"Judge Not ...PLEASE!"
May 7 “Judge Not… PLEASE!” John 8:1-11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)
Recently, I had the opportunity, to share Jesus, with a young couple that I met at the Walgreens, in Zebulon. I asked, “Where do you go to church?” Their response was a bit sad, and a bit telling! “We don’t go to church anywhere! We have sworn off church!” Wow! I was intrigued that this young couple, had formed such a strong opinion of church and the participation there of. Slightly challenged, I asked, “why?” Their corporate answer was heartbreaking and enlightening! “We used to go to church! We were brought up in the church! After High School, the two of us decided that we would live together, so save some money, as we attended college. One Sunday, two of the older ladies of the church cornered us and let us know that we were going to Hell because of our living arrangements, and that we were not worthy of church membership! We were dumbfounded! They went on to say that they knew that we were having inappropriate relations, and that we were, again, going to Hell!” What was I to say? I immediately apologized for the words and actions of people that I did not even know. Wow! What happened to “Love Your Neighbor as Thyself?” What happened to “Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged?” How many individuals have been “Turned Off” with organized church, because of such attitudes and behaviors? I recognize that certain behaviors of humanity, are in direct conflict with the teachings of God’s Word, however, it is our responsibility to “LOVE” one another, and create a relationship that will allow the opportunity to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, and navigate individuals to a Saving Experience, and then, the Holy Spirit will correct, guide, direct and chastise, not us!! The scriptures tell us to Love our Neighbors, and there aren’t any caveats or exclusions! Friends, we are all, on a journey of growth and maturity, in our walk with Christ, and we need to define our role, embrace our calling and be ready to guide and direct others into God’s Love, not the judgmental wrath of our own tongues, as we, self-righteously condemn others! Matthew 7:1-2 plainly expresses the challenges and results of judging others! “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Do you want to be judged by the standards that you set for others? The older that I become, and the more that I study and meditate on God’s Word, I recognize that my job, my calling, through the sacrificial Blood of Jesus, that I am to Love my Neighbor, and share the Love of Jesus Christ, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into a proper and healthy growing relationship with our Lord! Please be careful when you are about to judge someone. Please consider the impact of your words and actions on those that do not have your personal relationship with the Savior! Please know that I am aware that “Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong,” but it is not my job to condemn or to judge! My job, my calling is to share the Love of God and pray that that individual will experience the same life-changing direction that God’s Grace has provided for me! Just a follow-up… I encountered this young couple, just a few days ago, and the young man informed me that they were going to be married and that they had started attending a church, in Clayton. Then, they both asked if I would consider performing their wedding ceremony. Dear Friends, all I could do was to “Shout” in my mind… THANK YOU LORD! Love is an amazing thing… God’s Love is a HEALING THING… and when we share God’s Love, we become part of the healing! Let us choose Love, not Judgement! Let us choose building up, not tearing down! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HIS Perfect Will for Our Lives
May 6 HIS Perfect Will for Our Lives” Romans 12:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
The scriptures reveal that our Loving God has a plan for every one of us, and when we live our lives in perpetual fellowship with Him, He will guide, direct, and lead us into the successful completion of His plan. Several nights ago, I was unable to sleep, and I decided to watch some Television, and I came across a channel that was promoting and promising the answers for the future. Intrigued, I decided to watch this, for a moment, and when the host began to claim to possess the ability to truthfully predict your future, I switched away from this insanity! Dear Friends, our God DOES NOT reveal His Holy Plan for our Lives through, Fortunetellers, Psychics, Soothsayers, or anyone else that proports to predict our future! God’s Perfect Will is reserved for those who have claimed the victory of salvation, through the selfless act at Calvary, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ! When we are saved, redeemed, and transformed by His Precious Blood, and we sincerely seek His Will for our lives, we will find our future being revealed in our present! His Will for our Lives requires a personal relationship with Jesus, and coming to the Cross in repentance and confession, and receiving Him as LORD & SAVIOR! When we come to Christ, we begin a New and Exciting Journey, and as we study and pray and walk in Him, we begin to see the revelation of His Will in our lives! God is willing, and prepared, to guide you through this maze of chaotic life, and offer His Grace for your clarity, Growth and Success! Give your issues to God, and watch Him reveal His Plan for you, in everything that you encounter! STUDY HIS WORD, MEMORIZE HIS WORD, PRAY TO THE FATHER THROUGH THE SON, CLAIM HIS PLAN, POWER, AND PROVISION FOR YOUR LIFE & “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
SHINE ON ....
May 5 “SHINE ON…” Matthew 5:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Christians have a wonderful reality that is at the center of our existence! The Father God, that is in Heaven is a powerful creator, He is our Lord, He is the Divine Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, and He has provided the opportunity for us to be in a relationship with Him, through His Son, Jesus! This relationship provides us with the eternal life with God and He has prepared a home for us in Heaven. We, through the shed blood of Jesus, and our faith and acceptance of His Grace, belong to our Heavenly Father, and we have a responsibility to live so that we reflect His Love and His Amazing Grace to others. As a human, I am not perfect, yet through the redeeming Grace of Jesus Christ, I am made acceptable before the Father, and He will empower me to be a “Light in this Dark and Decaying World!” PRAISE GOD for HIS LOVE for US! PRAISE GOD for HIS Power to Sustain US. PRAISE GOD for the REALITY of HIS Grace! PRAISE GOD for the Fact that we can WORSHIP HIM and PRAISE HIM, and we are SECURE in HIM! Because of His Love for us, and His Power and Provision for our restoration of relationship, we can, and must, be a BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD! As the scripture passage instructs, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” With Humility, I serve! With Gratitude I serve! With Power, I walk in His Light! With HIS GRACE, I am SAVED! “SHINE ON… “TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 4, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GERALD & CHARLENE PRICE
"JESUS OVER EVERYTHING"
May 4 “Jesus Over Everything” 1 Corinthians 8:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)
This morning, I share the lyrics of a beautiful song that describes our Jesus! When I read these words, penned by Ben Cantelon, Charles Starling, Andrew Holt, I am encouraged and my soul is made joyous, when I think of HIS Love for me, and HIS sacrifice for me, and HIS Atoning GRACE! I pray that you will be encouraged and inspired by these words… The Song is entitled, “Jesus Over Everything”: He came from glory - Took on flesh to save the lost - Grace and mercy displayed upon the cross - Our redemption, He's the hope for all mankind - One name over everything - One name over everything! Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord (yes, He is)!
Who can rival our resurrected King - In one moment, He brought death to its knees - All the power and all authority -
To one name over everything - Yes to one name everything - Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord!
Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord! Yes, this will be our song - This will be our song - Oh, He is Lord! Over fear, over shame -
Over all anxiety - Over troubles and all pain - Over sickness and disease - For He reigns on the throne - All praise to Him alone - One name over everything - Over death and all sin -
Over hell, over the grave - Darkness bows, demons flee -
At the mention of His name - For He reigns on the throne -
All praise to Him alone - One name over everything - Oh! Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord!
Oh! Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore -
Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord! - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord! - Oh, Jesus Christ is Lord!
I am ending this devotion with another scripture passage to help us focus on JESUS! Think about the beautiful instructions from Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Stay Strong (In Jesus), Stay Focused (On Jesus)… (Because of JESUS) THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 3, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RANDY & JOYCE CREECH
"JOY, GLADNESS, SINGING, GRATITUDE, PRAISE"
May 3 “Joy, Gladness, Singing, Gratitude, Praise”
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100)
There is such misery and chaos and crime and sinful issues that dominate the headlines of our news outlets, and there are examples of our Sin-Driven Human actions and motivations all around. Regardless of the circumstances, we, through the redeeming Blood of Jesus, have the Power, Presence, and Opportunity to be “Joyful, Glad, Confident, Grateful, while Singing His Praises!” I choose to be Glad in my Savior and I refuse to be bogged down by the insanity of this present Sin Driven Age! I choose to be Joyful, Excited, Grateful, Praising, and Committed to Serving my GOD in the Beauty of HIS HOLINESS! I love this Psalm of Praise! When I am feeling a bit “off,” I immediately begin to quote, out loud, this amazing Song of Praise, and I, immediately feel the Joy and Peace and Gratitude that God intended! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY 2, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. FAYE CREECH
SHANNON MELVIN
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)