“We Must Walk by FAITH”
May 10 “We Must Walk by FAITH” 2 Corinthians 5:7
** HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Every time that I look in the mirror, and every time that I witness the insanity of this present age, with its chaos, evil, depravity and uncontrolled insanity, I am so glad that my precious God has provided an opportunity to live above these circumstances, and has provided the atoning Grace of His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Life Changing Blood to cleanse and restore our relationship with the Father God! The scripture passage for today, clearly tells us that we must not walk, through this life, depending on the actions, beliefs, circumstances of this world, but we are to claim God’s Presence, His Provision, His Power, and we are to embrace His Promises and, by Faith in Him, walk in that FAITH! Listen, those who walk in FAITH, have surrendered their lives to God and are relying on Him for His Power to sustain them and to protect them! They count on God’s Promises and Live Abundantly! To walk in Faith requires a focusing on the Word of God, a Faithful Prayer Life, and a confident and enduring attitude of assurance, as we face the unrelenting attacks and challenges of the Evil One! James 1:2-3, expresses some beautiful words of instruction and faith… “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” What a joyful expectation! We will have tribulations, we will have challenges, we will face hardships, tragedies, and peril, yet, when we WALK IN FAITH, we are promised VICTORY and HOPE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“PRESS ON…”
May 9 “PRESS ON…” Joshua 1:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
When I read this passage of scripture, I am transported back to my youth, when I would hear my Daddy say these words, that still instruct and inspire me, today! When face with the challenges of life, he would shout, “Press On!” Daddy would remind me that God is in control, and we must trust Him for our living. When we think about this passage from Joshua, we will remember that Moses, the chosen leader, had died, and Joshua was the new leader! Joshua was struggling with the new responsibilities of leadership, especially in the shadow of the great leader, Moses. “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” With this promise, Joshua continued to lead and direct the Hebrew peoples and fulfil his mission! Friends, God wants us to look to the future, with confident hope, and to embrace the lessons of the past, while living abundantly in the present! We cannot change the past, however, don’t discount the past, but learn from it, and be encouraged that you can live abundantly! Joshua had a great task before him, and he embraced each step along the journey! The message for today is very simple! WE MUST PRESS ON IN SPITE OF ANY PROBLEMS THAT ARISE! WE MUST PRESS ON, AND EMBRACE AND CLAIM HIS PROMISES! WE MUST PRESS ON IN THE POWER AND MIGHT OF HIS PRESENCE AND PROMISES! Remember, when we walk in God’s presence, we have His Power, Peace and complete Provision for every task and challenge that we encounter! Are you facing a challenge, crisis, or tragedy? Stay Focused… Don’t overreact… Keep Looking to God! “Carpe Diem,” seize the day, and keep PRESSING ON! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
We Do Not Travel Alone
May 8 We Do Not Travel Alone Psalm 23:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” (Psalm 23:6)
Every day, in every way, as we travel this road to our eternal home in Heaven, we have with us, two amazing and great travel partners: The GOODNESS of GOD and HIS UNMERITED MERCY! God’s GOODNESS is displayed when the Apostle Paul declared that “My God shall supply all of your needs according to HIS Riches (Philippians 4:19)!” God’s UNMERITED MERCY can be claimed when we are assured in Romans 8:1 that “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” PRAISE GOD! HE gives us all that we require in order to serve Him and to Praise Him and to Share His Good News with other travelers along this path to eternity! He is our Guide, our Protector, our Constant Enabler, and He is our ONLY way to Heaven! We can be assured that because He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL, HIS GOODNESS and HIS MERCY will be with us until we see HIM in GLORY! I am excited about the fact that He Loves Me, Sustains Me, and was Willing to Die for Me, so that I can enjoy the blessings of eternity and abundance right here, right now, because of His Love and His Amazing Grace! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
A POWERFUL FACT
May 7 A POWERFUL FACT Hebrews 13:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Wow! There are days when it seems that my Lord is so far away! “Is He hearing my prayers?” Situations, challenges, difficulties, and stress combine to create an illusion that God is so distant and that He has forgotten you! Unfortunately, our own emotions and thoughts will betray us, and we perceive that God is out there, but so far away! THIS PERCEPTION IS NOT TRUE! The Bible assures us that our God is as close as He has ever been! It is our thoughts and emotions and reactions to the negative influences that create the idea that God has forsaken us! Guess What? That is correct! LIFE IS NOT GOING TO GO OUR WAY, EVERY DAY AND IN EVERY SITUATION, AND WE FIND OURSELVES QUESTIONING GOD AND CLOSE TO GIVING UP ON HIM! Regardless of the challenges, please REMEMBER… “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This is a PROMISE, DIRECTLY FROM OUR GOD! HE IS FAITHFUL AND HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US! When I am going through the trials of life, and I begin to feel a sense of loneliness, I immediately STOP, DROP, and PRAY! I am CLAIMING HIS PROMISE, and I AM EXERCISING HIS FAITHFULNESS TO ME! You will face challenges, difficulties, and drama, but be of “Good Cheer,” HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Judge Not… PLEASE!”
May 6 “Judge Not… PLEASE!” John 8:1-11
**Please Pray for the H.E. Edwards Family as we Celebrate his life, and honor his memory, today at 3pm, at Baptist Tabernacle Church! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)
Recently, I had the opportunity, to share Jesus, with a young couple that I met at the Walgreens, in Zebulon. I asked, “Where do you go to church?” Their response was a bit sad, and a bit telling! “We don’t go to church anywhere! We have sworn off church!” Wow! I was intrigued that this young couple had formed such a strong opinion of church and the participation there of. Slightly challenged, I asked, “Why?” Their corporate answer was heartbreaking and enlightening! “We used to go to church! We were brought up in the church! After High School, the two of us decided that we would live together, so save some money, as we attended college. One Sunday, two of the older ladies of the church cornered us and let us know that we were going to Hell because of our living arrangements, and that we were not worthy of church membership! We were dumbfounded! They went on to say that they knew that we were having inappropriate relations, and that we were, again, going to Hell!” What was I to say? I immediately apologized for the words and actions of people that I did not even know. Wow! What happened to “Love Your Neighbor as Thyself?” What happened to “Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged?” How many individuals have been “Turned Off” with organized church, because of such attitudes and behaviors? I recognize that certain behaviors of humanity, are in direct conflict with the teachings of God’s Word, however, it is our responsibility to “LOVE” one another, and create a relationship that will allow the opportunity to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, and navigate individuals to a Saving Experience, and then, the Holy Spirit will correct, guide, direct and chastise, not us!! The scriptures tell us to Love our Neighbors, and there aren’t any caveats or exclusions! Friends, we are all, on a journey of growth and maturity, in our walk with Christ, and we need to define our role, embrace our calling and be ready to guide and direct others into God’s Love, not the judgmental wrath of our own tongues, as we, self-righteously condemn others! Matthew 7:1-2 plainly expresses the challenges and results of judging others! “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Do you want to be judged by the standards that you set for others? The older that I become, and the more that I study and meditate on God’s Word, I recognize that my job, my calling, through the sacrificial Blood of Jesus, that I am to Love my Neighbor, and share the Love of Jesus Christ, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into a proper and healthy growing relationship with our Lord! This relationship is not to be founded on politics, philosophies, prejudices or preferences, but wholly and completely founded and grounded on the Pure and Holy Word of our God! Please be careful when you are about to judge someone. Please consider the impact of your words and actions on those that do not have your personal relationship with the Savior! Please know that I am aware that “Right is Right, and Wrong is Wrong,” but it is not my job to condemn or to judge! My job, my calling is to share the Love of God and pray that that individual will experience the same life-changing direction that God’s Grace has provided for me! Just a follow-up… I encountered this young couple, just a few days ago, and the young man informed me that they were going to be married and that they had started attending a church, in Clayton. Then, they both asked if I would consider performing their wedding ceremony. Dear Friends, all I could do was to “Shout” in my mind… THANK YOU LORD! Love is an amazing thing… God’s Love is a HEALING THING… and when we share God’s Love, we become part of the healing! Let us choose Love, not Judgement! Let us choose to build up, not tear down! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“SHINE ON…”
May 5 “SHINE ON…” Matthew 5:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Christians have a wonderful reality that is at the center of our existence! The Father God, that is in Heaven is a powerful creator, He is our Lord, He is the Divine Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, and He has provided the opportunity for us to be in a relationship with Him, through His Son, Jesus! This relationship provides us with the eternal life with God and He has prepared a home for us in Heaven. We, through the shed blood of Jesus, and our faith and acceptance of His Grace, belong to our Heavenly Father, and we have a responsibility to live so that we reflect His Love and His Amazing Grace to others. As a human, I am not perfect, yet through the redeeming Grace of Jesus Christ, I am made acceptable before the Father, and He will empower me to be a “Light in this Dark and Decaying World!” PRAISE GOD for HIS LOVE for US! PRAISE GOD for HIS Power to Sustain US. PRAISE GOD for the REALITY of HIS Grace! PRAISE GOD for the Fact that we can WORSHIP HIM and PRAISE HIM, and we are SECURE in HIM! Because of His Love for us, and His Power and Provision for our restoration of relationship, we can, and must, be a BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD! As the scripture passage instructs, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” With Humility, I serve! With Gratitude I serve! With Power, I walk in His Light! With HIS GRACE, I am SAVED! “SHINE ON… “TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Jesus Over Everything”
May 4 “Jesus Over Everything” 1 Corinthians 8:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)
This morning, I share the lyrics of a beautiful song that describes our Jesus! When I read these words, penned by Ben Cantelon, Charles Starling, Andrew Holt, I am encouraged and my soul is made joyous, when I think of HIS Love for me, and HIS sacrifice for me, and HIS Atoning GRACE! I pray that you will be encouraged and inspired by these words… The Song is entitled, “Jesus Over Everything”: He came from glory - Took on flesh to save the lost - Grace and mercy displayed upon the cross - Our redemption, He's the hope for all mankind - One name over everything - One name over everything! Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord (yes, He is)!
Who can rival our resurrected King - In one moment, He brought death to its knees - All the power and all authority -
To one name over everything - Yes to one name everything - Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord!
Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord! Yes, this will be our song - This will be our song - Oh, He is Lord! Over fear, over shame -
Over all anxiety - Over troubles and all pain - Over sickness and disease - For He reigns on the throne - All praise to Him alone - One name over everything - Over death and all sin -
Over hell, over the grave - Darkness bows, demons flee -
At the mention of His name - For He reigns on the throne -
All praise to Him alone - One name over everything - Oh! Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord!
Oh! Jesus over everything - He reigns forevermore -
Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord! - Our song for all eternity - Jesus Christ is Lord! - Oh, Jesus Christ is Lord!
I am ending this devotion with another scripture passage to help us focus on JESUS! Think about the beautiful instructions from Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Stay Strong (In Jesus), Stay Focused (On Jesus) … (Because of JESUS) THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Laugh a Little…..
May 3 Laugh a Little….. Job 8:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21)
Some of the best memories of my early years were sitting around the supper table and laughing with my parents. Daddy had a “dry and sharp wit,” and Mama was smart, yet gullible and witnessing the banter between them was always colorful and entertaining. Amazingly, without fail, I always felt better after supper, regardless of what we ate. As I grew older, I noticed that Mama always tried to see the “Bright Side” of every situation, easy or difficult. From 1960 until 1964, Mama had 5 major kidney surgeries, with the 5th one removing her right kidney. Now, picture this, it was 1964 and medical science was evolving yet was nothing like today. Mama came home with a drain tube coming from her right side and it was attached to a large glass jar. My first question to Mama was, “What is that?” She could see the fear in my young eyes, and she answered my question with a “Funny” that would calm my fears. A few weeks before her surgery, we had a new septic tank installed and the man that installed it was patient and kind, with this inquisitive young kid, as he explained every aspect of the installation and the need for the new septic tank. So, Mama said to me, “Baby, this is my new septic tank!” She laughed, I laughed and when Daddy got home, he laughed. I learned that laughter will not stop calamities or disease or tensions or distresses, however, laughter acts as a strong medicine, soothing difficult times and brightening up the dreariness of our daily grind. Laughter builds inner strength and fortifies us as we deal with life’s challenges. Amid this challenging environment and during the confusion of what is real and what is fake and what is true and what is false, I pray that God will allow us to stop and re-focus and re-tool, so that we can smile in the midst of the chaos and confusion and, simply, let ourselves laugh a little! A few years ago, I fell and hurt my back. I was carrying a jar of water in my hand, and when I recovered from my acrobatic contortions, I discovered that I had not spilled the water, nor had I broken the jar. I was in constant pain for 12 days and I was unable to rest in bed, so I attempted to sleep in my recliner. I thought about my acrobatic contortions and laughed…I wasn’t upset about the fall; I was amazed that I had held the jar! It does not take a lot to see the negative and the controversial issues of the day, however, it requires the Grace of God to believe that He has this situation and with the God Given Common Sense, and with Obedience to His Call, we will overcome and do it with a smile on our faces and a chuckle in our souls. Recently, I was asked how I could be so casual about all that is going on in the world. My answer was simple and direct… “I do not know exactly where this is going and I do not know how it will change our daily lives and I do not know the struggles and distress that we will face, however, what I do know is this: I AM THE SON OF THE KING, WHO IS NOT MOVED BY THE WORLD. FOR MY GOD IS WITH ME AND GOES BEFORE ME AND HE HAS ME SECURELY IN HIS GRIP. I DO NOT FEAR BECAUSE I AM HIS!” I am not angry, nor am I dismayed, nor am I sad…I choose to claim His Promises of Victory and to live my short time here, with a song in my heart, laughter on my lips and joy unspeakable and covered in His Glory! Be grumpy, hateful, angry, and argumentative if you will, however, I refuse to do it! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. If you need a laugh, think about this old man doing the “hucklebuck” while falling and attempting to keep the water in the jar and the jar from dropping and breaking. It was kinda funny!!
READY TO SHARE…
May 1 READY TO SHARE… Matthew 9:37-38
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
The morning after I claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, I understood the necessity to share my experience and to offer His Good News to others. The challenge was that I was a bit timid and shy, and it was difficult for me to share Jesus with others. What would they think? How would they respond? It was hard to share Jesus, especially when I was unsure of how it would be received. I asked Daddy how it was that he seemed to be able to share Jesus with everyone and that it didn’t seem to bother him, at all, how they might respond, or what they might think. He told me that the “Harvest belongs to the Lord, and that I belong to the Lord, and it was a privilege and a duty to offer the same life-changing opportunity to others.” He said that I should think about the Gospel as a “burning” story that I would share with my buddies and my acquaintances! He basically told me to “Gossip the Gospel!!” The more that I have matured in my spiritual walk, and the greater my confidence in His Holy Provision, and the Eternal Rewards that are awaiting me, I get excited about helping others avoid a “Hot Burning and Eternal Fiery Hell!” We are told that the “Harvest is Great!” Statistics inform us that people born after 1980, a whopping 96 % do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ! Pay attention…we are a mere 4 percentage points from being a completely pagan and anti-Christian nation! Do you think that we have a responsibility, a duty, a calling, an obligation to assist others in avoiding Hell and to live in the “Abundance” of His Grace? Share the Good News of Jesus with others, pray for fellow believers as we share our faith and the Good News with others, and live your life so that others can see the miracle of Jesus’ Love in You! Dear Lord, make me a channel of Your Grace and Your Blessings! Prepare me to be the conduit for the Lost Souls that I encounter and make me to be the witness that You expect! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
**When is the Last Time that You Shared the Good News Message of Salvation with Someone? As a Growing, Maturing Child of the King, we MUST be about the Father’s Business, and that is to SHARE the GOSPEL MESSAGE with ALL NATIONS!
“OUR HOPE for TOMORROW”
April 30 “OUR HOPE for TOMORROW” Isaiah 5:20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
On this day, April 30, 2026, we awaken to a world that is troubled and decaying, and an entitlement attitude and expectation levels that are unsustainable. Evil is rampant and attitudes and morals (basic standards of behavior and civility) are rapidly becoming unrecognizable to anyone with a secure moral foundation that is a product of a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ! Anti-Israel, Pro Hamas agitators, protesting on college campuses, and the culture of anti- semitic actions and behaviors being promoted at the highest levels of our own government! Anti-Trump (TDS) political attitudes, Anti-American actions and words, and the standards of basic civility and decency are disappearing. The definitions of things which are “Right,” are deemed “Wrong,” and that which is Truth, is declared a “Lie,” and the Evil continues to grow! Men declaring that they are women, women claiming to be men, political corruption, twisted attitudes of justice and morality, children being exposed to perverted displays of depravity and society battling to make it acceptable and commonplace behavior, and there are those who speculate on what has gone wrong. “Let not your hearts be troubled!!!” This is the Divine Plan of God, as He prepares to fulfill His Promises and His Plans for Humanity (HE is Coming Back)! This kind of attitude and behaviors will continue, and grow worse, until Jesus appears in the sky to claim His Church! I am excited that I am going to be a part of the “Rapture!” Get Ready, Be Prepared, Seek the Face of Jesus, Claim His Grace and Love, and Armor-up for the battle (we are engaged in a battle, daily), and get your Spiritual House in order! It will not be long, and Jesus is coming again! Let me repeat this: JESUS IS COMING AGAIN, AND BASED ON THE DEPRAVITY THAT EXISTS, IT WILL NOT BE LONG!!! I have HOPE for TOMORROW, not because of this World, but because of HIS LOVE and HIS AMAZING and SAVING GRACE! I have POWER to LIVE, SHARE, and OVERCOME the INSANITY of this present AGE, and THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, and so do you!!! Share HIS Love with others and continue to Serve Him!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Giving…”
April 29 “Giving…” Acts 20:35
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
From my earliest recollections, I was shown the need to be a “Giver.” Mama was, absolutely, adamant that we should help the less fortunate and do it boldly and with conviction. When anyone, and I mean, anyone, was down or in need, in our little community, Barbara was the first on the scene to help, in her special way. When I think back, Mama was the “Original First Responder” for the Spring Bank Community! I often think about the witness and the lessons that she taught me, even when she was just being “Barbara!” I can hear her now, “Giving is better than receiving!” I was truly convinced that my dear sweet mother had slipped her cog, yet, when I witnessed the joy that was hers when she would prepare one of her amazing meals or bake her famous “Carrot Cake,” or slip a few dollars to one in need, I saw the expression of satisfaction and completeness in my mother! By the way, there were times that we were the needy, yet, for Mama, we were blessed, and we had a spiritual responsibility to honor God’s Word! Mama was a living and working example of the scripture passage for today! Dear Friends, we have a responsibility, to help one another and we are instructed to love one another, and we are expected to help the weak and less fortunate and we are to do it, not out of some obligation, but from a heart that is faithful and from a position of Obedience. I am grateful for my “Living “example, of God’s meaning of “It is more blessed to give, than to receive!” There is a clear fact that is evident in serving others! When we are engaged in helping our fellowman, then we are not focused on our own issues and our own misery! Get busy serving God!! Devote your time to making a difference. Follow, the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, and be active in your “Giving!” Folks, every time that I want to “Shut Down,” and “Close Out” everyone, I remember the words of my mother, and the witness of God’s Word through her actions, I get up and get busy, busy for my Lord! FACT: If you are seeking understanding, in this chaotic world, then dedicate yourself to understanding others. If you are seeking comfort in this life, then dedicate yourself to providing comfort for others. If you are seeking a greater level of Faith, then dedicate yourself to sharing Jesus and to planting the seeds of Faith, in others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
April 28 My Foundation is SOLID! Isaiah 41:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
When times are tough and the circumstances of life seem to overwhelm and the road is long, hard and filled with pitfalls and opportunities to stumble and fall and folks are hard to deal with, I am reminded of HIS Promise that He would ALWAYS be with Me and I look up, pull myself up and continue to walk in the warmth of His Light and the Power of His Might and I am assured that He has my back! Amazingly and wonderfully, My God is my Foundation and upon this Firm Foundation, I can build my life to honor Him and to walk with the reality of His Grace and Glory! Praise God! I am walking if FAITH, not FEAR, and it is because of HIS AMAZING GRACE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
REAL & LASTING JOY
April 27 REAL & LASTING JOY Psalm 35:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord.” (Psalm 35:9)
Is there “Joy” in your life? Real, true, regardless of the circumstances, “Joy!” Unfortunately, I am witnessing, professing Believers, that are living with Zero “Joy” being expressed, to themselves and to others! The plan is simple! When we are grounded in Jesus, and our lives are consumed by HIS Grace and Salvation, then we have the opportunity and privilege to walk in His “Joy,” through every situation! Friends, Jesus Christ is the answer to the sadness and discouragement and challenges of this present age! Our hearts and our lives must be attuned to the Will of God, and we must seek Him, and Trust Him, and claim His “Joy” for our lives! When we are growing in His Grace, we have the opportunity to overcome the discouragement and challenges, and live our lives with His “Joy,” and the privilege to witness to others, of His Amazing Grace! Claim your Privilege, Live for Jesus, and allow His “Joy” to cover every area of your life and allow it to overflow into the lives of others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Sing Praises!
April 26 Sing Praises! Psalm 147:1
**PRAISE GOD! We Celebrate Another Baptism Today! Our God is STILL in the SAVING BUSINESS! **
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” (Psalm 147:1)
There was always music in our house when I was a child. Music was an important part of our living. My Mother loved Southern Gospel Music, and she adored the Happy Goodman Family! Vestal Goodman was her all-time favorite! Mama would sing Vestal Goodman favorites in church, and always at home. She would crank up the stereo and away she would clean and iron and every homemaker task. Our house was filled with music! Now, Daddy would preach the virtues of music, of singing and “making a joyful noise” to the Lord! Daddy’s favorite group was the Chuckwagon Gang! Daddy, to my knowledge, sang only one song, in public, and that was the “Great Speckled Bird!” My parents felt that music was an anchor in times of distress, and a blessing is times of prosperity! It boils down to attitude! I believe that music helps us to focus on God’s Amazing Grace and to live out His intentions for us! On my Daddy’s office wall was a framed statement from a man that also loved music and incorporated it into everything that he attempted to accomplish, for our Lord! This man was St. Francis of Assisi. The framed writing said this: “Make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. Where there is darkness, light.” Believers, what do you say we sing a little more, sow a little more, love a little more, and be an instrument of His purpose? TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
(Regardless of what may come, keep singing, keep believing and never, ever dwell in the past, YOU CANNOT CHANGE IT!!)
“Yesterday, Today, and Forever”
April 25 “Yesterday, Today, and Forever” Hebrews 13:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
“You can count on me!” Have you ever heard these words, and the person declaring them, when placed under pressure, actually lied? Trust is a beautiful thing, however, people, things, concepts, opinions, politics, morality, are in a constant state of change! The glorious fact is that we can count on JESUS CHRIST! People will disappoint, Times will disappoint, Political concepts will disappoint, but the Love of God, through our Savior, JESUS CHRIST, NEVER DISAPPOINTS! In a world of uncertainty and chaos, WE CAN COUNT OF JESUS! The FACT is that HIS PROMISES are as VALID today, as they were the moment that HE PROMISED THEM! HE will not revoke His Promises and HE will not void HIS offers of Love and Grace! So, I am excited to know, for a fact, that my Spiritual Inheritance is awaiting me in Heaven and that I am a Child of the KING! I pray that you get excited when you realize and begin to live in the fact that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Post Script: Preparing, praying over, and creating a daily devotion is time consuming, tedious, and challenging (also rewarding and inspirational)! It requires study, inspiration, research, and creativity to achieve something new and fresh, each day. Just when I think that I should (or might) discontinue the daily postings, I encounter someone that I do not know, but they know me, and they tell me that they look forward to the devotions each morning and that the postings have helped them focus and to grow in their spiritual walk! Oh well … So much for the idea of suspending this ministry! Please continue to pray for me as I continue to share from my heart these morning encouragements! Thank you so much for your love and support! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
More Than Conquerors
April 24 More Than Conquerors Romans 8:31-37
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31-37)
There are days when I feel as if I am walking through this life, all alone! Challenges, both personal and public, create issues that are hard to deal with, yet through those times, I have the assurance that my God is with me, protecting me, carrying me, holding me, and guiding me, even when my feelings indicate differently! On those days, when I feel so helpless and challenged, I have the promise that “I am with you and I am for you, in everything that you do!” Satan attempts to cloud the fact that my God is with me, and that He is my companion and my provider! My mother used to tell me that in those times when life seems to beat you down and you feel as if you are all alone, whisper His Name! Every time, without fail, when I speak His Name, it opens my heart and my mind to His Holy Presence! When I speak to my Savior, in complete surrender to His Presence, I am renewed, and I am empowered to face any challenge that life has to offer! Every one of us are challenged, daily, yet God’s Amazing Grace is there for us! Remember what Genesis 28:15 tells us: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” We are more than conquerors through HIS AMAZING GRACE!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Armor-up, and Keep Looking Up to Jesus! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Postscript: Please pray for the pastors of the churches, in our area, that God will refresh, energize, and sustain them in their calling! Being a pastor can, at times, be a lonely and isolating experience! Recently, once again, I met with a young pastor of a local church that was feeling the weight of isolation and resistance in his pastoral duties. He poured out his frustrations to me and asked if I had any answers. YES! Because of Jesus, we are More than Conquerors! We MUST claim His Power, Presence, Provisions, and His Amazing Grace! The main goal, mission, responsibility, is to share the Good News, Disciple Young Believers, and to continue to grow and mature in the faith, personally, so that we can be strong and fortified to take on the resistance that Satan produces! My promise to my young friend is that I am committed to prayerful support and to encourage him and I will continue to be a “friend” in this chaotic world (Unfortunately, including the Church)! I encourage you to encourage others and to be A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK WORLD! To be a BRIGHT LIGHT, we MUST Continue to GROW, PRAY, ENGAGE, and to be what GOD has CALLED US TO BE!
Single-Minded Focus
April 23 Single-Minded Focus James 1:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)
The longer that I live, the more that I am amazed at the inconsistent attitudes and actions of those who profess to be Born Again Believers. A few years ago, the Texas Legislature passed a restrictive bill, limiting the timeline on abortions. Other States have adopted similar legislation to restrict abortions. Fascinatingly, many professing believers have found a “Soapbox,” in order, to decry the violation of one’s rights to terminate a human life. Please understand that I respect one’s right to their opinions and I will defend their right to have a different opinion, however, in light of my Faith and commitment to Christ, I have deep reservations about one who claims to be a Christian; yet adopts and practices beliefs that are absolutely opposed to the word of God and His Will. During the COVID 19 pandemic, I discovered, personally, that my Faith and the Worldly Politics, could not and must not mix. My Faith and My Commitment to Christ is the standard for my living and the Worldly influences must not take priority. How can we participate and support anything that is in direct conflict with the Holy Scriptures and still have a growing and dynamic relationship with God ((You cannot!)? What is more important? Our limited and temporal existence, here on earth, or our eternal citizenship? James 3:10 tells us, “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” BOTTOM LINE: You are either for God and all that is associated with Him, or you are not! You are either committed to the Cause of Christ, or you are not! I am committed to living, as much as possible, “peacefully” with everyone, however, I draw the line when it violates the eternal and divine relationship with my Savior. We, as believers, must make God, and His Ways, our ways and we must present ourselves as growing and forgiven witnesses of His Great Love and we must not be entangled in the issues of the world that tatter and destroy our witness! We must be what He expects us to be! 1 Corinthians 14:8 tells us, clearly, “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” Is your “Trumpet” playing an uncertain sound? Are you living with one foot in the world and one in the presence of God? Remember---“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways!” The world will be offended by your commitment, your lifestyle, and your witness! Please take inventory of your life and determine who you will serve and how you will live! Matthew 5:10-14 tells us “How’ and Why’s” of serving Him… “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” REPENT, Be Real, Be Consistent, Be HIS Light in this Dark and Evil world…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Deliverance
April 22 Deliverance Galatians 1:3-4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:3-4)
Life in the 21st Century is busy! No one can deny that we are, as a society, so much busier than we were just a couple of decades ago. There is so much more going on that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything accomplished. The World and all its distractions and activities, tend to take us away from being the True Christian that we should be! If we aren’t careful, we will allow the “World’s Standards and Expectations” to dictate our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors! So, the question is, how do we “separate” lives while living in this EVIL and DEPRAVED world? Fellow Believers, we have some precious promised truths in today’s scripture passage. The first truth is that Jesus is our answer to the question of how we navigate through this Evil World! He has provided deliverance from bondage of this world’s temptations and has provided instructions to follow to make it through this age, while walking in obedience and achieving VICTORY over this Evil World! The next truth is profound!! Through the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST and the LOVE OF GOD, for us, HE has, indeed, brought deliverance from sin and He has provided guidance and leadership in the ability to lead righteous and godly lives, regardless of this world’s negative and destructive influences. It is God’s will for us to live Holy and Righteous lives, and He has provided the necessary tools to do just that! We are His workmanship, and we are His Hands and Feet in this world, and we are to be about the Father’s Business! It is our responsibility to be what God has ordained for us to be! It is our decision to be strong and effective servants for Christ! It is our duty, our calling, our Hope, to be the best witness for Christ that we can be! Regardless of the negative and depraved influences of SATAN and this World, we are to BOLDLY CLAIM HIS PROMISES AND LIVE HOLY LIVES, WITH THE FIRM ASSURANCE THAT HE HAS BROUGHT TO US…HIS GRACE AND HIS COMFORTING PEACE!! What God does with you, IS UP TO YOU! It ALWAYS has been, it ALWAYS will be! Please stay in God’s Word; Stay of your Knees in Prayer and continue to Share the Good News of Jesus Christ, in Word and in Actions! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Praying Always…
April 21 Praying Always… 1 Chronicles 16:11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)
We were in the mountains of North Carolina, a few years ago, with the purpose of renewal and refreshing. The past several weeks had taken its toll, and I was just going through the motions, with no power and enthusiasm and my prayer life was suffering. It was one of those times when I had placed everything in front of Prayer Time and was just casually engaging in prayer. Annette said, “We need some down time!” She has a God-Given ability to discern when I am about to “Burn Out!” So, up to the mountains we went! We enjoy going to various “flea markets” around the local area, and this trip was no different. In one of the stores, I spotted a pair of roller skates that you put over your shoes and I purchased them. My mind went back to those days of my youth, and I could see myself skating around the carport as soon as we returned to the mountain house. Sure enough, I put the skates on, tightened the skates to my shoes with the key, and stood upright. Ok, all is well! So, I slowly eased off from the spot where I stood. Thoughts of my agility and my joy in skating came rushing into my mind, and as quickly as it entered, it exited. The thoughts of my youthful skill and pleasure of skating were quickly replaced with the reality that I was falling! Sure enough, my knees met the concrete and my, not so youthful body, told my mouth to groan! As I removed the skates and tossed them into the bushes, I realized that, if I was going to enjoy skating, I would have to do it more often, maybe, even every day, in order to receive the joy that I had remembered. As I was sitting on the cold concrete, I had a moment of clarity! If I expected my Prayer Life to be fulfilling and effective, and if I were to receive the Power to serve God and to obey His commands, then, I, like this skating, need to do it more often! If I wanted my relationship with God to be more meaningful and if I wanted to serve Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then I was going to have to pray “Constantly!” I got up, dug the skates from the bushes, and told myself, “I’ll skate some more tomorrow, but right now, I am going to pray!” Every time that I have sags or down times, spiritually, it is because I fail to “Seek the LORD and His Strength!” PRAISE GOD! He has shown me that the Power that I operate in; is activated, at its greatest effectiveness, when I am constantly in prayer! The more that I pray, the stronger I become!! The stronger that I become, the more I need to Pray! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!