BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 30, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROLINE CREECH
JOYCE CREECH
KATIE MOORE
AMBER SLOAN
REV. RICKY ANDERSON
DONNA JOHNSON
Holy Spirit Praying…
August 29 Holy Spirit Praying… Romans 8:26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Our God is amazing! He has provided the opportunity and the means to have continual prayer, even in our weakness and infirmities. There are times when I feel as if I am a baby and I simply do not have the developed language skills necessary to pray effectively. God has promised that He will provide continual prayer and communication and the Holy Spirit is the method that He has employed. When we are in a growing relationship with God, through the Blood of Jesus, and the “Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit, even when we are sick or dying, we can still pray! In September of 1999, after two rounds of antibiotics, I had a severe reaction to one of the antibiotics and to make a long and serious story short, I went 10 days without sleep and the treatments for the reaction were nearly lethal. Unable to keep a conscious thought in my head, I could not even think long enough to pray! I would close my eyes and repeat, “Please Lord,” over and over. That was the moment that I understood these words and this promise! In my infirmities, I was unable to pray, yet, because of my Spiritual and Divine Prayer Partner, He was praying for me and interceding for me before the Father God. The Holy Spirit was praying with and through me and I could feel the Power of His Presence and I had a “Peace” that came over me and I knew that I was going to be great! That experience has solidified the need and the desire to “Live and to Walk in the Spirit,” and to be in a constant state of “Growing!” Listen, as a Believer, we have the assurance that God is hearing our petitions and prayers and that the Holy Spirit “has our backs!” “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!” Continue to grow in His Grace and His Love and be in constant communication with the Father, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit! I love the declaration found in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” In my weakness, there is assurance of His Love! In my weakness, there is Hope! In my weakness, there is His Promise, His Grace, and His Power! Praise God, that in my weakness, the HOLY SPIRIT has my back!! I truly pray that you have the same assurance and the same experience of the Indwelling of the Comforter and Guide, in the person of the Holy Spirit! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
August 28 The Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:1-6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:1-6)
The message, for today, is short and simple! Regardless of what you hear, and regardless of what you see, there is ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN, AND THAT IS THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST! No amount of “good deeds” will qualify you for Heaven! You cannot be “politically, socially, worldly, earthly,” correct and enter into Heaven! No amount of money, no amount of good intentions, no amount of worldly influence will get you one step closer to Heaven! If you are focusing on anything, other that the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, and surrendering your life, washed in His Saving Blood, and staying focused on the selfless redeeming act at Calvary, you are missing the mark! Simply put: Jesus made it crystal clear to Thomas, and it is crystal clear to us, right now, right here, today, when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Confused about the situations and issues of this world, the get Jesus in your heart, allow Him to provide His clarity! He will provide the “WAY” that you must go, and He will reveal the TRUTH that will sustain you, and He will provide the real and eternal LIFE that we must have in order to enter into Heaven! Stay Strong, Stay focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! HIS WAY, HIS TRUTH AND HIS LIFE is ours for the asking (through FAITH, BELIEVING and RECEIVING… John 3:16)!!!!!
ANNOUNCEMENT
I will be unavailable on Monday & Tuesday, so I am posting the devotions in advance!
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
August 27 Signs of the Times Matthew 24:3-14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:3-14)
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time at a local restaurant, where the “Learned & Wise” men gather around the “Hardhead” table and discuss the issues of the day. Amazingly, there is conflict in the process of solving all of the world’s problems. The longer I sat, listening to these men regale about the ways to change our country, there was one man that was silent, and that was me! One of the men turned to me and asked, “So, what do you think Preacher?” The “ball” was now in my court, and I had a “captive” audience, and I simply stated that we, America, and the World, are experiencing a “SIN” problem, and that this will continue, and get worse, because it is God’s plan (Just Read the BOOK)! Wow! One of the gentlemen spoke directly to me, and let me know quickly, that we could turn this world around if we would elect the right individual to office! He was, almost, angry when he expressed his opinion! He, then, with some level of arrogance, asked me, “So, what do you think about that?” My response was measured and direct! Everyone at the table, and some that were standing around the table, were silent, ready to hear what this “Preacher” was going to say. You see, the entire population of this table, save one, were “diehard” political animals, and were viewing life through the “rose colored glasses” of the concept that one man, one election, one party could solve all of the world’s issues! When I spoke, I looked directly at this individual and did not waver in my stare. I began by restating the core, basic problem, and that is SIN! Then, I shared the message of Matthew 24, as it clearly tells us that all of the issues that we are experiencing right now, right here, in America, and in this world, were predicted and are coming true, before our eyes! I reminded them that Matthew 24 tells us: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass…” “That may be true, but what are we to do about it?” Trying not to be judgmental, and being amazed at this professed, “Deacon,” and his response to the reality of God’s Word, I quietly spoke that we must be prepared ourselves, meaning that we must have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and that we are to share Jesus, and His message of Hope, Peace and Redemption, and we must be concerned about the individual souls that have not heard about Jesus and the solution to the issues of this world ARE found in one man, and that is JESUS CHRIST! Now having the attention of the crowd, and this golden opportunity to “preach” HIS Word, I went on to say that we MUST prepare for the challenges by following God’s Word and preparing for the battles ahead. We must be prayed up, read up, armored up and ready to bring clarity into the chaos, through the Redeeming Word of God, and the Grace of His Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, the table began to empty, and for one brief moment, I was all alone at the “Table of Wisdom!” As I prepared to exit the table, and the restaurant, two beautiful ladies, who were seated across from the “Hardhead” table, reached out their hands and expressed their agreement, and one of the ladies said, “You really told them today!” “Well, maybe, but my prayer is that they will grow in Christ and recognize that our ability to change this world begins with one soul at a time!” This world is as it is, but we must PREACH JESUS to as many people as we can, and continue to focus on the Love of God, through Jesus Christ! What are we going to do about this world? The world is a done deal! Concentrate on your relationship with Jesus, and share His redeeming Grace with others, so that they can miss HELL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 25, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
MIKE & BETTY HARRIS
YOUR EXAMPLE…
August 25 YOUR EXAMPLE… Luke 6:31
Yesterday, in my observation, we entered a new arena in our country. Hate driven obsession, and the desire to hold on to power, regardless of the damage inflicted, while simultaneously declaring the virtue of the actions, and the desire to protect and defend democracy, is yet another example of the “twisted” and “perverted” view of TRUTH! Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong, and, regardless of one’s opinion, it will always be true! Each day, we edge closer and closer to the fulfillment of God’s prophesy becoming a completed reality! Your Political Position is NOT the Most Important Position, it is your SPIRITUAL POSITION! Please let God’s Right be Your Right!!!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)
When Kayla was in preschool, this verse was taught to these children, and I believe that it should be required for every level of our society. It is the simple things that make the most sense when it comes to interpersonal relationships. Keep this one thing in your mind…People may hear your words, but they will follow your example! You are being watched! Your behaviors and your attitude and your expressions and your actions will always reflect your commitments and your loyalties! Remember, folks will hear your words, but will do as you do! Are your words in line with your actions? Please be real! Please be a true example of the Love of Christ! The message is basic and simple… “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Please Lord, help me to live my life as an example of Your Love and Your Grace, and may I treat others the way that I want to be treated! Remember what Jesus Said, “Love the Lord your God, with all of your heart, and Love your neighbor as yourself!!” This is not a suggestion; it is a command! Don’t Judge, just Love; Don’t belittle, simply encourage; and pray for one another! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 24, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JOSHUA BOYETTE BRANDIE BUNN BRIDGES PATSY DILLON JUSTIN LANE KENNY WORLEY
Divine Protection
August 24 Divine Protection Luke 10:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19)
Please be aware that this scripture passage does not indicate that you are to walk on snakes and scorpions as a test of your faith! It is a declarative statement that God’s power and protection for us is complete and is eternal! Satan is coming to attack you, and he is ready, willing, and able to challenge you, at every turn and thought in your life! As Born-Again Believers, we have the blessing and the anointing of God, and when we speak the Name of Jesus Christ, Satan backs away! Satan cannot stand in the presence of Jesus! When we are proclaiming Jesus, and His Amazing Grace, Satan is silent! When we walk in Christ, and we are continually focused on Him, and His Will for our lives, and we are in “Continual” Prayer, calling out His Name and declaring His Grace, Satan cannot stand the pressure! Satan is powerless against the protection of Jesus Christ, and when we are totally immersed in Jesus, growing closer each day, we are fortified and protected for the Evil One! Make no mistake, Stan is moving around, looking, seeking whom he may attack and be successful doing it! Remember, when Jesus says that He will keep you safe, He really means it, and Hell and Satan will have to get through Him to get to you! JESUS CHRIST SAVES, PROTECTS AND SUSTAINS US, WHEN WE ARE HIS, THROUGH SALVATION AND THE SANCIFITATION (Growing) PROCESS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 23, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JOHN & NITA EDWARDS
Proclaiming Our Lord
August 23 Proclaiming Our Lord Isaiah 61:1-3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
This passage is so powerful and prophetic! It is the proclamation of the coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ! Isaiah, under the power and direction, of the Holy Spirit, tells us of the coming “servant” of the Lord, who will be the ultimate “Preacher” of all time, and he declares the ministry that He will be proclaim. Do you remember the wristbands that had “WWJD” embossed on them? “What Would Jesus Do?” We are told that He will “Preach” the Good Tidings to the Poor, He will heal the brokenhearted, He will proclaim liberty to the captives, and He will open the prison doors for the prisoners. THAT IS TRULY “GOOD NEWS!” When individuals are without Jesus, they are imprisoned in their sin and their hope for freedom is found in the “Preacher” that we call Jesus! Because of God’s Love for humanity, Jesus came to take on our sins, and He, at the Cross, insured our freedom, and allowed us the privilege and responsibility to live, so as, to, honor God, and reflect the Love of Jesus! Folks, as Redeemed Believers, we are to be “Like Jesus,” and that means that we are to be about sharing the Good News and we are to set the captives free and to help the brokenhearted and we are to be about the Father’s Business! Our priorities should and must be about serving God! Paul said, in Romans 1:6 that he is “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!” We must share the Good News! We must live it out before men! This world is hearing the “Bad” news, how about we share some “Good News!” Let’s commit to “PUSH BACK THE DARKNESS,” as we serve God and look for the day when we will see Him, face to face! Let Your Light Shine!! We are being challenged every day to live out our commitments and to demonstrate our stance on the moral and ethical issues of our time, and to be an Example for others! Be what God expects, Do what God requires, and be a blessing to others!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!