“WE ALL MESS US SOMETIMES!”

March 15   “WE ALL MESS US SOMETIMES!”          Titus 1:16

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:16)

Wow! A few weeks ago, I encountered a sad example of Christian behavior! I was having lunch in a local restaurant and saw a lady that I have known for many years. As she was standing at my table, conversing about various things, another lady walked by, and pleasantries were exchanged, and then this lady began to berate and belittle the other lady. Knowing the history of this lady, I was a bit amazed at her condemnation, especially since her own life was replete with similar behaviors. My response was a little cliché, “None of us are perfect!” As I have reflected on this experience, I understand that those of us who seek to reflect the righteousness of Jesus Christ, must be careful to avoid the hypocrisy of our own experiences! Christians are often accused of being hypocrites, and justifiably so, in many cases. Every one of us has the tendency to express hypocrisy, yet we must be careful to avoid the tendency! Guess What? WE ALL MESS US SOMETIMES! We are not perfect, regardless of what some may think! Hypocrisy is claiming to love Jesus, while at the same time, expressing ourselves in an unloving and hostile manner. As a follower of Christ, we must continue to recognize that we are not perfect, but we are forgiven, through HIS AMAZING GRACE! The scripture passage for today speaks clearly about our role, our goal, and our responsibility! “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.” Don’t Judge, Don’t Criticize, Do Pray for Each Other, Do Expect the Best from Others, Do Live Your Life so that Others MAY SEE JESUS IN YOU!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Continue to be what God has called you to be! REMEMBER: THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 14, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DANIELLE BIOSI

The Future Looks Bright

March 14          The Future Looks Bright           James 1:12                  

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC… “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  (James 1:12)

Many years ago, while attending Revival services at Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church, October 21, 1991, and the speaker, Reverend Shannon Scott, said something that has “stuck” with me since that night.  He said, “If you accept Jesus, this is the worst you will ever have it. If you deny Jesus, this is the best you will ever have it!”  As I thought about these words, and as I was going through a difficult time in my life, the words of promise, that I use and continue to use, were born in my life!  THE BEST IS YET TO BE!  For me; as a Child of God, this statement is absolutely and powerfully, true!  An unfathomable love that comes directly from the Heart of God, has been poured out on Humanity and that Love provides the conduit to re-establish a relationship with Almighty God, through the sacrificial shed Blood of Jesus, and, simply accepting and claiming this cleansing and saving Grace of God, we are blessed, and we are empowered to endure and to overcome!  I claim the Victory that is mine and I accept the Grace of my Jesus and I commit my life to Him, and I am dedicated to “endure” until I am in the presence of my Savior and my God!  What my brother said 30+ years ago, is so true today… “If you accept Jesus, this is the worst you will ever have it. If you deny Jesus, this is the best you will ever have it!”  So, my attitude, my living, my hope, is found in Jesus and I will shout it to the rooftop for as long as I am here, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!  Because of Jesus and the Great Love of God the Father, I can say without any doubt…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!  I pray that you can declare the same message for your life!!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE ABSOLUTE AND UNQUESTIONABLE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 13, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CECILIA GARDNER

CHRIS LILES

STEVEN NARRON

Deliverance

March 13     Deliverance           Galatians 1:3-4

** Wow! When your knee tells you that you have attempted to accomplish too much in one day, it doesn’t take long to spend the night at the Brock household! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:3-4)

Life in the 21st Century is busy! No one can deny that we are, as a society, so much busier than we were just a couple of decades ago. There is so much more going on that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything accomplished. The World and all its distractions and activities, tend to take us away from being the True Christian that we should be! If we aren’t careful, we will allow the “World’s Standards and Expectations” to dictate our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors! So, the question is, how do we “separate” lives while living in this EVIL and DEPRAVED world? Fellow Believers, we have some precious promised truths in today’s scripture passage. The first truth is that Jesus is our answer to the question of how we navigate through this Evil World! He has provided deliverance from bondage of this world’s temptations and has provided instructions to follow to make it through this age, while walking in obedience and achieving VICTORY over this Evil World! The next truth is profound!! Through the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST and the LOVE OF GOD, for us, HE has, indeed, brought deliverance from sin and He has provided guidance and leadership in the ability to lead righteous and godly lives, regardless of this world’s negative and destructive influences. It is God’s will for us to live Holy and Righteous lives and He has provided the necessary tools to do just that! We are His workmanship, and we are His Hands and Feet in this world, and we are to be about the Father’s Business! It is our responsibility to be what God has ordained for us to be! It is our decision to be strong and effective servants for Christ! It is our duty, our calling, our Hope, to be the best witness for Christ that we can be! Regardless of the negative and depraved influences of SATAN and this World, we are to BOLDLY CLAIM HIS PROMISES AND LIVE HOLY LIVES, WITH THE FIRM ASSURANCE THAT HE HAS BROUGHT TO US…HIS GRACE AND HIS COMFORTING PEACE!! What God does with you, IS UP TO YOU! It ALWAYS has been, it ALWAYS will be! Please stay in God’s Word; Stay of your Knees in Prayer and continue to Share the Good News of Jesus Christ, in Word and in Actions! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 12, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

GAYLE ALFORD

PAULETTE H. STRICKLAND

TANYA JOYNER

Delight in the Lord

March 12    Delight in the Lord   Psalm 37:4

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”             (Psalm 37:4)

“Delight” is an interesting word. It has such a deeper meaning than what we might think. “Delight” is followed by “also,” in today’s scripture passage. It implies that our “Delight” is to be greater than our present capacity and expanding to be more our present “Delight!” Our Call, Our Duty, Our Privilege is to “Delight in the Lord!” We do this, by rejoicing in the Lord and to come before Him with Thanksgiving and Anticipation of His Gracious Provision. Desires are things that we want to receive. It is sort of like your desires for Christmas and the “loot’ that you will haul in! For our desires to be fulfilled, we must have hearts that are sincere and dedicated and committed to His will for our lives. You see, in God, what we are to do is “Delight,” then what we receive is “Desires,” as they become one. We must align our delighting and desiring, so that it honors Him and that our focus is on His Grace, His Promises, His Glory, and His “Desires” for our lives! God has promised, to us, the “Desires” of our Hearts, however, it requires our dedicated commitment and surrender to HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES! Relationship is KEY! I pray that you will embrace His Promises and live to bring honor and glory to God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 11, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

MRS. SANDY KELLY

DWAIN DIEHL

Harmony!

March 11             Harmony!      1 Corinthians 16:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Many years ago, a wise older man shared some wonderful words of wisdom with this young, inexperienced, and slightly arrogant “whippersnapper!” He told me that I was required to work together with others, and that I should make every effort to do it with harmony and with love! Wow! How difficult is that? Working together with people that are difficult, moody, opinionated, arrogant, and all together unpleasant. When I inquired about the secret to this miracle that he expected, he simply spoke one word, and it made me stop in my tracks! He said, “JESUS!” He went on to explain that life with others, especially in the church, is like an automobile engine. There are many different parts, different parts, that are not alike, yet work together to seemingly create the impossible. Every part, working together, to achieve the desired goal, an engine that runs! Like this engine, the church is a finely tuned product that should operate in harmony with others, to achieve the ultimate goal of sharing Jesus Christ with a lost world, and to promote harmony among the brethren! It is our responsibility to create an atmosphere of harmony and friendship and love among fellow believers, and to create a witness that will promote and encourage non-believers to desire a Life-Changing relationship with Jesus Christ! Remember, when you greet others with friendship and an attitude of HIS Love, then they will, in most cases, respond in kind! Let us commit to being friendly, courteous, kind and diligently work to keep our focus on Jesus, and not on the petty issues of the day! I fully believe that we should commit to being “Witnesses of Kindness and Love,” created and promoted by the Author of Love, Jesus Christ! Try smiling today! Try speaking to others with His Love! Embrace the fact of His Grace and share the Good News! “YOU ARE TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 10, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

AUSTIN HORNE

RAY SMITH

WARREN RICHARDSON

JULIE HUNTER DANIELS

“Perspective”

March 10          “Perspective”            Isaiah 55:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’” declares the Lord. “’As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“The way that I see it, you are wrong!” That was the beginning of a conversation with a church member, just a few days ago! “Your vision is way too small, and you need to listen to me!” What was I to say? So, I remembered the scripture passage for today’s devotion, and I responded, “Thank you for helping me to see the way that you think that I should go!” You see, our perspective id determined by our level of Faith and our obedience. The plans of God are far above our human concepts, yet, we can grow in our Faith and our Belief and Continue to expand our Obedience to His Calling, and His Word! Our Perspective must be through the Eyes of Christ and the Understanding that HE, as HIS Obedient Children, will guide us and direct us! “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Who is in Charge of Your Life?

March 9 Who is in Charge of Your Life? Matthew 12:25

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Pastor of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC… “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.’” (Matthew 12:25)

As I observe the activities and the actions of churches around the area, it becomes clear that the idea of “God’s Will” may not be the defining force in church life! Recently, I have had the privilege to counsel 2 young, gifted pastors that have become discouraged and, unfortunately, are questioning their calling to pastoral ministry, and are considering the idea of leaving the pastoral ministry. Sadly, every word, every issue that these two fellow believers shared with me, I have felt those same issues! My words to them were, and continue to be, “Anchor Deep, Pray More, Study More, Pray More, Pray for Wisdom, Continue to Grow in His Grace, and as you mature in the Faith, you will see the need to continue to proclaim His Grace and Guidance!” I explained that there will always be “Tares among the Wheat!” Individuals, and they will always be quick to disrupt and to use every means available to create chaos and disharmony! Amazingly, over the years, fellow believers continue to have personality conflicts and challenges as we serve God in the church! A simple question, applied to every issue, would solve many of the ongoing challenges! “IS IT EDIFYING TO CHRIST AND WILL IT PROMOTE UNITY AND IS IT A TRUE WITNESS FOR JESUS?” When we remove personalities and prejudices from our encounters, and we desire the unity of the body, then our motivations are different! Sadly, well-meaning, and dedicated individuals are either active in creating offences or they are the ones being offended! HE Knows our thoughts and HE is fully aware of our Motivations! We are to, as much as possible, to live peaceably with everyone! Unfortunately, when people come together to accomplish any good thing, personalities prevail! Are your words and actions building up the body of believers or are your words and actions tearing down the fellowship of believers? “My Way or the Highway” attitude and mentality WILL NOT and DOES NOT EDIFY and GLORIFY GOD! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! I am asking you to Pray for the Pastors around our area, and to focus on living out, in every area of your life, the divine calling on your life, to be a witness for Him, every day, in every way! Be a UNITER, not a DIVIDER! Remain Strong, Remain Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 8, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

RICKY NARRON

TINA RIEPER

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

SEFTON & CAROLYN STEVENS

Loving Our God Under Trials

March 8        Loving Our God Under Trials        James 1:12

** I will be posting March 9 Devotion today. I will be unavailable on Saturday… **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

Many years ago, in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, there was a Mosquito born disease scare. These blood sucking insects were spreading a particular disease and there was a mass concern about these tiny death carrying creatures. How do we escape these predators? YOU DON’T! There was a swamp or “slew,” within a mile of every living being! It was a “right of passage” to have red itchy spots on our arms and legs, during the summer months! My dear Mother’s solution to protect her little baby boy, was to cover me in Avon’s “Skin So Soft” lotion! There are days when I can still smell a faint odor of this noxious concoction. Constantly aware, always wary of the critters, it created a serious “Trial” in daily living! This little creature created inconvenience, pain, irritation and was always unwelcome! With all the prepared and homemade concoctions, avoiding these irritating beings was still impossible! I have thought many times, “What purpose do these creatures serve?” Life is full of irritations and trials and challenges, and we must place our trust and faith in the Creator to empower us, to guide us and to protect us! Trials of life are inconvenient, painful and “down-right” wrong, yet they are necessary for our overall well-being! Through these challenges, we learn patience, and perseverance, and we develop grateful hearts and attitudes! The reality is that we grow closer and deeper in our Faith and Dependance on our Savior, Jesus Christ! These Trials, do we really need them? ABSOLUTELY! WITHOUT A DOUBT! Trials serve a noble purpose in making us more like Jesus, and ready to take on the challenges of life, strong, determined, and ready to share His Grace and His Power and His Ability to Guide us through the irritating, yet growth inspiring Trials! THANK YOU, GOD, for the Lessons of Life! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 7, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHASITY BUNN

KEVIN CREECH

MICHAEL O’NEAL

NEGATIVE INTO POSTIIVE

March 7      Negative into Positive    Matthew 5:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” (Matthew 5:11)

One of the saddest situations that you will ever encounter is a Christian, a professing Believer in the miracle divine power of His transforming Grace, to be the most gloomy and negative example of living! There are individuals that are, by their nature, negative! Regardless of the circumstances, they will always be positive that things are negative! Mama used to call these folks, “Gloomy Gus.” How can we “Fix” our tendency to be negative? How can we transform our human nature to be gloomy and negative? Matthew 5:11 (a part of the Sermon of the Mount) explains that in the face of negative and general persecution, that we can be happy (blessed) and that we can overcome the tendency to be negative! For the Believer, difficult, rough, unfair, terrible times, heartbreak, tragedy, do not give us the right to be negative! Through the miracle of His Amazing Grace, we have the power and privilege to be joyful, in the face of challenges! When I think of negativity, in light of the recent pandemic, I never want to “Test” Positive of being “Negative!” I affirm the Power of God that is rising and dominating my very thoughts and attitudes! Please Lord, Keep me focused on Your Promises that I might live as an example of Your Grace and Glory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 6, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

RENEE DRIVER

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MIKE & SUSAN ADAMS

Do We Deserve Mercy?

March 6     Do We Deserve Mercy?   Luke 23:43

Please be aware that Satan will use every means available to discredit the name of Jesus! I am fully aware that we are doing what God intends for us to do because Satan is using every tool in his arsenal to thwart, hamper, distract and disrupt and complicate God’s message and our obedience! PLEASE do not allow Satan to use you to be a stumbling block. Personalities, preferences, habits, rigid inflexible attitudes are prime opportunities for Satan!  We have a choice and I continue to pray that the choice will be to Glorify God and to promote unity and harmony among fellow believers!

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”  (Luke 23:43)

The courtroom events had occurred, the sentence had been declared, and the Roman soldiers were leading Jesus to Golgotha, and they nailed Him to that rugged and despicable cross and placed our Lord between two common criminals.  One of the criminals seemed to take pleasure in mocking our Jesus when he sarcastically soke to Jesus… “If you are the Christ, save yourself and save us!”  The other criminal had a completely different statement!  He said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom!”  Wow!  What an example of humanity and our reaction to the Love of God!  One mocked Him and had an attitude of rejection, and the other one was contrite and humbled and believed that Jesus was the Savior!  The words of our Savior should give us hope!  The answer to this thief is an indication of our great hope!  “Today you will be with Me in Paradise!”  Did this criminal deserve any mercy?  Absolutely Not, however, NO ONE DOES!!  God’s Word tells us that we are all sinful and that none of us are worthy.  God loved us enough that He was willing to send His Only Son to die for us and to take our sins upon His being and take them to that cross and to shed His Blood for the remission of OUR sins.  Listen, our Salvation is not based on our merit or our worthiness, it is entirely and completely a gift from God.  His Grace and Mercy is provided to us, freely, because of His Great Love for Us!  God’s Love, manifested in His Forgiveness and Mercy, is our, for the asking!  Folks, just like the criminal that was hanging there on Golgotha, right beside of our Savior, we have the promise of His Mercy and His Grace, that one day, one day very soon, we will be with Him in Heaven!  I, for one, am grateful for this promise and I am anticipating the day when I am in His presence.  Thank you, God for loving me, even when I am unlovable!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“The Real Deal”

March 5             “The Real Deal”                 1 Corinthians 11:1

** REMEMBER to VOTE TODAY! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Sadly, we live in a world with plenty of fakes, phonies, imitations and “look-alikes!” In the furniture industry, presenting the appearance of “real” wood, while being an imitation, has been brought to an art form! Think about it, jewelry is a perfect example of something that appears to be real yet is simply a shiny imitation! Recently, the news outlets were reporting that a gang of individuals were arrested for selling “knock-off” designer handbags at a local flea market! Over the course of my life, I have come to appreciate and desire to be involved with the “real thing!” Many of you knew a dear lady, Mrs. Kay Chamblee Perry, and when I think about the necessity for being real and using real things, I think of Kay! Kay Perry made the most amazing Chocolate Pie, and, after years of begging, she finally gave the recipe to me. In her instructions, she was adamant that the vanilla extract to be used MUST BE REAL and NOT IMITATION! Wow! Being Real, using the Real stuff, not presenting a “Fake” front is critical and essential in our Christian walk! As a Born-Again Believer, we have a basic task to imitate Christ and to be real and Genuine in everything that we do and say for Him! Jesus Christ is the greatest example of humility, compassion, forgiveness, longsuffering, selflessness, and Divine Love! As we study His Life, we discover a selfless pattern of worship, service and devotion to prayer and obedience! We are to imitate Jesus and the more that we grow in Him, the more we develop into the person that God expects! I love what I heard, many years ago, in a sermon preached by my daddy! He said that there is a paradox of our Faith: Only when we truly imitate Jesus Christ can we truly become the “Real Thing!” Ruminate on that thought! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“BE CONFIDENT”

March 4             “BE CONFIDENT”              Philippians 1:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6)

The very essence of our Christian experience is encapsulated in this scripture passage! It describes our entire salvation story, from beginning to end!  Our God begins the work of forgiveness, or the miracle of “justification,” and He puts us in the proper relationship with the Father, through the Son! Hang on, that is just the beginning… Salvation starts with our conversion, our receiving the amazing Grace of Jesus’ sacrificial act at Calvary! The process does not stop at our conversion! God continues to do a work in us and through us and for us! I like to call this process “Sanctification!” Praise God! He is committed to the fulfilment of the process, yet often time we rebel or struggle, yet He is true to His Word, and He is ready to continue the process of completing this “Good” work in you! God is committed to accomplish His promise in us and the ultimate outcome is eternal life, with the Father and the Son, in Heaven! I believe that the biblical word for this is “Glorification!” So, it begins with God’s Love, and continues when we receive this Love by asking for forgiveness and receiving Jesus into our hearts! Once we have re-established the relationship, through Jesus, with the Father, the Blessed Holy Spirit takes over! He leads and guides and strengthens and empowers and corrects and is responsible for the “Sanctification” of our lives! When it is all said and done, and we stand before God the Father, and we see the face of Jesus, our redeemer, there is going to be “joy unspeakable,” forever! Thank God for His Love for us! Thank God for providing the means of re-establishing our relationship with Him, and the rewards of our commitment and service to Him! Praise God for what He has done; Is Doing, and Will do for us, if we will only trust, believe and receive His Amazing Grace! Get Ready! The Time is Drawing Near! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!