Stay Strong, Stay Focused

February 21   Stay Strong, Stay Focused         Galatians 6:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

“Good morning preacher, can you meet with me this week? I have a crisis in my life, and I need to tell somebody!” “Hey preacher, you don’t know me, but one of your church folks said that I should call you. I have a serious problem and I need some help!” “I need to talk to you right now! I need you to meet me in 15 minutes. We have some things that have got to be worked out!” “Pastor, if you happen to be at WakeMed today, my friend’s grandson is in ICU after an ATV accident, and I think a visit from you would make them feel better!” Hey preacher, got a quick second? I promise that I won’t take long!” Believe it or not, this particular scenario actually occurred on Tuesday! Please understand that I love what I do, and I love doing it with you, however, there are times when I need 5 of “Me” to be fully successful and to successfully satisfy the needs of all! Yesterday, one of our well-meaning and amazing members, asked me what I had been doing and I shared a small portion of my activities, from that morning, and she said that that was a lot, however, that is what we pay you for… Dear Friends, My God has called me (and You) to be a purveyor of His Good News and to minister to the Saints, pray for the infirmed and to be a witness for His Amazing Grace, 24/7/365. Please Pray for Me as I continue to Serve God, to Grow in His Grace and to become the Best that He Expects me to be! I am excited to report that, yes, I get weary “In the Job,” but I NEVER get weary “Of the Job!” Time is growing short, and we need to be about the “Father’s” business, and that is to share His Amazing Grace, by words and by our actions!  Be prepared to “Reap” the Harvest! REPENT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Just Get Along…

February 20       Just Get Along…              Romans 12:18

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

When we come together, under the shadow of the Cross, then we should be about the “Father’s Business,” and not our own! Have you ever thought about the role of the “Church” in modern life? Have you considered that the “Church” is the “Sharp end of the Spear” for the sharing, and expressing the Good news of Jesus’ Love, to this Lost and Dying World? When an unbeliever investigates the “Church” environment, what do they see? Do they witness a culture of “Togetherness and Love,” or do they see disharmony, chaos, “us and them,” and a divide along age, affluence, and cultural differences? A few days ago, I was engaging a young man in conversation, and when I talk to people, you can believe that an invitation to attend BTC will be a part of the conversation. I have seen this young man around Zebulon, for some time, and this was the first opportunity to talk with him. His reaction to the invitation to visit our church worship services was a bit unsettling. He told me, in no uncertain terms, that “Church” was not for him. He said that he was forced to “go to church, when he was a boy, and he had gotten a “plenty” of the church life. Wow! I inquired a bit deeper into this animosity that had been created by his church experience. He shared that he and his family lacked an abundance of worldly goods and that he and his family were belittled and were challenged because of their lack of financial resources. Boy, you could tell that this was a painful memory and I attempted to mitigate this hurt by offering a pledge. “When you come to BTC, and you don’t feel welcome, well, it will be your own fault! Come, try it one time and if you don’t like it, you know that you don’t have to come back!” We continued to conversate about various topics, and when we parted, he said, “You might just see me!” Have any of you experiences “CHURCH HURT?” Have you had a negative experience with Church, and have vowed to never be hurt like that again? Church, we have a responsibility to be what God has intended for us to be and that is to represent the Love of God, His Saving Grace through Jesus Christ and NOT OUR OWN THOUGHTS AND BIAS! We are living in some unpresented times, and the Church MUST be the LIGHT into This Dark and Sinful World! Philippians 2:4 tells us: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Red carpet, blue carpet, white walls, brown walls, pave the lot, don’t pave the lot, help the poor, don’t help the poor and a host of other thoughts and actions within the church take second place to the Main Goal of Sharing the Love of God, by words and actions, with Lost People! As Dr. Kelton Hinton has declared for over a decade, “MAKE THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING!” Please, please, please commit to grow in the Grace of God and please pray that God will make you into what He truly desires! Please THINK before you SPEAK! PRAY before You HURT Someone! This World is Looking at the Church, and we MUST BE WHAT GOD INTENDS! Amazingly, just a few hours after this encounter with this young man, I was in Walgreens, and I invited another stranger to attend BTC, and he said that every church was full of hypocrites, and he would not attend a gathering of such people. You do realize that I could have expressed to him his folly and his misguided thoughts, but, in the Spirit of Love, I apologized for the church, and every believer that has ever existed, including myself, and I told him that if he would accept my apology and try BTC one time, and if he experienced the hypocrisy that he described, then I would have everyone in attendance to extend an apology for being a hypocrite! He laughed, and I shared that we all are “works in progress,” and hypocrisy is not exclusive to the church. Will he attend? I don’t know, but I do know that I am going to continue to grow in Jesus, mature in my faith and commit to being the best example for Jesus that is humanly possible! Okay, enough rambling… Please do not be the excuse that anyone would use to deny themselves the benefit of the Love of God, through Jesus! REPENT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

FAITH!!!

February 19               FAITH!!!                      1 Peter 1:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “… whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)

As Born-Again Believers, we are called to “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight!” The Scriptures clearly defines Faith, in Hebrews 11:1, as the “Substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen!” Think about it… The First Century Christians followed Jesus Christ, even though the reality of their decisions brought rapid and violent torture and persecution, and even death, yet they continued! Throughout the centuries’, committed Believers have faced horrible persecutions and violent deaths, yet remained faithful to their beliefs! What has driven believers to stand strong, in the face of evil and violent persecutions? The secret that the world does not recognize is their FAITH!! PRAISE GOD, Faith has the power to allow true believers to press on through the darkest and terrible days, that one could only imagine! Think about the Faithful examples of the past! Abraham was faithful, and his faith empowered him to go through the years, anticipating the fulfillment of God’s promise for him and his heirs! Faith propelled Noah to remain faithful, and to complete his mission, toiling without anyone around him that believed, and with no reason to continue, except his faith in the promise of God! Faith empowered a simple country preacher to pray for the salvation of his brother, for 40 years, and, by faith, his brother did receive Jesus Christ as Savior, and it was by faith that caused his son to believe and to receive Jesus! (I asked my daddy how he was so confident about my uncle’s salvation, and he told me that he could see it…Wow!) Friends, FAITH is the Fuel that empowers Believers to claim Jesus and to be fortified to face the circumstances of this life! Just as Peter told his fellow believers, that, someday, they would see Jesus, and that fact enables us to push through the challenges of life and overcome situations and to navigate through the persecutions, with an unwavering hope that this world cannot see! (GOD IS always faithful TO us! Are we faithful to Him?) Through our God-Given FAITH, we persevere, through the challenges, and continue to proclaim Jesus and to express our genuine FAITH! True and committed FAITH, will always bring PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY to Our GOD and to HIS SON, JESUS! REPENT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Blessed Assurance”

February 18     “Blessed Assurance”       1 Thessalonians 5:23

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

I am excited that my Savior, Jesus Christ, is coming again! By faith, I am believing that everyone that belongs to Him is going to be “caught up,” and will be in His Presence, along with all of those who have gone before us! I do not know when, yet I am excited about the reality of His return! When I reflect on the evil and chaotic world, that we live in, and the challenges to serve God in the middle of all this insanity, I embrace the reality of His return and the exciting times that are just ahead! I am committed to living a life that represents the Love of God and His amazing Gift of Grace, so that we can live eternally, with Him. I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be, however, through His Grace and Forgiving Love, I am attempting to serve Him and to grow in His Grace and Knowledge and to apply it to my living and my witness for Him. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I am attempting to live my life to honor Him and to serve Him and to continue to anticipate the day when I will see Him in the fullness of His Glory! That might be through death, or it might be when I “rise” to meet Him in the sky, yet, for me, I am excited and anticipating the assurance that it will be one or the other! PRAISE GOD! My eternity is set! My home is in Heaven, and I am affirming God’s Grace and sustaining Power for my living, right here, right now! As I face the challenges of living in this sinful and evil world, I am claiming His Power and His Provision and His “BLESSED ASSURANCE!” Through the Power of Almighty God, I WILL see my Jesus, in the fullness of Time! Be Encouraged…Be Ready… Be Bold… Stay Strong…Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

His Glory: Our Ultimate Goal

February 17     His Glory: Our Ultimate Goal    John 14:13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”  (John 14:13)

Prayer, and our participation in prayer, is simple; yet, it has very specific requirements.  Jesus told His Disciples that whatever they asked in His Name, WHEN THEY WERE DOING IT TO GLORIFY THE FATHER, THAT IS, In His Will, would be given to them.  These are the words of Jesus, Himself, and these words have promise for us, right now, today!  We need to, first, consider the “ask in My Name!”  Many of us (Christians) will close our prayers with the words, “IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.”  Daddy told me, many years ago, that, if I did not pray “In Jesus’ Name,” that my prayers were just “so many words…”  What he was attempting to explain, is that our prayers, regardless of the intensity and specific nature of the request, if we are not asking in the proper attitude and in the proper relationship and if our prayers are not in alignment with the will of God, do not expect Jesus to fulfill the request.  Folks, our prayers, our communication motives, should be completely consumed in our desire to glorify the Father through the Son and our prayers should include an attitude and desire to express “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10).  Bottom Line: Prayer is our opportunity to “Praise God,” and our responsibility to communicate and to “Glorify” God through Jesus Christ!  Everything that we do, as Believers, in about attitude and relationships.  The stronger that we grow, in our faith, and the more committed that we become, the results will be a stronger prayer life and that will be demonstrated by a “Selfless” request and a “Glorifying” praise!  What God does with you is entirely up to you.  It always has and it always will!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused… “REPENT!” THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Talking Things Out!”

February 16     “Talking Things Out!”    Ephesians 4:29

** I apologize for the delay in posting. Circumstances dictated actions this morning! Please Pray for this “Pillsbury Doughboy” Pastor! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Have you ever had a day when nothing seemed to go right, and everything that you attempted required twice as much time as it should normally require? I recall a day, not so many years ago, while attempting to visit with one of our members having surgery at a place that I was unfamiliar with, and I went to the wrong place (I did find the correct place, eventually). While sitting, waiting for our member to arrive, I had the privilege of encountering a sweet lady and began a conversation with her. She was 97 years old, and she was waiting for her husband, who was having surgery on his foot. She said that he was 99, still driving and still the “Love of her Life!” She was excited to share that they had been happily married for 75 years. She continued to share adventures from their long and happy marriage, and I asked what she attributed to their success in marriage, and their continued love for one another. She, with a big smile, said that it was “Respect,” “Talking thing out,” and Pepsi Cola! I jokingly asked why Pepsi, and she said, “We just like it!” My brief encounter with this amazing lady provided the amazing personal devotion that I enjoyed for the rest of the day. This beautiful lady shared the key to our existence when she stated, “Talking Things Out!” These three words have continued to inspire me and to convict me and to guide me as I ruminate on the importance of communication. Relationships, healthy relationships, are grounded on proper communication and the requirement of “Talking Things Out!” Our communications, whether with God (Prayer), or with one another, requires “Talking Things Out!” We need to be “PRAYING,” and we need to be “TALKING THINGS OUT,” with one another! We Must be as Flexible as we are Faithful in our relationships with others! Thank you so much Lord, for allowing my path to cross with this amazing and precious lady! Thank you for reminding me of the absolute importance of communication and engagement with You and with my fellow travelers! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… “REPENT!” THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Strength for the Battle

February 15     Strength for the Battle    2 Thessalonians 1:11

** Over the past several weeks, I have been asked why I talk so much about the struggles and challenges of life, while neglecting to speak of the happy aspects of life. Well, I am attempting to highlight the fact that we (Christians) are living in a HOSTILE Environment and that we are in a BATTLE with Satan, his minions, Every Single Day! My desire is for every Believer to be Fortified, Empowered and Armored Up to face the Challenges that WILL COME! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power…”  (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

How strong are you? In our culture, being strong is equated with being tough. Have you ever seen someone who appeared to be emotionless, stern, self-assertive? We refer to these folks as “strong!” Listen, regardless of how strong that you are or perceive that you are, the strength and resolve of the strongest will rapidly fade under the onslaught of pressures and battles that Satan is poised to bring to us and is in the middle of attacking our Spiritual wellbeing! For Followers of Christ, this is where the “Battlefield” really exists! In Ephesians 6:12, it tells us about the battles that we are, and will engage in, and none of us are strong enough to stand up under the onslaught and pressures of this kind of battle, on our own! Listen… “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Dear friends, do not fear the battles, because we have the ultimate weapon in this struggle between “Good” and “Evil!” God did not mean for us to fight this battle alone! He has promised Victory, and I choose to claim this Victory, Power, and Strength! Friends, we are the strongest when we surrender to Him and rely on His power, provision and His Glorious Promises for Complete and Total Victory over the Evil One! As Born-Again Believers, we are not alone, nor are we fighting this battle by ourselves! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!!! (Ephesians 6:10).” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, And Prepare for the Battles… REPENT!!  THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

TRUE WITNESS

February 14     TRUE WITNESS         James 1:19-20

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

 Is it possible to disagree about processes and procedures and still demonstrate the Biblically Mandated Command to Love One Another? Is it possible to disagree about the spending of financial resources, accounting for the allocation of financial resources, and the rules necessary for the maintenance of said monies? What is a pastor to say to a new believer that has witnessed a contentious business meeting of the local church where disagreements end in overt anger and heated, emotion driven words that are not indicative of any measure of tolerance, love for acceptance for anyone? Whether it is the “Color of the Carpet,” or the “Color of the New Paint for the Walls,” or the “Funding of Mission Projects,” or the idea that we should tolerate expressions of worship that we do not practice ourselves, WE, THROUGH THE ATOINING BLOOD OF JESUS ARE TO ACT FORGIVEN, SPEAK FORGIVEN, THINK FORGIVEN AND BE FORGIVEN! Jesus DID NOT DIE ON THE CROSS ON CALVARY’S HILL so that we, as Born-Again FORGIVEN Believers could squabble over insignificant things that DO NOT EDIFY the SAVIOR! “Well, preacher, you ought to recognize the issues and you should be telling that person that they are wrong! They are trying to ‘Run Over’ everyone and they are changing what we have done for the past 50 years! (actual comments that have been shared)” Agree – Disagree – It Really Doesn’t Matter! What Matters is our Witness, our Actions, our Words, and our Love for One Another (Even when we disagree), regardless of the circumstances! We are to be Christ-Like in every situation, in every action and word that we speak, and in every circumstance! “Please Lord, keep me from being a stumbling block that might cause a young believer to stumble and fall! Please make me an encourager and an example of Your Love in everything that I am blessed to be a part of making happen!” Consider the admonition from Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” What are you focusing on? Are you “locked in” on the temporal, earthly issues, while allowing Satan to use you to be a stumbling block for others? That is an issue between you and God, but I can tell you that the demonstration of hostility, anger, unkind words and the ability to exercise harsh words towards your neighbor and fellow believer are good indications of a level of spiritual immaturity! Take a moment to inventory and assess your motives, your actions, your words, and your witness! Are you bringing someone closer to a relationship with God, through Jesus, or further away? If you met you, would you be excited and curious about this Jesus? I understand that as long as this world, in its present form, continues to stand, there will be challenges, conflicts, disagreements, chaos, hurt-feelings, anger and a laundry list of other issues. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that there are “Tares” among the “Wheat,” and that this is simply the reality of things, but when Jesus returns, the “Tares” will be gathered up and tossed into the Fire! Please get your “Act” together! Please recognize the reality of His Grace and Embrace it, Claim it, and Live it! Please choose whom you will serve! PLEASE BE A PART OF THE VICTORY IN JESUS, NOT IN THE WRATH OF GOD! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!

POSTSCRIPT: Recently, I inquired of a fellow pastor about some comments that were attributed to him, that didn’t fit with the man that I love and respect, and he became quite animated (Defensive & Bitter) in his response to my inquiry. “How dare you question me? Who do you think you are? You are not my judge! The Bible warns us about people like you!” Shocked, amazed, stunned, I stumbled for a response. “Brother, why such hostility and hatred? I was simply asking because it didn’t fit with the man that I know, love and respect!” From this point, our conversation took a weird turn, and he began to talk about politics and faith, and the more that he spoke, the angrier he became. Finally, he said that he was tired of people that would not understand the way that he was teaching and that he was close to being through with pastoring anyone or anything, because they would not see that he was right. Wow! Okay! “Brother, when is the last time that you prayed? When is the last time that you read the Holy Scriptures?” He became even more agitated, and I determined that discretion was the better part of valor, so I politely bid him a good day and beat a path away from him. Why this account? This man, fully believes that he is righteous in his position, his beliefs and his intolerant attitude towards anyone that opposes his stated position. He is using, as his standard, his emotions, his feelings and his pseudo knowledge of right and wrong, and not the Word of God! Why did my God allow this man to cross my path? As I have prayed over this, and have meditated on the implications of this encounter, I am so grateful to God for allowing me to see the folly of “My Way,” versus HIS WAY! “Please Lord, make me a channel of Blessings and make me a witness for YOUR WORD, not my Opinions!

Boldness with Strength

February 13     Boldness with Strength            Psalm 138:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)

King David wrote this psalm while his enemies were surrounding him, with evil intentions. Guess What? That’s correct! Problems, challenges, threats, chaos, peril, and a host of other issues befall us in this life! Trouble is a FACT OF LIFE! Folks, I have some GOOD NEWS and some BAD NEWS! The Bad News is that as we are “Born of Woman,” we “ARE GOING TO HAVE TROUBLE!” The Good News is that we have a powerful, ever-present, promising, and Loving God who is ready to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves and is ready to Guide us, to Protect us and to Sustain us! God told Paul that He would not remove the “Thorn in the Flesh,” that Paul was afflicted with, however, He promised that “HIS GRACE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT!” God does answer our prayers, and HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR OUR TROUBLES! Remember John 16:33, as it makes a firm and eternal promise to us: “These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have Peace. In this world you will have Tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Friends, even amid these unprecedented times, God is still Guiding, Teaching, Sustaining and Loving US! Yes, we will have troubles and strife and chaos and evil that confronts our very core of existence, yet we are Promised VICTORY! There will be times when satanic driven forces will oppose you and will attempt every possible method to cause you to doubt and to stumble in your Walk with Christ! PRAISE GOD! HE said that “HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD,” so, when we are HIS, and HE dwells in us, and we walk in HIS SPIRIT, then, THAT MAKES US OVERCOMERS! SO, we are OVERCOMERS-VICTORS, what do we do now? WE LIVE LIKE OVERCOMERS! WE HONOR GOD WITH OUR LIVES AND OUR SERVICE! WE DEMONSTRATE A FAITH THAT IS STRONG AND GROWING! WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR GOD, RIGHT WHERE WE ARE! WHAT GOD DOES WITH US IS ENTIRELY UP TO US! IT ALWAYS HAS AND IT ALWAYS WILL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Be Real, Be Active and Be True! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

 Side Note: Church Life can be difficult, at times! Any time that you have well-meaning, dedicated people, attempting to serve God and are actively engaged in personal spiritual growth, encounter individuals that are not as committed, and not as interested in spiritual growth, will result in conflict, animosity and hurt feelings! As Pastor, I am dedicated to praying for each one of my church family! Asking God to ease the strife, change the hearts and to transform us into His image! Yesterday, I asked the Holy Spirit to take a couple of folks to the spiritual “Woodshed (I have been there myself)!” The answer to ALL the issues in the local church family (and in this world) are found on our knees! Ask God, through the Holy Spirit, to re-focus your thoughts, re-align your actions, inspire your commitments, enable your surrender, and to inspire your faith!

HIS Love, Our Blessing

February 12   HIS Love, Our Blessing      Colossians 3:12-14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Growing up in rural eastern Wayne County during the 1960’s, I was exposed to an amazingly diverse group of people. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base provided an expanded level of diversity into our quiet country life. I recall the day that a mixed-race couple moved into our community. He was an Air Force Sergeant, and she was originally from Okinawa. They met and married when he was stationed in Japan. Curiosity ruled that day! Nothing doing… my dear mother made her way over to their house and invited them for supper at our house that night. I can still hear mama saying, “I know that you don’t have time to cook, so you all come to our house and eat with us tonight!” What mama didn’t realize was that this couple had three children. Yes, they came, and yes, we shared an amazing “Barbara” meal, and we became fast friends! The oldest boy in the family became a “running buddy” with me and I introduced him into our tight knit “running” crowd, and he was accepted into our little band of brothers, even though he didn’t look like us! We saw him for who he was, not what he looked like! Unfortunately, there were a couple of individuals that were not as accommodating as my mama, but they soon learned that they were the “Odd Ones Out,” when it came to this amazing family! Why do I mention this experience? Look around at today’s society! We have become so segmented and divided by race, religion, politics, attitudes and behaviors. Hatred, anger and polarization seems to rule the day! Both of my parents taught me to be accepting of others, their uniqueness, their culture, their different beliefs, and to become friends with them. Friends can share the Good News with another friend! Making friends, not highlighting differences and then attacking the differences is mandatory! My daddy was a firm believer in creating relationships, and once a friendship was established, then he could share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, with his new friend! The one fact of the matter was, and still is, reality! They taught me to build friendships, relationships, yet never to compromise my foundational beliefs, but to remain true to my calling and to present an example of Love that was worthy of respect and friendship! All those individuals, of my youth, are gone on or have moved away from the neighborhood, but the memories, the lessons of life, the experiences of a lifetime, remain with me forever! Please keep in mind, I have likes, dislikes, prejudices (I do not like cherries, especially chocolate covered cherries), preferences and patterns of behavior, but I truly appreciate the examples that my parents set before me! Acceptance of one’s differences does not mean compromising my beliefs or my standards of behavior! I challenge you to “Love” your Neighbor (that doesn’t mean that you have to agree with them or embrace their politics, but it does mean that you are motivated beyond the temporal and are motivated by the eternal), to demonstrate the Love of God in your life, and to speak, act and behave the way that God has intended for Believers to act! God loves us enough that He sent Jesus to be the Final Blood Sacrifice for our Sins, and He has come to restore our relationship with the Father! Live His Love, and do not allow Satan to dilute, distort or destroy the Divine Example of Grace and Love – JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused! REPENT!! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

REPENT!

February 11   REPENT!    Acts 3:19 - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

From my earliest remembrance, I remember the call to “REPENT!” My Daddy used to make this call a part of every sermon that he preached, and he expressed the need for folks to “REPENT!” Webster’s Dictionary defines the word, REPENT: “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life…” What is REPENTANCE according to the Bible? REPENTANCE is more than saying “I’m sorry.” It involves a deep sense of regret for sin, confessing it before God, and making a decision to change (Turning away for sin and embracing HIS Grace). The Bible consistently calls people to REPENT so they may receive forgiveness and experience God’s Amazing Grace. There are so many examples, in Holy Scriptures, of individuals who experienced the need for REPENTANCE, and did REPENT of their sins and were RESTORED!

Consider King David (Psalm 51)…  After his sin (Adultery) with Bathsheba, David sincerely REPENTED, confessing his sin and asking God for a clean heart.

How about the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) … He realized his wrongs, humbled himself, REPENTED, and returned to his father, who welcomed him with love.

Consider the condition of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5–10) …  When Jonah preached God’s warning, the entire city fasted and REPENTED, and God spared them from destruction.

And there was “ole” Peter (Matthew 26:75) … After denying Jesus three times, Peter wept bitterly, REPENTED, and later became a Bold Witness for Christ.

Dear Friends, the call to REPENT is a “Life or Death” call! We must REPENT (Turn away and forsake the Old and be covered in His Grace to experience the New!) It is my belief that the answer to the sins of the world is a TRUE AND GENUINE CALL TO REPENTANCE! We are to REPENT! REPENT – Turn Away for Sin! “Lord, I repent for being lukewarm in my walk with You. Set me on fire for Your kingdom.” “Be zealous therefore, and REPENT!” (Revelation 3:19). REPENT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

POSTSCRIPT: The violent opposition of the Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) doing its job; Abortion on Demand, up to and including the birth of the child; the systematic attacks on our children by those who embrace an alternative lifestyle, the encouragement of violence and the spread of hatred towards anyone that opposes their stated opinions; the expected requirement to recognize the delusions and the mental health issues of those who expect us to use their identified pronouns and to participate in their illusions or we are considered hate-filled and, what’s the word, hypocritical; and the targeted hatred for one man, who has been designated to be responsible for all of the ills and issues in this entire world! Evil, satanic forces are actively engaged in the twisting the minds of humanity and to cause people to see the “dark” side of life, while vilifying the “Light of Jesus!” Solution: “REPENT,” Turn Away from the darkness and Seek the Light and Reality of Jesus Christ! REPENT, for the Kingdom of God is at hand… 2 Chronicles 7:14

“Being Comfortable with ME”

February 10     “Being Comfortable with ME”        Galatians 5:1

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  (Galatians 5:1)

Many years ago, I was looking for a summer job. This particular job was with the electrical engineering department at NC State. I lacked any engineering skills and was ignorant of the workings of the job, yet I was interested in having the job. I talked with one of my fellow students, that happened to be an electrical engineering student, and he coached me on what I should say, and he gave me some “Target” words to say that would make me appear as if I had a clue. I rehearsed the speech, and I was so anxious about the interview. Well, the day came, and I went to the interview. A pleasant, young man escorted me into a conference room, and I asked him about the interviewer and the job. I fired off several questions about the activities and requirements of the job, and this young man assured me that this job that I sought was a good summer job. He made me feel comfortable, as I continued to express my enthusiastic desire to do the job. The more that we talked, the more comfortable I became with the prospects of securing the job. Wow! The young man stood up from the table and said, “Welcome aboard!” What? Yes, I had been escorted to the conference room by the actual interviewer, Dr. Frank Kauffman. It was at that moment that I realized that I am at my best when I am myself. Not some rehearsed process, but a real and genuine expression of who I really am. God made me to be just as I am, and I need to embrace it and to use it and to be what He has called me to be (Being Genuine is always God expects of us)! The more that I grow in His Grace, and the more that I exercise that Grace, and the longer that I have the privilege to serve Him, I continue to claim the Freedom that comes from His selfless act at Calvary, and I enjoy being just plain “ole” Glen. Not trying to copy another human being, just serving God, and being me! “Whatever I am to do today, and whomever I meet today, help me Lord to claim Your power, and to be the best ‘me’ that I can be, because of the Freedom that You have provided!” I am grateful to my God that I am comfortable in my own skin! Are you attempting to be something other than what God as made you to be? BE REAL! BE TRUE! EMBRACE HIS FREEDOM! SERVE HIM WITH GLADNESS! REPENT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“RESTORATION”

February 9        “RESTORATION”      Acts 3:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”          (Acts 3:19)

On Monday, January 31, 2022, while visiting at WakeMed, I lost the use and control of my left leg and experienced the reality of my left arm feeling heavy and difficult to control. There were so many thoughts, at the same time, cascading through my mind, and I thought about the possibilities that I might never “get back” what I had lost. Over the past four years, I continue to stand in gratitude and awe for the amazing power and Grace of my God. In the light of this experience, I have thought about salvation and the reality of sanctification, and I understand that sanctification is truly, about “getting back” that which was lost! Sin entered the human experience, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, and, at that moment, we lost the relationship and fellowship with God, the Creator! PRAISE GOD! He loved us enough that He desired to reestablish what we had lost, and He sent Jesus to be the “Refreshing” power necessary to reestablish the Holy Relationship with Him. Friends, Peter, and John, in the Name of Jesus, had just healed the lame man, who was near the gate that is called “Beautiful!” This lame man “got back” that which he had lost, the strength in his legs! On that Tuesday morning, I “got back” the strength in my left leg and I recognize the miracle in the reality of restoration! The doctors were amazed and glad that I had made, in their words, a miraculous recovery! Hear this please! The healing of the lame man gave opportunity for Peter to preach a sermon, and he did just that! His sermon is reality for us today! He said that we are to REPENT! He declared that we should turn from our sins and, through the shed blood of Jesus, stop our sinning! He went on to instruct the Jews that REDEMPTION was the result of their REPENTANCE, and that they would be converted and would turn from their sin and would follow Jesus! His sermon concluded with the fact that, when we REPENT and we are REDEEMED, then RESTORATION occurs!! Hear me right now! My God had the power to heal the lame man’s legs, and He has the power to heal our sinful hearts, and He has the desire for you to be RESTORED, so why not ACCEPT His GIFT OF REDEEMING GRACE through JESUS CHRIST and RESTORE your RELATIONSHIP with GOD! From a personal perspective, I am grateful for my RESTORATION and RELATIONSHIP with my God, and I am excited and humbled by his restoration of the strength and control for my left leg and arm. I pray that I will forever recognize His Power and Provision and that I will constantly be in a state of Praise and Gratitude for “Getting Back” that which I had Lost! REPENT! The RAPTURE is at hand! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Love Your Neighbor

February 8        Love Your Neighbor                   1 John 4:7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

From my earliest recollections, I have been blessed to have been born into a family of “friendly” people! My parents were involved in the lives of so many, and their influence was felt across all political, social, racial, economic and denominational barriers! I had the privilege to discuss “Ministry” priorities, with a fellow pastor, just a few weeks ago, and as I shared a typical day’s activities with my brother, I realized that, I too, have had the privilege to be involved in the lives of so many people. My dear brother asked how my BTC Church Family felt about my involvement with individuals that are not an official part of the BTC Family, and I shared a truthful reality! Eighteen (18) years ago, during the interview process, to become the pastor of Baptist Tabernacle, I shared my involvement in the greater community and that I had been and would continue to minister to these dear folks. There was a general discussion about priorities, and I shared a fact: I would serve at the pleasure of Baptist Tabernacle Church, but my Calling was from God! Today, I continue to receive calls, requests, need for counseling, notices of troubles and a list of other concerns from folks that are members of other churches within the area. My brother asked, “Why do you do that? Does that take away from your commitment to your flock?” The short answer is NO! It enhances the ministry! Sharing Jesus with whomever, wherever, whenever is the calling for every believer! All that I do, and all that you do, to honor and to walk in obedience begins with one word: LOVE! God Loves Us, WE are to Love Him, and by extension, Love One Another! I will continue to be privileged to minister to anyone that calls on me, and I will continue to share the Good News to whomever will hear! Are you demonstrating HIS Love towards fellow Believers? Are you walking in Obedience as your Life is a Witness of the Good News? Praise God… the CHURCH is not confined to the interior of any one building or structure, it is the “Body of Christ,” the “Redeemed” by His Blood, that comprise the “Church,” so, get busy “loving Your Neighbor,” and demonstrating His Grace, alive and active, within all that you do and say! I look forward to the next opportunity to be involved in my “neighbor’s” journey through this life, and, hopefully, I can, through the Power of the Holy Spirit, make this journey a bit easier to them to travel. What God does with you is up to you! He has paid the price for Salvation! He expects us to LOVE HIM, LOVE OUR FELLOW TRAVELLER, and to LOVE OURSELVES (Not conceited Love, but an appreciation of what God has blessed us with, humbly serving Him by exercising His Example of How to Love)! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

POSTSCRIPT:  What has happened to our society? Why have we become so sensitive to everything, especially if it differs from our thoughts and attitudes? Where is the outrage when innocent individuals are killed by folks that are not supposed to be in our country? Where are the protesters when a child is gunned down by a neighbor and it barely receives any press coverage? “Selective outrage” speaks volumes about our attitude, bias, prejudices and our willingness to be a part of the growing trend towards Anti-Common-Sense reactions! Wrong is Wrong, and Right is Right, and inappropriate displays and “poor taste” expressions are wrong, but the sensitivity to inappropriate expressions reveal our own prejudices and our willingness to be a part of the “Worldly” reaction! I recall a phrase that was used when I was a boy: “Careful, He can’t take a joke!” Remember, you don’t have to react to every “stupid” or “Inappropriate” action by others! Every day, I am presented with the opportunity to act or react to comments, gestures and “attacks,” and I have the choice to act or react! I choose to act! I act as if the perpetrator of the attack lacks intelligence or the proper information or the proper training to operate in civil society! How you react to the ongoing trash of life is entirely up to you! (I could be offended by the Anti-Christian attitudes that are growing in this world! I could be offended by the attacks on my culture and my heritage, but I choose to pray for the oppressors and claim the victory through my Savior, Jesus Christ!) Agree – Disagree… Your actions and reactions are entirely up to you, and express your attitude, convictions and your commitment! LOVE is the Answer! My personal opinion has little weight in this world, but the One that I serve, He can Change the World!

Does the Emperor Really Have New Clothes?

February 7  Does the Emperor Really Have New Clothes? Matthew 7:15

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

When I was a boy, I remember reading the “Tale” of the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” and I was amazed that people within the Emperor’s Court and in the Land were so mesmerized by the King that they simply went along with the idea that the King had on some marvelous new clothing, while, in reality, he was completely naked! This example may explain the obvious display of arrogant ignorance that is spreading across our land. “How well Your Majesty’s New Clothes look. Aren’t they becoming!” He heard on all sides, “That pattern, so perfect! Those colors, so suitable! It is a magnificent outfit” Then the Minister of Public Processions announced: “Your Majesty’s canopy is waiting outside.” “Well, I’m supposed to be ready,” the Emperor said, and turned again for one last look in the mirror. “It is a remarkable fit, isn’t it?” He seemed to regard his costume with the greatest interest. The noblemen who were to carry his train stooped low and reached for the floor as if they were picking up his mantle. Then they pretended to lift and hold it high. They didn’t dare admit they had nothing to hold. So off went the Emperor in procession under his splendid canopy. Everyone in the streets and windows said, “Oh, how fine are the Emperor’s New Clothes! Don’t they fit him to perfection? And see his long train!” Nobody would confess that he couldn’t see anything, for that would prove him either unfit for his position, or a fool. No costume, the Emperor had worn before, was ever such a complete success. “But he hasn’t got anything on,” a little child said. “Did you ever hear such innocent prattle?” said its father. And one person whispered to another what the child had said, “He hasn’t anything on. A child says he hasn’t anything on.” “But he hasn’t got anything on!” the whole town cried out at last. The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, “This procession has got to go on.” So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn’t there at all. (Has Christian Andersen -April 07, 1837). Is it possible that we become so conditioned to the ridiculous activities of this Evil and Deceptive World that we refuse to see the “Reality” of Sin? I have attempted to understand the wholesale suspension of Basic Common Sense and the complete lack of Spiritual Integrity, even among those who publicly proclaim their status as Believers. Today, more than any other time in my life, I recognize the Deceptions of the Devil and the “Lemming” type following of the masses towards the Evil that he has used as a trap. Folks, just because individuals follow a path of destruction, blinded by their own bias and personal prejudices, hatred and twisted motivations, does not mean that we must follow that pattern or validate their behavior! It was a little child that spoke out… spoke the truth… “He is naked!” The true reality of 21st Century life is clear and plain … We must follow Christ and be Grounded and Founded in His Holy Word and Guided by the Holy Spirit! There are so many, right now, today; that refuse to see reality and are following a LIE! Matthew 18:2-4 tells us, “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’” Please do not allow anyone or any group deceive you into believing that the “Emperor actually has on clothes!” We must return to that “Child-Like Faith” to navigate through these deceptive, ever deteriorating and sinful world conditions, and Claim His Power, Provision, Vision, Truth, and His Eternal Presence! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“HIS Sufferings, Our Opportunity”

February 6 “HIS Sufferings, Our Opportunity” Colossians 1:24

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24)

When we examine the “sufferings of Jesus,” it is clear, that there are two distinct views. The first view is that His sufferings were for the atonement for our sins! Romans 5:10 tells us, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” The second view is that the sufferings of our savior, Jesus Christ, was an example for us! His word tells us that this life will be filled with trials and tribulations and sufferings and difficulties, yet His Redeeming Grace has provided the ability to “endure” the challenges and continue to walk in His Grace and to be the witnesses for His Power and Saving Grace, to this evil and dark loving world! KEY POINT: We will suffer in this life; however, God’s Love and Power have provided the Endurance and Perseverance necessary to be successful in our journey of Life! Embrace the opportunity to participate in the “Sufferings of Christ,” and to continue to be the “Ministers of His Good News!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Our Kitchen Table”

February 5       “Our Kitchen Table”         2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,” (2 Corinthians 9:12-13)

I had the privilege and the blessing of being brought up in a tight-knit rural environment. The community kids thought that my house was their extended home. Our kitchen table became a sort of altar, where everyone could come, get fed and share their issues and their joys. My dear Mother was the “Storybook” example of genuine southern hospitality! That kitchen table was “the” place of comfort and guidance and love. Mama was a great cook, and her reputation was well known. My friends could smell when she would make her famous “bread pudding!” Amazingly, I would “all of a sudden,” have all kinds of friends. Mama always made everyone feel welcome in our home. She had a way of making my friends feel comfortable and safe. I recall one event that actually defined Mama’s ministry around the “altar” of an old red and chrome kitchen table. One of my friends, I will call him Brad, was having issues in his home and in his life. His parents were continually fighting and having adult issues, and it made their home life intolerable. The issues intensified and where did Brad go? That’s right … he went to the “Kitchen Table” and he shared the issues with “Miss” Barbara. Mama, guided by the Holy Spirit, gently and confidently shared the Love of Christ, and guided my friend into an awareness of Hope. The Hope was found in Christ Jesus! Just think about it … I would come home and there would be a host of friends and even strangers gathered around our kitchen table, consuming Mama’s cakes, and cookies and, at the same time, getting a dose of her Love and Wisdom. I could expand and share many true confessions that were made around that table; yet the message of the Kitchen table was made clear and plain to me. Mama would tell me, over and over, “You must witness for Jesus, right where people are!” That table has long since been gone, and Mama has made her graduation to Glory, but the witness that she lived and the message of Hope that was found around that table inspired, altered, and directed many lives. My life was one of those! By the way, Brad went on to be a productive man, with a beautiful family and he would share the story of a loving lady and the Red & Chrome Kitchen Table! Dear Friends, pay attention …. We are to witness and share Jesus, and we are to make a difference, right where we are! Daddy had the “Pulpit,” but Mama had the “Kitchen Table!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted with Purpose)

“Praying for One Another”

February 4        “Praying for One Another”     Philippians 2:14

** Please Pray for Marty Huddleston. Having Heart Catheterization this morning! Please Pray for Healing! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…                                                 “Do all things without complaining and disputing…” (Philippians 2:14)

One of the tasks of a Pastor is to hear the grumblings and complaining from fellow church members that, in their mind, know best for everyone and are extremely “put-out” when things don’t go their way! Listening patiently and gently offering guidance and encouragement often is met with anger and resentment and retaliatory actions. Just recently, I was confronted by a well-meaning fellow believer, and they were outraged that I was not intervening in a situation between two other believers (Recognize that the issues were of a personal nature and did not affect the church in any way). “Why aren’t you doing something to stop this? It’s your job to take care of these things! That’s what we pay you to do!” When I responded, Oh Boy, the voice became louder and the anger boiled over to express their true feelings. “You need to do your job! You need to tell them to stop and to straighten up and you need to do it now! How can you allow this to happen?” My next response was met with silence and extreme disapproval… (They walked away in disgust and grumbled under their breath, “What I Expected.”) “In reality, this situation is none of my business, and by extension, none of yours. I am extremely committed to taking care of the flock and running interference for our church family, but when the actions of individuals are not affecting the flock and their actions and motivations are not causing any harm or danger to our church family, then, I am always available to assist, counsel, and encourage them, but when I am not asked, then I will mind my own business!” As I have ruminated on this experience, and have thought about my position, and if I should be more proactive in this private matter, I still believe that praying for the Holy Spirit to witness and minister to this couple, is the best course of events. Please know that I am “Armored Up” and ready to engage anyone or anything that is causing harm to our Fellowship or causing disruption to the harmony of our witness for Jesus, but when it is a private matter, I am not going to “Butt in” and create more issues! This situation bring to mind a beautiful instructive scripture passage, found in Matthew 7:3-4: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?” We must be actively working on our own relationship with our Savior, and we must concentrate on Surrender, Commitment, Obedience and our own Relationship with the Father, through the Son, empowered by the Holy Spirit! Please know that I love our BTC Family, and I will place myself in “Harms Way” in order to insure that the Fellowship is protected and that the Family is Secure, but I will not interfere in the private lives of individuals, that do not invite me in,  based on rumors, “hearsay,” or any other rumblings that could be defined as “gossip!” When these individuals recognize the need for help, they are fully aware that I am ready, willing and available to assist them to solve their issues. I believe that Romans 12:12 offers assistance and advice in this situation: “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” I am committed to being the best “Me” that I can be, by following His Word, Sharing His Good News, and Staying Connected by Prayer, Bible Study, Fellowship with Fellow Believers, and by “keeping the Log from being in my eye!” When you recognize the struggles of others, please commit them to intercessory Prayer, asking God to intervene, and to “Heal” their wounds. Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

“Am I Alone in This?”

February 3        “Am I Alone in This?”   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 convinced 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 insanity that is happening around me! 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, creates upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of Life cause 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! Dear Friends, I am here to declare that we do have “HOPE!” We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Praise God, Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST! He is Our HOPE! He is Our FUTURE! He is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all of 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, satanic motivated insanity and evil things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises and provisions of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY or HE WILL PROVIDE SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE TROUBLES! I am clinging to the Anchor, which is my Savior, JESUS CHRIST, and when I feel confused and when I feel like walking away, and when I experience a sense of despair, I drop to my knees and call on Jesus as I am grasping hold of the anchor rope that gives me “PEACE,” “RENEWED STRENGTH and VISION,” and “ETERNAL HOPE!” I am praying that you will “ANCHOR DEEP” and grab hold of the HOPE that only comes from a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST! If you are without HOPE, please read John3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is only found in JESUS! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

OBSERVATION: It appears that Evil had taken residence in the beautiful State of Minnesota and continues to display its insane and twisted motivations! I have wondered why in Minneapolis and why in Minnesota, and why are a minority of the citizens rallying in the streets and causing great harm and disruption, all in the name of “Resistance” to Federal Law Enforcement Personnel in the exercise of their sworn duties, then I realize that Minnesota is the place where massive financial fraud and corruption has been exposed, perpetrated by individuals at the top of the political food chain! Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers are operating across the country, yet in this beautiful area of the nation, chaos, distraction, outrage and professional targeted protests are continuing. I think of John 3:19-21 as the answer to the insanity: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” The insanity that we are witnessing in Minnesota is possible because of those individuals that are involved, are walking in the “Darkness” of the Evil One and He is motivating them to express their twisted views and hatred, with the sole purpose of creating chaos and disrespect! Agree, disagree… It does not alter the fact that Sin is running rampant and that the arrogant insanity of the “Darkness” will continue! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ARROGANT INSANITY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … “WALK IN THE LIGHT!”

Are You a “NEGATIVE NELLIE?”

February 2   Are You a “NEGATIVE NELLIE?”   Proverbs 26:21

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.” (Proverbs 26:21)

Growing up in a, generally, tight knit community, neighbors were like family, except for one special lady! This dear soul was the most negative and disagreeable person that one could imagine! Regardless of the excitement of the moment and the joy that were would collectively share, she could be counted on to provide the “wet blanket” for all opportunities to be joyous and happy! As time went on, and as I began to mature, I wondered what could have happened to this lady that had caused her to be the “Sour Pickle” that she had become. (Side Note: If my dear mother couldn’t break through the crust of negativity, then I was sure that her shell was impenetrable.) We had gathered around the riverbank to “pull the seine” and have a community fish fry, and my mother felt compelled to invite the “Grump” to our gathering. “Grump” did not disappoint! She arrived ready, willing and able to see the dark side, the negative and the “Won’t work” attitude! Gratefully, Mama insulated her from the other ladies, as she ran interference to keep the atmosphere upbeat and productive. The men would catch the fish, and we boys, that were early teens, were tasked with the job of cleaning these fish, and the ladies were preparing slaw, and cooking hushpuppies (referred to as “Corn Dodgers”) and cooking the fish. With Mama engaged in the fast-paced activities of the assembly line cooking, she lost sight of the “Negative Nellie,” and she migrated over to where we boys were cleaning the fish. “You’re not doing that right! You should do this first! Who taught you how to mess up a fish like that?” Wow! What happened next was a tragedy and a blessing! One of our younger boys looked at her and spoke with authority when he asked her, “What is your problem? We have invited you here to enjoy the company and the good food and all you can do is find fault and complain that everyone is doing things wrong! Why don’t you go home?” Well, this boy’s mother heard the comments, and she immediately demanded that he apologize to the “Grump!” He did, and she stormed towards her car and sped away… The topic of conversation, around the makeshift tables was about the “Grump” and what was wrong with her… We had some fish left over and slaw and cornbread and when we got back home, my dear mother asked if I would take a plate to “Negative Nellie.” So, understanding that Mama’s asking was code for “Do It,” I gathered up the prepared plate and headed through the woods to “Grump’s” house. Arriving, I knocked on the door, and she finally opened the door and her first response was, “What do you want?” I responded with, “Nothing, I just brough you a fish plate! Thought you would enjoy it!” Shock of all shocks, she said, “Won’t you come in?” Wow! Entering, what we boys called, the “Haunted House,” was enlightening! It was the cleanest and the most organized place that I had ever seen. She walked over to the kitchen table, offered some iced tea for me and I felt a strange need to sit down with her and to talk with her. As she began to eat the food, she would inquire about my age, schooling, hobbies and a host of other shocking inquiries. I figured that since she was asking me questions, I would ask a few myself! I asked about her childhood, her family, her hobbies and her obvious obsession with collecting dolls. Her responses were guarded, but amazingly honest, and I began to see a different side of the “Grump!” Finally, I asked, “Why don’t you go to church?” Her response was telling and a bit sad, “No one has ever asked me to!” Well, I, immediately, invited her to our Sunday Service and went out on a limb, and invited her for Sunday Dinner at our house. Long Story Short, she did come, she did eat with us, and she and my mother became good friends and this “Grump,” although, remained borderline Negative, she truly gave her heart to Jesus in Salvation and she became a “New Creation,” and she became tolerable to be around! Are you a “Negative Nellie?” Do you look for the worst in every situation? Are you expecting things to go wrong? Are you so concerned about the “Temporal,” that you lose sight of the “Eternal?” Unfortunately, as a pastor, I have the challenge to deal with the “Negative Nellies” and the “Grumps” of the world and my tool to affect this situation is “Targeted” Prayer for them! Guess What? That’s correct, there are many that occupy a place at the table within the church family that are ready, willing and able to be the “Negative Nellie” and that seem to enjoy the position! God has promised that we WILL BE NEW CREATURES through the blood of JESUS, and we NEED to RECOGNIZE our ATTITUDES, OUR LIFESTYLE, AND OUR WAY OF ENGAGING OTHERS, and be aware that OUR OPINIONS mean NOTHING to GOD! HE wants OBEDIENCE, CHRIST-LIKENESS, SURREDER and for us to let go of the “GRUMP!” Could you be described as a GRUMP? Do you display, on your face, the signs of “Negative Nellie?” Friends, stop begin so consumed by your opinions and bias, and surrender your mind, your attitude and your face to God! STOP BEING SO NEGATIVE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!