REAL & LASTING PEACE
August 30 Real and Lasting Peace Colossians 3:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
When Paul wrote these words, the only peace that the people were familiar with, was the peace that came through conquest, by Caesar and the Roman Empire and its armies. So, here comes this fellow named Paul, and he is talking about the “Peace of Christ,” and this Peace should “rule in your hearts.” Think about it… Caesar brought a perceived Peace through “Might” and “Conquest,” yet, this Christ, that Paul speaks of, brings Peace that is described as “Mercy and Humility and Love and seems to be about a personal experience, not a conquering force and domination. As I contemplate the environment of Paul’s day, I see how these folks would have difficulty with this “Peace” thing. We have a natural tendency to attempt to “make Peace” in our lives by being more assertive and attaining more power and leverage. Notice, that the Followers of Jesus were different! They recognized that the only true and lasting way to bring “Peace,” is through “Peace!” I believe that this lesson is vital and critical in our, present day, survival! Evil, Chaos, and Total Insanity has taken hold of our world and, it appears that the goal is to disrupt and to destroy any “Peace” that we might enjoy! Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Model your life after Jesus and allow Him to “Rule” in your heart and be Grateful for His Blessings, Guidance and His Real and Lasting PEACE, regardless of the worldly circumstances! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 29, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DENNIS BADGER
BETTY HARRIS
HORACE SHIRLEY
HOLY SPIRIT PRAYING
August 29 Holy Spirit Praying… Romans 8:26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Our God is amazing! He has provided the opportunity and the means to have continual prayer, even in our weakness and infirmities. There are times when I feel as if I am a baby and I simply do not have the developed language skills necessary to pray effectively. God has promised that He will provide continual prayer and communication and the Holy Spirit is the method that He has employed. When we are in a growing relationship with God, through the Blood of Jesus, and the “Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit, even when we are sick or dying, we can still pray! In September of 1999, after two rounds of antibiotics, I had a severe reaction to one of the antibiotics and to make a long and serious story short, I went 10 days without sleep and the treatments for the reaction were nearly lethal. Unable to keep a conscious thought in my head, I could not even think long enough to pray! I would close my eyes and repeat, “Please Lord,” over and over. That was the moment that I understood these words and this promise! In my infirmities, I was unable to pray, yet, because of my Spiritual and Divine Prayer Partner, He was praying for me and interceding for me before the Father God. The Holy Spirit was praying with and through me and I could feel the Power of His Presence and I had a “Peace” that came over me and I knew that I was going to be great! That experience has solidified the need and the desire to “Live and to Walk in the Spirit,” and to be in a constant state of “Growing!” Listen, as a Believer, we have the assurance that God is hearing our petitions and prayers and that the Holy Spirit “has our backs!” “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!” Continue to grow in His Grace and His Love and be in constant communication with the Father, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit! I love the declaration found in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” In my weakness, there is assurance of His Love! In my weakness, there is Hope! In my weakness, there is His Promise, His Grace, and His Power! Praise God, that in my weakness, the HOLY SPIRIT has my back!! I truly pray that you have the same assurance and the same experience of the Indwelling of the Comforter and Guide, in the person of the Holy Spirit! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"SHARPEN EACH OTHER"
August 28 “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)
As our relationship grows with Jesus, our relationships with others should grow! The deeper we dig into God’s Word, and the more Christ-Like, we become, the more that we need each other to navigate through this life! Our God knows the importance of our human relationships and He encourages us to become brothers and sisters, in Christ, and face the challenges of this life, together! So, please recognize that 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!
FOCUS
August 27 “FOCUS” Hebrews 12:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Many years ago, when I was playing softball, we had a coach that was interested in winning, and he shared with us boys, his thoughts on winning. He told us that we needed to focus our attention on the game, and to commit to playing the game, to the very best of our abilities! Amazingly, before he became our coach, we lost every game! The real difference between winning and losing was our focus! The author of Hebrews is telling us that we must fix our attention on Jesus Christ as we play through this life as a Christian! So many times, we focus on the wrong things, like wealth, prosperity, status, opinions of others, and forget the goal! Our focus MUST be on Jesus, he is our GOAL! He is our SALVATION, and He is our source of strength and energy to navigate through this dark and evil world! Through Jesus, we have the promise to Finish Strong! Stay Strong, Stay Focused!!!!! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS FOR 08/26/2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BILL & SUSIE HINNANT
PUSH AWAY THE DARKNESS
August 26 Push Away the Darkness Matthew 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Many years ago, my wonderful Sunday School Teacher, was attempting to help us understand about “Purity” and the process to attain the goal. Keep in mind, we all begin life in the “Darkness” and, through the Blood of Jesus and His Salvation, through Faith, we come into the “Light” and the “Darkness” of our Human Lives becomes “Pure.” Mrs. Joyner had a pitcher with dark, ink-stained water and a glass of clear water on the table. She began to pour the nasty water into the glass, as the water ran over the rim of the glass into a pan. “Children, see what is happening to the water?” This clear glass of water became cloudy and murky. She quickly said that this is what happens to our spirit when we fill ourselves with negative and unpleasant thoughts! She took another pitcher that was filled with pure, clear water, and poured the water into the glass. The dirty water, in the glass, gradually became lighter and lighter in color until it was clear again. Folks, this is what happens when we fill ourselves with God’s pure love and light! Please be careful what you allow to enter your minds! Please be careful to stay in God’s Word and to keep praying and to keep sharing the Good News! When you fill your mind with the murky and negative, you will be murky and negative. I pray that you will allow the wisdom and direction, from God’s Word, to fill you to overflowing, therefore, pushing away the “Darkness!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR 08/25/2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
MIKE & BETTY HARRIS
YOUR EXAMPLE
August 25 YOUR EXAMPLE… Luke 6:31
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)
When Kayla was in preschool, this verse was taught to these children, and I believe that it should be required for every level of our society. It is the simple things that make the most sense when it comes to inter-personal relationships. Keep this one thing in your mind…People may hear your words, but they will follow your example! You are being watched! Your behaviors and your attitude and your expressions and your actions will always reflect your commitments and your loyalties! Remember, folks will hear your words, but will do as you do! Are your words in line with your actions? Please be real! Please be a true example of the Love of Christ! The message is basic and simple… “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Please Lord, help me to live my life as an example of Your Love and Your Grace, and may I treat others, the way that I want to be treated! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 08/24/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JOSHUA BOYETTE
BRANDIE B. BRIDGES
PATSY DILLON
JUSTIN LANE
KENNY WORLEY
PEACE-FILLED CONFIDENCE
August 24 Peace-Filled Confidence John 16:33
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Guess what? Regardless of what some may say, Life is difficult and is filled with trials and challenges and tribulations! Sadly, just a few days ago, I was listening to a radio preacher and the message that he was spreading, was that, once you come to Jesus, then, all of your worries, and cares are over. Really? What about the believer that has been diagnosed with terminal cancer or the child that has leukemia or the couple that is about to divorce? Jesus tells us that “In this Life, YOU WILL HAVE ISSUES!” He, also, is telling us to “be of good cheer!” Our Savior has provided His confidence, assurance, courage to face each challenge and to be an overcomer! Because we are His, and He is our Savior, and He has promised Victory, so, therefore, as His Children, we too, are overcomers, because He is an overcomer, and He promised the same for us! Jesus tells us to “BE CONFIDENT!” Please, do not let your “FEELINGS,” alter your “Promised Peace in GOD!” Regardless of what Satan may do or cause to be done, to you and with you, as a “Born-Again, Blood Bought Child of God, we ARE OVERCOMERS! Claim that Peace and allow it to grow in you and claim the “PEACE-FILLED CONFIDENCE to live Victoriously! Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARY FOR AUGUST 23, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JOHN & NITA EDWARDS
FORGIVENESS
August 23 “Forgiveness” Ephesians 4:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
In our 21st century culture, it has become popular to be offended by every little thing that happens. We have become so very sensitive to everyone and everything. It appears that “being offended” has become the norm! Sadly, even the church has and is a participate in this insanity! It seems that we are now wearing our feelings on our sleeves and are expecting to be hurt! Our human nature wants to “get even,” and to “teach folks a lesson,” or try to make things unpleasant for those that make things unpleasant for us. Again, in our human nature, we think that getting even will restore our “wholeness!” No wonder, that Evil and Evil Doers, are absolutely opposed to the radical offering of Jesus Christ. Jesus instructs us to have an attitude of forgiveness and to become “Christ-Like,” in all of our encounters. This world, and the Evil that exists, will continue to throw punch after punch, with the express purpose to shake our faith and our commitment to Christ! Being Christ-Like, we have a special anointing that comes from God’s Love and the Precious Shed Blood of Jesus Christ, and the gift, empowers us to Love and to Forgive! Love and Forgiveness are special attributes of the Christian, and we must live out these blessings, in everything that we do! Remember, regardless of what has happened to you, and regardless of who has hurt you, FORGIVENESS is REQUIRED, FORGIVENESS is a MUST, for your GROWTH and your being truly “CHRIST-LIKE!” If you do not FORGIVE others, how can you expect to be FORGIVEN? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 22, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DJ SCOTT
FORGIVE, PERIOD!!!
August 22 Forgive, Period! Mark 11:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him.” (Mark 11:25)
Jesus told His Disciples if they truly wanted to access God through their prayers, then they must forgive those that had hurt and abused them. Jesus pointed out that if they were unwilling to forgive their fellowmen, how could they expect to be forgiven by God? Every one of the commands of our God are for our benefit and one of the most important commands is to FORGIVE! Folks, I fully understand the extreme difficulty in forgiving those who have caused hurt and misery for our lives, however, I, also, recognize the liberating effects of forgiveness. I have held grudges and have languished in my “hurt” and every moment that I held on to the offense, I was causing great harm to my own relationship with my Jesus. Again, how can I expect my Lord to forgive me of my sins, when I am unwilling to forgive my offenders? Forgiveness has been one of the most difficult parts of my personal walk with Christ. Listen, when we forgive others, we are laying down the heavy burden of resentment, anger, and broken relationships. In order, for us to grow in Jesus, we must tear down the barriers between us and God. When we forgive, we remove any obstacles for our own forgiveness! We live in a fractured and sinful world. You can count on being hurt and offended by the sinful and un-repented non-believers, and you can count on being hurt by professing believers, along this road of life! By that same logic, we will offend and hurt others, as well! So, WE MUST FORGIVE! FORGIVENESS IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR OUR GROWTH AND IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR OUR FORGIVENESS! To access our God, through prayer, requires our complete forgiveness of others…No If’s, No And’s, No But’s…Just Forgive!! Forgive those who have hurt you and you will see the freeing results of God’s Love, as it is exercised in your behaviors and your attitudes! Let Go of The Hurt and Embrace the Healing that is Found in God’s Example of Forgiving Love: JESUS CHRIST!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 21, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATHY WHEELER
BRENDA TURNER NARRON
"GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GREAT"
August 21 “God is Good, God is Great” Psalm 34:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
When I was a child, I learned to ask the blessing, for our meals, by saying this prayer: “God is Good, God is Great. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we are fed. Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread. Amen.” Little did I know that my parents were instilling in me, the concept and reality that God is Great, and God is Good and that He has the ability and the desire to sustain me and to deliver me, in any situation, from my fears and my challenges and He has the Power to make me an overcomer! I realized that my God is Great, and He loved me enough to send Jesus to be my sacrifice for my sins and that act of Divine Love, is my promise of deliverance! My God is Good and Great, and I rejoice in the fact that I am His and He dwells within, and He sustains and maintains me! He continues to deliver me from my fears and my shortcomings, and He continues to empower me to achieve His purpose for my living! Even though, I use different words to ask for His blessings on the meals that I partake, I still acknowledge His Goodness and Greatness, and I THANK HIM for the food and foe EVERYTHING that HE Does and Is, for me! Seek Him Daily! He promised deliverance! May your attitude reflect His Grace and His Goodness and Greatness! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WATCH YOUR MOUTH
August 20 Watch Your Mouth! Matthew 12:37
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
The earliest memories of my mother’s instructions for living, included this phrase: “WATCH YOUR MOUTH!” She was attempting to help me to navigate through this life with as minimal amount of conflict as possible. Our words can encourage, and they can hurt and destroy. Our words, as believers, should be edifying to God and to others! Psalms 19:14 tells us to, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Amazingly, so often, I have prayed with faith for a blessing or for healing, for myself and others, then I have proceeded to cancel out my prayer with words of doubt and unbelief! There is a story of an area that was so dry, due to a lack of rain, and the townsfolk decided to have a prayer vigil to ask God for rain to cover their area. Nearly all of the citizens showed up for the prayer time, yet only one little boy brought an umbrella! Folks, we have got to grow in Christ and exercise our FAITH and WATCH OUR MOUTHS! James 1:6-8 tells us: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that waver, is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” When we say one thing and act another, then we are demonstrating a “Double Minded Tendency” and we need to walk in FAITH, Talk in FAITH, Live in FAITH and WATCH OUR MOUTH! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!