ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 30, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
WILLIAM & VICKIE HOCUTT
JIMMIE & TAMMY NARRON
BJ & MICHELLE SMITH
STACY & LORI BUNN
MATT & BROOKE DILLON
JOEY & ANGIE WHEELER
BRINGING LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS
June 30 Bringing Light Into the Darkness Isaiah 41:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
There are so many opportunities to “Fear,” yet, God tells us, “Not to Fear!” approximately 2 year ago, I overheard a conversation between two mothers, and they were expressing the “Fear” for the safety of their children, as they experience the “In-Person” learning at their local school. Both, of these ladies, were genuinely concerned about the COVID-19 virus and its threat to their children and their families. As I think about the implications of this virus and the seriousness of its effects and the lives lost and the issues that are evolving, I can only imagine what some are feeling, that are not followers of Jesus. “Fear” is a debilitating factor, even for the Believer! Sadly, many professing Believers are spending so much time, walking in the darkness and the shadows that exist, in this world. Please, turn the “Light” of God on! Light chases away the Darkness and we must be “People of the Light!” Keep in mind, “fear” is a normal part of life, however, we are not to be consumed and controlled be the “Fear!” God promises that He will, “Single-handedly,” take care of us… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Even though, COVID-19 is real, and the effects are real and far-reaching, and the results are real and the need to be aware and the need to be prudent in our behaviors is real and the recognition of our need to be diligent in our service and attitude is real! Folks, do you remember the individuals that were quarantined because of this virus (plague) that exists. On the backside of this pandemic, we see that there was an overreaction on the part of so many, and the results of these actions, was the creation of a level of FEAR that permeated our land. Unfortunately, it still exists! PLEASE DO NOT FEAR; BUT RECOGNIZE THAT GOD HAS PROVIDED THE COMMON SENSE TO BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF THIS WORLD AND HAS PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE ABILITY TO AVOID THE CHALLENGE AND TO BE PRACTICAL IN OUR LIVING! I recall, having heard about a group of individuals, many years ago, that practiced “Taking Up the Serpent,” as evidence of their faith. Amazingly, there were many pictures of individuals, that were hanging on the walls and the question was asked, “Who are these People?” The answer was shocking and, sadly, revealing! “These are pictures of those who ‘Took Up the Serpent’ and then, lost their faith!” Don’t tempt God…Use the Common Sense that He has Blessed You with! I do not fear, nor am I going to succumb to Satan’s manipulation, in order, to challenge my witness for my Christ! Recognize the dangers of Life; Avoid the pitfalls of the challenges, exercise your Faith in God, and claim the promises of God, and “DO NOT FEAR!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 25, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
WALT & PATSY DILLON
Edifying Christ, in EVERYTHING
June 29 Edifying Christ, in EVERYTHING 1 John 1:6-7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6-7)
Is it possible to be a “Born-Again, Blood Brought” child of Almighty God, and demonstrate a social and political position that is contrary to His Holy Word? Is it possible that our social and political beliefs and actions are separate and apart from our Christian Commitments? Can we promote a political or social position that is opposed to the standards and commitments and commandments of Christ? (“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8) It is my conviction, that every believer MUST demonstrate a true and total commitment to God’s Word in ALL that we DO and all that we SAY! The idea that we can be one thing in our social interactions and another in our Christian interactions or our political interactions, is inconsistent with the call to be Holy and to demonstrate HIS HOLINESS! Our walk with Christ MUST be CONSISTENT with God’s Holy Word, and we MUST demonstrate HIS LOVE and Our Commitment to HIS LOVE, in our thoughts, actions and endeavors! I am amazed that individuals, that are active “church-goers,” promoting positions and ideas that are opposed to the standards of God’s Holy Word! If our political positions or our social positions are opposed to God’s Word, then, we need to re-assess our priorities, and determine if we are truly committed to the Love of Christ and HIS Saving Grace! BOTTOM LINE: If our political or social positions are opposed to the standards of God’s Word and our positions are not edifying to the Body of Christ, then we need to leave it alone, and seek His Face and continue to Grow in His Grace and Love! Satan is attacking and we MUST be prepared to face the battle that is upon us! Our job is to PROCLAIM JESUS to this Lost and Dying World. 1 Corinthians 14:8 declares a truth: “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” As a Professing, Born-Again Christian, your witness, your voice MUST be clear and committed, and NOTHING IN THIS WORLD SHOULD MUFFLE OR HAMPER YOUR “TRUMPET CALL” TO THE LOST FOLK IN THIS WORLD!! Be Consistent, Be Committed, Be Truthful, Be REAL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
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)