Faith, Not Feelings…

AUGUST 21      Faith, Not Feelings…   Ephesians 2:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Recently, I was in a conversation about the effects of the “pandemic” and the conversation turned to how this one man “felt!” “I feel like we ought to have done this, and I feel like you should have done that!”  Thinking back, I remember that during the lengthy and ever changing “Pandemic,” I had been told that individuals “Felt” that I could have done a better job and they “Felt” like that I did not demonstrate real “Faith!”  Amazingly, the instructions that I had received was all about “FEELINGS,” and nothing to do, actually, with “FAITH!”  As I contemplated over these well-meaning instructions, I thought, “are they correct? Have I demonstrated a Lack of Faith?  Did I allow ‘Feelings’ to dictate my actions? I am truly grateful for the counsel and instructions, and the delayed reactions! The entire ordeal forced me to evaluate my “walk with Christ,” and, through the challenges, I emerged stronger, more Faithful and Determined to “Walk by Faith and not by Sight!! FAITH MUST BE EXERCISED BEFORE FEELING IS EXPERIENCED! We cannot save ourselves, and God’s Word is True, and more than our Feelings!  When we exercise our True Faith in God, our Feelings will represent His Purpose and not our earthly, temporal thoughts!  Guess What?  FAITH TRUSTS IN GOD, FEELINGS TRUST SELF!  Our faith anchors us to the will of God and feelings are rooted in self!!  “Feeling” that I am saved is different from KNOWING that I am SAVED, THROUGH FAITH!  Guess What?  FAITH RESTS ON UNCHANGING FACTS, FEELINGS CHANGE LIKE THE WIND!  FAITH IS SAFER AND STRONGER THAN FEELINGS!! Pay attention…FAITH IN GOD BRINGS REST, JOY, PEACE, and CLARITY!  When we walk in Faith and Claim His Provision for our lives, our Feelings will reflect HIS LOVE, HIS PURPOSE and not the Worldly Influences!!!  So, do I feel that you should walk in Faith?  No, I KNOW THAT YOU SHOULD WALK IN FAITH!! Fulfilling God’s purpose and calling for our lives, requires FAITH, NOT FEELINGS!!!  By the way…God doesn’t really care about your feelings; yet HE does care about your FAITH! BY FAITH, is how we COME TO HIM!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! 

Deliverance

August 20             Deliverance           Galatians 1:3-4

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 & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 19, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

RYAN SCOTT

SCOTTY BATTEN

TODD ROBERTS

SUSAN FERGUS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

JOSH & HEATHER BARBOUR

“In CHRIST JESUS”

August 19         “In CHRIST JESUS”   1 Corinthians 1:30

** Please Pray for DANNY HOCUTT – On Ventilator, in MICU, Durham VA Hospital – Please Pray for Jean, Ben, Nate and their families…**

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from GOD – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”                   (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Several months ago, I was listening to a discussion between three of my pastor friends, and they were talking about the various needs and the lack of the wisdom and effort to change the circumstances. That very same afternoon, I was counseling a couple, and their complaint was that they lacked the necessary tools (skills) to successfully navigate through marriage. Wow! When the pastor’s asked me about my situation and when the young couple were looking to me for my answer, I spoke with His authority, and declared that I have all that I need, in the presence and person of Jesus Christ! He gives all that I require, and He provides all the “wisdom” that I need to successfully deal with every one of life’s challenges! Colossians 2:3 tells us that we have “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” in our Savior, Jesus Christ! Everything that I need to know, and everything that I need to do, is provided in Jesus! The wisdom of the world is limited and is false knowledge. Satan will attempt to thwart the truth of God’s Holy Word and will attempt to turn us away from the truth of His Son, Jesus! Praise God! We have righteousness, that is His righteousness in us, at the point of our salvation experience! We have sanctification as we continue to grow and mature in His Holy Word and in His Purpose for our lives, as we move to being more and more “Christ-Like!!” Dear friends, through the blood of Jesus, we are freed from the bondage of sin, and we are positioned to serve Him in the Beauty of Holiness! When the pastors asked me about my thoughts, I shared and reminded them of the words of James 1:5-6, that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” God’s Love, God’s Grace, God’s Redemption, God’s Sanctification, God’s Divine Will for Mankind, is all that we need to live, serve and to bring Honor to His Holy Name! PRAISE GOD! HALLELUJAH, IN JESUS CHRIST, WE HAVE EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 18, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TIMOTHY HALE

PAUL HOUGH

Praying Always…

August 18                   Praying Always…     1 Chronicles 16:11

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

We were in the mountains of North Carolina, a few years ago, with the purpose of renewal and refreshing. The past several weeks had taken its toll on me, and I was just going through the motions, with no power and enthusiasm and my prayer life was suffering. It was one of those times when I had placed everything in front of Prayer Time and was just casually engaging in prayer. Annette said, “We need some down time!” She has a God-Given ability to discern when I am about to “Burn Out!” So, off to the mountains we went! We enjoy going to various “flea markets” around the local area, and this trip was no different. In one of the stores, I spotted a pair of metal roller skates that you put over your shoes and I purchased them. My mind went back to those days of my youth, and I could see myself skating around the carport as soon as we returned to the mountain house. Sure enough, I put the skates on, tightened the skates, with the key, and stood upright. Ok, all is well! So, I slowly eased off from the spot where I stood. Thoughts of my agility and my joy in skating came rushing into my mind, and as quickly as it entered, it exited. The thoughts of my youthful skill and pleasure of skating were quickly replaced with the reality that I was falling! Sure enough, my knees met the concrete and my, not so youthful body, told my mouth to groan! As I removed the skates and tossed them into the bushes, I realized that, if I was going to enjoy skating, I would have to do it more often, maybe, even every day, in order to receive the joy that I had remembered. As I was sitting on the cold concrete, I had a moment of clarity! If I expected my Prayer Life to be fulfilling and effective, and if I were to receive the Power to serve God and to obey His commands, then, I, like this skating, need to do it more often! If I wanted my relationship with God to be more meaningful and if I wanted to serve Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then I was going to have to pray “Constantly!” I got up, dug the skates from the bushes, and told myself, “I’ll skate some more tomorrow, but right now, I am going to pray!” Every time that I have sags or down times, spiritually, it is because I fail to “Seek the LORD and His Strength!” PRAISE GOD! He has shown me that the Power that I operate in; is activated, at its greatest effectiveness, when I am constantly in prayer! The more that I pray, the stronger I become!! The stronger that I become, the more I need to Pray! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 17, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JESSIKA MADJAR

NATALIA BAILEY

Our Focus…

August 17                   Our Focus…     Romans 12:2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not conform to the pattern of this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

On June 5, 2021, I read a posting on Facebook, and I saved it to share with our BTC Devotion Family and today is that date.  Please pay attention to the message and the lesson!

** A man went to the Pastor of his church and said, “I won’t be attending Church anymore.”  The Pastor said, “May I ask why?”  He said, “I see people on their cell phones texting and typing during the service, some are gossiping, some just aren’t living right, some are sleeping, some are staring at me, they are all just hypocrites.”  The Pastor was silent.  Then he said, “Can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?”  He said, “Sure, what’s that?”  He said, “Take a glass of water and walk around the church two times and don’t let any water fall out of the glass.”  He said, “Yes, I can do that!”  He went and got a glass of water and walked around the church two times.  He came back and said proudly, “It’s done.”  The Pastor asked him these questions; “Did you see anybody on the phone? Did you see anybody gossiping? Was anybody living wrong? Did you see anyone sleeping?”  He said, “I didn’t see anything because I was focused on this glass, so the water wouldn’t spill out!”  He told him, “When you come to church, you should be just that focused on God, so that you don’t fall.  That’s why Jesus said, ‘Follow Me,’ He did not say Follow Them!”  Don’t let your relationship with God be determined by how others relate with God!  Let it be determined by how focused you are with God…AMEN! **

Since April of 2020 (the beginnings of the COVID 19 Pandemic), I have been encouraging others to Stay Focused…Focused on God’s Word, God’s Will, and God’s Power and Provisions. It is ABSOLUTELY IMPERITAVE THAT WE Stay Focused on our growing relationship with our God, through the Blood of Jesus and the directing and empowering of the Holy Spirit!  How focused are you?  Who is directing your life, your witness, your words, your actions and motivations, your relationship with Jesus?  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!! (Re-Post with a Purpose!)

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 16, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CLARA HOCUTT

ALLEN WILSON

BROOKE DILLON

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

TREVOR & OLIVIA MOSS

August 16                   “Listening…”             Psalm 89:15

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.”  (Psalm 89:15)

Many years ago, someone decided that we would surprise one of our neighbors with a community wide Birthday Party for one of the men in our community that was always helping and doing something for someone else.  The idea was that several folks would flag him down, as he drove home, and redirect him to the church fellowship hall.  Sounded like a great idea, however, as he was driving home, this band of individuals appeared out of nowhere and began to flag him down, but his reaction was not expected.  The crowd was yelling and waving their hands, yet he did not stop.  Finally, he caught sight of his grandson, and he stopped.  Once he was stopped and got out of his car and inquired about why they were flagging him down, he was informed that the entire community was gathered at the fellowship hall for a surprise Birthday Celebration, just for him.  That is when we discovered why he didn’t stop initially.  He was listening to “Beach Music,” and he was playing it very loud, and he was in deep thought about days gone by and he simply ignored the sounds of our yelling and waving our hands. When he arrived at the hall, he stepped inside and he spoke these words, “I almost missed all of this, because I was listening to the wrong thing!”  As I have pondered the implications of this event, and his words, it has made me stop and think.  Am I listening to the wrong sounds? Am I concentrating on the sounds of the world and missing the sound of my Lord speaking to me?  The scriptures warn us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8) … We need to be alert, and we need to be listening for the sounds of our Heavenly Father and not the constant droning of this world and the evil, distracting sounds that exist.  God is constantly speaking to us and guiding us, so we need to be “Listening” to His Call!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 15, 2025

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MR. BILLY GODWIN

ANN M. ROUSE

ASHLEY SLEDGE

MR. DANNY HILL

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

RAY & CECILIA (In Heaven) GARDNER

“Do You TRUST God?”

August 15         “Do You TRUST God?”  Philippians 4:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack, is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy!  Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy?  As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life.  I am excited for the future!  God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I must do; is to be Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED!  The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack.  God said that He would supply my every need and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises?  How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity.  Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you?  How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH?  Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 14, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

RACHEL BAGGETT

ADDIE BATTEN (In Heaven)

JULIE SWINSON

COURTNEY DOGGETT

ALLISON HIMMEL (In Heaven)

“I Will Give You Rest…”

August 14       “I Will Give You Rest…”      Matthew 11:28-29

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”                  (Matthew 11:28-29)

One of the issues that fellow pastors are experiencing, is something called “Burnout.” Many pastors that I know have succumbed to this challenging reality. Our present-day circumstances require great effort and absolute commitment, and, often, in the process of “doing our Job,” we fail to re-focus, re-fuel, and to re-evaluate our own abilities and needs. Sadly, I have seen it happening, repeatedly, to some truly gifted and talented individuals. Possibly, a better description would be “Drained-Out.” Think about the requirements! Pastors are on 24-7-365 call, with little notice and great expectations from their flock. Just recently, a young pastor called to ask for advice on a special matter, and when I told him to take a moment, assess the real issues, pray specifically for the situation, ask God to provide the solution to the matter, but foremost, for the young pastor to be careful not to be drawn into a situation that was not “fixable,” or “edifying to Christ,” and would leave him wounded, broken and “Drained!” One of the most important realities of ministerial life is the difficult fact that pastors need time to regroup, refocus, and to Rest in Him! Although, I may not demonstrate this reality, I am aware of my limitations, and I am getting better at “taking Time off,” to recharge my spiritual batteries! Do you ever feel drained? Do you feel weary in doing well? TAKE TIME TO REST, REFLECT AND TO ALLOW GOD’S RESTORING POWER TO ENERGIZE YOU! Everyone needs time to allow God to restore us, retool us and to energize us! The scripture passage for today is so powerful… “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Annette and I are truly blessed with a loving church family that recognizes the need for R&R and actively encourages it! Thank You, BTC FAMILY! Remember this verse from the Old Testament… “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14) Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!               

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 13, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

MIKE HARRIS

JEANY O’NEAL

LEAMON STRICKLAND

Simply Committed!

August 13   Simply Committed!      1 Corinthians 1:27

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)

As far back as I can remember, I was taught that a “Man” was strong and determined and dependable and hardworking and was to face each challenge with confidence.  Now, this was not a “Superman” type of expectation; it was a realistic definition of what a man is supposed to be.  Daddy used to tell me that being a “Man,” required the “Steel & Velvet” approach.  To be Hard as Nails, when necessary and as soft as velvet when you can.  As I reflect on the application of this expectation for my Christian Walk, I recognize that this old world doesn’t need some “Super Charged Fixer of Problems; it needs a committed, God-Centered Believer who will live their life on their knees, in complete and total submission to Almighty God!  I pray that this sinful world can see my commitment, my actions, my words, and that they are, and will always be a reflection, of His Grace and my Commitment to Him. How about you? Folks, Be Intentional in your Living for Christ!  Let your life show, to the entire world, your commitment and your dedication and your willingness to be used by God to promote His Mission and Purpose! May we live our lives in total dependence on God, His Grace, through Jesus and our commitment to serve Him with gladness!  Simply put, He said that; “He chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong!”  I am excited that He is my Rock and my Shield and that He is taking my weaknesses and making them strong! He will take the attacks and assaults by Satan and his minions and turn it into blessings, for His honor and His Glory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 12, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

GEORGE CREECH

PAT HORTON

JACKIE HUNTER (In Heaven)

SAM MORRIS

KATELYN KIRBY

CINDY MATTHEWS HAUER

“Remind me Lord”

August 12    “Remind me Lord”      Psalm 39:4-12

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.”  (Psalm 39:4-12)

A few days ago, a very good friend asked me if I was aware of the events and issues that are happening in this world.  I believe that he was shocked when I told him that I am fully aware and that I can do nothing to change the progression of God’s eternal plan for this world and all that is going on in it! I am aware of the “shortages” that exist, and I am aware of the “anti-Christian” and “anti-Law & Order” attitudes that have become acceptable in the politics and the behaviors of our land.  I am aware of the “Hyper-Sensitivity” of individuals and the tendency of folks to be offended by anything that doesn’t validate their chosen behaviors!  Clearly, this world does not want the “rock solid” truth of God’s word to be the standard for thought or behavior.  You see, when there are no absolutes, then, one can act any way and do anything and justify the behavior, because there are no standards!  Keep this one fact in your mind: As a Believer, your responsibility is to share the “Good News” with this dark and lost world, and to navigate others into a “Personal Relationship” with Jesus Christ (this assumes that you are continuing to mature in your faith with Christ)!  Again, we are, in the midst, of the eternal plan of God, and we are to prioritize our thoughts and behaviors to edify His will and purpose for our limited, earthly existence.  My friend wanted to engage in a conversation that would highlight the evil and active demonstrations of hatred and the lack of moral and civil behavior that is now a part of our culture, and he asked me a question that I was amazed that he asked.  “Glen, where is our Hope?”  Really?  Psalm 39:7 states it clearly… “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you!  Dear friends, we have Hope in our Lord, and we have Victory over the attitudes and behaviors of this present day!  Let go of the trash that is this world and dedicate yourself to helping others come to Jesus in His Grace and “Saving” power.  “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my physical body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work for Him.  I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of life.  All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.  He has given me the “Victory Principle” for which I thank Him every single day!”  I am claiming His Victory Principle, and I am affirming His Power for my Living, and I am affirming that I am the son of the King, who is not moved by this world.  My God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS!!!  Folks, please be aware that I am fully aware of the issues of the day and the politics and depravity that exists!  I refuse to surrender my attitude and my life to the temporal issues of this present moment!  My job, my calling, my responsibility is to live for Jesus and to be an example of His Love, Forgiveness and Grace! Every time that I am tempted to speak of the issues of the day, and to allow it to alter my focus, I am shouting to the rooftop: NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!  Please recognize your role and your place in the plan of God and work for Him until He comes again!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 11, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LANDON BAILEY

MELISSA WORLEY

BROOKE HARGREAVES

ETHAN PEARCE

CINDY OLLIS

Repentance, Renewal, Restoration

August 11 Repentance, Renewal, Restoration Psalm 51:10-13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” (Psalm 51:10-13)

 The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel and the man that God said was “After His own Heart!”. Psalm 51 is a powerful expression of David’s deep remorse, recognition of his wrongdoing, and repentance after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. David’s heartfelt plea for forgiveness and restoration before God is witnessed in this chapter. He acknowledges his sin, recognizing that his actions have not only offended the Almighty, but have also caused harm to himself and those around him. The passage foreshadows the consequences of David’s choices, as well as the hope of redemption and the transformative power of God’s mercy. Every one of us has experienced the emotions of David, recognizing that our actions were wrong and our motivations were selfish. I find it interesting, and encouraging that David, King David, with all that he possessed and all that he controlled, recognized his own frailties and called on God, with Faith and Expectation, for His forgiveness and God’s ability to re-make him into what God would want. David pleads with God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” David was aware of his transgressions, and he was truly repentant of his actions, and he asked God to restore him, and not to turn away from him. Ever been in David’s situation? Not necessarily guilty of murder, but guilty of disobedience, and the Spirit convicts you and you turn to God for forgiveness and restoration and renewal. Dear Friends, in my spiritual journey, I have made some huge mistakes and missteps, yet, our God has provided the opportunity for renewal, restoration and recovery! Every day, I quote Psalm 51:10-13, with intent and with the recognition that I need Him, want Him and serve Him! Thank you, God, for providing the means to be connected to You and the blessing of Your Amazing Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!