“Depend on Me, Pilgrim”
September 24 “Depend on Me, Pilgrim” Psalm 71:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go; give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.” (Psalm 71:3)
Growing up in rural eastern Wayne County, it was a “rite of passage” to be exposed to the television version of the “cowboy,” and the greatest of these heroes was the larger-than-life Marion Morrison, better known as John Wayne! If you “google” John Wayne, you will discover that he appeared in 142 films, the majority were westerns, and he was a top box office draw for over three decades. Some of my favorite movies included Red River, McLintock, The Longest Day, How the West was Won, and True Grit. Do you recall this famous line from the “Duke?” “Sorry don’t get it done, Dude!” One overriding theme from the “Duke” movies is that dependence was a sign of weakness, yet in the scripture today, we see that in the world of King David, it was a necessity! David was King of Israel and during his 40-year reign, he ruled over a kingdom that was united, led them to victory in numerous battles, expanded the territory of the kingdom, and prepared the way for his son, Solomon, to build the Temple. David, although, not a perfect man, recognized that his successes in life were direct blessings from Almighty God. David, the King of Israel, owed accomplishments, his title, his position, his possessions, and his very life to his God! We read in psalm 71 that David acknowledged that he needed God, every day, in every way! His prayer is to be dependent on God continuously, as he had done throughout his blessed life! David was not ashamed of his dependence on God; instead, he celebrated it! David was confident in the “God of the angel armies” that had commanded his troops to protect David (Psalm 24)! The assurance of God’s Grace, Protection and Provision allows us to be “Dependent” on His Promises and to live boldly and confidently within the refuge of His Amazing Grace! As John Wayne would say, “God is the Rock of Refuge in which you can come at any time that you need to, Pilgrim!” Please Lord, remind me that reliance on You equates to Strength and Victory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Asking, Believing, Receiving
September 23 Asking, Believing, Receiving Psalm 120:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me.” (Psalm 120:1)
Just recently, I was talking to a young man, and he was in distress because he had been praying, and he said that God was not answering his prayers. He told me that the Bible makes it seem easy to hear from God, and he wanted to know why he wasn’t hearing anything from God. Could it be that the difficulties in finding God or to recognize a response from God is not God’s fault? Think about this, the Disciples were with Jesus for three (3) full years, and they still didn’t understand that He was the “Word made flesh,” even when Jesus told them directly. Consider this exchange from chapter 14 of the Gospel of John when Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him,’ Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and is it enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father (vv6-9)!’” I explained to this young man that we may be expecting a loud and booming voice, when we may get a whisper. We may be hoping for a “burning bush experience,” but we receive a much quieter and subtle response. God promised to Answer, and He will Answer! We MUST be in a position, by Faith, and attitude to Hear, Perceive and to Receive His Answer! When it appears difficult to hear the answers from our Holy God, that is the time that we must be quiet, attune our hearts to Him, and listen for His Holy response. The response to our prayers is directly proportional to our growing relationship with our Savior, though the empowering promises provided through the Blessed Holy Spirit! If your “Spiritual” phone is disconnected, you will find it difficult to hear the response… Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“The Truth Shall Set You Free”
September 22 “The Truth Shall Set You Free” John 8:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Several months ago, I reminded you of the saying of my mother. Mama used to say that; “The Truth is the Truth, and it will stand when the world is on fire!” In today’s world, the value of absolute truth is fading away. You can see it happening, as people are doing what they think is right in their own eyes and are not following the absolute truth of God’s Holy Word. Truth has become a flexible ideal, with the “if it feels good, do it” mentality. This world is in a “Spiritual Bondage” and those who choose to walk in the lie of Satan are forgetting the words of Jesus, found in John’s Gospel. “If you abide in My Word, you are my Disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!” (John 8:31-32). The world may deny the absolute truth of God, however, as born-again children of God, we must realize that this promise, this foundation of truth, is our strength to face the challenges of living and it is our responsibility to live for Jesus, obeying the standards that have been established, in His Holy Word. He promised that if, we follow His Truth, He will set us free from the bondage of sin. We need to study His Word, and we need to live His Word, every single day. Folks, by walking in His Truth, according to His Holy Scriptures, and walking in obedience to His Calling, we are promised that we will have Spiritual Freedom. His Love for us, His Plan for Humanity, His Gift of Grace, are ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, and we must embrace His Gift, and live it every day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with a Purpose)
Commitment
September 21 Commitment Proverbs 16:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Many years ago, when I was a boy, we had a terrible ice storm that crippled travel and stopped everything. Daddy pulled out the old kerosene heater, you know the type, a round body with a cooking surface on the top, and fired it up, and we had warmth. Since we lived in the country, and had a well, and no electricity, we didn’t have water. So, Daddy and I set out to break off icicles that were hanging on the low side of the barn, to make water (the “old folks” wanted coffee, so off we went). The ground was covered in ice and snow, and walking was treacherous, but Daddy instructed me to walk in his footsteps, and I would be okay. “Remember, walk in my steps!” I remember the joy in my heart and the excitement of that moment, as I took each step, knowing that I was walking in Daddy’s footsteps and that we were doing this task together. Wow! When I think back to those days gone by, and I understand the profound message of that experience, I am more excited for this memory! Believers, our joy isn’t found in the easy parts of life, or the balmy and pleasant weather of our existence, our joy, our assurance, is found when we walk in the footsteps of our God, with our eyes focused on Him! When I was stepping into the prepared steps of my earthly Father, I was walking with confidence that I was going to be fine! As I walk in the ordained steps of my Savior, I know that I am going to be fine! We must stay focused of God’s path for our lives, and we must continue to walk in His path, and we must continue to grow strong and confident in His Love, Grace, and Provision! When we Surrender totally to God’s Amazing Grace, then He will Order our Steps and Direct our Paths and He will walk with us (through the Holy Spirit), Regardless of the Conditions around us! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Sharpen Each Other
September 20 Sharpen Each Other Proverbs 27:17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
“We do not walk alone!” This statement has been used for centuries by individuals that recognize the great blessing of brotherhood and encouragement! From the time that I can recall, my daddy was teaching me and guiding me into the reality that, as a Redeemed Believer, I have a responsibility to continue to grow in my Faith, and to mentor and encourage other believers! I remember a sunny summer Sunday, in 1972, when a young man walked the aisle, took my daddy by the hand, and they knelt at the altar, and this young man gave his heart and life to Jesus. Amazingly, when they stood, and daddy presented this young man to the church family, he asked me to stand with him! I was acquainted with this young man, since we attended the same school, but I was not a “friend” of his. Standing there, that day, as the church family rolled past, encouraging and greeting and extending their gratitude for his decision, I saw an awakening in this young man! As the line cleared, and the church building began to empty, I noticed that this young man was alone! With all of the grace and poise of a gifted brother, I asked, “Where is your family?” He said, “My mother is at work, and my daddy is dead!” Oh, my goodness, I felt terrible that I had asked that question, yet that was the beginning of a great friendship and a brotherhood. We talked him into going home with us for lunch, or as we would say, “dinner,” and he gladly accepted. As we were gathering our things, Jimmy and I began to talk about school, our hobbies (my major hobby was work), and the events of the past hour. We arrived at our house, and mama put one of her finest meals before us, and we ate, talked and enjoyed each other. After a couple of hours, daddy and I drove Jimmy home. As we were returning home, daddy asked me to be Jimmy’s “iron!” What? You want me to do what? Daddy quoted Proverbs 27:17, and I began to understand what he meant! From that day, Jimmy and I became good friends, and we were in communication daily. We attended Sunday School, Church and extracurricular activities together and our friendship grew and matured (One of his favorite things to do was to eat at my house). In the fall of 1973, Jimmy was presented with some tragic news, he was diagnosed with a terminal disease called Leukemia. I was the first person that he called after he and his mother returned home, and I made my way over to their home to be with my friend. Amazingly, Jimmy was resolute, calm and strong. He told me that “God has a plan,” and that he was going to trust God and that he was going to be okay! Long story short… We continued to pray each day (His Faith grew in the midst of this physical trauma), and Jimmy attended school each day, until he was unable to go, and I would visit him daily, and we continued to pray together, to encourage each other, and to be that friend that daddy had requested me to be, just a short time ago. Jimmy did meet Jesus, I did speak at his service, and I still miss my friend, but I learned a lesson about encouragement and “sharpening” one another. It became crystal clear that I cannot sharpen another person without knowing that person and having a growing relationship with them. Getting to know someone well doesn’t take special skills or spiritual gifts, it just takes an effort! Dear Friends, there are hundreds of fellow travelers that need a friend, need an encourager, need “sharpening,” so let’s get “sharpening!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Freedom of Forgiveness
September 19 Freedom of Forgiveness 1 John 1:7-9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:7-9)
In the light of recent events, and the glaring examples of hate and anti-Christian demonstrations, I encourage you to walk with me in the recognition of His freedom of forgiveness. I assure you that this path is extremely steep and replete with pitfalls and slippery surfaces. If we are carrying burdens of guilt and unforgiveness on our backs, then we are truly subject to stumble and fall. God promised that HE would remove our heavy load and that HE would carry that burden to the foot of the Cross! I am grateful for His Great Love, and consequently, I am standing up straight and tall in HIS presence, and I simply refuse to be burdened with the yoke of sin and guilt anymore! My God’s unconditional Love for me is “Life-Changing,” and I continue to walk in HIS Light, continuing to Know HIM Better, and to claim the full measure of HIS Promises! I am excited that, as I grow, and as I become more intimate with my SAVIOR, HE has promised that I will continue to enjoy the Freedom of HIS AMAZING GRACE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
NEVER QUIT!
September 18 NEVER QUIT! Deuteronomy 31:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Several years ago, when I was going through a very difficult time, one of my aunts sent this reminder to me, and I carry it with me, in my heart, every day! It has continued to encourage me, and I trust that it will encourage you!
Don’t Give Up!
“When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, when funds are low and debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit, REST, if you must, but don’t you quit!”
Aunt Reba continues to remind me that, in this life, things will go wrong and will get difficult, and I have a choice to trust God or not (John 16:33)! I am so grateful for the encouragement and prayers of so many beautiful people that keep reminding me that “the Lord goes before me and that He is with me, and that He will never leave me or turn His back on me!” This is not an easy journey that we call “life!” Satan and his minions are working overtime to create as much misery as possible! BE ENCOURAGED! He promised that He would NEVER QUIT on Us, and I WILL NEVER QUIT ON HIM! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Bonafide Overcomer
September 17 Bonafide Overcomer James 1:2-3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
Wow! The challenges that are presenting themselves, in order to alter my thoughts, actions and attitude, seem to be intensifying! The political rhetoric, the onslaught of half-truths, innuendos, and blatant lies, used to alter the truth and to distort reality, all for the cause of evil and the promotion of organized chaos, in order to promote evil as good and good as evil! There are days when I feel a bit helpless to handle the onslaught of issues and challenges that continue to mount up, until the burden is overwhelming! Praise God! We are offered a choice as to how we will handle the pressures of living in this chaotic and purposely evil world! I can stubbornly plod along, on my own power and direction or I can claim His Power and Provision of the Holy Spirit, and walk humbly, in prayer, and turn my thoughts and mind to His Promises, and recognize that, through His Love, I am a Bonafide Overcomer! Realistically, the choice to choose God is a daily, on-going decision-making process, with amazing results! I love the words of the Psalmist, when he declares, in Psalm 63:7-8, “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me!” Regardless of the challenges, burdens, troubles and difficulties, God has Promised Victory! Seek Him Early, Seek Him Often, Seek Him Daily!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
What Were You Thinking?
September 16 What Were You Thinking? 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
There are times when I have to stop and ask, “What were they thinking?” Intolerance disguised as tolerance, hatred justified by traditions, violence tolerated because of some misguided passion, opposition because it contradicts your narrow agenda or lifestyle, and the list of challenges is endless. When we want to be offended, then we will be offended! When we want to be intolerant, then we will be intolerant! When hatred and prejudice rule our thoughts, then we will be intolerant and hateful! Sadly, I am witnessing these behaviors within the church, at large! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be aware that Satan is ready, willing and able to use “half-truths, innuendos, confusion and lies,” to confound you and to cause you to turn from “Sound Doctrine” to speech that more closely aligns with your lifestyle choices and requires less effort! Recognize the power of Satan and his intentions for you! He wants you to do and be anything that will defy and thwart the Divine Message of Hope through JESUS CHRIST! Friends, Test every statement, Examine every motive and Decide to Follow Jesus and Do Not be “Fooled” into following folk who are saying sweet lies in order to entice you away from “Sound Doctrine!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Unity versus Division”
September 14 “Unity versus Division” Psalm 133:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Over the ages, individuals have attempted to unite humanity through conquest and fear. On the other hand, Jesus unites people, not by conquest or fear or by force, but He unites by LOVE! Growing up in the sixties and witnessing the social changes that were necessary and the hope-filled proclamations of men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the words of hope for a people and a nation, I am sorrowful for humanity, that we are experiencing a purposeful division and separation of various peoples, for purely political power and prominence! On August 28, 1963, some 100 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves, a young man named Martin Luther King climbed the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to describe his vision of America. More than 200,000 people-black and white-came to listen. They came by plane, by car, by bus, by train, and on foot. They came to Washington to demand equal rights for black citizens of the USA. And the dream that they heard on the steps of the Monument became the dream of a generation. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day out in the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character. I have a dream today” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr). Dr. King, as a Christian, realized that hatred was divisive, and Love was a uniter! Embracing the Love of God and the command to “Love our Neighbors,” is the answer to the conflicts among peoples. Isn’t it sad that after 60 plus years, since Dr. King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, that the message of Love and the message of hope, has been diluted into a fragmented and divided population, all in the name of some false narrative! True unity will come when we embrace the Love of God and demonstrate that Love, in our relationships and interactions with others! Guess what? God’s Love is for ALL PEOPLE! The Word says, “For whosoever…!” Church, we MUST present the LOVE OF GOD to this divided and sinful world! The only Hope for Humanity is the Love of God, through the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ! May we be slow to criticize and quick to encourage! May we be less judgmental and more accepting of our differences! May we be steady in demonstrating our Faith and less contentious in our witness! May we be uncompromising in our convictions yet, be considerate to all that we meet! May we be “Christ-Like” in every area of our lives! Keep Growing! Keep Believing! Keep Claiming! Keep Sharing Jesus with all that you encounter! Make a difference, ONE SOUL AT A TIME! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
September 13 “Real JOY” Matthew 5:12
** I continue to witness the unexplainable displays of evil being perpetrated by individuals that did not agree with the witness and message of Charlie Kirk! Wow! I, personally, did not agree with the policies and actions of two of our former presidents, but I did not, and do not, want them dead! Evil, satanic motivations continue, camouflaged as some righteous position, yet full of hatred, malice and violence! Be Prepared! Matthew 7:15 warns that we need to “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Armor Up for the Battle because it is here! I am praying for those who would use this senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk as a steppingstone to promote and enhance their narrow, satanic goals. Come Quickly, Lord… Come Quickly!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
If you were raised in the church, you probably remember the song, “I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy down deep in my heart…” I love the part that Mrs. Carter would add… “And if the Devil doesn’t like it, he can sit on a tack!” Think about this concept! Experiencing real joy, in the midst of trials and persecutions and difficulties and challenges! How is this possible? Real JOY is only possible in a Personal and Growing Relationship with the Savior, JESUS CHRIST! I am excited to know that, through Faith in the One that has saved me, and will never fail me, nor will He ever leave me, that I can experience REAL JOY, despite the issues of the day! REAL JOY is more than earthly pleasures and an “easy” life! It is embracing and experiencing the power for living, right here, right now, and the blessed hope of eternity with Him in Heaven! THANK YOU, GOD, for sending JESUS to provide SALVATION and REAL JOY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.”
September 11 “Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.” Jeremiah 29:12
**Today is the anniversary of a tragic time in our American History. On this day, in September 2001, extreme hatred and blatant disregard for human life was tragically and vividly displayed for all the world to see! Since that day, Hatred, and the disregard for life, has continued to grow and examples of this attitude are evident, every day! Living, in the midst, of this prevailing and sad attitude, we must double down on our PRAYER TIME and OUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROMISES AND PROVISION! Stop for a moment today, and honor the memory of those who were living their lives as usual, and went to their daily activities, and because of the hatred of our way of life, these innocent individuals paid the ultimate price! HATRED, IN ANY FORM, WILL ALWAYS BE DESTRUCTIVE AND HAS NO PLACE IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY! JESUS CHRIST is the ANSWER to HATRED! JESUS teaches LOVE, NOT HATE! JESUS IS LOVE!!**
**Yesterday, in Utah, a young man, engaging in political discourse, willing to debate the issues and listen to opposing views, was tragically killed (assassinated) while exercising his free speech right. Friends, this is the culture of America today! Hatred continues to be a ruling factor, and we need to be prepared for the worst. Evil, satanic evil, lawlessness, hatred, intolerance disguised as tolerance, are continuing to dominate our culture and I am continuing to pray for a great Revival among humanity to change the attitudes and hearts of those who would use violence as a tool to silence dissent! I am saddened and angry about the senseless killing of Charlie Kirk and I weep for his wife and 2 small children. “Come Quickly, Lord, Come Quickly!” **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
All of the greatest moments of my life have been experienced, in prayer and the results of prayer! The scripture passage for today, follows a promise that God made, to provide a future and to offer hope! I feel blessed and privileged to be able to call on my God, and to know that He has promised a “Divinely Guided Future” and His “Blessed Hope” for my Life! You see, prayer, sincere and faith-filled prayer, is the conduit by which we enter His presence and talk with Him and position ourselves to claim His Divine Promises for our Lives! I get excited, each time that I enter the presence of the “UNLIMITED GOD,” especially, when I recognize my “LIMITED” capacity! PRAISE GOD! Because of His “UNLIMITED” provisions, I can live “LIMITLESS!” Folks, the privilege of prayer is a blessing! We can talk to God, and He will listen and answer our prayers! He listens to my “whining” and my “complaining” and still Loves me and has promised that He would provide His Grace for my every shortcoming (Boy oh boy, there are many)! So, given the promise, and believing His Word, and recognizing His “UNLIMITED” capacity and power, with intensity and with clear focus, call on the Lord, in Faith, and share your burdens and struggles and needs and desires, and leave them at His feet! Every day, in faithful prayer, share your ups and downs and LEAVE THEM WITH HIM! Pray for each other and lift up our leaders and our friends and neighbors and LEAVE IT THERE! Bring all your burdens to the Lord, put them at His Feet and LEAVE THEM THERE! Guess What? Your Husband or Wife, Your Friends, Your Co-Workers, even Your Pastor may not always listen to you, yet we have a friend, a friend that is closer than a brother, that will listen, hear, and respond to our prayers! What a privilege that we have in Holy and UNLIMITED PRAYER! Daddy used to describe his prayer time, with intensity, when he called it his “Bent Knee” Praying! We MUST Exercise the Privilege and Pour Out Your Heart to God and Expect His Blessings, Corrections, and His Provisions! Be involved in so “Bent Knee” Praying… HE WILL LISTEN TO YOU!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Two is Better than One”
September 10 “Two is Better than One” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Henry Ward Beecher, a pastor that lived in the 1800’s, said, “Climbers of the Alps fasten themselves together with a rope for safety.” What amazingly wise words for us, in our world conditions for today. The Words of Solomon, also referred to as, the “Preacher,” instructs us that, two are, absolutely, better than one! Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to fellowship and to support and to lift one another up. That is part of God’s plan for us to be “Givers!” Giving of our time and our talents and our blessings and our financial resources and our words of encouragement! Romans 12:1 instructs us to “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Many of us have excuses for why we can’t or don’t give of ourselves as encouragement and comfort to others. I want you to “THINK THIS OVER!”
God made the Sun…It Gives.
God made the Moon…It Gives.
God made the Stars…They Give.
God made the Air…It Gives.
God made the Clouds…They Give.
God made the Earth…It Gives.
God made the Trees…They Give.
God made the Flowers…They Give.
God made the Birds…They Give.
God made the PLAN…HE GIVES.
God made Man…He?
Serving God requires that we GIVE! It means that we give of our Time, Talent, Resources, Blessings, and Our All! During this difficult time of uncertainty, please exercise your blessings, by reaching out to others, and be a blessing to them. God provided the example with His Son, Jesus and He expects us to honor His gift to us, by being a blessing to others! Serving Jesus is the best way that I know, to be a “GIVER!” We have our “CALL TO ACTION!” Believers, step up and shout the “Good News” of encouragement to everyone around you and fulfill your calling and responsibility, through the Blood of Jesus! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“God’s Contingent Promises”
September 9 “God’s Contingent Promises” John 1:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But as many as received Him, to them gave he, power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on His name;” (John 1:12)
There are many scriptures in the Bible that tell us about God’s willingness to save. For example: God has promised to save all that come unto Him, “… and him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)
God has promised to save everyone from the “uttermost to the uttermost!” In Isaiah 1:18, He declares, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Our God, repeatedly, tells us of His willingness to save all those who will come and receive Him, regardless of how deep they are in sin. God loves us enough that He sent Jesus Christ to be our One, True, and Final Blood Sacrifice for the Remission of our sins! He ascended to the Father, and has left the Blessed Holy Spirit, to lead and direct the followers of Christ. The Holy Spirit speaks to people about their sins, and He inspires Christians to witness and to demonstrate God’s Love to sinners. He does all that is possible to lead folks to a saving experience in Jesus Christ! Do you remember the beautiful story of a man names Noah? God told Noah that the Flood was Coming. Noah preached and warned men to turn to God, and he was ignored, laughed at, jeered and ridiculed, yet on that faithful day, when the rain began to fall, Noah had given his final warning, and the people had pushed him aside, as a fool, preaching foolish things. God told Noah to get into the Ark and to prepare for the journey ahead. Just as Noah had prophesied, God caused the flood waters to pour forth, and the rains became heavier and the waters began to rise and all of the laughing and jeering was over, and the people who were calling Noah a fool and denying his prophesy, came running and swimming up to the Ark, pounding on the doors, yet it was “TOO LATE!” That old man, with his crazy preaching, that had been labeled a fool and a nut, suddenly, was being sought for salvation. Can you imagine the reality, as the waters climbed, and the places of safety became less, these individuals that once had been laughing and criticizing ole Noah, were no longer laughing, because they had rejected God’s call and now, they were doomed! How sad it must have been when they realized that it was, once again, “TOO LATE!” Pay Attention! God has sent Jesus Christ to Earth to Save us, and He has sent the Holy Spirit to Empower us, Guide us, Direct us and to Insure our Prosperity in Christ! When we reject the proclamation of Jesus Christ and deny the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit, then we are like the people of Noah’s time, that had opportunity yet chose to reject and to suffer the awful consequences of their rejection! HE LOVES US ENOUGH TO SEND JESUS TO DIE FOR OUR SINS! God desires that all should be saved! We are promised that all who come unto Him, He will Save!! Wow! I can be the greatest and most vile sinner, and He has Promised that when I come to Him, recognizing my sin, confessing that sin, and asking Him to Save me, that it is a done deal! Listen, MAKE NO MISTAKE, The one Fact of the Receiving of God’s Promises, requires your Salvation! “YOU MUST BE SAVED!” You can be Saved, but first, you MUST:
COME…
BELIEVE…
CONFESS…
REPENT…
RECEIVE…
What God does with you, depends upon what you do! It always has; It always will!! Remember John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Do You TRUST GOD?”
September 8 “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 are blessed 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… our responsibility is to be Obedient! 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 SEPTEMBER 7, 2025
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: