MY GOD’S HOLY SCRIPTURES. So, while you can, store up that precious word! DO IT NOW!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 1, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SUSIE PEOPLES
“Ma” RIXIE STEVENS
OUR FOCUS ...
August 1 Our Focus… Romans 12:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not conform to the pattern of this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
On June 5, 2021, I read a posting on Facebook, and I saved it to share with our BTC Devotion Family, later, and today is that date. Please pay attention to the message and the lesson!
** A man went to the Pastor of his church and said, “I won’t be attending Church anymore.” The Pastor said, “May I ask why?” He said, I see people on their cell phones texting and typing during the service, some are gossiping, some just aren’t living right, some are sleeping, some are staring at me, they are all just hypocrites.” The Pastor was silent. Then he said, “Can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?” He said, “Sure, what’s that?” He said, “Take a glass of water and walk around the church two times and don’t let any water fall out of the glass.” He said, “Yes, I can do that!” He went and got the glass of water and walked around the church two times. He came back and said proudly, “It’s done.” The Pastor asked him these questions; “Did you see anybody on the phone? Did you see anybody gossiping?; Was anybody living wrong?; Did you see anyone sleeping?” He said, “I didn’t see anything because I was focused on this glass, so the water wouldn’t spill out!” He told him, “When you come to church, you should be just that focused on God, so that you don’t fall. That’s why Jesus said, “Follow Me,’ He did not say Follow Them!” Don’t let your relationship with God be determined by how others relate with God! Let it be determined by how focused you are with God…AMEN! **
Since April of 2020, I have been encouraging others to Stay Focused…Focused on God’s Word. Stay Focused on our growing relationship with our God, through the Blood of Jesus and the directing and empowering of the Holy Spirit! How focused are you? Who is directing your life, your witness, your relationship with Jesus? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
HAVE YOU BEEN ROBBED?
July 31 Have You Been Robbed? John 10:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
This world is a treacherous place to be! As a Follower of Jesus Christ, we are living in an alien environment. Satan is busy, attacking the very foundations of decent and civil society and attempting to replace it with chaos and anarchy and, sadly, his job is being made must easier by individuals that, at one time or another, have professed a relationship with Jesus Christ! How can a “Born-Again” believer participate in the worldly deceptions and evil actions, of the satanic driven world that we live in? If, these insane events, have caused you to take your attention away from God and His Divine Promises that He has brought to us, then, you may have been robbed! You may have been robbed! You may have been robbed of your joy, robbed of your peace, robbed of your vision, robbed of your confidence and assurance, robbed of your commitment! Satan is excited about the present conditions of this world, and he is doing everything possible to make sure that chaos and anti-God activities will survive and abound! This “Thief” is ready to steal your joy and your dedication. This “Thief,” the Devil, is robbing people of their spiritual condition. It’s bad to see folks robbed, and they don’t even know they’ve been robbed. It’s bad to see folk having so much taken and been robbed so many times, that it has become a part of their normal life! This “Thief” has come into the church and has stolen a lot of people’s Praise, he has stolen a lot of people’s assurances of their salvation, and he has stolen their joy. Have you been robbed? Have you taken your focus off Jesus? Are you living under the satanic influenced circumstances of this life? Listen, please, I am committed to building a Spiritual Wall, through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit, around my living! I am aware that Satan is the “Thief,” and he wants to steal anything and everything that is of God, from my life and from yours! I REFUSE TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN! I choose to claim my God’s Promise that, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Abundant living does not involve supporting Satan or promoting anything associated with his Evil plans. Professing Believer, it is time for you to take inventory of your life, your priorities, your loyalties, and your commitments! You cannot serve two masters!! Church, it is time for us to retire the concept of “a Spiritual Party Boat,” and be the captain of a “SPIRITUAL BATTLESHIP!!” We are in a battle for the very Soul, and we need to be armored up with God’s Word, Fortified, through Prayer and Consuming the Word of God on, a DAILY BASIS! As I observe the insane happenings, I take comfort in knowing that we are one day closer to the second coming of Jesus (RAPTURE). Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS REALLY AND TRULY, YET TO BE!! “COME QUICKLY LORD, COME QUICKLY!”
LIFESTYLE EVANGELISM
July 30 Lifestyle Evangelism Mark 16:15-16
Good Evening from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
The idea of evangelism has always been terrifying to me. Going up to someone and interrupting their day to tell them about Jesus, no matter how real and good I know him to be, has never been comfortable for me. But you can’t read Scripture and avoid, God’s command to share the gospel. You can’t read through the New Testament and discount the reality that the disciples gave themselves entirely—to the point of death—that the world might come to know Jesus. In verses like Mark 16:15-16 couldn’t be clearer. Jesus commands us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Evangelism is meant to be a part of our normal lives. It’s not just for the few. It’s not just for pastors or the deacons or Sunday School teachers or the intensely extroverted and outgoing…It’s for you and me!! When I examine my own heart, I discover that my fears related to evangelism are entirely selfish. In fact, I don’t know if I could do something more selfish than hold back the one hope for the world just to protect my own image. Listen, even as a preacher, I still have the human emotional “Shy Natured” thoughts that conflict with my responsibilities and my calling! Do you understand what Jesus is making crystal clear in Mark 16:16? He has said that those who don’t believe in Him will be condemned. It’s like I know the cure for COVID19 and rather than sacrificing my image to love others by sharing the cure, I just let everyone continue to suffer. In examining my own heart, I realize that the way to engage in evangelism isn’t fixing myself; it’s getting over myself. Is my image really, so important that it’s worth condemnation for another? Are the opinions of others, really, so important to me, that I would withhold from them eternal, abundant life with a God who loves them relentlessly and perfectly? I am made to share God’s light. I have been commissioned by my King to go out and share his heart. It’s time that we obey God’s command in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Sure, people might think I’m weird, strange, or twisted. In, reality, folks probably think that already! Sure; it might be a little awkward. But God is after the hearts of his creation, and he’s called me to help. May we be those who set aside our pride, seek humility, and love others whatever the cost. May we be so bold as to set our eyes on heaven and sacrifice this life for the sake of eternity. And may the world change around us as we humbly and courageously proclaim the goodness of our heavenly Father. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
PLEASE PRAY FOR ELAINE BARHAM! SHE IS HAVING BRAIN SURGERY TODAY, TO REMOVE A TUMOR! PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY!
FELLOWSHIP
July 29 Fellowship 1 John 1:7
**PLEASE PRAY FOR ELAINE BARHAM…. SHE IS HAVING BRAIN SURGERY TODAY, TO REMOVE A TUMOR! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
Many years ago, my dear Pastor, and friend, Norris Cook, exposed me to a lesson that has lasted ever since. There was a lady, in our community, that had experienced tragedy and difficulties, and she was all alone in the world. I felt the need to step up and step in to help this special lady! She had devoted her entire life in service for others, and now, with her family gone, she was lonely and had little resources, in order, to pay anyone to help her. Following the example of my mother, I jumped in and began to help this dear lady. Quickly, I realized that I was going to be unable to help her by myself. Mr. Cook gave me some sage advice! “Let other people help you, help her!” That was the moment that I realized, although noble and “Christ-like,” I couldn’t do it alone. God’s word instructs us to “fellowship” together and to, come together, in worship and service. I started calling on my Christian friends for assistance! Amazingly, within a short time, we had an entire group of folks that were a part of helping with Miss Ruth’s needs! The lesson from Mr. Cook is still an important lesson for today: “When I, alone, can’t, we, together, can!!!” Thank you, Mr. Cook, for your guidance and THANK YOU JESUS, for YOUR LOVE AND FOR OTHER BELIEVERS! Do Not Forsake the Assembling of Yourselves Together! Not just to hear the preacher, but for the support and fellowship of other believers! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
(NOTE: A couple of days ago, I spoke to a lady, and her question to me was interesting! She asked, “Why do you continue to write that the best is yet to be?” I told her, “I continue to say it because it is true!”) (Re-print)
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 28, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RHONDA GREEN
JENNY BUTLER
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JIMMY & EMALY BERGERON
"LISTENING..."
July 28 “Listening…” Psalm 89:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.” (Psalm 89:15)
Many years ago, someone decided that we would surprise one of our neighbors with a community wide birthday party for one of the men in our community that was always helping and doing something for someone else. The idea was that several folks would flag him down, as he drove home, and redirect him to the church fellowship hall. Sounded like a great idea, however, as he was driving home, this band of individuals appeared out of nowhere and began to flag him down, but his reaction was not expected. The crowd was yelling and waving their hands, yet he did not stop. Finally, he caught sight of his grandson, and he stopped. Once he was stopped and got out of his car and inquired about why they were flagging him down, he was informed that the entire community was gathered at the fellowship hall for a surprise birthday celebration, just for him. That is when we discovered why he didn’t stop initially. He was listening to “Beach Music,” and he was playing it very loud, and he was in deep thought about days gone by and he simply ignored the sounds of our yelling and waving our hands. When he arrived at the hall, he stepped inside and he spoke these words, “I almost missed all of this, because I was listening to the wrong thing!” As I have pondered the implications of this event, and his words, it has made me stop and think. Am I listening to the wrong sounds? Am I concentrating on the sounds of the world and missing the sound of my Lord speaking to me? The scriptures warn us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8)… We need to be alert, and we need to be listening for the sounds of our Heavenly Father and not the constant droning of this world and the evil, distracting sounds that exist. God is constantly speaking to us and guiding us, so we need to be “Listening” to His Call! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Real JOY!!
July 27 “Real JOY” Matthew 5:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
If you were raised in the church, you probably remember the song, “I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy down deep in my heart…” I love the part that Mrs. Carter would add… “And if the Devil doesn’t like it, he can sit on a tack!” Think about this concept! Experiencing real joy, in the midst of trials and persecutions and difficulties and challenges! How is this possible? Real JOY is only possible in a Personal and Growing Relationship with the Savior, JESUS CHRIST! I am excited to know that, through Faith in the One that has saved me, and will never fail me, nor will He ever leave me, that I can experience REAL JOY, in spite of the issues of the day! REAL JOY is more than earthly pleasures and an “easy” life! It is embracing and experiencing the power for living, right here, right now, and the blessed hope of eternity with Him in Heaven! THANK YOU, GOD, for sending JESUS to provide SALVATION and REAL JOY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
CLUTTER-FREE
July 26 Clutter Free Matthew 6:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
For many years, my parents were busy making their lives simple. I would ask why they were doing one thing or another, and Mama would always say, “The simpler the better!” What did that mean? Well, as I approach my “Golden Years,” I am all about the simplicity of life. I have observed the lives of great people of God and their lives were characterized by simplicity. So many years, I have lived in a hurry to succeed and to make a mark in life. Thank God that I have discovered that the most powerful and directed life is one that knows where it is going and recognizes the source of power and becomes clutter free and is focused, and not in a hurry! Daddy used to say that you could be busy digging a ditch with a spoon and accomplish very little. Let me point out that being busy is by no means, a sin. Jesus, Paul, Peter, Matthew, were busy, and very little is accomplished without effort and work and the weariness that comes from the labor. Now, if your business is dedicated to the accumulation of stuff that are empty and shallow and hold no eternal significance, well that can’t please God, so, it might qualify as sin! I know what it is to be tired and weary in the pursuit of things that do not satisfy and have zero eternal value. My passions and my possessions, that activated my pride, were all empty and dead things in my life. Folks, I am 100% committed to being busy for my Lord! I am constantly “De-Cluttering” my life and continuing to focus on what is edifying to my Savior! Please, do not follow after, seeking “dead” stuff, when our “Living” is promised, when we seek things, that are above. Is your life cluttered with temporal and earthly stuff and are you busy digging a ditch with a spoon? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Live Clutter-Free…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
JUDGMENTAL?
July 25 Judgmental? Luke 6:37-38
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:37-38)
“Remember Son, we are not to judge others! We don’t know what they are going through!” These words were spoken to me so often, in my youth! My dear mother shared this way of life and she lived it out, as best that she could. Not being judgmental, simply means, not to be critical, or fault-finding, high-minded, and judging others! Keep in mind, this does not mean that you can’t see the violations of God’s Word and recognize the sinful activities, but it does mean that we are not to “sit in judgment” of others and their weaknesses! We are living in a dark and sinful world, and we are to promote, present and live the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Love that He offers! How many of you like to have your faults and mistakes pointed out to you? KEEP IN MIND! Nothing is easier than pointing out another’s faults and shortcomings and not minding our own business! Sadly, when we judge others, we may be forgetting that we are sinners, and that we have faults and shortcomings, and that Christ has forgiven and forgotten our faults and sins and they are under His Shed Blood of Amazing Grace! So, how do we help our neighbors to recognize His Grace and to come to a “forgiving” relationship with Him? Pray for them! Encourage them! Set an example for living, before them! DO NOT JUDGE! LOVE THEM, INSTEAD! Our job is to bring “souls into the kingdom, not to highlight the failures and faults of others! Our task is clear! We are to LOVE ONE ANOTHER! The task of Judgment is exclusively a God Thing! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Keep Growing, Keep Loving, and Keep Sharing the Good News! Remember – THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!