LOVE LIKE JESUS
September 6 Love Like Jesus John 13:34
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Setting standards and establishing acceptable behaviors can be challenging to parents. From the time that Kayla was old enough to understand, I have taught her to be aware of her surroundings and to know who, is around her, always. It happened that one day, Annette had bent down to pull a pot from the cabinet and Kayla, at the same time, had pulled the drawer out; that just happened to be above where Annette was bent down to retrieve the pot. Annette stood up and banged her head on the drawer that was still pulled out. Annette shouted, “Kayla, REALLY!” Kayla’s response was priceless, “Mama, Daddy says that you need to be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you, at all times!” Obviously, Annette was still challenged, yet she affirmed Daddy’s words and moved on. Annette and I, both, resisted the urge to say, “Do what I say, not what I do!” There were times that it would have been so appropriate, however, it wasn’t right when I heard it, as a youth, and it is not right today! Mama had a standard that she lived by, and she expected me to follow her example. My dear Mother was committed to treating others the way that she expected to be treated. That is exactly what Jesus did! His motto was, “Do as I say AND as I do!” In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the Apostle Paul spoke of unconditional love, and I recognize these words as a description of the way that Jesus loves us! “Love is patient, Love is Kind. It does not Envy, it does not Boast, it is not Proud. It does not Dishonor others, it is not Self-seeking, it is not easily Angered, it keeps no record of Wrongs. Love does not Delight in Evil; but Rejoices in the Truth. It Always Protects, Always Trust, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres. Love Never Fails. But where there are Prophecies, they will cease; where there are Tongues, they will be Stilled; where there is Knowledge, it will pass away.” Think about this: If we are to be “Christ-Like,” and, if we are to “Reflect the Love of Jesus,” then we must do as HE SAYS, AND WHAT HE DID!! I wonder what our human relationships would be if we were to be patient with others, and not judge others, and if we were less prideful and stubborn and were forgiving of others. Paul is telling us to, “LOVE LIKE JESUS!” Are we living by this standard? Are we demonstrating the Love of Christ, to our fellow travelers, through this journey of life? When we are all about growing in our relationship with Jesus, then, we will, naturally, increase our capacity to LOVE OTHERS! When we are confronted with a challenging “Love-Challenge,” what are we to do? In every challenge and in every opportunity, I ask myself, “What would Mama do?” Immediately, I shift gears and go to the eternal solution, for all the “Ills” of humanity… “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO AND HOW WOULD HE LOVE, IN THE SITUATION?” Folks, this is not a suggestion, for the believer! This is a COMMANDMENT!! “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JOHN COOKE
GENE BUTLER
A HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY TO RONNIE FAULKNER
A HEAVENLY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RONNIE & JENNENE FAULKNER
GO AHEAD
September 5 “Go Ahead!” Exodus 4:12
**On this “Labor Day” 2022, we awaken to a world that is troubled and decaying, and an entitlement attitude and expectation levels that are unsustainable. Evil is rampant and attitudes and morals (basic standards of behavior and civility) are rapidly becoming unrecognizable to anyone with a secure moral foundation that is a product of a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ! That which is “Right,” is deemed “Wrong,” and that which is Truth, is declared a “Lie,” and the Evil continues to grow! “Let not your hearts be troubled!!!” This is the Divine Plan of God, as He prepares to fulfill His Promises and His Plans for Humanity! This kind of attitude and behaviors will continue, and grow worse, until Jesus returns to claim His Church! Get Ready, Seek Jesus, Claim His Grace and Love, and Armor-up for the battle, and get your Spiritual House in order! It will not be long, and Jesus is coming again! I have HOPE for TOMORROW, not because of this World, but because of HIS LOVE and HIS AMAZING and SAVING GRACE! Share HIS Love with others and continue to Serve Him!!**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12)
Have you ever been required to speak in front of a large crowd? Have you ever been fearful to talk in front of a group? If you have, then you are in the top ten of the most fearful things to do in the United States. I think back to the days when I was petrified to speak in public. My earliest recollections of the fear of speaking in front of a crowd was the time that Mrs. Carter, my Sunday School Teacher, had we children, recite a Bible Verse, before the entire congregation, on a Sunday Morning! I remember, clearly my response when I learned of her intent. “Miss Carter, I can’t do this!” She was always ready for a teachable moment, and she took advantage of this moment to share a story of another fellow that said that “he couldn’t!” She told me of the struggle that Moses faced and the promise from God! She made me look up and read this scripture to her. “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” She told me that God would be with me and provide what I needed to say when I needed to say it. I did recite the scripture and I was nervous, and I was “shaking in my boots,” but Miss Carter’s words and her faith in me, provided the “kick” that I needed to claim God’s provision and power and to “Stand up and Go Ahead!” That event was over 60 years ago, yet I still am a bit anxious when I speak before a crowd, and I am a bit anxious when I share Jesus with an individual. When you speak up for Jesus, will you be nervous? In all, likelihood, the answer is yes! Remember, ask God to replace your fears and concerns for the focus on Him and His words that you should say. The Bottom Line: Replace your Fears with Faith! So, I leave you with the admonition from Mrs. Estelle Carter… “Go Ahead!” With, the exception of my parents, this precious lady had the greatest influence on my early Spiritual Life and Actions! As Believers, we are required and expected to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, with everyone that we encounter! So, just “GO AHEAD!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
HARMON GLASOC
RAY “PAPA” HALE
SURRENDERING YOUR THOUGHTS
September 4 Surrendering Your Thoughts Luke 5:22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, ‘Why are you thinking these things in your heart?’” (Luke 5:22)
The way that we think and the things that we dwell on are critically important in our Spiritual Journey! In a portion of Proverbs 23:7, it says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he!” We are all aware that our thoughts are often conflicted. Many thoughts rush through our heads and the results are often guilt, despair, doubts, fears, uncertai9nties, anger and a host of other thoughts! Often, our thoughts are controlled by the circumstances, of the moment, and we experience anger over the circumstances, and we worry about what is going to happen, and we start complaining about everything! I have witnessed, during the struggles of this Pandemic and the surge of the Delta variant, ad our present political environment, a harsh and distressing reality. Many, including Professing Believers, are allowing the circumstances of the day to dictate attitude and behavior. Dwelling on the issues of the day can cause anger, tensions, frustrations, confusion, helplessness, worry, and extreme anxieties that we need not be involved with! (FYI---A FACT OF LIFE: WE CANNOT CHANGE THE WAY THAT THE WORLD IS GOING! GOD’S PLAN WILL UNFOLD AND HIS PROPHESIES WILL BE FULFILLED!) Are you focusing on the crazy, upside down, evil happenings? Are you consumed by the “News of the Day?” When we are under the Blood of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is guiding and sustaining us, we are not going to understand the insanity of this age! How can we understand the satanic evil that is happening? Who would believe the absolutely insane activities and political rhetoric that has become the standard for human behavior? I have stopped allowing the “Rot” and “Insanity” to constantly enter my mind! I have limited my, so called, “News,” to the weather and the general highlights of the day. Folks, Evil is running rampant throughout our world. The very survival of nation, as we know it, is under attack. “COMMON SENSE” is dying a slow and painful death! Ridiculous and insane concepts are being adopted as the way that we should think and act, and these Evil motivated actions are draped in Satanic intent!! So, what are you thinking? Are you dwelling on the obviously evil and twisted thoughts and actions of the day? Can you imagine, that in New York City School System, the idea of “Class Rankings” is on the “Chopping Block,” because, God Forbid, that any child would “Feel” inadequate or less than their neighbor. It is proper and “A Must,” to destroy an unborn child, yet you can go to jail if you destroy a tree or a “striped newt!” Do you understand? Are you engaged in the lunacy of this day? Does it really matter what the world is doing? Well, not for me! Yes, I must live, in this world, and I have to navigate through the situations that exists, however, I refuse to be a part of the insanity!!! So, what’s next? I am focused on the fact that this is not my home and that I am just passing through! I am praying and I am watching, and I am surviving; and I am attempting to share Jesus with as many people as possible, until God calls me home! Just remember… as a Believer, He has set us free, even in the midst, of all, of the mayhem, and insanity that dominates our world. Claim His freedom and be set free! What are you thinking? Are you Dwelling on the world? Surrender Your Thoughts and Actions to God and Live for Him, not the World! Please don’t worry…When we are HIS, and HE dwells in us, we are GREAT! I am living the VICTORY PRINCIPLE: “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, Renewing, and healing my body, bringing power to my mind, Giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of Life. All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank Him every day!” NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!! What God does with you, depends on what you do! It always has, and it always will! Control what comes into your mind and continue to serve Him in obedience and do not Fear! MY GOD HAS THIS!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
TRUE FREEDOM
September 3 True Freedom John 8:32
**Today’s Headlines speak of actions by others that are deemed inappropriate and offensive! Amazingly, we, as a society, have become so sensitive to every word and action of others, and it seems to be appropriate for us to verbalize our offense, and to highlight and promote our offense and injury. Wow! We have become so super sensitive to every word and action, and the idea that we MUST be offended by anything that conflicts with our thoughts and ideas, traps us in the bondage of Satan and his evil plans! Freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ, and His Grace! Move your “Feelings” off your hand and concentrate on the one that can truly set you free! I continue to Pray for our Nation, Our Leaders (even when I disagree with their direction), Our Churches and Our World! Come “Quickly Lord, Come Quickly”**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:32)
Much of my early life was characterized by insecurity and shyness and fear! It was difficult for me to face the reality of my fears and insecurities, yet it was the only way to overcome the debilitating effects of the reality! Amazingly, I felt as if I needed to please everyone and that I wasn’t quite good enough to meet the challenge, so I retreated into my “shyness,” and endured a “surface” relationship with others and would never place myself in an uncomfortable position. Fascinatingly, from the time that I was aware of others, my parents had encouraged me and told me that I was special, yet I felt a sense of inadequacy and limited abilities to meet expectations of others. Daddy invited a young evangelist to come and hold a “Revival” service, and it was at this service, on a Sunday night, that I heard those words that gave me hope! He said that Jesus, “came to make us whole, and to heal the brokenhearted, and to restore the fractures within our lives, and to give us courage to overcome, and to make us acceptable to God!” Well, it was time! Daddy & Mama had been teaching about Jesus, and sharing His glory, since I was a baby, yet this was the time that I heard the Holy Spirit call for me! I did walk the aisle, and I did receive Jesus into my heart, and I did experience a change! Wow! For the first time in forever, I felt that I was worthy of the life that I had been given and I felt a freedom, inside and out! Now, I still am a bit shy, and I still have to “push myself,” to deal with crowds, yet I am fully aware that I am justified through HIS Grace, and I am going to be “OK!” Listen, many folks, are walking around in “Bondage,” and struggling with each day! I pray the same pray, at some point in the day, every day: “Dear Lord, please help me to face the reality of my life and remind me that I am free because of your Love for me. Help me to embrace Your Love and freedom and help me to never be bound again in bondage! In the name of Jesus, Amen!” Does this describe you? The solution is simple: JESUS CHRIST IN YOUR LIFE AND THAT’S THE TRUTH! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
September 2 “Pray Without Ceasing!” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
**Wow! The President of the United States, who campaigned as the “Great Uniter,” has declared that those who disagree with him, and his policies, are destroying “Democracy!” Sadly, the definition of “Democracy” has been altered from what I learned, as a student, in American History! Please be aware that this re-defining of what is right and wrong, will continue until Jesus returns! SO, what are we to do? We are to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Pray for our Country, Our Leaders, and Each Other!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
Isn’t it wonderful? We can go to God anytime, and anywhere, and we can talk to Him about anything! What a true privilege that we have to go to Him with our needs and our praise and our gratitude for all that He has provided for our eternal life! The “Pray without Ceasing” command, has caused me some difficulties, over the years. How am I to pray constantly, when I am engaged in the activities of any given day? My dear Daddy shared some words of wisdom with me, and I have embraced the privilege since that day! He said, “Son, it is your attitude and your focus!” Listen, you do not have to walk around mumbling words to God, however, we must be concentrated and focused on God and be in position to talk to Him, always! Having the profound privilege of being able to communicate with the Father God, through Jesus Christ, should create within our beings the absolute need to shout “Thank-You” to God! Think about this scripture! What a divine privilege to be able to “Pray about Everything, and to be Grateful about Everything!” ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ABOUT ANYTHING… Prayer is the key to Spiritual Growth and to achieve a growing and closer relationship with the Father, through the Son! With a THANKFUL Heart, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"PRAY-ER' OR "WORRY-ER"
September 1 “Pray-er” or “Worry-er” Philippians 4:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Amazingly, I have found, over the years, that people who do not pray, are usually great worriers. Without a constant and continuous communication with our Savior, we certainly have a lot to worry about! This passage of scripture makes our position clear. We are not to be victims of fate or circumstances! We are children of God, and we are a part of His family and we have been promised and provided the power for living and the opportunity to overcome worry and to live victoriously. We do not have to live in fear, and we do not have to live under the circumstances. God instructs us and encourages us to bring our issues and circumstances to Him. He tells us to “let your requests be made known to God!” Folks, when we pray, we need to be specific! Many years ago, a dear Pastor friend, told me to “Target” my prayers! I asked him what he was talking about, and his answer was eye opening. He said, “Don’t be a shotgun prayer!” He clarified this when he said, “Glen, don’t be a pray-er that says, ‘God bless everyone, God help everyone, and be with the missionaries around the globe!’” He told me to “BE SPECIFIC” when I bring my petitions to God. He went on to say that I needed to be dedicated in my prayer life, so that I would not be an active “worrier.” We need to be “Grateful” that God has provided the avenue of prayer and has invited us into His presence through prayer! We need to be thankful and excited that God hears and answers our prayers. So, I leave you with this to ponder: “WHY WORRY WHEN YOU CAN PRAY?” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 31, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNIE O’NEAL
UNITY VERSUS DIVISION
August 31 “Unity versus Division” Psalm 133:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Over the ages, individuals have attempted to unite humanity through conquest and fear. On the other hand, Jesus unites people, not by conquest or fear or by force, but He unites by LOVE! Growing up in the sixties and witnessing the social changes that were necessary and the hope-filled proclamations of men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the words of hope for a people and a nation, I am sorrowful for humanity, that we are experiencing a purposeful division and separation of various peoples, for purely political power and prominence! On August 28, 1963, some 100 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves, a young man named Martin Luther King climbed the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to describe his vision of America. More than 200,000 people-black and white-came to listen. They came by plane, by car, by bus, by train, and by foot. They came to Washington to demand equal rights for black people. And the dream that they heard on the steps of the Monument became the dream of a generation. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day out in the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character. I have a dream today” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr). Dr. King, as a Christian, realized that hatred was divisive, and Love was a uniter! Embracing the Love of God and the command to “Love our Neighbors,” is the answer to the conflicts among peoples. Isn’t it sad, that after 58 years, since Dr. King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, that the message of Love and the message of hope, has been diluted into a fragmented and divided population, all in the name of some false narrative! True unity will come when we embrace the Love of God and demonstrate that Love, in our relationships and interactions with others! Guess what? God’s Love is for ALL PEOPLE! The Word says, “For whosoever…!” Church, we MUST present the LOVE OF GOD to this divided and sinful world! The only Hope for Humanity is the Love of God, through the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ! May we be slow to criticize and quick to encourage! May we be less judgmental and more accepting of our differences! May we be steady in demonstrating our Faith and less contentious in our witness! May we be uncompromising in our convictions yet, be considerate to all that we meet! May we be “Christ-Like” in every area of our lives! Keep Growing! Keep Believing! Keep Claiming! Keep Sharing Jesus with all that you encounter! Make a difference, ONE SOUL AT A TIME! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
**Satan is having a “field-day” in this world, in 2022. The concept of toddlers being able to determine the gender of THEIR choice, Anti-Christian attitudes, Hatred and Evil being disguised as “righteous” protection of our “democracy,” bias and fraud in the dispensing of “justice,” the idea that schools are indoctrination systems versus places of education (reading, writing, arithmetic), and a host of other twisted and perverse actions and ideas that are contrary to a healthy and prosperous society. It is Time that we should be GENUINE and REPRESENT the LOVE of GOD to this EVIL and PREVERSE WORLD! Regardless of what will come, we MUST stay Strong, Stay Focused, and be what God expects! Do Not Be Deceived! Please be aware of the “insanity” that exists, even when it is under the guise of “helping the people!!” The Only Help for this World is JESUS CHRIST and HIS LOVE!**
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 30, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROLINE CREECH
REV. RICKY ANDERSON
DONNA JOHNSON
MRS. JOYCE CREECH (MY FAVORITE JOYCE CREECH)
KATIE MOORE
AMBER PITTMAN
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!