STAYING TRULY FOCUSED
November 7 Staying Truly Focused Isaiah 26:3
**Tomorrow, America goes to the polls to elect leaders that will determine the future of our Republic! We are in the middle of radical changes in our way of life, and it appears that Evil has a solid grip on our National Culture. Believers, WE MUST VOTE our CONVICTIONS, regardless of the party affiliation!! If you are pleased with the current conditions, and you support the radical policies and procedures that are being forced upon us, then, Vote your Conscious! Please consider the fact that, as Christians, we answer to a Higher Power, than the earthly political bias and traditions! “Right is always right, and wrong is always wrong!” Make Your Convictions Known…PLEASE VOTE!! **
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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)
Over the past two plus years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. During political and radical ideological changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the insanity of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and desires. How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-moral rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, my upbringing, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and edifying to our Lord and Savior! Over the past several days, once again, the news outlets, driven by their political bias, were “Doubling Down” on the idea that the COVID-19 virus and its variants, have caused increased stress and a spike in mental health issues and that we should vaccinate our children against this public health crisis. Adding to the stresses of life, we are in the middle of a political season, when politicians are promoting the worst of their opponents and distortions of what they actually believe, and how they will serve! “Temperatures are rising, Sea levels are rising, Climate Change is upon us, and we are doomed unless we make radical changes in our way of life!” This is the message of those individuals that would have us believe that sudden destruction is imminent!! (We are being told that, due to “Climate Change,” there is an increased level of anxiety, trauma, PTSD, associated with this phenomenon! WOW! -WRAL-TV 11/04/2022) Then, we hear that mental illness is on the rise and that we are living in a fragile society and the government must act, in order, to save humanity! Really? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distancing and all the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing various levels of depression and disfunction! Friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for Peace! God has promised that, when we are focused on the correct things and when we are committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect Peace,” regardless of the circumstances! For over two years, I have ended each daily devotional, with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires True Focus on what is Real and Just and Edifying to our GOD! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, and now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed O God on Thee, my eyes are now on things above, from worldly yokes, Praise God I’m free, I’m running o’er with Joy and Love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, upon the prize that lies before; all other claims I will reject, My Heart is fixed forevermore. No longer tossed upon the waves, Of sin and doubt but now I sail; within the life boat, JESUS SAVES, No Storms against me shall prevail.” WHAT ARE YOU DWELLING ON? WHAT CONSUMES YOUR DAILY THOUGHTS? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 6, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JAMY WHEELER
BRITTANY MACK
FEAR OR FAITH?
November 6 “Fear or FAITH” Isaiah 41:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
God’s Word makes it crystal clear; we are not to fear! Now, in our humanity, we all experience times of fear and the dread that is associated with fear! So, how are we to live without fear? The reality is that Fear exists, yet we are not to allow Fear to dominate our lives and control our future! I am talking about this thing called Fear because many of us are struggling with the reality and wondering how to overcome the issue. Several months ago, a dear lady asked me how she was to overcome her fear and to live for Jesus, the way that she knew that she should. I told her to recognize that Fear exists and go to God in prayer, asking for victory over the darkness and Fear that is real and difficult, in her life. I told her that Faith in God, and His promises for victory, will allow her to overcome her fears and to grow in His Grace. Daddy used to preach that, “When your Faith increases, your doubts and fears will decrease!” Folks, allow the “Light of God’s Word” to penetrate the darkness of your lives and claim His Power, Provision, Presence and Strength and boldly live your life in order to Honor God and to be a “Light” for God, in this dark and dismal world! I can hear my Daddy now, “Recognize the Fear and do it anyway! God has you in His Hands!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU VOTE! PLEASE GO VOTE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CARRIE SELLERS
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
November 5 “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING” James 5:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
Every Believer is in a battle! We are fighting the same good fight, yet it appears that some are bolder and more effective in this fight! What is the difference? The answer is simple and requires Believers to become great by means of the habit of a diligent and faithful prayer life! We are connected to the Holy Spirit through prayer, and the outpouring of His Power and Provision for our lives, is achieved when we are in a growing state of communication. The work of GRACE, in the hearts of every Believer is achieved through FAITH and PRAYER! We need to be asking our God, through Jesus and The Holy Spirit, to teach us to pray and to develop the habit of coming into His presence often!! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As I observe the chaos and blatant disregard for human life and the systematic decay of our American culture, I recognize the need for more prayer! More Intense and Bold Prayer! Prayer that recognizes the Deity and Lordship of Almighty God and His Power and Presence and Provision, to sustain us and to bring us through this insane and EVIL world, until we, either meet Him in the sky, or He calls us Home to be with Him! In my humanity, I am saddened by the circumstances of our culture, yet in my Spirit, I am encouraged that my time on earth is growing short and that I am going to be in His Presence any day now! FOCUS ON JESUS! REMEMBER HIS PROMISES AND POWER! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE! PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR CIVIC RESPONSIBILTY and GO VOTE!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ISAAC WORLEY
“Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.”
November 4 “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! YOUR VOTE MATTERS! GO VOTE!!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR 11/03/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KAITLIN BAILEY GLOVER
TAMMY PRUDEN
RICKY WATSON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GLEN & CELIA HORTON
NO EXCUSES
November 3 NO EXCUSES Galatians 6:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
Over the past several months, I have been attempting to assist a young man in his struggles with living. The talks that we have had, and the continual phone conversations, and the follow-ups are not producing results! The reason that there is a lack of change is simple! This amazing young man does not fully believe that he has a problem! The fact of the matter is that, if you don’t recognize and acknowledge the problem, then you don’t have a problem! This is true of individuals that I have shared Jesus with! If one is not lost (or does not recognize their lostness), then they cannot be “found!” I am observing this fact, being played out before our eyes, in our society! Just a few days ago, there were 5 innocent individuals, that were killed, and the media, the leaders, the decision makers, were quick to blame an inanimate object and failed to acknowledge the problem, the real problem, or the fact that communities, throughout America, are experiencing violence! In one of our major cities, 50 people were shot over last weekend! Sadly, young men and women are dying, yet we as a society, are turning a blind eye to the violence, and not addressing the “real” and “factual” problem! (Side Note: If every gun, both handgun and long gun, were suddenly and immediately destroyed, violence would continue to occur! It is a “Sin” problem!) We can make excuses for the violence and the destruction of an entire generation of young people, but excuses do not solve the problem! Dear Friends, the problem is SIN! I fully understand that some will be offended by these words, and some will continue to deflect from the problem by declaring that this solution is discriminatory! Please understand, I am ready for humanity to recognize our sinfulness and I am ready to share the life-changing power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, as the solution to our SIN problem! Unfortunately, I am unable to reach every living soul on this planet, however, I am committed to reaching all that is possible! The scriptures are clear! Every one of us are sinners! Romans 3:23 tells us the truth… “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!” The solution is simple, yet so difficult for humanity to recognize! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 tells the truth about God’s desire for humanity! Friends, we are not going to be the catalyst for change for everyone, however, we MUST be the catalyst for change for as many as we can, for as long as we can, until He calls us home to be with Him in Heaven! This requires a proper relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and the exercise of His Grace in every area of our lives and to be ready to assist others along this pathway that we call Life! NO EXCUSES…WE MUST BE ABOUT THE FATHER’S BUSINESS! The world will not recognize the sinfulness of humanity, but we can help, one soul at a time! LET’S GET BUSY MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! REMEMBER TO VOTE!!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ANTHONY HILL
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
CARL & ANNA CREECH
FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER
November 2 FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER 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)
“LIFE IS NOT FAIR!” Wow! This is a concept that is difficult to grasp! We have the idea that we should be treated fairly and justly, yet nothing in this evil and decaying world suggests that we will be afforded this privilege! DO NOT EXPECT to be TREATED FAIRLY, in this Life! People will say and do things that are hurtful and will create issues that you do not deserve to be a part! One of the most difficult things for Christians to do, is to FORGIVE! REMEMBER, there will always be individuals that are going to hurt you, so we MUST continue to FOCUS on our GROWING RELATIONSHIP with CHRIST and our ABILITY to FORGIVE (Armor-up)! As we concentrate on our relationship with our Savior, we are assured that HE is covering us in His Righteousness and holiness, and we are in position to FORGIVE! Jesus Christ came to earth, with the sole mission, to Save Humanity, and HE WAS SUCCESSFUL! HE was TREATED UNFAIRLY, and HE WAS BEATEN, BRUISED and DIED on a RUGGED CROSS, for us… THAT WAS NO FAIR! I am excited that, under the Redeeming Blood of Jesus, I have something that is so much better than FAIR, I have HIM (Jesus Christ)! Praise God, His ways lead to PEACE and LOVE and the ABILITY to FORGIVE! Just as HE FORGIVES, We MUST FORGIVE EACH OTHER! Ephesians 1:7-8 provides the promise… “In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the FORGIVENESS of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding…” HE FORGIVES, and WE MUST ALSO, FORGIVE!!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE! REMEMBER to VOTE!!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
COLIN CREECH
JANE STRICKLAND
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GENE & JENNY BUTLER
THANK YOU
November 1 “Thank You!” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We have so much to be thankful for! We are living in the greatest country in history, and we enjoy the blessings of bounty, freedom, and opportunity for personal prosperity, yet there are so many that are ungrateful and grumpy about their situations. The world and all that it offers, encourages ingratitude, and blame for others and when someone comes along and appears to be grateful for life and the simple things around them, there is an immediate offense by those who choose to be miserable and thankless! Mama used to teach me that I needed to be thankful for each new day and she would find something, in each new day, to be thankful to God, and express that gratitude in her praise and worship. I observe this ungrateful and hate-filled world and I am sad for the despair that exists. What can I do? The answer is simple!! I can live my life with gratitude, and I can share the GOOD NEWS of Hope and Grace and Gratitude, and by being an example of HIS GRACE, I can show this lost and dying world that Hope is available, and attainable, and that Gratitude is possible! Take your eyes off your situation and place your eyes on the Cross! Embrace His Love, His Life and His Promises, and you will have much to be Grateful for!!! May this Thanksgiving time be a time of renewal and re-commitment to witnessing and expressing gratitude for His Amazing Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WANDA CUSTER
BRAD HALES
BRIAN HALES
BRENNAN HALES
HIS Life-Changing LOVE
October 31 HIS Life-Changing LOVE Luke 10:36-37
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So, which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)
One of my favorite parables, is the parable of the “Good Samaritan!” I love the lesson that it teaches and the way in which we should deal with others, regardless of their position in life! Many people passed by this man in need, and because of their own bias and prejudices, walked past him, on the far side of the road. Wow! I must be careful that this doesn’t describe me and my actions! Only one individual showed care and concern and he went the “extra mile,” to take care of the needs of this poor soul. What is the difference between this one man and the others that passed by? The real and lasting difference is “LOVE!” Friends, we are faced with similar choices today! Are we going to be a Strong and Loving Witness for God, in this divided and segmented society, or are we going to demonstrate our own human prejudices and forget the Grace of God and the Blessings of our own Salvation? I truly believe that, as “Born-Again, Blood Bought, Children of God, we must demonstrate intentional and radical LOVE! Over the past several months, I have been talking and teaching about witnessing and sharing Jesus with everyone that we meet, yet if we are not demonstrating this Good News, in our actions and habits, then our words will fall short of the intended purpose! There are desperate needs among our fellow travelers, and there are hurting and needy people that we meet, every day. How will we respond to the needs? Is it true, that everyone needs Jesus? Can we recognize the need, and then work to meet that need? Please Lord, place me in the pathway of those who are in need! The question for today is simple: Will you walk past the needy, or will you stop; help and demonstrate His Real and Radical LOVE? The Bible teaches, my experience proves, that LOVE CHANGES THINGS! This world needs God’s LOVE! This world needs the example of RADICAL LOVE, demonstrated before them, in words and in actions! Let’s be the “Good Samaritan” for this needy world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARY FOR OCTOBER 30, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO DANNY & JEAN HOCUTT
DO NOT BE TROUBLED
October 30 Do Not Be Troubled! John 14:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
Bill Gaither wrote a beautiful song that declares a truth! The sone is, Jesus Is Coming Soon! The lyrics are inspiring; when it says, “Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear. Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake! Humbling your hearts to God, saves from the chastening rod. Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake!” Troubles and trials are here among us! Fear is the weapon of Satan, as he moves about, attempting to destroy our hope and our faith! I am here to tell you that we have nothing to fear! Jesus told His disciples that He would be leaving them, and He left these words of Hope and Comfort! “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” I encourage you to claim the promises of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” We need to Humble, Pray, Seek, Turn, and He will Hear, Forgive, and Heal! In the face of these worldly challenges, “Let not your heart be troubled!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
** Let’s commit to “PUSH BACK THE DARKNESS,” as we serve God and look for the day when we will see Him, face to face! Let Your Light Shine!! I ENCOURAGE YOU TO VOTE! Exam the candidates and test their stance on the moral and ethical issues of our time, and VOTE!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 29, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
AUBREY ANDERSON (16 YEARS OLD TODAY)
MRS. BETTY SHIRLEY
PAM MAYNOR
HAPPY 39th ANNIVERSARY
October 29 Happy 39th Anniversary Genesis 2:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
Thirty-nine years ago today, Annette and I stood at the altar at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC, and publicly proclaimed our love and commitment to and for one another! Almost 4 decades later, that love that was demonstrated on October 29, 1983, is still growing, and progressing (Thank You God). There have been good times and tough times, yet the constant has been our love for one another! Each one of us has matured and mellowed and have become “one,” just as the scriptures say that we should be. Reflecting on this expanding and maturing relationship, I think about our relationship with our God, through the Shed Blood of Jesus. We come to Christ in Faith, and we commit ourselves to growing and nurturing that relationship. The more we commit, the more that we grow, the more that we mature, the more that we become “one” with Him, we become more obedient and more effective in our witness for Jesus. Keep in mind, I am truly blessed that Annette finally relented and said, “I DO!” The FOUR most important days of my life are when I accepted the sacrifice for my sins and claimed Jesus as Savior and the evening that Annette and I proclaimed to the world, “WE DO,” and the birth of our daughter, Kayla, and the Blessing of being Ava’s Nanny & Papa! For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5:30–31). When a man and woman are married, they become one flesh. Regarding Christ and the church, we are all members of Christ’s body. In neither situation, is Paul meaning one physical body, but just a husband is now “joined to his wife,” we are also joined to Christ. We are all one in Christ, just as a husband and wife are one. Take your commitment seriously! Keep growing together! To borrow and adapt a phrase from the US Army: “Be All That You Can Be!”
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ANNETTE! I LOVE AND ADORE YOU AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU SAID, “I DO,” SO MANY YEARS AGO! I AM STILL SAYING, “I DO,” EVERYDAY AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SAY IT UNTIL GOD RAPTURES THE CHURCH OR HE CALLS ME HOME! (4)
Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!