DO YOU TRUST GOD?
August 14 Do You Trust God? Philippians 4:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack, is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy! Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy? As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life. I am excited for the future! God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I have to do; is Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED! The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack. God said that He would supply my every need and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises? How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity. Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you? How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH? Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 08/13/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JEANY O’NEAL
LEAMON STRICKLAND
MIKE HARRIS
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
August 13 “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! (Re-Post)
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 12, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GEORGE CREECH
PAT HORTON
SAM MORRIS
KATELYN WHITLEY KIRBY
LET IT GO ...
August 12 Let It Go… Lamentations 3:22-23
**Please Pray for the Family of the Wake County Deputy Sheriff, that was killed overnight, in the line of duty! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Once again, I was sharing the Love of Jesus with a young man and his response was typical, especially from someone that has been deeply involved in worldly issues and has created a trail of past mistakes. He said, “I have done some terrible things and I don’t see how God can forgive me of my actions!” My response is always the same! “Your past sins and the intensity of those sins, make zero difference to God!” He tells us, in Romans 3:23, that “all of us have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God!” God’s Love for us, is all encompassing, and He sees sin as sin and does not quantify its level of bad! He tells us to “Confess” our sins! He tells us to come to Him in “Believing Faith!” He tells us to ask Him into our lives, and He tells us that He WILL SAVE US! Notice that He didn’t say, “I will save you, unless you have done this or that,” HE SAID THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES WILL BE SAVED! So, we have got to let go of the past and we must not allow what was to dictate what is to be! I take great comfort in the promises of God, found in Psalm 103:11-12, when it tells me that, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Does that sound like He is unable to save us from our sins? You may have to bear about in your human body, the consequences of your past sins, however, you do not have to be burdened down with those sins! When you, by Faith, believing in the Son of God: Jesus Christ, and Confess, Ask and Receive His Saving Grace, then, that which is past is past and He forgives and He wipes our slate clean, before God the Father, by His Shed Blood! So, Jesus has provided forgiveness and He has provided release, so, shouldn’t we stop living and dwelling on the past and let go of the past? 1 John 1:9 tells us that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” It does not matter how “Bad” you think that you have been, God’s Love and His Forgiveness is greater and larger than any of our Human Actions! Remember what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” What Was is What Was! 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!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 11, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LANDON BAILEY
MELISSA WORLEY
BROOKE HARGREAVES
JESUS = WIN/WIN
August 11 Jesus = Win/Win Romans 14:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For if we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8)
Several years ago, Annette’s Uncle Jesse was told that he had developed a terminal cancer and that his days were short. I remember Uncle Jesse telling me that life was just as precious to him, at 80, as it was to me, at 40. He told me that he was in a win/win situation and that he was going to be fine. He willingly and boldly stated that if he died, he wins, and if he lives, he wins! What a beautiful expression of the complete and total submission to the sovereignty and the promise of God. We are here for just a short time, and this voyage of life is a preparation for the eternity that we will spend with our Savior and the Father God. Friends, we are not made, or designed to live indefinitely in this evil and fallen world! This world is not our home, we are just passing through! Life is short and the time is fleeting, so we should recognize our job, be active in serving God and embrace the promise of a beautiful and joyous eternity with the one who created it all! I tend to forget this fact, and I pray that when the burdens and cares of this temporal life overwhelm me, and the challenges appear to be difficult to endure, that in the hardest of times, that God remarkably and assuredly has a way of rescuing me from the issues of the day and myself! Thank you, God, for Your Love, Your Grace, and for Your Promise of Overcoming Victory! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 10, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BURRELL BROCK
GREG JOHNSON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
THOMAS & VIKKI BROCK
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA
August 10 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA Matthew 7:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus said, ‘In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.’” (Matthew 7:12)
Today would have been my mother’s 86th birthday and as I reflect on her life, I am reminded of the lasting impact of her actions and words of wisdom and her unwavering devotion to teach a set of standards and to expect an acceptable level of behavior that was in keeping with her one overriding rule: TREAT OTHERS THE WAY THAT YOU WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU! Factual, Biblical and Functional… Mama expected this attitude, and anything less was unacceptable, period, end of discussion!! So, in our daily interactions with other humans, we MUST “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the Grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:14-15)” Thank you Mama for teaching real and lasting values to this difficult, and often, challenging child. Your gentle guidance and your example of faith in your words and your actions and your steadfast commitment to teach me the truth for my life. Thank you for introducing me to Jesus and for living His example before me! Happy Birthday Mama! I close this devotion with the words of another Dear and Loved Mama, Miss Ruth Driver: “Remember who you are and where you came from…” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
THE ONLY WAY
August 9 “THE ONLY WAY” John 14:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6)
“How dare you tell me that your way is the only way!” This was the response from a young man that I shared the “Love of God, through Jesus Christ!” I attempted to explain that it was not my way, but His way! Boy, was he offended! As I have considered that moment and have begun to understand the “teachable” moment, I recognize that the world and this multi-religious culture, hates the truth and anyone that promotes the truth! Amazingly, Satan, and his minions are truly challenged by a few simple, yet profound words; “EXCEPT THROUGH ME!” Friends, those of us who are believers, and are serious about serving Him, must believe these simple words, accept these simple words, and boldly and unashamedly proclaim these simple words!! Jesus told His followers (and He told us) that the world would “HATE” us because of Him! Our promise of His Love, is all that we need to boldly serve Him… “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)” Jesus Christ is the Savior of this world, and He is the only way to Salvation, and this FACT is offensive to this evil world! Regardless of the criticism and defamation and evil motivated actions and words, we are to stand strong, boldly proclaim His “Good News,” and completely depend on the TRUTH of His Holy Word! May God guide you through this life, give you renewed strength, direct your paths, and give you complete peace and joy in your journey! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Special Request: PLEASE PRAY for our NATION, our LEADERS, our WAY OF LIFE! Evil, Hatred, and Satanic Forces are active and determined to overthrow the very freedoms that allow them to disagree and to continue to systematically dismantle our way of life! Disagreeing is normal; yet the willful abuse of power to silence opposition, is not okay! If a former President’s home can be “invaded” and his property taken, by a government agency, that has been tasked with the role of intimidation, what would make us think that this couldn’t happen to us? The very foundations of our Republic are under attack from individuals that would destroy the Constitution and allow politically correct policies and communistic (Anti-God) thoughts and actions to dominate our nation. Satan is having a “Field Day,” as his minions continue to dismantle the foundations of our American Experience, and it is being done under the false statement of “For the American People!” Pay Attention! The Church, the Message of Christ, the very idea of a God that controls the Universe, is abhorrent and fearful to those who are a part of Satan’s army. Friends, we need to be aware of the EVIL that is about, and we need to recognize that this Satanic Evil is real and growing! Be prepared for the ever growing and bolder attacks on the truth. Just be aware, be strong, and remember that God has a plan for us, and it begins with JESUS CHRIST! Stay Focused on our calling and continue to share the Good News, one soul at a time! Opposition to EVIL is not WRONG, it is EXPECTED!! Believers, stay focused on the task ahead and continue to hold fast to the Promises and Provisions and Power of Almighty God to Protect and to Prosper our Living! (Personal Observation)
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 8, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CHRISSY HUNTER
BE AN ENCOURAGER
August 8 Be an ENCOURAGER Hebrews 10:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
I have been blessed, my entire life, with a host of “Encouragers,” in my life. The Chief Encourager, regardless of my shortcomings and challenges, is my “Bride,” my “Best Friend” and my “Wife!!” Regardless of her own personal challenges, she is always ready to share an encouraging word and a positive push towards the blessings that are just around the corner. It is exciting to find a note, pinned to your pillow, that says, “Thinking of you and I love you!” The craziness, and hysteria of the day, is no match for the “Encouragement” that is provided by someone who loves you and believes in you! Folks, we are called, through the Blood of Jesus, to love, and “Encourage” each other, and to help each other along life’s pathway. Listen, Encouragement has never put air in a flat tire, nor made a car payment, nor has Encouragement ever reversed a burned biscuit, however, Encouragement has made us hold on when we think that we can’t go another step, and it has lightened our load as we pull through rough places. ENCOURAGEMENT!! It really doesn’t sound like much, however; it is EVERYTHING!! Dear Friends, thank you for the Encouragement that you provide for me, and my family and we are forever grateful for your friendship and “Kinship!” Regardless of what life may bring, continue to claim, and cling to the Great Encourager, Jesus Christ! May you be Encouraged and may you be an Encourager to others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 7, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
PEGGY ALLMON RUSSELL
CONFESS BEFORE OTHERS
August 7 “Confess Before Others” Matthew 10:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, whosoever confesses ME before men, him I will also confess before MY FATHER who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)
I recall a sermon, preached by my daddy, that addressed the public confession/profession of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Daddy illustrated that we are to tell others of our salvation experience and to live our lives as a reflection of His Grace and Glory! True, Real and Authentic conversion is evidenced by a verbal confession of the act and the confession to others. Keep in Mind, it is possible to talk about Jesus and not be saved, however, it is unlikely that one would profess Jesus and not have a relationship with Him. Every convert that I help navigate to Jesus, I expect that they will stand before others and profess their miraculous conversion from lost to saved! I heard a pastor tell a convert that he didn’t have to speak about his conversion if he didn’t want to! WOW! I was floored! In Acts 4, Annas, the High Priest, commanded Peter, and John “not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” These amazingly courageous disciples replied, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard!” When we experience the “Life-Changing” Grace of God, and we are transformed through the shed blood of Jesus, we are infused with a dose of “I can’t help it,” when it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus! Think about what Jeremiah said, in Jeremiah 20:9, when he confessed, “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not!” I pray that this say fire is burning in all of us who have claimed the victory through Jesus Christ, and may we confess and profess His Love, His Grace, His Power, and Presence to this Last and Dying World! Let the Fire of His Grace Burn in Us! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 6, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BRANDON BAKER
AL DRIVER
TAMMY EDWARDS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
SEAN & SUZA BANNON
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!