Edifying Christ, in EVERYTHING
June 27 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, and God’s Holy Word? (“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8) It is my conviction, and my Biblical observation, that every believer MUST demonstrate a true and total commitment to God’s Word in ALL that we DO and all that we SAY, and that means to be genuine and real in every aspect of our lives! 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, and our actions MUST reflect HIS Message and HIS Love and HIS Power! I am amazed that individuals, that are active “churchgoers,” 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!
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P.S. Just recently, I was involved in a conversation with a group of fellow believers, and the issue of politics and social issues came up. Amazingly, and surprisingly, one of the individuals active in the conversation made a bold and powerful statement! He said that he would never vote for a certain political party, and especially a particular candidate, and he didn’t care who or what the other party stood for, he was going to vote for that party representative, the party that his granddaddy, and his daddy always voted for. All eyes fell on me for a response (or I felt like they were looking to me), and I reluctantly spoke. I asked a simple question. “What if your candidate, your party, holds a position and agenda that is directly opposed to the Faith and Good News that you possess and profess to believe?” “It don’t matter! I won’t never vote for a “@#*&” candidate!” Shocked, saddened, and a bit confused, I walked away from this conversation with a realization that, for some, traditions overpower common sense, politics is more important than Christian Faith, and that “My Way or the Highway mentality” trumps the Good News message of Salvation and Redemption! The conversation, at this point, was over for me! My last words to this individual actually made him angry! I told him that I was committed to praying for him and that I would continue to ask God to intervene in his life! Wow! He was not a “Happy Camper,” and his bias, anger and his “Tradition Guided Attitude and Politics” came pouring out of his mouth, and I can state emphatically, that his words were not edifying to the cause of Christ! Friends, You and I can, and will, disagree on politics, and even social positions, but, and I say this as strongly as I can, as a professing “Born-Again” Christian, if you are living your life, representing and proclaiming anything other than the Saving Blood of Jesus Christ and its ability to Transform your Living, then you are NOT REPRESENTING JESUS, BUT YOUR OWN OPINIONS AND SECULAR THOUGHTS, and these thoughts ARE NOT EDIFYING TO OUR SAVIOR! You can’t have it both ways… (“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8). Sadly, there are so many that believe that their spiritual lives and their public lives are completely separate! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 26, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MELANIE BROCK
LOU CARROLL (70)
CHARLES PADGETT
Clutter Free
June 26 Clutter Free Matthew 6:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
For many years, my parents were busy making their lives simple. I would ask why they were doing one thing or another, and Mama would always say, “The simpler the better!” What did that mean? Well, as I approach my “Golden Years,” I am all about the simplicity of life. I have observed the lives of great people of God and their lives were characterized by simplicity. So many years, I have lived in a hurry to succeed and to make a mark in life. Thank God that I have discovered that the most powerful and directed life is one that knows where it is going and recognizes the source of power and becomes clutter free and is focused, and not in a hurry! Daddy used to say that you could be busy digging a ditch with a spoon and accomplish very little. Let me point out that being busy is by no means, a sin. Jesus, Paul, Peter, Matthew, were busy, and very little is accomplished without effort and work and the weariness that comes from the labor. Now, if your business is dedicated to the accumulation of stuff that are empty and shallow and hold no eternal significance, well that can’t please God, so, it might qualify as sin! I know what it is to be tired and weary in the pursuit of things that do not satisfy and have zero eternal value. My passions and my possessions, that activated my pride, were all empty and dead things in my life. Folks, I am 100% committed to being busy for my Lord! I am constantly “De-Cluttering” my life and continuing to focus on what is edifying to my Savior! Please, do not follow after, seeking “dead” stuff, when our “Living” is promised, when we seek things, that are above. Is your life cluttered with temporal and earthly stuff and are you busy digging a ditch with a spoon? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Live Clutter-Free…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-print)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 25, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHYDAY TO:
DONNA PERRY
KATHY ROACH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GEORGE & FAYE CREECH
“LOVING not JUDGING”
July 25 “LOVING not JUDGING” 1 Peter 4:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Recently, I have been presented with challenges that ought not be! Fellow Believers, well-meaning fellow Believers, allowing Satan to dictate their actions and words! Situations, circumstances, actions, and challenges will come to us, yet we MUST seek to live in God’s Love, and to love each other, regardless of the situations that exist! Every one of us misses the mark when it comes to being perfect! It is the LOVE OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, that makes us worthy of HIS GRACE! So often, we allow the momentary circumstances of the present to dictate our actions and responses! All of us have sinned and fallen short… Please claim the VICTORY IN JESUS, Focus on HIS GRACE, and STOP BEING SO JUDGEMENTAL towards one another! Remember, you are not responsible for the actions and words of others, you are responsible for YOUR ACTIONS and WORDS, and they SHOULD BE EDIFYING TO THE BODY OF CHRIST! Satan gets excited when a Believer allows him the opportunity to get a foothold and create chaos and strife among other Believers! Folks, Claim God’s Love, Focus on Obedience for your own life, and STOP Judging others, and LOVE THEM, with the LOVE OF GOD! Most of the issues among God’s people, would not be issues, if we would simply mind our own business and see others through the eyes of Christ! Listen closely to this Command: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40… He said it, I believe it, and am working each day to make it a part of my life! How about you! Stay Focused, Stay Strong…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 24, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
COLLIN DRIVER
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!