"CALL UPON ME, I WILL LISTEN"
September 16 “Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.” Jeremiah 29:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
All, of the greatest moments of my life have been experienced, in prayer and the results of prayer! The scripture passage for today, follows a promise that God made, to provide a future and to offer hope! I feel blessed and privileged to be able to call on my God, and to know that He has promised a “Divinely Guided Future and His Blessed Hope for my Life! You see, prayer, sincere and faith-filled prayer, is the conduit by which we enter His presence and talk with Him and position ourselves to claim His Divine Promises for our Lives! I get excited, each time that I enter the presence of the “UNLIMITED GOD,” especially, when I recognize my “LIMITED” capacity! PRAISE GOD! Because of His “UNLIMITED” provisions, I can live “LIMITLESS!” Folks, the privilege of prayer is a blessing! We can talk to God, and He will listen and answer our prayers! He listens to my “whining and my complaining and still loves me and has promised that He would provide His Grace for my every shortcoming! So, given the promise, and believing His Word, and recognizing His “UNLIMITED” capacity and power, with intensity and with clear focus, call on the Lord, in Faith, and share your burdens and struggles and needs and desires, and leave them at His feet! Every day, in faithful prayer, share your ups and downs and LEAVE THEM WITH HIM! Pray for each other and lift-up our leaders and our friends and neighbors and LEAVE IT THERE! Bring all your burdens to the Lord, put them at His Feet and LEAVE THEM THERE! Guess What? Your Husband or Wife, Your Friends, Your Co-Workers, even Your Pastor may not always listen to you, yet we have a friend, a friend that is closer than a brother, that will listen, hear, and respond to our prayers! What a privilege that we have in Holy and UNLIMITED PRAYER! Exercise the Privilege and Pour Out Your Heart to God and Expect His Blessings, Corrections, and His Provisions! HE WILL LISTEN TO YOU!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
LIVING MORE ABUNDANTLY
September 15 Living More Abundantly John 10:10
**Please Pray for a SPECIAL FAMILY Unspoken Prayer Need**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Amazingly, it is possible to live our lives in a bland and joyless manner. Going through the motions and accomplishing, doing, yet never finding joy in our existence. Unfortunately, this is true of believers, as well as non-believers. Think about it: God has given life so that we can serve Him and to enjoy His Creation. Believers, we need to figure out how to embrace God’s blessings and to enjoy His Bounty! Regardless of the circumstances, we have, the opportunity, to enjoy His Blessings! This is an Attitude, and a conscious Decision! Frustrations and unbelief and struggles, have a tendency, to steal our joy and reduce of quality of living! As we enter each new day, let us choose to leave our problems at the foot of the Cross and believe in our Savior for Joy and Spiritual Bounty! REMEMBER…We Reap What We Sow! Please don’t miss out on the joy that is yours, as a “Birth-right!” May God help us to live our lives, walking in obedience and embracing the blessings and enjoying life! To God Be the Glory…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
NOTICE...
I have posted the devotions for the next 3 days, in advance. I will be unavailable until Wednesday Afternoon. May God Richly Bless you! Pastor Glen
LIBERTY
September 14 “LIBERTY” Galatians 5:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For you, brethren, have been called to Liberty; only do not use Liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
Over the past several weeks, I have been studying the Book of Galatians, and I have discovered such wisdom and guidance from the words of this amazing book. When we consider the role that we play in walking in the Love of Jesus, we must recognize our duty, our calling to serve! Everything that we do, as a Servant of God, should be done with others in mind. Being a Servant of God is an ongoing position where we lay down our own agendas and prejudices and focus on our responsibilities to God. Over the course of this “Pandemic,” I have seen good people, with seemingly righteous intentions, allow a narrow opinion and agenda, to alter their witness and their ability to share Jesus and to serve God. Just a few weeks ago, I witnessed a sad and disheartening display of “Human Emotional Selfish Earthly Pride and Prejudice” being displayed by a seemingly, well meaning, yet obviously misdirected individual. Let me make this crystal clear: Whatever we do, however we act, whatever we say, as a Believer, must, first and foremost, bring honor and glory to God and must be governed by the responsibility of supporting and promoting the message of God’s Love, through Jesus Christ! My opinions, my “feelings,” my earthly thoughts must be surrendered to God for His Service and for His Purpose! If your actions, words, and thoughts are not edifying to God and the Message of the Good News of Christ, then it is time that you did some serious soul searching; on your knees, and ask God to direct your paths, govern your words and temper your actions and to guide your heart, so that you can be the best “Servant” that He desires and expects! Wow! Guess what? GOD IS NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR OPINIONS! GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR SURRENDERED SERVICE FOR HIM! “Forgive me Lord if my opinions have caused others to stumble. Forgive me Lord if my words have caused anyone grief or sorrow. Forgive me Lord, if my actions have not been the “Light” that they need to be, Please Forgive Me Lord…!” Christian Liberty is not a license to gratify your human and earthly opinions, it is solely and uniquely for the purpose of honoring God and promoting the message of Love and Redemption, through the Shed Blood of Jesus! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
(REMEMBER – Those that want to be offended by God’s Truth, will always be offended! You do what God has called you to do and walk in obedience and HE will see you through to the end!!)
REMIND ME LORD...
September 13 “Remind me Lord” Psalm 39:4-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.” (Psalm 39:4-12)
Two days ago, a very good friend, asked me if I was aware of the events and issues that are happening in this world. I believe that he was shocked when I told him that I am fully aware and that I can do nothing to change the progression of God’s eternal plan for this world and all that is going on in it! I am aware of the “shortages” that exist, and I am aware of the “anti-Christian” and “anti-Law & Order” attitudes that have become acceptable in the politics and the behaviors of our land. I am aware of the “Hyper-Sensitivity” of individuals and the tendency of folks to be offended by anything that doesn’t validate their chosen behaviors! Clearly, this world does not want the “rock solid” truth of God’s word to be the standard for thought or behavior. You see, when there are no absolutes, then, one can act and do anything and justify the behavior, because there are no standards! Keep this one fact in your mind: As a Believer, your responsibility is to share the “Good News” with this dark and lost world, and to navigate others into a “Personal Relationship” with Jesus Christ! Again, we are, in the midst, of the eternal plan of God, and we are to prioritize our thoughts and behaviors to edify His will and purpose for our limited, earthly existence. My friend wanted to engage in a conversation that would highlight the evil and active demonstrations of hatred and the lack of moral and civil behavior that is now a part of our culture, and he asked me a question that I was amazed that he asked. “Glen, where is our Hope?” Really? Psalm 39:7 states it clearly… “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you! Dear friends, we have Hope in our Lord, and we have Victory over the attitudes and behaviors of this present day! Let go of the trash that is this world and dedicate yourself to helping others come to Jesus in His Grace and “Saving” power. “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my physical body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work for Him. 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 single day!” I am claiming His Victory Principle, and I am affirming His Power for my Living, and I am affirming that I am the son of the King, who is not moved by this world. My God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS!!! Folks, please be aware that I am fully aware of the issues of the day and the politics and depravity that exists! I refuse to surrender my attitude and my life to the temporal issues of this present moment! My job, my calling, my responsibility is to live for Jesus and to be an example of His Love, Forgiveness and Grace! Every time that I am tempted to speak of the issues of the day, and to allow it to alter my focus, I am shouting to the rooftop: NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Please recognize your role and your place in the plan of God and work for Him until He comes again! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (RePrint)
DO IT NOW!
September 12 Do It Now! James 1:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “…He, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)
There was a dear lady that lived in our community, and she had an old steamer trunk that had a prominent place in her “front” room, and she would tell me that her earthly valuables were stored in this trunk. I was fascinated and curious about her treasures, yet she was always curious over this trunk. I had been doing odd jobs for her for years, and this one day, she asked me if I would like to see her valuables. So, we went into the “front” room, and she opened the trunk and carefully spoke of every item. The one that stood out was the beautiful tablecloth that was milk white and adorned with amazingly detailed lace embroidery. She told me that one day she was going to put it on her table and have a grand dinner party. When she spoke of this future event, she smiled with such anticipation that I was moved, and I anticipated that day. Unfortunately, this dear lady was all alone, and she rarely had any visitors and she spoke, of all the things, that she was going to do in the future. “Someday,” was her favorite word when she described her activities. Sadly, my dear friend passed away without ever having that special dinner. A few days after her funeral, there was a knock at our door and a gentleman asked to come in and talk with us about our dear friend. He went directly to the business and informed me that she had left her steamer trunk and several items to me, in her will. Wow! I was speechless! Mama went with me to the house, the next day, and there it was, that mysterious steamer trunk. I felt a bit strange and was slow to open the lid. I lifted the lid and there it was, that lace tablecloth, yellowed and beginning to be so fragile. There was an envelope on the cloth, addressed to me. I opened the letter and the first words brought tears to my eyes. This dear lady told me to do what I needed to do, now, and do not wait. She gave me instructions on what to do with the bulk of her things and I was overwhelmed. When I think about that tablecloth and the idea of a grand dinner party and the fact that my dear friend never accomplished that dream, I think about all of the missed opportunities that I have had, and the times that I have procrastinated, when I should have been a faithful and active “Doer!” Serving God requires action NOW! Please do not wait until tomorrow…Today is the day to show His Love to this world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
JUST NOT ENOUGH
September 11 “Just Not Enough” Matthew 11:28-30
**Today is the anniversary of a tragic time in our American History. On this day, in September 2001, extreme hatred and the blatant disregard for human life, was tragically and vividly displayed for all the world to see! Since that day, Hatred, and the disregard for life, has continued to grow and examples of this attitude are evident, every day! Living, in the midst, of this prevailing and sad attitude, we must double down on our PRAYER TIME and OUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROMISES AND PROVISION! Stop for a moment today, and honor the memory of those who, were living their lives as usual, and went to their daily activities, and because of the hatred of our way of life, these innocent individuals, paid the ultimate price! HATRED, IN ANY FORM, WILL ALWAYS BE DESTRUCTIVE AND HAS NO PLACE IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY! JESUS CHRIST is the ANSWER to HATRED! JESUS teaches LOVE, NOT HATE! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Wow! There are days when I am so busy that I wonder how I am going to accomplish all that is before me! On those days when I am especially busy, there is a tendency to forgo, or shorten my daily devotional time with God. Amazingly, the busier that I am, the more I need that quiet, alone time with God! The bottom line is, that an abbreviated prayer time is just not cutting it! Believers, we are facing some difficult and trying times, and we must be prayed up, armored up, read up and prepared to face the battle with the Evil One! Listen, we must NEVER neglect our FIRST LOVE, and our SOURCE OF POWER, JESUS CHRIST! Friends, this world exhausts us physically, emotionally and causes us to lose focus on our Spiritual Growth! An abbreviated, short time with God, is simply not going to cut it! We need, we must have extended time with of Savior, for renewal, and for empowerment, and for His sustaining Power and Provision! PLEASE MAKR TIME FOR GOD! It is about your survival, in this hostile and wicked world! He promises REST, so claim it, seek it, and use it! When times get tough, I double my PRAYER TIME! Guess What? The more time that I spend with my God, the more prepared I am for the insanity and challenges of this Evil World! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARY FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BOBBY & RIXIE STEVENS
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MR. TONY ALFORD
KALEA J. PARKER
AM I ALONE IN THIS?
September 10 “Am I Alone in This?” Hebrews 6:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This Hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the presence behind the veil.” (Hebrews 6:19)
There are days when I am satisfied that I must be going crazy! I have asked myself if I am the only one that feels this way and am I the only one that sees the craziness and insanity that is going on! We are all faced with the realities of life, whether we acknowledge it or not. The challenges that come from a “New” normal; that has been thrust upon us, and all that goes with it, creates upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of life cause us to become disillusioned and become a bit fearful. There are times when we feel as if we are adrift in the middle of a raging storm with no “Safe Port” in sight. Folks, I am here to declare that WE DO have HOPE! We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST, and HE IS OUR HOPE!! HE is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all the craziness of this present age, we MUST be firmly and securely attached to our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! You have heard me use this before: “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, we really do need that ROCK, which is JESUS CHRIST! So, the answer to the question is clear…NO, you are not going crazy; crazy things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY!! I am clinging to the anchor, which is my Savior, and when I feel confused and a sense of despair, I grip that anchor rope that gives me peace and strength and ETERNAL HOPE! I pray that you will “ANCHOR DEEP,” and grab hold of the HOPE, read John 3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is found, only in Jesus! Remember – You Are Not Alone!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
FORBEARANCE ...FORGIVENESS
September 9 Forbearance…Forgiveness Colossians 3:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
Is there any among us that are perfect? Is it possible that every one of us have limitations and shortcomings? I am amazed at the necessity, of some, to point out our shortcomings, yet do not acknowledge their own limitations. Several weeks ago, I, in a hurry, put on odd socks, which is difficult, since I have mostly black socks. As I entered the WakeMed main lobby, I encountered a lady, that I have known for years, and she gladly told me that my socks did not match (How and why she noticed is a mystery)! Keep in mind, this dear lady looked as if she had been pulled through a drainpipe, yet she was quick to point out my shortcomings. I think about my limitations, and I appreciate the shortcomings of others. Living with the massive amount of my shortcomings, I have become more tolerant of the shortcomings of others! So, in our daily interactions with others, we are to recognize the need to forgive and to be patient with our fellow travelers. I believe that the “forgiveness” factor is unlimited and that we MUST be tolerant and forgiving of our neighbors. Forgiveness is the most difficult command that humanity deals with. If you expect His Divine Mercy and Forgiveness, then you MUST Forgive! Circumstances do not matter…we MUST Forgive, PERIOD! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SUSAN ANDREWS
TAMMY NARRON
COLBY STATON
THE CHRISTIAN'S JOB DESCRIPTION
September 8 “The Christian's Job Description” Matthew 22:37-39
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Everybody has a job description. Regardless of who you are—a pastor, a church member, or a student—you have a job description. We all do. And they are nothing new. Job Descriptions have been with us from the beginning of time. Adam and Eve had a job description. Noah had a job description. Abraham, Moses, and Saul too. They all had job descriptions. But sometimes we get so immersed in fulfilling the details of our divinely given job description, that we lose sight of the big picture. From time to time, we need to remind ourselves of the mission and purpose that God have ordained for us to follow and to demonstrate, in our daily living. When it comes to summarizing biblical mandates and our responsibilities as believers, no one did it better than our Lord. He was able to get right to the heart of things. Jewish history said that there were 613 laws that needed to be obeyed, but Jesus reduced them to two: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In the midst of the challenges of our commitments, what are the basics of God's job description for us. In many respects, it’s not a job description, but a job prescription—a prescription mandated for us by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1. Paul was cautioning the Corinthians about misusing their Christian liberties, he admonishes: "Whether then you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to Jews or to Greeks or to the Church of God, just as I also, please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." The first description or duty, is to “Seek the Glory of God!” "Whether then you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (10:31). The second duty, is to “Seek the Benefit of Others!” "Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God" (10:32). “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor” (Rom 12:10). The third duty of the Christian, is to “Seek the Salvation of the Lost!” "Just as I also, please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many so that they may be saved" (10:33). Our ultimate duty is to share Jesus with the Lost and to be that “Bright Light” in the Darkness of this Evil World. The Fourth duty is to, “Seek the Likeness of Christ!” "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (11:1). Our job is to Glorify God. This must be our purpose in life, whatever we do, do all to the Glory of God. How are we to accomplish this? By placing the benefit of others ahead of ourselves, by foregoing our liberties so that the lost might be saved, and by pursuing the likeness of Christ. Have we allowed the “world” and its issues to cloud our commitments? Have we allowed the issues of the day to determine our attitudes and actions? Are we living for Christ or are we living for Satan? What God does with you, is entirely, up to you! It always has and it always will! Please allow God to use you for HIS GLORY and not your own! Keep this in your mind…THE WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME; WE ARE JUST PASSING THROUGH! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"I DO"
September 7 “I DO” Romans 12:10-11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:10-11)
Many years ago, when I was a young man, I would eat lunch in a nearby café, where I had the pleasure of meeting a waitress named Betty. Betty was an amazing individual. Regardless of the issues or challenges, Betty always had an amazingly cheerful attitude and a kind word for everyone. One day, after I had observed her in action, I asked the secret of her “Cheerful Attitude,” and she proudly stated, “It is my faith in Jesus and my desire to be a “Doer!” Wow! Since that day, when I lean towards the “Negative,” or feel like slacking off, I remember Miss Betty and her “Doer” attitude. A side note: I learned that Betty’s husband had been killed in a motorcycle accident and one of her sons had died of leukemia and that her mother was in a nursing home, and she was the sole provider for her. With all that she was responsible for and all that she was required to do, she was willing to look at the blessings, instead of the burdens. Not long after I moved to a new job, I went back to the café, just to see Betty, and I was informed that Betty had passed away. The owner said the most beautiful words about Betty. “She was the bright light in this place, and she is missed. She made others want to do, just like her!” Not long after this encounter, I read some instructional words that have stuck with me, and I share them with you today! There is a “DO” list that I perform, every single day. I DO pray for others (Friends and family) every day. I DO greet people with a smile and a cheerful “Hello!” I DO work each day, to the best of my ability, with gratitude for the work ethic instilled in me by my parents, and, with all that is in me, turn my worries over to my Savior. I DO take time, every day to marvel at the magnificent beauty of God’s creation, that is all around me. Guess what? “DOING” is a lot more fun than “NOT DOING!!” Friends, please commit yourselves to being “DOERS of HIS WORD, and NOT JUST HEARERS!” THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BE A HARVESTER IN THIS FIELD OF LOST SOULS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. JEAN O’NEAL
SETH CREECH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
OSCAR & SHIRLEY LANE
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!