“WATCH YOUR MOUTH”
September 2 “WATCH YOUR MOUTH” Proverbs 13:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)
We have all said things that we wish that we had not spoken, and as soon as the words left our mouths, we regretted it. Speaking before Thinking is a universal problem, and some have perfected it to an art form! Unfortunately, my mouth works faster than my brain! My dear mother used to warn me to “Watch my mouth!” Her warning was her way of teaching me to filter my words and to control my conversations! Mama would add to her instructions by telling me to always “Tell the Truth!” As life has progressed, and I am now the instructor, I still cling to the truth of Mama’s words, to “Watch my Mouth!” Luke 6:45 speaks the truth when it instructs with these words: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” We are to be “Christ-Like” in our actions, words and deeds! Think about this truth… When Jesus spoke to individuals and groups, His words were designed to encourage and to teach and to empower and to heal the listeners. His example of communication has set a high standard for us to follow, and we need to be praying, studying His Word, and intent on controlling our tongues, so that we can be what God intends for us to be! Remember Mama’s Warning: “Watch Your Mouth!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. What motivates your voting decisions (for that matter, all decisions that you make)? Are you controlled by traditions, family, prejudices, habits? This is a simple reminder for the Believer! Your Life, Your Living, Your Actions, Your Attitude, Your Very Existence is, or should be, dictated by Your Faith and Commitment to Almighty God, through His Gift of Grace in Jesus Christ! How can a “Born-Again” Believer promote, participate, and support individuals that are absolutely opposed to the very foundations of your declared Faith and Beliefs? Before anyone “climbs to the top of their offended ladder,” I am simply stating an observation of current activities. Yesterday, I overheard a young man expressing his displeasure in one of the candidates for office, and his apparent driving decision maker was his stance on specific social issues. Oh, I left out that he was wearing a cap that said, “Jesus is the Answer!” Read Matthew 13:24-30, about “The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares!” Decide who you will follow and do it quickly! Jesus said, “If you love Me, Keep My Commandments!”
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. ALICE HARRIS
Fix Our Eyes on Him
September 1 Fix Our Eyes on Him 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Troubles are present in every area of living! Difficulties, misunderstandings, conflicts, prejudices, hatred, and a host of other issues are a constant in our human existence! How are we to navigate through this insanity and how are we to tolerate the challenges that we are faced with? When I ponder this issue, and I pray to God for clarity and guidance, I am presented with a beautiful reality! I can hear my God expressing that I should see all of these things from His perspective. He is telling me to let the Light of His Presence fill my mind with His view of this world, and to realize that when things don’t go my way, that He is there to make things right! Can you hear Him speaking to you through His Holy Word? I can hear Him saying, “Don’t let the petty issues of the day, caused my others that have no clue, to dictate your hope, your attitude and your response to the insanity!” If we are to truly walk in the newness of life that He provides through His Shed Blood, then we have to recognize the “Life-Changing” reality of His Atonement for our sins and begin to see the world through His Eyes! Please do not waste your precious energies on the petty problems of this present age, and do not allow others, and their misguided words and behaviors, to determine your joy, your attitude, and your obedience! I love what Paul says, “all of these troubles are light and momentary, compared to the eternal glory that is ours!” When I catch myself being consumed by the troubles of the day, and I am presented with issues that should not be issues among “Grown” people, I stop, drop, and pray! I admit that at times, the sheer volume of issues can be overwhelming, but, again, I stop, drop, and PRAY! Isn’t it a blessing to know that these temporary irritations and issues are just that, TEMPORARY! Please trust God and do not let others steal your attitude and joy! Remember, this world is not our home, we are just passing through! Stay Strong, Stay Focused …THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 31, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO;
CONNIE O’NEAL
“Am I Alone in This?”
August 31 Hebrews 6:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This Hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the presence behind the veil.” (Hebrews 6:19)
There are days when I am satisfied that I must be going crazy! I have asked myself if I am the only one that feels this way and am I the only one that sees the craziness and insanity that is going on! We are all faced with the realities of life, whether we acknowledge it or not. The challenges that come from a “New” normal; that has been thrust upon us, and all that goes with it, create upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of life causes us to become disillusioned and become a bit fearful. There are times when we feel as if we are adrift in the middle of a raging storm with no “Safe Port” in sight. Folks, I am here to declare that WE DO have HOPE! We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST, and HE IS OUR HOPE!! HE is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all the craziness of this present age, we MUST be firmly and securely attached to our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! You have heard me use this before: “In times like these, you need a Savior, In times like these you need an Anchor; Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the SOLID ROCK! This ROCK is JESUS, yes, He’s the ONE; This ROCK is JESUS, the ONLY ONE! Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the SOLID ROCK!” In times like these, we really do need that ROCK, which is JESUS CHRIST! So, the answer to the question is clear…NO, you are not going crazy; crazy things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY!! I am clinging to the anchor, which is my Savior, and when I feel confused and a sense of despair, I grip that anchor rope that gives me peace and strength and ETERNAL HOPE! I pray that you will “ANCHOR DEEP,” and grab hold of the HOPE, read John 3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is found, only in Jesus! Remember – You Are Not Alone!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
P.S. It appears to me that there is one single issue in this 2024 election that is driving the voting decisions of so many, and it is the saddest of realities, and that is the issue of Abortion. Amazingly, the cost of living is skyrocketing, our military personal is dwindling to record lows, crime is rampant throughout our inner cities, foreign gangs terrorizing neighborhoods, mental health concerns are rising, yet with all of these life altering issues, the one issue that is the deciding factor for so many is the “Right” to destroy an unborn baby. I guess that I should be shocked, but I am not! God’s Holy Word tells us of the depravity and evil that will overtake this world and that this mentality, and this attitude will prevail until HE returns. Unfortunately, many professing believers are proponents of this idea, and do not see any connection to their Faith or Spiritual Walk. No Judgement, Just an Observation! Christians, please pray for our Nation, for our State, for our County, for our city and for Each Other!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 30, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROLINE CREECH
JOYCE CREECH
KATIE MOORE
AMBER P. SLOAN
RICKY ANDERSON
DONNA JOHNSON
KIM HOLMQUIST
“HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”
August 30 “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 if 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 AUGUST 29, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DENNIS BADGER
BETTY HARRIS
HORACE SHIRLEY
JOY WHICHARD
DALLAS PEARCE
Holy Spirit Praying…
August 29 Holy Spirit Praying… Romans 8:26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Our God is amazing! He has provided the opportunity and the means to have continual prayer, even in our weakness and infirmities. There are times when I feel as if I am a baby, and I simply do not have the developed language skills necessary to pray effectively. God has promised that He will provide continual prayer and communication, and the Holy Spirit is the method that He has employed. When we are in a growing relationship with God, through the Blood of Jesus, and the “Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit, even when we are sick or dying, we can still pray! In September of 1999, after two rounds of antibiotics, I had a severe reaction to one of the antibiotics and to make a long and serious story short, I went 10 days without sleep and the treatments for the reaction were nearly lethal. Unable to keep a conscious thought in my head, I could not even think long enough to pray! I would close my eyes and repeat, “Please Lord,” over and over. That was the moment that I understood these words and this promise! In my infirmities, I was unable to pray, yet, because of my Spiritual and Divine Prayer Partner, He was praying for me and interceding for me before the Father God. The Holy Spirit was praying with and through me and I could feel the Power of His Presence and I had a “Peace” that came over me and I knew that I was going to be great! That experience has solidified the need and the desire to “Live and to Walk in the Spirit,” and to be in a constant state of “Growing!” Listen, as a Believer, we have the assurance that God is hearing our petitions and prayers and that the Holy Spirit “has our backs!” “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!” Continue to grow in His Grace and His Love and be in constant communication with the Father, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit! I love the declaration found in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” In my weakness, there is assurance of His Love! In my weakness, there is Hope! In my weakness, there is His Promise, His Grace, and His Power! Praise God, that in my weakness, the HOLY SPIRIT has my back!! I truly pray that you have the same assurance and the same experience of the Indwelling of the Comforter and Guide, in the person of the Holy Spirit! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 28, 2024
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DONALD & LORRIE GAY
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
August 28 The Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:1-6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:1-6)
The message, for today, is short and simple! Regardless of what you hear, and regardless of what you see, there is ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN, AND THAT IS THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST! No amount of “good deeds” will qualify you for Heaven! You cannot be “politically, socially, worldly, earthly,” correct and enter into Heaven! No amount of money, no amount of good intentions, no amount of worldly influence will get you one step closer to Heaven! If you are focusing on anything, other that the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, and surrendering your life, washed in His Saving Blood, and staying focused on the selfless redeeming act at Calvary, you are missing the mark! Simply put: Jesus made it crystal clear to Thomas, and it is crystal clear to us, right now, right here, today, when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Confused about the situations and issues of this world, the get Jesus in your heart, allow Him to provide His clarity! He will provide the “WAY” that you must go, and He will reveal the TRUTH that will sustain you, and He will provide the real and eternal LIFE that we must have in order to enter into Heaven! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! HIS WAY, HIS TRUTH AND HIS LIFE is ours for the asking (through FAITH, BELIEVING and RECEIVING… John 3:16)!!!!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 27, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GINA LANIER
DESIREE JONES
Signs of the Times
August 27 Signs of the Times Matthew 24:3-14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:3-14)
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time at a local restaurant, where the “Learned & Wise” men gather around the “Hardhead” table and discuss the issues of the day. Amazingly, there is conflict in the process of solving all of the world’s problems. The longer I sat, listening to these men regale about the ways to change our country, there was one man that was silent, and that was me! One of the men turned to me and asked, “So, what do you think Preacher?” The “ball” was now in my court, and I had a “captive” audience, and I simply stated that we, America, and the World, are experiencing a “SIN” problem, and that this will continue, and get worse, because it is God’s plan (Just Read the BOOK)! Wow! One of the gentlemen spoke directly to me, and let me know quickly, that we could turn this world around if we would elect the right individual to office! He was, almost, angry when he expressed his opinion! He, then, with some level of arrogance, asked me, “So, what do you think about that?” My response was measured and direct! Everyone at the table, and some that were standing around the table, were silent, ready to hear what this “Preacher” was going to say. You see, the entire population of this table, save one, were “diehard” political animals, and were viewing life through the “rose colored glasses” of the concept that one man/woman, one election, one party could solve all of the world’s issues! When I spoke, I looked directly at this individual and did not waver in my stare. I began by restating the core, basic problem, and that is SIN! Then, I shared the message of Matthew 24, as it clearly tells us that all of the issues that we are experiencing right now, right here, in America, in North Carolina, in Wendell, and in this world, were predicted and are coming true, before our eyes! I reminded them that Matthew 24 tells us: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass…” “That may be true, but what are we to do about it?” Trying not to be judgmental, and being amazed at this professed, “Deacon,” and his response to the reality of God’s Word, I quietly spoke that we must be prepared ourselves, meaning that we must have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and that we are to share Jesus, and His message of Hope, Peace and Redemption, and we must be concerned about the individual souls that have not heard about Jesus and the solution to the issues of this world ARE found in one man, and that is JESUS CHRIST! Now having the attention of the crowd, and this golden opportunity to “preach” HIS Word, I went on to say that we MUST prepare for the challenges by following God’s Word and preparing for the battles ahead. We must be prayed up, read up, armored up and ready to bring clarity into the chaos, through the Redeeming Word of God, and the Grace of His Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, the table began to empty, and for one brief moment, I was all alone at the “Table of Wisdom!” As I prepared to exit the table, and the restaurant, two beautiful ladies, who were seated across from the “Hardhead” table, reached out their hands and expressed their agreement, and one of the ladies said, “You really told them today!” “Well, maybe, but my prayer is that they will grow in Christ and recognize that our ability to change this world begins with one soul at a time!” This world is as it is, but we must PREACH JESUS to as many people as we can, and continue to focus on the Love of God, through Jesus Christ! What are we going to do about this world? The world is a done deal! Concentrate on your relationship with Jesus, and share His redeeming Grace with others, so that they can miss HELL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post with Purpose)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 26, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ELIZABETH JONES
BRANDON MANGUM
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BILL & SUSIE HINNANT
Fruit Producing Living…
August 26 Fruit Producing Living… Galatians 5:22-23
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger,
And his glory is to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Amazingly, one of the signs of an individual that is NOT growing in God’s Grace and does NOT demonstrate and live the “Fruit of the Spirit,” is their ability to be easily offended! A few days ago, I encountered an individual that was offended by one of the devotions that I post each morning! “How Dare You Judge Me!” I asked for clarity before I responded, and the response from this special soul was priceless and extremely revealing! “You act as if you are God! You say that we all ought to be like you and believe like you and to live like you! Well, I don’t believe like you and I don’t live like you, and I don’t appreciate you telling me that I am wrong!” I stood in silence as this beautiful soul was building up a “head of steam!” “Please Lord, give to me the words that will comfort this raging soul!” I spoke in a subdued tone as I attempted to clarify what I perceived to be the offence. “I am so sorry that the words that I shared were offensive to you. My intent was not to single you out for condemnation or judgement. Please be aware that it seems to me that your offense is with the reality of God’s Holy Word, and when I share them, in a morning devotion, you perceive them as offensive to your particular way of living. Your perception, I cannot help! Your interpretation of God’s Word for your life is a personal thing between you and God, and the idea that it is offensive to you makes me sad! You are a special soul, and I will always have a brotherly fondness for you, but I DO NOT APOLOGIZE for God’s Word or His Instructions for Living! That is a ‘Done Deal,’ and I am attempting to ‘Live-out’ the ‘Fruit of the Spirit,’ in my life, every day! I hope that we can be friends, but if you believe that I am wrong and you wish to embrace the offense, then please know that I love you, and I continue to pray for you, and I will always be as close as a call!” The next response was so revealing! “I don’t need or want your prayers! You ‘Holy Rollers’ give decent people a bad name!” Keep in mind, this individual would not be offended if they were not reading the devotions each morning! How easily offended are we? If someone doesn’t believe the way that we do, politically, socially, are we offended and are ready to “Write them off?” Jesus told us that His word would be offensive to this world, and I recognize this fact, and I am not discouraged, or dissuaded from continuing to PROCLAIM THE TRUTH OF HIS HOLY WORD! If I offend you, I am truly sorry; If God’s Word of Truth offends you, I pray for you! Please be careful to proclaim the truth, God’s Holy Word, and not opinions, bias, prejudices and feelings! We are called to demonstrate the “FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT” in ALL that WE DO! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO: