Real and Lasting Peace
July 24 Real and Lasting Peace Colossians 3:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
When Paul wrote these words, the only peace that the people were familiar with, was the peace that came through conquest, by Caesar and the Roman Empire and its armies. So, here comes this fellow named Paul, and he is talking about the “Peace of Christ,” and this Peace should “rule in your hearts.” Think about it… Caesar brought a perceived Peace through “Might” and “Conquest,” yet, this Christ, that Paul speaks of, brings Peace that is described as “Mercy and Humility and Love and seems to be about a personal experience, not a conquering force and domination. As I contemplate the environment of Paul’s day, I see how these folks would have difficulty with this “Peace” thing. We have a natural tendency to attempt to “make Peace” in our lives by being more assertive and attaining more power and leverage. Notice, that the Followers of Jesus were different! They recognized that the only true and lasting way to bring “Peace,” is through “Peace!” I believe that this lesson is vital and critical in our, present day, survival! Evil, Chaos, and Total Insanity has taken hold of our world and, it appears that the goal is to disrupt and to destroy any “Peace” that we might enjoy! Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Model your life after Jesus and allow Him to “Rule” in your heart and be Grateful for His Blessings, Guidance and His Real and Lasting PEACE, regardless of the worldly circumstances! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 23, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DUSTIN HALE
MARIE SHUMAN
KATHERINE LEWIS
BRANDON WALTERS
Overcoming
July 23 Overcoming John 16:33
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
A large portion of my responsibilities, as a pastor, is to counsel and encourage others, along this journey of life. One amazing fact has become obvious, and that is that individuals still do not grasp that life is difficult and, at times, just hard to handle. A consistent thought has emerged, and that is, that Christians are, somehow, immune to the challenges and difficulties of life! Let me assure you, here and now, this is NOT TRUE!! The scriptures inform us of the challenges and adversity that we WILL FACE, as we serve HIM, and navigate through this life. Folks, we are living in a fallen and sinful world, and chaos and destruction are all about! When we become Christians, we are infused with HIS Power, HIS Grace and HIS Provision, and this empowerment provides the necessary tools to successfully challenge the destructive patterns of this world. Please be aware that Satan is ready, willing, and able to attack you, taunt you, challenge you, annoy you, and hurt you! Stay Focused on HIS POWER, PROVISION AND PRESENCE, and be prepared to handle the challenges that YOU WILL FACE! Psalm 91:1 offers a powerful promise… “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Life is hard! Life is Challenging! My God is ALL POWERFUL, and as HIS Child, I am Powerful, because of HIS Love, Grace, and Provision!! I encounter the same challenges that you face, and I affirm the power of God in my life, and I am continually praying for renewal, healing, and protection. I affirm HIS anointing for the POWER FOR LIVING in this dark and sinful world! Remember, HE is working in you, on your behalf, and we need to “rest in the shadow of the Almighty!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 22, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JERRY D. NARRON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GRADY & BETTIE ANNE JOHNSON
Being Responsible
July 22 Being Responsible 1 Timothy 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC… “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
When did it become the responsibility of others to take care of me and my family? When did it become acceptable to blame others for my decisions and the consequences of those decisions? Growing up in an environment of “Personal Responsibility,” I find it difficult to understand the tendency of others to blame their race, or gender or geography or anything else for their situations and their own decisions! My Daddy witnessed and experienced abuse by his father and he was brought up in an orphanage, where he was required to work for his “Keep!” My Mother grew up in extreme poverty and, yet she was taught “Personal Responsibility!” Folks, every one of us has “Issues,” and every one of us have challenges. We must take responsibility for our own actions and issues and be responsible!! “You are responsible for your own actions and do not blame others for your mistakes!” I heard these words constantly, especially when I attempted to blame others for my own bad decisions and actions. Mama would tell me that “Personal Responsibility” is not an option in the Brock household! When I think back, I have always been taught to take responsibility for myself and to not depend on others to provide for my needs. Daddy taught me to always have a watch, a pocketknife (today, if I were in grade school, I would be suspended, or worse!), a pen and a pocket handkerchief! As I observe the culture of “Blame,” that has overtaken our land, and seems to be the “Norm,” I am saddened to see entire generations that are settling for “Mediocrity!” God has promised “Abundance” and that requires “Responsible Living!” Blaming others for your issues and for your position in life is not productive. Each one of us has the responsibility to take care of our own needs and the needs of our families! Amazingly, our government has promoted this “Dependency” mentality, of assistance and victimhood, and has created this “Dependent” culture. “It is my race, my gender, my environment, my stature, my age, my parents, my nationality, that has caused all of my difficulties…” Folks, my God does not discriminate, and my God does not see color, gender, nationality, or any other earthly dividing line. God, in His Great Love, expects all of us to have and to exercise Personal Responsibility and Personal Integrity, in our living. I am so grateful that my parents instilled in my life, the need to be “Dependent” on God and to be “Independent” in my personal life!! Satan is using every tool available to deceive and divide folks into believing that they are victims and that their only hope is in this world and its facilities. Keep in mind, the only “Dependence” that Christians need is our “Dependence” on God and His Promises, found in the pages of His Holy Word! I have done a poor job of expressing this vital message, however, please focus on God’s power and direction, and do not blame others for your lot in life! Live above the circumstances and claim victory in your “Dependence” on Almighty God…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 21, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JIM ELLIS
JAMES FERRELL
KIM JEFFREYS
“HIS Renewal, Restoration & Cleansing”
July 21 “HIS Renewal, Restoration & Cleansing” Psalm 51:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
I came out of the house, to go to UNC Rex Hospital, and I really looked at my car, and I was absolutely appalled. The rain and the dust and the business of my schedule all combined to make my car muddy and dirty and unappealing. Determined to do something about it, I went to the local car wash, at Sheetz, and with great difficulty, paid the “high” price for the solution to my dilemma. I got a car wash! As I sat in the car, rivers of cascading soapy waters flowed over the dirty surface and then the blue bristled brushes began their unenviable task. The brushes removed the dirt and grime with each passing, and the dirty water covered the cement floor. As I drove out of this “tunnel” of Cleansing, into the bright light of a beautiful day, my car was glistening in the bright morning sun! Wow! I thought about this beautiful verse, and I realized, that just like my car that had gotten a bit too close to the mudholes and the muddy dirt roads, I, from time to time, also stray too close to the “Muddiness” of life and stray too far away from the “Cleansing” of the Father God! What a glorious moment when we realize that He does not discard us when we stray, He renews us and “washes” us, and restores us! Please, Please, Please ask God, Today, Right Now, for His Renewing and Restoration and His Total Cleansing for your life! He loved us enough to send Jesus, to die, suffer and to be buried, and to be raised up from the grave and to be our SAVIOR!! Let our daily prayer be just this: “Please Dear Lord, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Let this day be a Day of Renewal! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Reposting)
ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 20, 2024
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO H.E. & PHYLLIS EDWARDS! May God Bless You with Many More Great Days Together! We Love You Both,
Pastor Glen & Annette
Watch Your Mouth
July 20 Watch Your Mouth Proverbs 6:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.” (Proverbs 6:2)
One of the most “chilling” commands that came from the mouth of my dear mother, were the words, “Watch Your Mouth!” From an early age, I was taught that your words are an expression of your attitude and your character! Amazingly, this lesson, and the benefits of obedience to this simple rule, have become less important to an entire generation! If you listen to many of the popular music sources, you will hear some awful and “dirty” language! Let’s go a bit closer to home; you can hear “fowl” language right in the church! Just recently, I had to take on the role of my mother and admonish a young man to “watch his mouth!” Friends, the way in which we express ourselves, and the words that we choose to employ, and the way that we share our communications, are an indication of the condition of our hearts and an indication of our attitude! The scriptures inform us to not let corrupt communications to pass over your lips, and that your words should be edifying to God and to lift people up, not tear them down! Proverbs 6:2: “You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.” Let your words be positive and edifying and a reflection of your “new” nature! Remember, our words are important! Every miracle that Jesus performed, He spoke it into existence before it happened! Our Words, Our Attitude, Our Communications, must be in line with edifying God and expressing His Amazing Grace! So, the message for today is simple: WATCH YOUR MOUTH! Think about what you say, how you say it and refrain from any words, communication, that is not edifying to God, to You, and to the Cause of Christ! Again, simply put… “WATCH YOUR MOUTH!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 19, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TRACY GILMORE
KIM PRIVETTE
NATHAN REDINGER
Grateful…Period!
July 19 Grateful…Period! Psalm 100:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4)
So much of God’s Holy Word speaks of and instructs us to be “Thankful!” The older that I am blessed to be, I realize that the “door” into the Presence of my Savior is through an attitude of “Thankfulness!” When I think of all that my God has done to provide the pathway for my relationship with Him to be re-established and the lengths of His expressions of Love, how can I not be Grateful? God has gone to extreme measures to ensure and to preserve my freedoms, and one of those Freedoms is the Freedom of Choice! I choose to accept God’s Great Gift and to embrace His Love. I choose to Trust Him, and to Worship Him and to Celebrate that Trust with my words and actions! I choose, as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, to “Give Thanks in all circumstances, for it is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I choose to Thank God in everything that I do and speak! Recently, I had another Believer with me on a visit to a local hospital, and as we came into the parking deck, I saw a space open, and I quickly pulled into the space, and spoke out loud, “Thank You, Lord!” My cohort inquired about my statement, and I explained that “Gratitude” is supposed to be all consuming, and when we are instructed to “Give THANKS in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, it means ALL! When we are Grateful for Him and His Amazing Gift of Salvation, through Jesus, then our actions, words and our thoughts should reflect that Gratitude! Are You Grateful? Are you “Living” in Gratitude? Are you expressing Gratitude in “Everything?” Remember that “It is Your ATTITUDE, not Your APTITUDE that will determine Your ALTITUDE!” Please Be Grateful, and Live in Blessings of the Savior! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 18, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ZACK SCOTT
JUSTIN WHITLEY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BEN & RHONDA GREEN
Resist Evil Folk
July 18 Resist Evil Folk Proverbs 1:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.” (Proverbs 1:10)
Here we go again, with one of my “Life’s Experiences Stories” that teaches a valuable lesson, or at least, was valuable to me, at the time! Imagine, if you will, a typical hot Eastern North Carolina evening, with 4 young boys anticipating darkness to fall so that they could “camp-out” all night long. We had done this before, yet this night was different. On this night, we had the addition of an older boy, and he immediately became the leader of this little pack. We were “goofing” around and talking about “girls,” and, all of a sudden, the new boy suggested that this was boring and that we should do something exciting. I will call him Bubba, since he is still living, and he is well known in Eastern Wayne County. Bubba decides that we should go to Mr. A. O. Price’s Store and break into his “Drink” building and take some drinks. The three original boys, which includes me, were reluctant to sign on to this program, however, the pressure to conform and the prestige of Bubba soon wore us down. So, off we go! “How am I going to avoid this and save face?” That “Still Small Voice” was screaming at me… “DON’T DO IT!!!” Immediately, I pretended that my stomach was killing me and that I had to go to the bathroom and that I was going to my house to handle the situation and that I would catch up to them, as quickly as I could resolve the situation. So, they continued, to accomplish their mission, and I went to my house and undressed and crawled into my bed. Daddy came into my room and inquired about why I came home, and I told him that I didn’t feel well. That was the truth…I didn’t feel well about stealing Mr. Price’s drinks! To finish the story…the fellas did go to the store, and they did break into the drink house, and they did get caught! It just so happened that a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff was parked behind the store, yet, out of sight of the drink house. He heard the noise and came to investigate and found my friends and Bubba, inside the building, at night, with the store closed and drinks in hand. What happened next was truly ugly! My friend’s parents were called to go to Goldsboro to pick up their sons, including the big boy, Bubba! The next day, the story was all over the small community of Spring Bank. Praise God that my name was not a part of the rapidly spreading news! I didn’t understand what had happened to me that night and why I couldn’t bring myself to follow the fellas into this mess. As I matured, both physically; and more specifically, Spiritually, I understood that the Holy Spirit was guiding and strongly directing me to “Cut and Run” to my safe place! God promised the HOLY SPIRIT and we need to be sensitive and tuned into His teaching, leading, and instructions. This event was over 50 years ago, and it is as clear to me, as it was 50 years ago. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 17, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SONNY TRIPPE
JOYCE BARNES
Pray, Pray, Pray…
July 17 Pray, Pray, Pray… James 4:7-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
Notice that the scripture passage is the same as yesterday. Yesterday, the message was a call for “Personal Commitment,” and, today, the message is “HOW” to “Grow Your Personal Commitment!” My Prayer Closet is, literally, a closet (an area with minimal distractions). I go into the closet, and I come near to God through prayer. When I am weary and worn, from ministry and obedience to His Call, I come close to God through prayer. When I am excited and upbeat and feeling blessed, I come close to God in Prayer! Are you sensing a pattern? Prayer is the absolute Key to success as a Christian and for our walk in Obedience. Prayer time is a special time and I covet my time alone with my Lord and Savior. Amazingly, I have expanded my Prayer Closet to include our front porch, my car and my lawnmower. “Praying always…,” that is what He expects! Jesus was human, yet Divine. This concept is difficult for us to absorb; however, He WAS a man, and He IS the Son of God. Jesus prayed to the Father for guidance and strength and for comfort and for the completion of His Divine Mission! If Jesus prayed and recognized the necessity for prayer, and was dedicated to the communication with His Father, don’t you think that we should do the same? How do we submit ourselves to God? WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! WE ARE TO RESIST THE DEVIL!! Again, WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 16, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATRINE HAYNES
JAMIE JEFFREYS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JERRY & PAIGE RICHARDSON
“BE STILL …”
July 16 “BE STILL …” Psalm 46:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
This past week has provided an amazing worship experience. I had the privilege to get out of bed and experience the sunrise, each morning! Watching the Sun come up over the Lake and to see the “Light Show” that ensued, was a blessing and a reminder of the majesty and splendor of our Creator God! I began each new day, surrounded by the beauty that is His Creation, while I prayed for each one of you! Generally, I forget to “Be Still!” The opportunity to “Re-Charge,” “Re-Focus,” and to concentrate on the reality of His Amazing Grace, I recommend it for every Believer! Slow Down, Be Still, Meditate on His Holy Word and spend some Time in Quiet, Focused, and Dedicated Prayer! This experience has confirmed the need for me to take more time to “Re-Charge,” and to “Re-Focus,” so that I can continue to serve our God with Energy, Creativity, and Dedication! Thank You BTC Family for allowing us to experience this Worship Time away! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Courage Comes from Within
July 15 Courage Comes from Within Psalm 31:24
“He’s Back!” Thank You to the Deacons that stepped up and posted Devotions during my absence! Thank You Church Family for allowing Annette and I to have some “Down Time!” We Love and Appreciate Every One of You!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)
My mother used to read a story to me, from an old Indian folklore book, and one of those stories dealt with courage. When we were at the lake, last week, every morning, just about daybreak, I observed the birds and the way that they dealt with the bigger birds that were attempting to get their piece of bread that was provided by the big round thing that was in the swing (that was me). This big bird came in, all big and bad, and the smaller birds scrambled, except for one smaller bird. This bird was “in the face” of the big bird and he would chase the larger bird away. Amazingly, the other smaller birds would return to eating the bread. As I witnessed this interaction, I recalled that story, from long ago, that spoke of courage and where to find courage. The story went like this: “There was a mouse that was afraid of cats, so the magician agreed to turn the mouse into a cat. The fear of cats disappeared. Well, the newly transformed cat met a dog, and the fear was back, so the magician turned the cat into a dog. Are you keeping up? Alright, the mouse turned cat turned dog was happy until he met a tiger, and, once again, the magician turned him into the thing that he feared, a tiger. Well, the tiger came to the magician and was complaining that he had met a hunter! Shock of all shocks…the magician would not help! He told the tiger that he would change him back into a mouse, just because you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse.” Listen, we can build up a gruff and imposing exterior and still tremble with fear on the inside! Courage is an outgrowth of who we are and who we serve. We can face our fears with force, and we can construct mighty exteriors, and we can hoard wealth and can seek fame and fortune, but do these things work to bring us courage? Exterior supports are temporary, but only our inward character and relationship creates courage! “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24) Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
A Way of Life
July 11 A Way of Life
Good morning from Ricky Watson, Deacon, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina.
The Bible calls us to a lifestyle of constant prayer. We are commanded to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And because we have the Holy Spirit living in us and He knows what we should pray for (Romans 8:26-27), we can be purposefully praying at all times, in every place. When it comes to praying continually, here are a few time-honored suggestions:
· Start where you are. Even prayers of just a few minutes are great. The key is making it a habit.
· Start with your priorities. Pray for your spiritual growth, then your wife and family, and outward from there.
· Start with a prayer list. Jot down prayer requests on three-by-five cards so you can remember them and lift them up throughout the day.
Lord, to be able to talk with You anytime- all the time!-is such a privilege. Help me take advantage of this tremendous opportunity and grow in my relationship with You. Amen
Remember, in the words of Pastor Glen, “Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!”