TRULY CONNECTED

June 28 Truly Connected John 14:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

When we are walking with God, daily, and we are connected to Him through the atoning blood of Jesus, and we are continually connected to Him, through prayer, then we can face the difficulties of life with His Blessed Assurance of Victory and His Overcoming Power! When we are weary, His is our Rest! When we are discouraged, He is our Encourager! When we are Challenged, He is our Source of Power and Strength! We must choose to walk with Him! We must embrace His Provision! We must stay connected to Him, in order to enjoy His Power! He said that He IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE!!! Colossians 4:2 expresses what we must be doing! “Devote Yourselves to Prayer, Being Watchful and Thankful!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

RESTORATION, RENEWAL

June 27 Restoration, Renewal Psalm 23:1-4

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4)

Each day that God allows me to serve Him, I awaken to this thought: “Lord, please allow me to stay calm and to be fully aware of Your Power and Provision for me this day! Please go before me and guide me along the path that You would have me walk.” One true and clear fact of living, and that is, when we are walking in His Love, and depending on His Power, then situations and circumstances will never, ever overwhelm us, and we will remain connected, focused, and dependent on His Grace and Love. When I am walking in Christ, the blessings of being His child, far outweigh the troubles of the day! Do you recall the old children’s song, “I’ve got joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart?” There is Joy in serving! There is Hope for Tomorrow! There is Power for Living! There is Rest for our Souls! I am grateful for His Presence, and I continue to seek Him, Claim Him, and Serve Him! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

OUR FOCUS

June 26 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, at a later date, 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, I have been encouraging each of us to Stay Focused…Focused on God’s Word. 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-Posted with a Purpose)

THE IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE

June 25 The Impossible Made Possible Mark 10:27

Annette & I will be away for a few days, and I am posting the morning devotions, in advance. Please continue to pray for each other and remain strong and focused on the tasks that God has called you to perform! In His Love, Pastor Glen

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)

I absolutely love this promise from my Savior! There are times, especially in recent days, that I have been bewildered and overwhelmed by the challenges of the day and have had a sense of being defeated and I Praise God that this promise of God, spoken by my Savior, has brought me back to the reality of my living! When I remember God’s great Love for me, and all of the promises that He provides and the necessity to be what He has called me to be, well, all of the blues and defeated attitudes simple disappear and I am ready and re-energized to take on the impossible, directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit! Alone, I am weak, but through my God, I have strength to overcome and to live for Him with power and assurance and with the humanly impossible, becomes absolutely and totally possible through my God! Remember the VICTORY PRINCIPLE? “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of life! All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, mu Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank Him every day!” I continue to Praise God for making the IMPOSSIBLE, completely POSSIBLE, in my walk with Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with a Purpose)

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 24, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHRISTOPHER BROWN

DAVID DRIVER

PATTY PERRY

TRUST GOD!

June 24 Trust God Romans 6:23

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“I have some good news and some bad news; which do you want first?” All of us have heard this before, and it always creates a dilemma. Which do we want first? Good and bad exist! In Romans 6:23, it is handled the way that I want news… First, the Bad News: “The Wages of Sin is DEATH!” DEATH is the complete separation from God and the terrible state of darkness. Our sins have a price, and apart from God, that price is our DEATH! Without God, there is extremely Bad News for our future… Complete and total separation from the Hope of Glory! Alright, hold on… the story does not end here! The Good News is, indeed, Good News! It is very Good News: “The Gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus!” Do you see it? The Good News is that, through Jesus Christ, He completely reverses the DEATH process, and the very moment that we trust Christ for our salvation and for our redemption, and the Spirit becomes active and alive in us, and we experience the “Life” activating Grace of His Love, then we experience the Good News! PRAISE GOD! Our physical death is not the end, just the beginning! It is the doorway to our entrance into eternity, into Heaven and into the presence of Almighty God! NOW, THAT IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 23, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LANCE RICE

JUDGMENTAL?

June 23 Judgmental? Luke 6:37-38

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:37-38)

“Remember Son, we are not to judge others! We don’t know what they are going through!” These words were spoken to me so often, in my youth! My dear mother shared this way of life, and she lived it out, as best that she could. Not being judgmental simply means, not to be critical, or fault-finding, high-minded, and judging others! Keep in mind, this does not mean that you can’t see the violations of God’s Word and recognize the sinful activities, but it does mean that we are not to “sit in judgment” of others and their weaknesses! (Contrary to our popular thought, we are not perfect!!!!!!) We are living in a dark and sinful world, and we are to promote, present and live the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Love that He offers! How many of you like to have your faults and mistakes pointed out to you? KEEP IN MIND! Nothing is easier than pointing out another’s faults and shortcomings and not minding our own business! Sadly, when we judge others, we may be forgetting that we are sinners, and that we have faults and shortcomings, and that Christ has forgiven and forgotten our faults and sins and they are under His Shed Blood of Amazing Grace! So, how do we help our neighbors to recognize His Grace and to come to a “forgiving” relationship with Him? Pray for them! Encourage them! Set an example for living before them! DO NOT JUDGE! LOVE THEM, INSTEAD! Our job is to bring “souls into the kingdom, not to highlight the failures and faults of others! Our task is clear! We are to LOVE ONE ANOTHER! The task of Judgment is exclusively a God Thing! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Keep Growing, Keep Loving, and Keep Sharing the Good News! Remember – THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 22, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SUE MACK

SALLY POSCH

WHO WILL YOU SERVE?

June 22 Who Will You Serve? 1 Kings 18:21

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, how long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21)

You cannot ride two horses at the same time! Can we have one foot in the church and one foot in the world, and expect to survive successfully? Remember the old statement of, “having your cake and eating it?” Friends, this attitude and reality is akin to straddling a fence! God’s word, in Revelation 3:15-16, tells us exactly how God feels about “fence straddling!” “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Satan is active and he is presenting many “shiny” distractions! Sadly, we are pursuing false gods of money, position, power, materialism, and pleasure, while paying “lip Service” to Almighty God! IT IS TIME TO MAKE A DECISION!! It is time to come down off the fence and decide as to whom you will serve! THIS IS NOT A GAME, and YOUR ETERNAL FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 21, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TRISTAN COOKE

MARGARET DENTON

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

DAVID & ANNETTE RAGAN

Hide God’s Word in Your Heart, NOW!

June 21 Hide God’s Word in Your Heart, NOW! 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

From the time that I was able to read, my parents insisted and encouraged me to read my Bible. There were times when I would read the scriptures and thought that it was worthless for me to habitually read these same words, over and over. Amazingly, there was a situation that presented, and I immediately thought of a scripture that was appropriate for the issue. Wow! How did that happen? Mama used to tell me that, “the more that you learn, the more you will want to learn!” Why? She would follow up with some abstract answer like, “it will light your path!” She would say, “Read Psalm 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” How did she know that? I began to reflect on my early life, and I remember both of my parents, spending time in God’s Word and always encouraging me to do the same. Now, at 66 years old, I may not be able to recall the amount that Mama could, however, I continue to store up His Word, in my heart, and continue to strengthen my knowledge of Him. (Psalm 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.) Just recently, a dear friend and Prayer Partner, were discussing the necessity of memorizing the scriptures, and doing it as much as possible, with the purpose of being ready to take on the wiles and ways of Satan. When we hung up the phone, I thought of another reason to “Hide His Word in Our Hearts!” Sadly, I thought, of all, of those amazing saints of God, that I have ministered to, over the years, and the sad reality of their situations. Many could not remember who they were, and did not recognize their own children, yet; they could quote scripture, chapter, and verse, as if they had just read it! That conversation with my wise prayer partner, and her words of wisdom, inspired by the Holy Spirit, ministered to my Spirit, and has caused me to desire, even greater, the hiding of His Word, in my heart and mind! 2 Timothy 2:15 provides a great reason for doing just that, every day and in everything: Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Read God’s Word, Study God’s Word, Memorize God’s Word, Live God’s Word, BE God’s Word, Share God’s Word!!! My words are limited and time sensitive, but His Word is limitless and eternal and will last forever!! I get so excited about what is to come when I am, deeply, into His Word and the Holy Spirit reveals the intent and the power for living, that is mine, when I am “IN HIS WORD AND LIVING IN HIS WILL!” If you end your earthly days with the inability to recognize your family or to remember who you are or remember what you did 5 minutes ago, what do you want to remember? I choose to remember MY GOD’S HOLY SCRIPTURES. So, while you can, store up that precious word! DO IT NOW!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 20, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BJ SMITH

TRACY HOWARD

NEW CREATION

June 20 “New Creation” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Wow! When I ponder the words of Paul and consider the fact that he was telling the Corinthians that they were a new creation, indicating that the old creation was gone and a new one took its place, I think about the times when I don’t feel so new! Many of you might feel the same! Sometimes when things are going wrong, and I get a call from a well-meaning parishioner, complaining about some “childish” issue that isn’t actually an issue at all, and they will not be dissuaded from their selfish rant, and I want to “SCREAM” in frustration and irritation, I DON’T FEEL SO NEW!!!” When we are walking in the “Newness” of Life, through Jesus, we can’t hide from who we are or what we have done! I remember Daddy preaching that we must allow God to work on those weak spots and bring those issues to Him and let Him take care of the issues. Boy, I have some issues! Sometimes, the issues are downright ugly! PRAISE GOD! That New Creation is a Reality, through the Love of God, Through Jesus Christ, and when I claim that “newness” through His atoning Blood and I am cleansed from my sins, inviting Him into my life, to eternally alter my very makeup, I am in the process of becoming that complete and whole “New” Creation! You see, being a “new creation” is a daily business and you cannot “skip” a day! Getting with Jesus, allowing Him to see us for what we are (a sinner saved by His Grace), letting Him be in control, and allowing Him the opportunity to heal your past and radically alter your future! I am excited that my new life, in Jesus, is getting better with each passing day! NEW CREATION? ABSOLUTELY! One Glorious Day at a Time! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR YOUR GRACE THROUGH MY SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 19, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

HAYDEN HUGHES

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

June 19 Words of Encouragement Proverbs 25:11

**Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)**

In my “Memories” Box, I keep a few notes and letters written by my father. One, in particular, means a great deal to me. Close to the end of his life, he wrote an encouragement note that told me of his pride and admiration for my choices and decisions, in my life. He was particularly specific about my choice of a wife. He loved Annette and he was confident that we were meant for each other. As a pastor, Daddy had offered words of encouragement and guidance for so many, over the years. There are some of his words that stand out, as strong commands … “Keep Looking Up, God Is In Control,” “Remember to be Patient with others,” “Remember to ask God for anything, in His Will,” “Cherish the real jewels in your life,” and “Never let Annette doubt your love for her!” In my readings in the Proverbs, I came across this scripture passage, and it immediately brought Daddy to my mind! It is important for us to read God’s Word, to remember His Word and to exercise His Word, every single day! Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Think about the words of Jesus… “Don’t be Afraid,” “My Peace I give to you,” “I an with You Always,” “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled…,” “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…!!” Daddy’s words, inspired by God, and the magnificent truth of God’s Holy Word, brings comfort and encouragement and strength and value and excitement. These beautiful words are like precious pieces of fine silver jewelry that will always shine bright and never, ever tarnish! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 18, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BRANDON CREECH

SEFTON STEVENS

TRUST IN THE LORD

June 18 Trust in the Lord Proverbs 16:20

**HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” (Proverbs 16:20)

Many years ago, Daddy preached a sermon using a story about a man on a bus, and I ran across it a few days ago and I would like to share the message with you today! “I boarded the bus, headed for home, and when I sat down, I noticed a bright-eyed man getting on the bus, behind me. As soon as he, sat down, he began talking in a loud voice. He said, “Hello my friends, how are we all doing this evening? Happy, I am for sure!” “Outstanding!” he said, “You know that God wants us all to be happy!” My thoughts were clear… “Oh no, not another nut!” I began to look up and down the bus and I saw a group of tired and gloomy folks. He continued… “I know that you all have had a hard day, but I can change that! I don’t have a lot of time, so let’s start by, first, being thankful. Yes, thankful that we are all strong and well enough to move our bodies onto this bus, and thankful that we are going home or to a special place.” There was a lady, reading her paper and he said to her, “I suspect that you are headed home to fix supper, aren’t you?” Boy, she glared back at him! “Well, don’t let it be a chore tonight! Make that supper a love offering to the family that you love!” As these words penetrated this lady’s ears, her face began to soften. Is she showing some interest in this possible nut? “And you,” addressing a gruff young man in a Pea Coat. “Go home and call someone, just call them and say that you love them.” The young fellow smiled. I guessed that he was sensing his stop was getting closer, he began to talk faster! “My stop is coming soon, so quickly now, take my advice. Get out of yourselves. Do for someone else. That is a sure way to be happy!” The bus stopped and the door folded open… “One more thing,” he shouted… “Look up Proverbs 16:20!” He did an interesting little jig dance and bounced onto the sidewalk. His little performance took less than 3 minutes. I thought, “was he really a nut?” The doors closed and the bus pulled off and we were speeding towards my stop, and I looked up and down the bus, at the fellow passengers. They were, every one of them, was smiling!! Folks, let us never be afraid to speak the Word of God and to LIVE it, before our fellowmen, and NEVER be Slow to Hear His Word! “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, Happy is he!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 17, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

AUSTIN HOCUTT

MRS. NATALIE BROCK

"PRAY"er or WORRIER

June 17 “Pray”er or Worrier” Philippians 4:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Amazingly, I have found, over the years, that people who do not pray are usually great worriers. Without constant and continuous communication with our Savior, we certainly have a lot to worry about! This passage of scripture makes our position clear. We are not to be victims of fate or circumstances! We are children of God, and we are a part of His family and we have been promised and provided the power for living and the opportunity to overcome worry and to live victoriously. We do not have to live in fear, and we do not have to live under the circumstances. God instructs us and encourages us to bring our issues and circumstances to Him. He tells us to “let your requests be made known to God!” Folks, when we pray, we need to be specific! Many years ago, a dear Pastor friend, told me to “Target” my prayers! I asked him what he was talking about, and his answer was eye opening. He said, “Don’t be a shotgun prayer!” He clarified this when he said, “Glen, don’t be a prayer that says, ‘God bless everyone, God help everyone, and be with the missionaries around the globe!’” He told me to “BE SPECIFIC” when I bring my petitions to God. He went on to say that I needed to be dedicated in my prayer life, so that I would not be an active “worrier.” We need to be “Grateful” that God has provided the avenue of prayer and has invited us into His presence through prayer! We need to be thankful and excited that God hears and answers our prayers. So, I leave you with this to ponder: “WHY WORRY WHEN YOU CAN PRAY?” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!