LISTENING

May 2                 “Listening…”             Psalm 89:15

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.”  (Psalm 89:15)

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, someone decided that we would surprise one of our neighbors with a community wide birthday party for one of the men in our community that was always helping and doing something for someone else.  The idea was that several folks would flag him down, as he drove home, and redirect him to the church fellowship hall.  Sounded like a great idea, however, as he was driving home, this band of individuals appeared out of nowhere and began to flag him down, but his reaction was not expected.  The crowd was yelling and waving their hands, yet he did not stop.  Finally, he caught sight of his grandson, and he stopped.  Once he was stopped and got out of his car and inquired about why they were flagging him down, he was informed that the entire community was gathered at the fellowship hall for a surprise birthday celebration, just for him.  That is when we discovered why he didn’t stop initially.  He was listening to “Beach Music,” and he was playing it very loud, and he was in deep thought about days gone by and he simply ignored the sounds of our yelling and waving our hands. When he arrived at the hall, he stepped inside and he spoke these words, “I almost missed all of this, because I was listening to the wrong thing!”  As I have pondered the implications of this event, and his words, it has made me stop and think.  Am I listening to the wrong sounds? Am I concentrating on the sounds of the world and missing the sound of my Lord speaking to me?  The scriptures warn us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8) … We need to be alert, and we need to be listening for the sounds of our Heavenly Father and not the constant droning of this world and the evil, distracting sounds that exist.  God is constantly speaking to us and guiding us, so we need to be “Listening” to His Call!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY 1, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ANGIE BRYANT

ROBIN PEARCE

BRUCE HOCUTT

READY TO SHARE...

May 1       READY TO SHARE…          Matthew 9:37-38

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

The morning after I claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, I understood the necessity to share my experience and to offer His Good News to others. The challenge was that I was a bit timid and shy, and it was difficult for me to share Jesus with others. What would they think? How would they respond? It was hard to share Jesus, especially when I was unsure of how it would be received. I asked Daddy how it was that he seemed to be able to share Jesus with everyone and that it didn’t seem to bother him, at all, how they might respond, or what they might think. He told me that the “Harvest belongs to the Lord, and that I belong to the Lord, and it was a privilege and a duty to offer the same life-changing opportunity to others.” He said that I should think about the Gospel as a “burning” story that I would share with my buddies and my acquaintances! He basically told me to “Gossip the Gospel!!” The more that I have matured in my spiritual walk, and the greater my confidence in His Holy Provision, and the Eternal Rewards that are awaiting me, I get excited about helping others avoid a “Hot Burning and Eternal Fiery Hell!” We are told that the “Harvest is Great!” Statistics inform us that people born after 1970, a whopping 96 % do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ! Pat attention…we are a mere 4 percentage points from being a completely pagan and anti-Christian nation! Do you think that we have a responsibly, a duty, a calling, an obligation to assist others in avoiding Hell and to live in the “Abundance” of His Grace? Share the Good News of Jesus with others, pray for fellow believers as we share our faith and the Good News with others, and live your life so that others can see the miracle of Jesus’ Love in You! Dear Lord, make me a channel of Your Grace and Your Blessings! Prepare me to be the conduit for the Lost Souls that I encounter and make me to be the witness that You expect!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 30, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CRYSTAL BAKER

WILL FULLER

MR. AARON JOHNSON (93rd)

"REAL AND LASTING PEACE"

April 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!

"GIVING ..."

April 29               “Giving…”                Acts 20:35

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

From my earliest recollections, I was shown the need to be a “Giver.”  Mama was, absolutely, adamant that we should help the less fortunate and do it boldly and with conviction.  When anyone, and I mean, anyone, was down or in need, in our little community, Barbara was the first on the scene to help, in her special way.  When I think back, Mama was the “Original First Responder” for the Spring Bank Community!  I often think about the witness and the lessons that she taught me, even when she was just being “Barbara!”  I can hear her now, “Giving is better than receiving!”  I was truly convinced that my dear sweet mother had slipped her cog, yet, when I witnessed the joy that was hers when she would prepare one of her amazing meals or bake her famous “Carrot Cake,” or slip a few dollars to one in need, I saw the expression of satisfaction and completeness in my mother!  By the way, there were times that we were the needy, yet, for Mama, we were blessed, and we had a spiritual responsibility to honor God’s Word!  Mama was a living and working example of the scripture passage for today!  Dear Friends, we have a responsibility, to help one another and we are instructed to love one another, and we are expected to help the weak and less fortunate and we are to do it, not out of some obligation, but from a heart that is faithful and from a position of Obedience.  I am grateful for my “Living “example, of God’s meaning of “It is more blessed to give, than to receive!”  There is a clear fact that is evident in serving others!  When we are engaged in helping our fellowman, then we are not focused on our own issues and our own misery!  Get busy serving God!!  Devote your time to making a difference.  Follow, the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, and be active in your “Giving!”  Folks, every time that I want to “Shut Down,” and “Close Out” everyone, I remember the words of my mother, and the witness of God’s Word through her actions, I get up and get busy, busy for my Lord!  FACT: If you are seeking understanding, in this chaotic world, then dedicate yourself to understanding others.  If you are seeking comfort in this life, then dedicate yourself to providing comfort for others.  If you are seeking a greater level of Faith, then dedicate yourself to sharing Jesus and to planting the seeds of Faith, in others!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

REAL & LASTING JOY

April 28    REAL & LASTING JOY                 Psalm 35:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord.”  (Psalm 35:9)

Is there “Joy” in your life? Real, true, regardless of the circumstances, “Joy!” Unfortunately, I am witnessing, professing Believers, that are living with Zero “Joy” being expressed, to themselves and to others! The plan is simple! When we are grounded in Jesus, and our lives are consumed by HIS Grace and Salvation, then we have the opportunity and privilege to walk in His “Joy,” through every situation! Friends, Jesus Christ is the answer to the sadness and discouragement and challenges of this present age! Our hearts and our lives must be attuned to the Will of God, and we must seek Him, and Trust Him, and claim His “Joy” for our lives! When we are growing in His Grace, we have the opportunity, to overcome the discouragement and challenges, and live our lives with His “Joy,” and the privilege to witness to others, of His Amazing Grace! Claim your Privilege, Live for Jesus, and allow His “Joy” to cover every area of your life, and allow it to overflow into the lives of others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 27, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JUSTIN O’NEAL

FAITH, NOT FEELINGS

April 27    Faith, Not Feelings…   Ephesians 2:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I the recent past, I have heard a tremendous amount about how people “Feel!”  “I feel like we ought to have done this, and I feel like you should have done that!”  During this lengthy and ever changing “Pandemic,” I have been told that they “Felt” that I could have done a better job and they “Felt” like that I did not showing real “Faith!”  Amazingly, the instructions that I have received was all about “FEELINGS,” and nothing to do, actually, with “FAITH!”  As I contemplated over these well-meaning instructions, I thought, “are they correct? Have I demonstrated a Lack of Faith?  Did I allow ‘Feelings’ to dictate my actions? I am truly grateful for the counsel and instructions! The entire ordeal has forced me to evaluate my “walk with Christ,” and, through the challenges, I have emerged stronger, more Faithful and Determined to “Walk by Faith and not by Sight!! FAITH MUST BE EXERCISED BEFORE FEELING IS EXPERIENCED! We cannot save ourselves, and God’s Word is True; and more than our Feelings!  When we exercise our True Faith in God, our Feelings will represent His Purpose and not our earthly, temporal thoughts!  Guess What?  FAITH TRUSTS IN GOD, FEELINGS TRUST SELF!  Our faith anchors us to the will of God and feelings are rooted in self!!  “Feeling” that I am saved is different from KNOWING that I am SAVED, THROUGH FAITH!  Guess What?  FAITH RESTS ON UNCHANGING FACTS, FEELINGS CHANGE LIKE THE WIND!  FAITH IS SAFER AND STRONGER THAN FEELINGS!! Pay attention…FAITH IN GOD BRINGS REST, JOY, PEACE, and CLARITY!  When we walk in Faith and Claim His Provision for our lives, our Feelings will reflect HIS LOVE, HIS PURPOSE and not the Worldly Influences!!!  So, do I feel that you should walk in Faith?  No, I KNOW THAT YOU SHOULD WALK IN FAITH!! Fulfilling God’s purpose and calling for our lives, requires FAITH, NOT FEELINGS!!!  By the way…God doesn’t really care about your feelings; yet HE does care about your FAITH! BY FAITH, is how we COME TO HIM!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)

Prayer is POWER

April 26    Prayer is POWER    1 Thessalonians 5:17

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Pray without ceasing.”       (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

I remember, so clearly, my dear Mother, when times were difficult, and it seemed as if there was little hope of resolution, she would say, with confidence, “All we can do is pray!” During one of these challenging times, I asked Mama about this “Praying” thing, and what she thought was going to happen, because of prayer. What she said has inspired me and motivated me, ever since that day! She said, “Son, Prayer opens the door of Heaven and releases the Power of Almighty God!” Wow! If this is true, then why doesn’t everyone pray? In James 4:2, the Bible tells us that “We have not, because we ask not!” One of my favorite verses is found in Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by PRAYER and SUPPLICATION, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God.” When challenges come (and they will), and when times seem so difficult, I remember Mama’s instructions, and I double down on my personal prayer time. Every day, in every situation, PRAYER is the KEY to POWER and is ESSENTIAL for the CHRISTIAN’S GROWTH and SURVIVAL! DOUBLE YOUR PERSONAL PRAYER TIME, FOCUS ON RELEASING THE POWER OF GOD INTO EACH SITUATION, AND WATCH WHAT HE DOES, AND WILL DO WITH YOU, IN YOU, AND FOR YOU! PRAY WITHOUT CEASING! This is a Command, not a suggestion! The HOLY SPIRIT is READY, WILLING and EMPOWERED to LEAD, GUIDE and EMPOWER us to SERVE HIM with GLADNESS! FRIENDS… PRAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 25, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

WAYNE BATTEN

BOB FLEMING

JASON HAYDEN

ATTITUDE

April 25          ATTITUDE        Matthew 12:34

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”  (Matthew 12:34)

Many years ago, when I was a senior in High School, I was asked to help with the “Special Needs” children at the Elementary School. The reputation of these children was not good. They were struggling in their learning and there were two teachers that were designated as “Special Needs” teachers. Wow! I just happened to have been assigned to the teacher that was having the most difficulty with her class. The first day was traumatic! This lady, although skilled in her craft, was treating these children with an attitude of failure and difficulty! The two classes of these Special Children would gather, in the hallway, to go outside for recess, and the other teacher had the children hugging her knees and hustling to see which one could be the closest to her. What was the difference between the two classes? Both classes were for the “Special Needs” students. Then I witnessed the difference! As we were walking to the playground, this teacher was turning back towards her students and she would say, “Look at my amazing kids!” “Aren’t they the best thing that you have ever seen?” Wow! That is why her class was achieving more than the other class! This Special Needs teacher did not assume that these children could not learn, she was determined that they would learn! What an encourager! While attempting to teach these “Special” children, I learned a valuable lesson about life and interacting with others! Encourage others, lift others up, highlight the positive and leave the negative alone! How many of us are telling our family, friends, co-workers that they are special and wonderful and that you are blessed that they are in your life? Friends, sharing the good, lifting the burdens of our neighbors is our responsibility, as born-again believers! Do you think that the POSITIVE LOVE OF GOD would make a difference in this dismal and evil land?  Matthew 5:16 tells us what to do… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Let’s make a difference, every day, with everyone, right where we are! IT IS YOUR ATTITUDE, NOT YOUR APTITUDE THAT WILL DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE!!  Lord, help me to see the good in others, and to encourage them into a loving and saving relationship with You. Help me to see that a “hopeless case” is not “hopeless” to You… Make me a Channel of Blessings for others!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 24, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

HARRISON HUGHES

DELIVERANCE

April 24        Deliverance           Galatians 1:3-4

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:3-4)

Life in the 21st Century is busy! No one can deny that we are, as a society, so much busier than we were just a couple of decades ago. There is so much more going on that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything accomplished. The World and all its distractions and activities, tend to take us away from being the True Christian that we should be! If we aren’t careful, we will allow the “World’s Standards and Expectations” to dictate our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors! So, the question is, how do we “separate” lives while living in this EVIL and DEPRAVED world? Fellow Believers, we have some precious promised truths in today’s scripture passage. The first truth is that Jesus is our answer to the question of how we navigate through this Evil World! He has provided deliverance from bondage of this world’s temptations and has provided instructions to follow to make it through this age, while walking in obedience and achieving VICTORY over this Evil World! The next truth is profound!! Through the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST and the LOVE OF GOD, for us, HE has, indeed, brought deliverance from sin and He has provided guidance and leadership in the ability to lead righteous and godly lives, regardless of this world’s negative and destructive influences. It is God’s will for us to live Holy and Righteous lives and He has provided the necessary tools to do just that! We are His workmanship, and we are His Hands and Feet in this world, and we are to be about the Father’s Business! It is our responsibility to be what God has ordained for us to be! It is our decision to be strong and effective servants for Christ! It is our duty, our calling, our Hope, to be the best witness for Christ that we can be! Regardless of the negative and depraved influences of SATAN and this World, we are to BOLDLY CLAIM HIS PROMISES AND LIVE HOLY LIVES, WITH THE FIRM ASSURANCE THAT HE HAS BROUGHT TO US…HIS GRACE AND HIS COMFORTING PEACE!! What God does with you, IS UP TO YOU! It ALWAYS has been, it ALWAYS will be! Please stay in God’s Word; Stay of your Knees in Prayer and continue to Share the Good News of Jesus Christ, in Word and in Actions! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 23, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SARAH IDE

LENORE STRICKLAND

Perilous Times ARE Here

 April 23   “Perilous Times ARE Here”     2 Timothy 3:1-7

**Observe the issues of the present day! This world is rushing into complete abandonment of standards of decency and any moral foundations! Stay Alert, Stay Focused, Stay Strong… JESUS IS COMING SOON! **

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Wow! Timothy’s words are describing the times in which we live, right now, today! Observing the overwhelming onslaught of “Evil” and “Debase” thoughts and activities, that are permeating the land, I am amazed at the “brazen” display of Satanic Evil and twisted thinking that seems to be the “rule” for the “Elite” of our “Leadership” class! Violence and personal destruction seem to be the “rule,” in the inner cities of America! I understand that last weekend, over 30 people were shot in Chicago, and I believe that 7 individuals lost their lives! We hear about the necessity to “Educate our Children,” and the responsibility to ensure that they are competitive on the “world stage,” yet the push, related to education, is to present to children in Kindergarten through Third Grade, the idea of choosing, or at least being aware that they can choose their sexuality! AT 5 YEARS OLD? REALLY? And this doesn’t seem to be an issue with so many people!!! The notion that parents do not have control over their children’s education, and when they question the governing boards, then the Attorney General of the United States, labels them as “Domestic Terrorists!” WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO COMMON SENSE? Please understand that I recognize that some will be offended that I am pointing out the obvious, and they support these issues, but please recognize my right to disagree! Walking in His Obedience, and following the dictates of the Holy Scriptures, I am obligated and required to “Love,” even the ones that I absolutely disagree with, yet it is troubling that, those that I perceive as fellow believers, can and do support these “radical” behaviors and thought processes, with little or no regard for the “STANDARDS FOR BEHAVIOR,” called the Holy Bible! Satan id having a “Field Day,” even in the churches of America! Here is the message of TRUTH for today! Evil exists, Insanity continues, Right has become wrong and wrong has become right, people will be deceived, there will be a “form of godliness,” yet only to mislead and to promote the cause of Satan! Dear Friends, the reality of 21st century life is this: EVIL EXISTS, BUT GOD HAS PROMISED VICTORY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS AND WE MUST STAY TRUE TO HIS WORD AND WE MUST WALK IN OBEDIENCE, REGARDLESS OF THE TRIALS, OPPOSITION, AND WHATEVER SATAN SENDS OUR WAY! Just recently, I was in a conversation with a fellow believer, and we were having a wonderful chat about the blessings of God and the beauty of His Grace. Somehow, he moved the conversation to politics, and the “wheels came off of the wagon!” Oh, my goodness! This fellow believer that had just spoken some of the most encouraging and inspiring words about the power of God and His purpose for mankind, transformed before my eyes! Immediately, he became “someone else.” His language and his tone became rough, and the message was, almost, in coherent. He began to tell me of my “Intolerance” and my “Hatred” of the issues that he was proclaiming! Keep in mind, he just assumed that I felt the way that he thought, and he was unwilling to be “Tolerant” of what he thought that I might be thinking! I was saddened by this display, and I was momentarily speechless! Could this be happening? Well, I gathered myself together and I looked at this man that I have respected and admired, and I quoted 2 Timothy 3 to him. Wow! This really did fire him up! There were 2 others at the table, and one of the men spoke to him, and he turned his venom towards this man! “What is going on with you?” This was the question for the man! The three of us got up and left the restaurant, and we did not speak of what had just happened! On my journey to WakeMed, I was saddened and at the same time joyous! Why this story? Because we are living in “PERILOUS TIMES!” We are living in a time when, even publicly professing believers, are being used by Satan to thwart and twist the Word of God and the reality of HIS Grace and Glory! Be aware of the issues of the day, be aware of the evil that is around, be aware of the “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing,” and continue to serve God! “It is what it is!!!” I just had to share this! Wow! The reality of evil is all around us! Armor up – Pray up – Study up – Continue to share the Good News…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR APRIL 22, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DIANNE BAGGETT

HANNAH DRIVER

JENNENE FAULKNER (In Heaven)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

CHRISTOPHER & CHRISTIN BROWN

PRAYING ALWAYS

April 22             Praying Always…     1 Chronicles 16:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

We were in the mountains of North Carolina, a few years ago, with the purpose of renewal and refreshing. The past several weeks had taken its toll on me, and I was just going through the motions, with no power and enthusiasm and my prayer life was suffering. It was one of those times when I had placed everything in front of Prayer Time and was just casually engaging in prayer. Annette said, “We need some down time!” She has a God-Given ability to discern when I am about to “Burn Out!” So, to the mountains we went! We enjoyed going to various “flea markets” around the local area, and this trip was no different. In one of the stores, I spotted a pair of roller skates that you put over your shoes and I purchased them. My mind went back to those days of my youth, and I could envision me skating around the carport as soon as we returned to the house. Sure enough, I put the skates on, tightened the skates, with the key, and stood upright. Ok, all is well! So, I slowly eased off from the spot where I stood. Thoughts of my agility and my joy in skating came rushing into my mind, and as quickly as it entered, it exited. The thoughts of my youthful skill and pleasure of skating were quickly replaced with the reality that I was falling! Sure enough, my knees met the concrete and my, not so youthful body, told my mouth to groan! As I removed the skates and tossed them into the bushes, I realized that, if I was going to enjoy skating, I would have to do it more often, maybe, even every day, in order, to receive the joy that I had remembered. As I was sitting on the cold concrete, I had a moment of clarity! If I expected my Prayer Life to be fulfilling and effective, and if I were to receive the Power to serve God and to obey His commands, then, I, like this skating, need to do it more often! If I wanted my relationship with God to be more meaningful and if I wanted to serve Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then I was going to have to pray “Constantly!” I got up, dug the skates from the bushes, and told myself, “I’ll skate some more tomorrow, but right now, I am going to pray!” Every time that I have sags or down times, spiritually, it is because I fail to “Seek the LORD and His Strength!” PRAISE GOD! He has shown me that the Power that I operate in; is activated, at its greatest effectiveness, when I am constantly in prayer! The more that I pray, the stronger I become!! The stronger that I become, the more I need to Pray! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-posting with Purpose)

AS IT IS WRITTEN

April 21    “As It Is Written…”           1 Corinthians 2:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

We are living in some intense darkness, and satanic ignorance. There is the stench of evil that permeates the very air that we breathe! The idea that children should be taught about variations of sexuality, and the idea that young children should be indoctrinated into making a choice about their sexuality, in kindergarten, or the idea that a nation would prosecute a Christian for proclaiming God’s Holy Word, and define this act, as “Hate Speech!” Really! It amazes me that the world, and all of its mysteries and all of its opportunities for evil, are still seeking the answers to the unrest within their souls, and the answer to all of the issues of life are found in the abundant life that is in the shed blood of Jesus! Sin has blinded their eyes and as insulated them from the transforming truth of Jesus Christ. Despair, lawlessness, insanity, lack of basic common sense, violence, malaise, and a host of sin produced issues, has a true and permanent solution! The sad and dreary existence can be transformed into the vibrant and bold display of His Hope and Joy! Please do not be deceived by the glitz and glitter of this sinful world but open your eyes to the Grace and Glory of the only Begotten Son of God! Because of His Grace, I am an OVERCOMER! Because of His Love, I can share this Love with others, Because of His Provision, I am able to life in this world and not be tainted by its nasty and sinfulness! I am excited about the future! I am confident about the outcome! Listen again… “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Please Lord, open our eyes that we may see, and open our ears that we may hear, and open our hearts that we may be full, and prepare us for the blessings, as we serve You, in the beauty of Your Holiness! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

OUR FOCUS

April 20             Our Focus…     Romans 12:2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not conform to the pattern of this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

On June 5, 2021, I read a posting on Facebook, and I saved it to share with our BTC Devotion Family, and today is that date.  Please pay attention to the message and the lesson!

** A man went to the Pastor of his church and said, “I won’t be attending Church anymore.”  The Pastor said, “May I ask why?”  He said, I see people on their cell phones texting and typing during the service, some are gossiping, some just aren’t living right, some are sleeping, some are staring at me, they are all just hypocrites.”  The Pastor was silent.  Then he said, “Can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?”  He said, “Sure, what’s that?”  He said, “Take a glass of water and walk around the church two times and don’t let any water fall out of the glass.”  He said, “Yes, I can do that!”  He went and got the glass of water and walked around the church two times.  He came back and said proudly, “It’s done.”  The Pastor asked him these questions; “Did you see anybody on the phone? Did you see anybody gossiping? Was anybody living wrong?; Did you see anyone sleeping?”  He said, “I didn’t see anything because I was focused on this glass, so the water wouldn’t spill out!”  He told him, “When you come to church, you should be just that focused on God, so that you don’t fall.  That’s why Jesus said, “Follow Me,’ He did not say Follow Them!”  Don’t let your relationship with God be determined by how others relate with God!  Let it be determined by how focused you are with God…AMEN! **

Since April of 2020 (the beginnings of the COVID 19 Pandemic), I have been encouraging others to Stay Focused…Focused on God’s Word, God’s Will, and God’s Power and Provisions. It is ABSOLUTELY IMPERITAVE THAT WE Stay Focused on our growing relationship with our God, through the Blood of Jesus and the directing and empowering of the Holy Spirit!  How focused are you?  Who is directing your life, your witness, your relationship with Jesus?  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!! (Re-Post with a Purpose!)