BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
October 14 Being a Good Neighbor Proverbs 11:25
**Please Pray for the victims of the senseless shootings, and their families, that occurred, last evening, in Raleigh. Please Pray for our Communities, Cities, State, and our Nation! Evil abounds and continues to express itself in unspeakable violent acts! This is a “Heart” problem, and Jesus IS the ANSWER to this SITUATION! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
There was a lady, in our neighborhood, that had a “bad” reputation and most of the community avoided her. It came to my mother’s ears that this woman was very sick and had no one to help her. Mama went into action! She made her famous “Chicken Noodle Soup,” and homemade crackers and away she went to this lady’s house. She knocked on the door and when the woman opened the door, mama found a pitiful and sad sight. This lady was dirty, and her house smelled, and it was a mess. Mama took over and instructed her to eat and mama (oh yeah, I was along for the labor to come), and I began the “seek and cleanse” operation. Within an hour, the house was clean and straight, and it smelled good. This lady resisted, at first, yet finally relented, and mama gave her a bath! When she emerged from the bathroom, she had undergone an amazing transformation. Mama instructed me to pull back the covers on the bed and this renewed lady climbed into her clean bed. When we finally left, mama had instructed her to call when she had any needs, and we would be right there. Over the next few days, we visited her and kept her house straight and provided food until she was able to take care of herself. The sad and shocking reality, at least for me, was the reaction from mama’s church group (the Ladies Mission Group). Many of the ladies were shocked to find out that mama had been in this woman’s house, much less, cleaned and fed her. As I reflected on the reactions of these ladies and the way that they treated Mama, I was hurt and confused! In Luke’s Gospel, the Good Samaritan had found a man, robbed, stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left for dead. Many of the “religious” folks, ignored the injured man, yet this Samaritan, had compassion on this man’s condition, and his compassion was not defined by his status or ethnicity or his religious beliefs, and he put him on his donkey and took him to the closest Inn and told the Innkeeper, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back (Luke 10:29-35)!” I asked Mama about the reactions of her friends, and she told me that she was responsible for her own actions and that they would have to account for their actions. She went on to explain that we are called to love and minister to everyone, regardless of their position or condition, in this life! Reflecting on the world’s conditions, and the anointing of God on my life, I recognize that “EVERYONE” is my “NEIGHBOR,” and I have a responsibility, under the saving Blood of Jesus,” to be a “Good Neighbor” to all! So, who should we be “Neighborly” to? Who is it that we should be generous to? The command to “Love our Neighbor” is a solid and firm instruction! Why don’t we give it a try? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 13, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JIMMY BERGERON
PREPARE FOR THE BATTLE
October 13 Prepare for the Battle Mark 13:9–11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me, you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested, and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13: 9-11)
A few months ago, I was in the Zebulon Walmart, and I was having a private conversation with one of my fellow pastors, and he was discussing the challenges of the ministry and I said that it has become difficult to minister, in an atmosphere of “folks being offended by everything” mentality and a “fluid” standard that moves, in order, to validate behavior. Keep in mind, we were not talking to this individual and we were outside of the building, and we were 6 feet away from him. This man decided that he should inject himself into our conversation and express his opinion to us and straighten us out! First, why did he think that he had the right to say anything to us? How is it that he felt that he should “correct” our thoughts? I responded to him in a kind and gentle manner. I posed some questions to him and waited for a response. My Pastor friend was not as patient, and he was ready to go 10 rounds with this man. This man’s response was so very sad. He said that we should practice what we preach and that we were, obviously, hate filled and that is why he didn’t attend any church. Wow! How interesting! This young man did not know us, and he had no clue of our lives or thoughts or our mission in this life, yet because he had formed an opinion, based on the “acceptable” thoughts of the day, he felt compelled to “straighten us out!” Folks, listen to me…we are living in “perilous times,” and the standards of God’s Word are, absolutely, offensive to this world. Think about what is acceptable today! A State in this country has deemed it necessary to have, in department stores, a section of toys that are “gender neutral” and “pronoun sensitive!” A move to replace “Columbus Day” with Indigenous People’s Day, and other sad expressions of the desire to erase history and replace it with some politically correct scenario that promotes the radical, anti-Christian agenda of the satanic driven minions. Political and public figures, that are standing for biblical morals, are being reviles and denigrated for their thoughts and beliefs. We have reached the point, in America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, that if you say anything that is offensive to the “popular” anti-Christian culture, you are deemed a racist, homophobic, misogynistic…. How long will it be before the Bible and those who have claimed Jesus as Savior, will be seen as “People of Hate” and the culture of “anything goes,” will move to “silence” us? How long will it be before “Preaching God’s Word” will be considered “Hate Speech?” It is coming, God’s Word informs us of the challenges to come! So, here is the message for today! Regardless of what this world demands, we MUST stay true to God’s Word, God’s Plan for our lives and we MUST remain committed and faithful, even in the face of ridicule and harassment! Satan and his minions are busy, spreading the hatred and chaos and the idea that there are no absolutes or standards! I claim the Victory in Jesus and I pledge to stand against the Devil and share His LOVE and His Joy and His Peace and His Strength, even in the face of opposition and peril! Folks, the time is coming that persecution will be the acceptable behavior for a lost and hate-filled culture! Remain Obedient, Continue to Grow in His Grace, continue to “Hide God’s Word in your heart,” Stand Strong and “Armor Up” for the battles that are ahead! Do not fear nor be weary… Through Jesus, we are Overcomers! The scriptures tell us of our victory…“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). We Win! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 12, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NEAL DRIVER
ANNA WALTERS
LET "JOY" ABOUND
October 12 Let “JOY” Abound Proverbs 16:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Our JOY is not determined by our circumstances! Our JOY is not about good or bad situations or events! True JOY, His JOY is about our commitment to Him and His Promises of Power, Presence and Provision, for every circumstance! Our delight, and our attitudes are not about balmy weather or ice-covered roads or hot days or frozen nights, or any other circumstance, it is about COMMITMENT! God Loves Us Enough, That He Sent Jesus to SAVE Us, and to SUSTAIN Us! We flourish when we are growing in HIS GRACE and in HIS Power and in HIS AMAZING GRACE! When we are growing stronger, each day, in our Faith, we are prepared for the challenges of living, and we are ready to enjoy the fruits of our relationship with Almighty God! JOY is a product of HIS GRACE, and our receiving HIS GRACE, and living each day, claiming HIS BLESINGS! Circumstances, situations, worldly challenges do not determine our JOY! God’s JOY is so much more than circumstances! Our JOY, Our Security, our future is dependent on our growing relationship with God! Give Your Life to God, Today, and Live for HIM, growing and loving and sharing and being what HE has Called you to be! Please Lord, Grant us the courage, wisdom, determination, and vision to claim YOUR Promises and to walk in YOUR AMAZING GRACE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
DELIGHT IN THE LORD
October 11 Delight in the Lord Psalm 37:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“Delight” is an interesting word. It has such a deeper meaning than what we might think. “Delight” is followed by “also,” in today’s scripture passage. It implies that our “Delight” is to be greater than our present capacity and expanding to be more our present “Delight!” Our Call, Our Duty, Our Privilege is to “Delight in the Lord!” We do this, by rejoicing in the Lord and to come before Him with Thanksgiving and Anticipation of His Gracious Provision. Desires are things that we want to receive. It is sort of like your desires for Christmas and the “loot’ that you will haul in! For our desires to be fulfilled, we must have hearts that are sincere and dedicated and committed to His will for our lives. You see, in God, what we are to do is “Delight,” then what we receive is “Desires,” as they become one. We must align our delighting and desiring, so that it honors Him and that our focus is on His Grace, His Promises, His Glory, and His “Desires” for our lives! God has promised, to us, the “Desires” of our Hearts, however, it requires our dedicated commitment and surrender to HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES! Relationship is KEY! I pray that you will embrace His Promises and live to bring honor and glory to God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 10, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. LUNA PARRISH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
STAN & TAMMY PRUDEN
BEING PERPETUALLY PREPARED
October 10 Being Perpetually Prepared Isaiah 26:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
I heard a story about a new hired hand that was trying to wake up the boss, when he realized that a big storm was coming towards the farm. He banged on the door, yet no one came. He, finally, threw rocks against the side of the house, and, finally, the farmer came to the door to inquire what was going on. “There is a big storm with high winds coming! We need to secure the animals and secure the barns!” The farmer told the hired hand to calm down. “Go back to bed, I’ve already taken care of things. I do it every night so I can sleep through storms!” There are some folks that seem to be anxious and troubled and unsettled in every aspect of their lives. There again, there are others that are calm and serene and seemingly unmoved by the turmoil and challenges of this life. So, it begs the question: What is the secret of inner peace? As my Daddy used to tell me (over and over), “Opportunity favors a prepared mind!” I believe that one important key to peace is preparation! The farmer wasn’t afraid of the storm because he had prepared for the storm. Believers, as Christians, we need to prepare ourselves to handle the adversity and challenges that are coming our way, by placing our complete trust in the Lord. Remember John 16:33! Be in a state of perpetual preparedness! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Armor -up… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 9, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DONNIE COLEY, JR.
PUSHING AWAY THE DARKNESS
October 9 “Pushing 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!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GERALD PRICE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
ROBBIE & TAMMY EDWARDS
REMAINING FAITHFUL, REGARDLESS ......
October 8 “Remaining Faithful, Regardless” Psalm 31:23-24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Oh, love the Lord, all you, His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24)
Have you ever felt all alone or in a barren and dry time? In those times, when it feels as if you are facing the challenges and struggles of this world, as a single soldier, in this overwhelming conflict, we MUST remember and cling to HIS PROMISES! We MUST seek God as our source of power and HIS PROMISE of holding us secure in HIS LOVE. We MUST recognize our gifts and talents and utilize these blessings, to the utmost. In these downtimes, we MUST feed our souls with HIS WORD! We MUST read, study, and prepare to SHARE HIS LOVE! We MUST continue to reflect HIS BEAUTY, inside and out! Remember, that we REPRESENT the GOD of THE UNIVERSE, and that HE IS OUR SOURCE AND SUPPLY! We MUST encourage ourselves! We MUST talk to ourselves and speak positive and affirming words of encouragement and strength, as we face the obstacles and challenges, and claim the reality and accept HIS POWER to OVERCOME! We MUST live our lives with DELIBERATE and INTENTIONAL DEPENDENCE on our AMAZING GOD! As Born-Again Believers, we WILL face challenges and difficulties! We MUST cling to the PROMISE: “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER
October 7 Brother Against Brother Matthew 5:11-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
This world is becoming difficult for the true believer. Sharing Jesus, and His Love, has become offensive and the sharer has the potential, to be considered, to be spreading “Hate Speech!” Sadly, none of us are insulated from the Evil and the Chaos that Satan is churning up among God’s people. A few years ago, I was asked to intervene in a “Squabble” between two brothers. It was difficult to “cut through the hyperbole,” in order, to determine the cause of the riff. Finally, I determined that one brother had shared the Plan of Salvation with the other brother, and the brother that heard the message was totally and completely offended. “How dare he say that I am a sinner! I could tell you who is the sinner!” I forgot to mention that these boys are twins! They have been together, doing things together, dating sisters, marrying sisters, yet, about this one thing and about the message of Christ, the one brother broke ranks and began to criticize the other and say terrible things about him and his God. Finally, I realized that the brother that shared Jesus with the other, was doing it out of Love for his twin. Now, the brother that was on the receiving end of the message was having no part of this, in his words, fantasy! They were shouting at one another and saying terrible things to and about one another and I, in a stern and loud voice, told them to stop it and sit and listen! I was praying, in my spirit, that the Holy Spirit would provide the words necessary to calm the situation and to touch the brother that was offended and to minister to the brother that shared Jesus, in order, to bring the “Lost” brother to Christ! The one brother got up and stormed out of the house and there was the, well intentioned, brother, with tears in his eyes. The brother that left, before leaving, said some hurtful and “hate-filled” words to his twin brother. The brother that was left with me, looked at me and asked, “what can I do now?” I told him that he had to be aware that his brother had to make up his own mind and that all he could do is share the life changing message of Jesus Love, and the Holy Spirit would handle the outcome. Then he asked how he was to handle the hateful and hurtful words of his twin, the one individual that was the closest to him, in every way. I shared this scripture for today: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Remember, God’s Word is offensive to this world, and we must “Armor Up” and keep serving Him, regardless of the worldly challenges, even if it is our own brother! As Dr. Jeremiah says, “Just Keep Going!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARY FOR OCTOBER 6, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
CHARLIE & HANNAH NORWOOD
OPEN YOUR EYES
October 6 “Open Your Eyes” John 4: 35
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:35)
When I was a small boy, I remember people talking about having a burden for lost folks and I was amazed why they were not busy getting these people found! As I have grown, I understand the process of this “Burden!” When I walk into the Walmart or into the Walgreens, I wonder if these folks are “saved” and if they are “Found.” Early on, in my Christian Life, I was aggressive and, downright irritating, as I shared Jesus with folks. A wise and loving believer shared with me the rules of Love and Sharing Jesus effectively. “You need to build relationships with those around you with the explicit purpose of opening the door to share the gospel with them!” The mission of the Gospel is not just for the Preacher, it is for every believer! Folks, “Lift up your eyes,” and build relationships and share His Love, so that our families and our friends will be with us in Heaven! These words… “Lift up your eyes,” are not a suggestion, but a command! We are to love one another and to walk in Obedience and that requires sharing His Love with others! Lord, give us strength and power to be Bold for You…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!