Proclaiming Our Lord

October 21  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!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 20, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHARLENE PRICE

VICKIE VAUGHAN

LANCE WHEELER

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

TOM & VICKIE VAUGHAN

“FISHERS OF MEN”

October 20   “FISHERS OF MEN”    Matthew 4:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

When I was a boy, one of my favorite things to do with my daddy was to go fishing. Generally, it was on a pond bank, or the riverbank, however, many times it was at the coast, and we would fish from the pier. Daddy was a simple man, with simple tastes and desires, yet he truly enjoyed our time together fishing. He would use the time to talk about life issues and he would ask me questions about my life and how I was navigating through the challenges. I believe this is when I understood “Multitasking!” We would prepare the lines, bait the hook, and cast our rig and wait for the natural process to play out! Daddy would always use this scripture from Matthew 4:19, to describe the task and responsibility of every believer! We are to share God’s Good News about the Love of Jesus, and we are to be actively “Fishing” for others to come to Him! On one such occasion, we were fishing at the Oceanana Pier, at Atlantic Beach, and a “Weather-worn” young man was seated next to us, and he had been listening to every word that Daddy spoke, and he interrupted our conversation to ask Daddy a beautiful and amazing question. He asked, “Would you tell me more about Jesus?” Well, nothing was more exciting to Linwood Brock, than an opportunity to talk about Jesus. For the next hour, Daddy, and this man, talked non-stop until Daddy asked the question! “Do you want to be saved?” “I Do,” was the response from this “Weather worn,” rough looking fisherman! With the skill of a highly trained surgeon, Daddy led this new believer to a “Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ!” By this time, others had started to gather around us, and when Daddy began to pray, there were as many as 15 people, bunched up around our bench, listening to Daddy “Preach” & “Pray!” Daddy has gone on to be with Jesus, yet his example, his instructions, and his unwavering commitment to his Savior, continue to be “Instructional” for this young believer! After that night, we would encounter many that were there the night that “Jimbo” gave his heart to Jesus! We never saw “Jimbo” again. The word was, that he had been in an accident, and had died as a result of his injuries! From that moment on, when we would fish at the Pier, we would begin each fishing session with prayer! Friend, I admit that I was a little embarrassed, but I learned a valuable lesson! Daddy said that we were to share Jesus, right where we are, and that everyone, whether they know it, or not, needs Jesus Christ! I believe that I became a “Real” and “True” Fisher of Men that night, on the Oceanana Pier, at Atlantic Beach! When you have “Life Saving” information, why would you keep it to yourself? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 19, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BILL HINNANT

“HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”

October 19      “HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”        Psalm 138:7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7)

Wouldn’t it be great if we never had any troubles or challenges in this life? What id God promised that we would never have troubles in our lives? You know, because He loves us and as His children, He would allow us to navigate through life easily and carefree! Well, Adam and Eve messed that though completely up! All is not lost! We do have something to look forward to and that is eternal life with our Savior, in Heaven, but as for this life, trouble-free is not happening! Do not lose heart, God has promised that He would walk beside us, sustain us, and empower us in our troubles! He said that He would NEVER leave us! Hebrews 13:5 declares the promise, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In recent days, I have had to cling to this promise, and I have had to exercise His unshakeable promise of Power and Endurance! When tough times come your way, and they will, remember this promise! God promised that HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AND HE WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 18, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SHELLEY ALLEN

VICKIE RENFROW

GERALD JOHNSON (In Heaven)

GOD IS RELIABLE

October 18      GOD IS RELIABLE    Deuteronomy 7:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

“You can count on God to do what He said He would do!” My dear mother shared this fact with me, every time that I faced a challenge, or my faith was waning!  Today, decades later, this fact and the words of my mother are as relevant and important as they were way back then! I thank mama for reminding me that God’s reliability is never in question, however, my commitment to follow His leading and to claim His promises and to be reliable, is another story! When I stumble, and I will, He is always there! When I fail to represent Him in the way that He expects, He is ready, willing, and able to forgive me and to continue to show me the way that He wants me to go! I suspect that you have witnessed the reliability of God, in your own life! Maybe He has answered a prayer or provided a moment of clarity and wisdom to face a particular challenge or simply provided comfort to overcome a struggle! THE FACT IS THAT OUR GOD IS DEPENDABLE! What He has said, He will do! There is very little, in this world, that we can depend on, in our present day! Political, Social, Cultural, Economic and Religious Upheaval create an atmosphere of unrest and uncertainty, yet we can always trust God’s Holy Word, and we can Depend on Him to DO WHAT HE PROMISED! When this old world is getting me down, I go to My Rock, My Safe Place, My Stronghold, and that is JESUS! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 17, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TRACEY HUDSON

SUE HENLEY

LIVING FOR JESUS

October 17      Living For Jesus                Titus 1:16

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus 1:16)

“You are a hypocrite! You preach about Love, yet you are intolerant of others and their struggles!” This statement was made about me, to me, just over a year ago, and I responded with the reality of truth! I said, “To you, I suspect that it is true! You have a concept of Christianity, although, you are not living it, but expect others to conform to “Your” standards and expectations!” The reality is clear! Every believer has the potential to be accused of hypocrisy, especially if we are talking a talk without walking the walk! Satan, and his servants are looking for opportunities to defame God’s Word and to deny the glory of His Grace! Sadly, I witness, every day, the fact that we all mess up, from time to time, and we are certainly not perfect! Praise God! Every believer is on a journey to ultimate perfection, unfortunately, we will never achieve perfection in this human body! When we come to Jesus, we begin the process of sanctification, and we will make mistakes and we will “mess up,” but Praise God, His Grace is powerful, His Grace covers our stumbles, and His Grace provides our continued strength to overcome! BOTTOM LINE BELIEVER: BE WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE AND DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO DO! LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A REFLECTION OF THE LOVE AND GRACE OF YOUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 16, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

FRED COATES (80th)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

ROB & CAROL HIMMEL

Staying Truly Focused

October 16      Staying Truly Focused    Isaiah 26:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  (Isaiah 26:3)

Over the past three plus years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. During political and radical ideological changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the insanity of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and desires. How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-moral rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, my upbringing, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and edifying to our Lord and Savior! Over the past several days, once again, the news outlets, driven by their political & social bias, are, once again, “Doubling Down” on the idea that the COVID-19 virus and its variants, are causing increased stress and a spike in mental health issues and that we should vaccinate in order to avoid the “plague!” Adding to the stresses of life, we are at the beginning of another political season, when politicians are promoting the worst of their opponents and distortions of what they actually believe, and how they will serve!  “Temperatures are rising, Sea levels are rising, Climate Change is upon us, and we are doomed unless we make radical changes in our way of life!” This is the message of those individuals that would have us believe that sudden destruction is imminent!! (We are being told that, due to “Climate Change,” there is an increased level of anxiety, trauma, PTSD, associated with this phenomenon! WOW! -WRAL-TV 11/04/2022) Then, we hear that mental illness is on the rise and that we are living in a fragile society and the government must act, in order, to save humanity! Just a couple of days ago, a former political candidate proclaimed that the Government should “De-program” certain citizens that have a different political opinion than she expresses!  Really? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distancing and all the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing various levels of depression and disfunction! Friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for Peace! God has promised that, when we are focused on the Correct Things and when we are Committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect Peace,” regardless of the circumstances! For over two years, I have ended each daily devotional, with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires True Focus on what is Real and Just and Edifying to our GOD! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, and now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed O God on Thee, my eyes are now on things above, from worldly yokes, Praise God I’m free, I’m running o’er with Joy and Love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, upon the prize that lies before; all other claims I will reject, My Heart is fixed forevermore. No longer tossed upon the waves, of sin and doubt but now I sail; within the lifeboat, JESUS SAVES, No Storms against me shall prevail.”  WHAT ARE YOU DWELLING ON? WHAT CONSUMES YOUR DAILY THOUGHTS? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 15, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AN AMAZING LADY, OLIVIA COOKE!

Bonafide Overcomer

October 15      Bonafide Overcomer      James 1:2-3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

Wow! The challenges that are presenting themselves, in order to alter my thoughts, actions and attitude, seems to be intensifying! There are days when I feel a bit helpless to handle the onslaught of issues and challenges that continue to mount up, until the burden is overwhelming! Praise God! We are offered a choice as to how we will handle the pressures of living in this chaotic and evil world! I can stubbornly plod along, on my own power and directions or I can claim His Power and Provision, and walk humbly, in prayer, and turn my thoughts and mind to His Promises, and recognize that, through His Love, I am a Bonafide Overcomer! Realistically, the choice to choose God is a daily, on-going decision-making process, with amazing results! I love the words of the Psalmist, when he declares, in Psalm 63:7-8, “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me!” Regardless of the challenges, burdens, troubles and difficulties, God has Promised Victory! Seek Him Early, Seek Him Often, Seek Him Daily!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 14, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LAUREN PARKER

Continuing to Grow…

October 14      Continuing to Grow…  Matthew 16:18

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”  (Matthew 16:18)

I love ole Simon Peter! He reminds me of my life and my own responses to God’s call. You can say that Simon Peter was an example of what NOT to do in your Christian walk. Think about it! He stepped out of the boat and was walking on the top of the water, then took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. He challenged and disagreed with Jesus when it came to the matter of washing his feet. He denied Jesus three times and he acted rashly and impulsively when he cut off the servant’s ear while they were in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Wow! Ole Peter made some mistakes! Actually, He has provided us with the actions and opportunities to learn from.  Think about it…Peter was the only follower of Christ to step out of the boat and walk on water. He wasn’t timid or fearful to ask Jesus questions, such as when Jesus washed his feet!  Amazingly, he was the only disciple to follow Jesus after He was arrested, and he tried to defend Jesus when they were in the garden. There are times when I think that I am constantly making mistakes and missteps in my Christian walk, yet I keep moving forward. Peter made many mistakes, yet he kept moving forward! My Daddy used to say that “Life is a process, not an event,” and we need to keep moving, keep growing, keep learning and the Lord God will help us along the way to fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives! Remember that Peter fulfilled the commission of Jesus Christ, and he preached the Good News, and he led many souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Why am I still excited? Just like ole Peter, my Lord is not through with me and, even though I still have limitations and even though I still make mistakes, He has amazing and Great things ahead for me! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted with Purpose)

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 13, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JIMMY BERGERON

HIS Active GRACE

October 13      HIS Active GRACE   1 Corinthians 15:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”  (1 Corinthians 15:10)

As I think about the Love of God, and His Amazing Plan for my Life, and His Provision of Grace, through His Son, Jesus, I feel a rush of appreciation and love that cascade through my being, and I am so grateful! When I think of how He has provided so many gifts and He has placed me here, right now, on this magnificent planet, and has empowered me to make a difference in the lives of my fellow travelers, I feel so Thankful! I see God’s Grace in action, in every area of this life! There are days when I lose focus (momentarily), but I, quickly, regain my perspective (Thanks to the Holy Spirit), and I embrace His Joy, Peace, and His Love, and I am fully aware of His Abundant Grace and Blessings that are a part of my Life! I know that God’s Grace is active in my life, and I am grateful for this fact! This Amazing Grace keeps me going, and I am excited about each new day! The politics of Hate, the chaos of this age, and this World that is dominated by Evil and Despair, are no match for My God’s Amazing Grace! I AM WHAT I AM BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE, HIS GRACE, AND HIS SUSTAINING POWER! HOW ABOUT YOU? “It is your attitude, not your aptitude, that will determine your altitude!!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 12, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ANNA WALTERS

NEAL DRIVER

More Than Conquerors

October 12      More Than Conquerors           Romans 8:31-37

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  (Romans 8:31-37)

There are days when I feel as if I am walking through this life, all alone! Challenges, both personal and public, create issues that are hard to deal with, yet through those times, I have the assurance that my God is with me, protecting me, carrying me, holding me, and guiding me, even when my feelings indicate differently! On those days, when I feel so helpless and challenged, I have the promise that “I am with you and I am for you, in everything that you do!” Satan attempts to cloud the fact that my God is with me, and that He is my companion and my provider! My mother used to tell me that in those times when life seems to beat you down and you feel as if you are all alone, whisper His Name! Every time, without fail, when I speak His Name, it opens my heart and my mind to His Holy Presence! When I speak to my Savior, in complete surrender to His Presence, I am renewed, and I am empowered to face any challenge that life has to offer! Every one of us are challenged, daily, yet God’s Amazing Grace is there for us! Remember what Genesis 28:15 tells us: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” We are more than conquerors through HIS AMAZING GRACE!!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Armor-up, and Keep Looking Up to Jesus!  THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Postscript: Please pray for the pastors of the churches, in our area, that God will refresh, energize, and sustain them in their calling! Being a pastor can, at times, be a lonely and isolating experience! Recently, I met and engaged with a young pastor that was feeling the weight of isolation and resistance in his pastoral duties. He poured out his frustrations to me, and asked if I had any answers. YES! Because of Jesus, we are More than Conquerors! We MUST claim His Power, Presence, Provisions, and His Amazing Grace! I have committed to prayerful support and to encourage him and have offered to be a “friend” in this chaotic world! I encourage you to encourage others and to be A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 11, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

MR. BOB SHUMAN (In Heaven)