Peace in the Storm
May 30 Peace in the Storm Romans 15:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)
My dear mother, when faced with the challenges of life, would sing a song, and the only lyrics that I recall, went like this: “He gives us peace in the midst of the storm!” The one fact of living is that you will face storms, challenges and difficulties! Some will be universal, affecting everyone, but the most difficult storms are the “personal” ones! Financial Difficulties, Marital Problems, Sickness, Betrayal by friends, Failure to Claim His promises, and the list goes on! When I am faced with the inevitable storms that come, I think back to my mother’s witness, and I know that I am an overcomer, because of, and through the power of His Amazing Grace! Do you recall the storm that engulfed Jesus and His Disciples while they were on the Sea of Galilee? The Disciples were about to lose their cool as the waves crashed over the bow and they were afraid for their safety, yet Jesus was fast asleep! Why? Jesus knew who was in control! He knew that Father God was in complete charge and control! He was at “peace,” recognizing that He had full control over the storm, and He knew that when He spoke these words, “Peace, be still,” that the winds and the waves would obey! Thank you God for still calming the storms of my life and Thank you Lord for allowing me to participate in Your Amazing Peace! Stay Close to Jesus! Communicate with Him Daily! Walk with Confidence as you face the storms of Life! He Has Got This… He Promised, I Believe, and I am Claiming His Power for my Living! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Being Forgiven, Living in Forgiveness
May 29 “Being Forgiven, Living in Forgiveness Psalm 32:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)
The scriptures are crystal clear about our sin! Romans 3:23 tells us that ALL of us have Sinned and Fallen Short of the Glory of God! When we tell ourselves, and others, that we haven’t sinned, the Bible tells us that we are deceiving ourselves! Having established the fact that we are all sinners, how do we handle this thing called sin? How do we break free from the guilt and shame and heartache of our sin? Psalm 32 tells of David’s experience in dealing with his sin. Like John 1:9, where John strongly informs us that we are to acknowledge our sin, confess our sin to God, in order to receive Forgiveness and Restoration! David suffered when he didn’t confess his sins to God, then he finally proclaimed his sin, acknowledged his transgressions, and was blessed in the fact that God forgave him! Pay Attention! All of us sin, have sinned, and will sin again! God loved us enough that he assigned Jesus the task of being our “Forgiveness” vehicle, and when we Believe, Confess, and Receive this beautiful blessing called JESUS, then and only then, will we begin to feel the sense of Peace and wholeness that comes from a humble and repentant heart, thus enjoying a clear conscience, in our relationship with the Father, through the Son! When you fall short of God’s Glory, and you wander from His Promises, and you make mistakes, just Stop, Drop and Pray, tell Him that you are sorry and ask Him to cleanse you, restore you, refresh you and allow His Grace to Grow in You and Around You and continue to “walk in the newness of Life,” provided by His Glorious Love! REMEMBER! All have sinned, Let Him Cleanse You! He promised that He would “Cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9)… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful
May 28 Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In the Fall of 1964, I saw the power of God demonstrated within my own little family. The year began with my mother having, yet another, kidney surgery and the disruption of our household, by her absence. Daddy hired a lady to come in and cook and clean and “look after me.” Sadly, this lady was a thief and a liar! She didn’t stay long! So, I went to a neighbor’s house after school and that was interesting. They were good people, just strange! Mama came home and all was right with the world, until she was forced to go back to the hospital in October of 1964. Here we go again…I can only imagine the stress and anxiety that my Daddy was going through. This time, this surgery, Mama had her right kidney removed. She finally came home, and things began to normalize. The phone rang and I answered the call and there was a Goldsboro Police Officer on the other end of the line, asking to speak to Mrs. Brock. Well, she was asleep, and I told him, and he dropped the news on me…your Daddy has been in an accident, and he is at Wayne Memorial Hospital. I immediately woke Mama, and she calmly called the Police Department for details and then she called the Hospital for details of his condition. Her first response was…we need to pray! Keep in mind, Mama had a drain tube and a glass jar as the collection sight and I was a boy and we didn’t have a vehicle to travel on, with the exception, of a tractor. After some challenges and calls, Mama was able to speak to Daddy and things improved quickly. Apparently, someone ran a light and T-Boned Daddy. He was OK and was headed home. When he arrived home, there was such a relief, and a calm, within the walls of our little home. Daddy was bruised up and had 2 broken ribs and we were now a “No” car family and Mama was recovering from major surgery, and I was a boy! Daddy made fried bologna sandwiches for our supper, and we sat around the table, and we prayed and ate. When I reflect, back to that day, and the conditions that we experienced, I am still amazed at the attitude and actions of my parents. Daddy, Mama, and I held hands and Daddy asked blessing on the food and he gave thanks for bringing him through and he offered praise to God for protecting our little family! Amazing! I was seeing the misery, and Daddy and Mama were seeing the Blessing! This visual and practical lesson has stayed with me all these years. Later, I asked Daddy how it was that they were so upbeat when their lives were in shambles, and his response was priceless… “Son, we are children of God and He promised that He would be with us and help us. He, also, told us that troubles would come our way and to look to Him for comfort and restitution!” That day, I did not fully understand, but today I do! Our Faith in God is the Key to Living! By Faith, my parents navigated through this life, and, by Faith, they taught me to “Look to God” for everything that I do… Basically… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Please Stay Strong, Stay Focused…EVEN IN THE FACE OF GREAT CHALLENGES, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Through Christ…
May 27 Through Christ… Philippians 4:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Many years ago, I remember my daddy talking about a young man that came to him with a profound question. Apparently, this young man was having a particularly difficult day, and he asked, “If I get born again, will all of my problems go away?” Daddy said, “No son, but you will possess the power to deal with them!” Our God, through the saving Grace of Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit will provide wisdom and strength and courage to face each new challenge. He will bring into our lives, fellow believers that will assist in carrying our burdens, and He will provide clarity and assistance in our most difficult challenges! The one thing that you can count on, is that Satan will do everything possible to discourage you and to cause you to stumble. One of Satan’s tricks, that he has employed with me, is when he whispers, “See, I told you that God doesn’t really care about you!” That is when I say, “Leave me alone, Satan!” This is when I ask the Holy Spirit to hold me close and to assist me in resisting the Devil! TRUE FACT: In the middle of life’s challenges and problems, God supplies everything that we need to overcome and to be victorious! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“POWER to LIVE!”
May 26 “POWER to LIVE!” Galatians 5:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
Several years ago, I had an experience with a power-assisted push lawnmower. I fired it up and away I went on my mission of mowing my friend’s lawn. What a real job this was! I fought with this mower for over 30 minutes, and one of his neighbors came over and asked me if I had engaged the power assist lever. Oh Boy! Here I am, working myself to exhaustion, pushing this mower, and I had not engaged the “Power” assist feature! Reluctantly, I confessed my failure to employ the “Power” feature, and we had a good laugh! As I reflect on this experience, I recognize that this is exactly what it is like when we attempt to live a Christian Life without the Atoning Grace of Jesus and the Supernatural Power of the Blessed Holy Spirit! Amazingly, the “Power” assist was there all along, and I did not apply it to the task at hand! I want you to imagine what your life would be like, if you would claim the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit and live your life in the “Power” that comes from His “Power!” Recently, I had the privilege to be with a group of “Spirit-filled” pastors, and we were talking about the need for “Power” and “Guidance” in our Christian Walk, and one of the pastors, an older gentleman, yes, older than me, offered an amazing thought. He said that many years ago, he went to his pastor and shared that “he couldn’t help it, he said that “he was weak in the flesh.” The pastor replied, “No brother, you are strong in the flesh, but weak in the spirit!” That struck me! This “older” pastor is correct! We MUST stop feeding the Flesh, and we MUST continue to “Die” to self and continue to “Crucify” our fleshly carnal desires, and embrace the HOLY SPIRIT, for our Power, Provision, and Success in living! Are you tired of TRYING to live a Christian Type Life, on your own? The answer is simple and is available to every person who believes and confesses and receives the Grace of God, through Jesus Christ – ACCEPT THE GRACE AND FORGIVENESS OF JESUS CHRIST AND RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WALK IN THE SPIRIT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Dwell Richly…”
May 25 “Dwell Richly…” Colossians 3:16
We recognize and acknowledge MEMORIAL DAY, today! Take a moment and reflect on what others have given so that you can enjoy the freedoms that our country, our way of life offers. Freedom is not free; it was paid for by the blood of others! May we live our lives with the knowledge of the sacrifice of friends and neighbors that allows us the privilege to live our lives in relative freedom. Thank You God, Thank You All who were willing to sacrifice so that I can enjoy the fruits of freedom in this country, regardless of those who would attempt to destroy and remove our freedoms. TO GOD BE THE GLORY…GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
Paul provides some powerful words of instruction and admonition, when he offers the idea that we are to “let the Word of Christ” dwell in us! Indicating that we must be “IN” His Word, reading His Word, Memorizing His Word and Living His Word aand His Word to become a part of who we are! When we dwell on (and In) the word, it has the powerful and amazing ability to influence our every thought and every action. Just like sweet music can change our mood, attitude and the atmosphere, the word of God can fill our lives with Hope, Peace, and Joy. Again, it is vitally important for us to study, reflect, and meditate on God’s word regularly (Every Single Day). This provides us with the opportunity to grow spiritually and build a strong foundation in our faith that will affect our relationships and interactions with others. Being thankful is a significant, and vital part of our Christian walk. Recognizing what God has done for us, through the selfless act on Calvary, and the Grace provided by Jesus Christ, compels us to worship Him wholeheartedly. Having a thankful heart leads us to cultivate joy (Within & without), and it can transform our perspective on life and service. When we acknowledge God’s goodness, it draws us closer to Him and strengthens our faith. When we grow in God’s Amazing Grace, we become more “Christ-Like” and we are able to worship with our neighbors, Praising God and sharing together in “Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs!” What an amazing picture that Paul creates when we imagine believers, together, focused on worshipping God, honoring His grace and not on our own human motivations and thoughts! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BLESSED
May 24 BLESSED Jeremiah 17:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.”
Every day, in every way, I am genuinely and amazingly blessed! Even when I am tested beyond imagination, and when issues and circumstances challenge the very core of my being, I am still blessed! When aches and pains persist, and funds are low, and interactions with others become contentious, I am still blessed! Who could imagine that the Sovereign God of this Universe, in Great Love and Compassion, has provided the opportunity for me to be so blessed today? As I read His Holy Word, and “Talk” with my Lord, I stand in awe and reverence for the miracle of His Grace, His Presence, and His sustaining Power! Every time that I take my focus, for living, away from His blessings, and focus on the negative and the lack, I find myself feeling empty and vulnerable, and it is at this moment when Satan attempts to cloud my mind and to cause me to wander. When I contemplate the present, and the things to come, I truly realize that I am “Too Blessed to be Stressed!” If you are going through so challenging times, just remember, and trust his Promises, that He will see us through to the end, and that our best interest, when we walk with him, is His top priority! As pastor, I am constantly bombarded by negativity, chaos, misunderstandings, expectations, and a host of other challenges, however, regardless of the issues, He has Promised, I embrace those Promises and I am Victorious! Friends, Choose to Live in His Victory, recognizing the limitations of our earthly existence, and the supreme Power that is ours through His Amazing Love and Grace! Daddy would always say, “When you are down, look up! When you are in doubt, look up! When you are weary, look up! When you are challenged, look up!” Think about this fact: “For the unbeliever, this is as good as it gets, but for the Believer, this is as bad as it gets!” I choose to embrace His Blessings, and I choose to live in the warmth and glow of His Amazing Grace! As Mrs. Peggy Wilder always proclaimed, “I am Blessed, more Blessed, and Blessed some more…” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“I Will Give You Rest…”
May 23 “I Will Give You Rest…” Matthew 11:28-29
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
One of the issues that fellow pastors are experiencing, is something called “Burnout.” Many pastors that I know have succumbed to this challenging reality. Our present-day circumstances require great effort and absolute commitment, and, often times, in the process of “doing our Job,” we fail to re-focus, re-fuel, and to re-evaluate our own abilities and needs. Sadly, I have seen it happening over and over to some truly gifted and talented individuals. Possibly, a better description would be “Drained-Out.” Think about the requirements! Pastors are on 24-7-365 call, with little notice and great expectations from their flock. Just recently, a young pastor called to ask for advice on a special matter, and when I told him to take a moment, assess the real issues, pray specifically for the situation, ask God to provide the solution to the matter, but foremost, for the young pastor to be careful not to be drawn into a situation that was not “fixable,” and would leave him wounded, broken and “Drained!” One of the most important realities of ministerial life is the difficult fact that pastors need time to regroup, refocus, and to Rest in Him! Although, I may not demonstrate this reality, I am aware of my limitations, and I am getting better at “taking Time off,” to recharge my spiritual batteries! Do you ever feel drained? Do you feel weary in doing well? TAKE TIME TO REST, REFLECT AND TO ALLOW GOD’S RESTORING POWER TO ENERGIZE YOU! Everyone needs time to allow God to restore us, retool us and to energize us! The scripture passage for today is so powerful… “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Annette and I are truly blessed with a loving church family that recognizes the need for R&R and actively encourages it! Thank You, BTC FAMILY! Remember this verse from the Old Testament… “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14) Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!
“Go Ahead!”
May 22 “Go Ahead!” Exodus 4:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12)
Have you ever been required to speak in front of a large crowd? Have you ever been fearful of talking in front of a group? If you have, then you are in the top ten of the most fearful things to do in the United States. I think back to the days when I was petrified speaking in public. My earliest recollections of the fear of speaking in front of a crowd was the time that Mrs. Carter, my Sunday School Teacher, had we children, recite a Bible Verse, before the entire congregation, on a Sunday Morning! I remember clearly my response when I learned of her intent. “Miss Carter, I can’t do this!” She was always ready for a teachable moment, and she took advantage of this moment to share a story of another fellow that said that “he couldn’t!” She told me of the struggle that Moses faced and the promise from God! She made me look up and read this scripture to her. “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” She told me that God would be with me and provide what I needed to say when I needed to say it. I did recite the scripture, and I was nervous, and I was “shaking in my boots,” but Miss Carter’s words and her faith in me, provided the “kick” that I needed to claim God’s provision and power and to “Stand up and Go Ahead!” That event was over 65 years ago, yet I still am a bit anxious when I speak before a crowd, and I am a bit anxious when I share Jesus with an individual. When you speak up for Jesus, will you be nervous? In all likelihood, the answer is yes! Remember, ask God to replace your fears and concerns for the focus on Him and His words that you should say. The Bottom Line: Replace your Fears with Faith! So, I leave you with the admonition from Mrs. Estelle Carter… “Go Ahead!” Except for my parents, this precious lady had the greatest influence on my early Spiritual Life and Actions! As Believers, we are required and expected to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, with everyone that we encounter! So, just “GO AHEAD!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Things that Do Not Mix
May 21 Things that Do Not Mix 1 Corinthians 3:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3)
Chaos, disharmony, strife and a host of challenges are prevalent in our present-day world! Selfishness, envy and anger seem to be the behaviors that are the norm. Sadly, these same behaviors and attitudes have penetrated the church environment. I remember my dear Mama telling me that “some things just do not mix!” Oil and water do not mix! Love and hate do not mix! Paul was explaining to the Corinthian church that unity was not a “Man-Made” behavior! He was pointing out that their lack of “unity” was a result of their lack of “Relationship” with Jesus! Every time that there is an opportunity for disunity, you can count on there being more emphasis on “Me” rather than on “HE!” Immaturity in our relationship with Christ will always result in the “Me” versus the “HE!” Paul and Apollos were demonstrating, by words and actions, the need to be “Servants” and to exercise a “Servant’s Heart!” When we are focused on service to our Savior, it leaves NO ROOM for the SELFISHNESS of IMMATURITY and will always result in “UNITY!” The “UNITY” of the FELLOWSHIP requires a Proper Relationship with Jesus Christ, PERIOD! Listen, in everything that you do, Relationship is KEY! Unity comes when we, as “Born-Again” Believers, submit our will, our ego, and our agenda to the Lordship of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Paul pegged the problem when he stated, with confidence … “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” The Fact is Clear… A Strong and Growing Relationship with Jesus is REQUIRED for UNITY to occur! UNITY within our being, with the Savior, and UNITY within the FELLOWSHIP of FELLOW BELIEVERS, is required for unity to occur! What God Does with You is Entirely Up To YOU! It Always Has and It Always Will! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BE BLESSED
May 20 BE BLESSED Numbers 6:24-26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Trusting in the “Goodness” of God and the Promises of His Grace, I am praying that you are Growing and Maturing in the Love of God, Through Jesus Christ and that You are Praising God every day and that You are making a difference in this dark and evil world! It is my desire for you, to be blessed, to enjoy the presence of God and His Blessings and to embrace His Peace. Please encourage others to “Be Blessed,” to Embrace His Love and to Live “Under the Blood” of our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! A dear lady, Mrs. Peggy Wilder (who has made her graduation to glory), that I respect greatly, had a “Faith Affirming Declaration,” that inspires me every time that I think of her faith and her witness. Every posting, every letter, every correspondence, that she sent or spoke, always ended with, “Feeling blessed more blessed & blessed again!” The message for today is simple: BE WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AND LIVE ABOVE THE EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES AND RECOGNIZE THE POWER THAT WE HAVE TO BE OVERCOMERS. ENCOURAGE OTHERS, TEACH OTHERS, BE AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS, FORGIVE OTHERS, LOVE OTHERS AND FULFILL YOUR PART IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD! As Miss Peggy says, “Feeling blessed more blessed & blessed again!” Thank you, Miss Peggy, for a great legacy! Thank you, Jesus for Your Great Love! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Let It Go…
May 19 Let It Go… Lamentations 3:22-23
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Once again, I was sharing the Love of Jesus with a young man and his response was typical, especially from someone that has been deeply involved in worldly issues and has created a trail of past mistakes. He said, “I have done some terrible things, and I don’t see how God can forgive me of my actions!” My response is always the same! “Your past sins and the intensity of those sins, make zero difference to God!” He tells us, in Romans 3:23, that “all of us have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God!” God’s Love for us, is all encompassing, and He sees sin as sin and does not quantify its level of bad! He tells us to “Confess” our sins! He tells us to come to Him in “Believing Faith!” He tells us to ask Him into our lives, and He tells us that He WILL SAVE US! Notice that He didn’t say, “I will save you, unless you have done this or that,” HE SAID THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES WILL BE SAVED! So, we have got to let go of the past and we must not allow what was, to dictate what is to be! I take great comfort in the promises of God, found in Psalm 103:11-12, when it tells me that, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Does that sound like He is unable to save us from our sins? You may have to bear about in your human body the consequences of your past sins, however, you do not have to be burdened down with, and by those sins! When you, by Faith, believing in the Son of God: Jesus Christ, and Confess, Ask and Receive His Saving Grace, then, that which is past is past and He forgives and He wipes our slate clean, before God the Father, by His Shed Blood! So, Jesus has provided forgiveness, and He has provided release, so, shouldn’t we stop living and dwelling on the past and let go of the past? 1 John 1:9 tells us that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” It does not matter how “Bad” you think that you have been, God’s Love and His Forgiveness is greater and larger than any of our Human Actions! Remember what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” What Was is What Was! What God Does with You Is Entirely Up To You! IT ALWAYS HAS AND IT ALWAYS WILL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Values that Endure
May 18 Values that Endure 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
This life, that God has provided, is truly an adventure! Sadly, Satan has done an amazing job of denying so many the skills necessary to live a successful, meaningful life. Over the last several generations, the standards of “right” and “wrong” have undergone some troubling adjustments! My parents, along with the parents of my friends, instilled in us the standards of living that would sustain our relationships with others and establish a clear foundation, based on the truths of almighty God! This is just a personal observation; however, the evidence is quantifiable. Recently, I was in a doctor’s office, and every seat was taken, and, an elderly (and if I deem someone elderly, you know that they are ancient) lady came in, using a walker. There were three young people sitting, and amazingly; me and another older gentleman got up to offer her our chair. The young folks were glued to their phones and were unaware of the actions or the need that were taking place. If my mother had been there, she would have said, “Get up and give her your chair!” Our standards, our values, our recognition of right and wrong …. What has happened to our thoughts? Sin, deception, evil and a willingness to participate in the Satanic Lie are defining a generation, and Satan is pleased! My parents: and I suspect, your parents instilled in you a respect for what is proper and decent and expected you to act accordingly! My folks would, and did, set the example of proper behavior and would, from time to time, gently nudge me in the correct way (if a nudge didn’t work, then a stronger method of motivation was employed). My dear mother taught me to be friendly! She told me, repeatedly, “it costs nothing to be friendly!” Mama would talk to a “signpost!” “How are you going to tell someone about Jesus if you don’t talk to them?” This is a factual statement, and as Followers of Christ, we must live by HIS STANDARDS and SHARE HIS WORDS OF HOPE with this CHAOTIC and LOST WORLD! When I think of values and the standards for living, I am immediately drawn to Micah 6:8! “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Regardless of the actions of others, you are required to live by the standards of God! Let your life reflect and produce the “Fruit of the Spirit!” The Fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF CONTROL.” Are you living by these standards? If not, then why not? If you are a professing, redeemed believer, then your life should reflect the “FRUIT!” Stay Strong Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“It Is What It Is!!”
May 17 “It Is What It Is!!” 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)
Boy oh boy, we are living in some extremely difficult times! Troubles, strife, discord, hatred, evil and twisted thoughts, and actions abound! If we focus on the actions and words of this world, we will continue to be discouraged and our witness for our Savior will be diluted! This is just what Satan would like for every believer! PRAISE GOD, that His Word is filled with encouraging words that provide an uplifting word of hope and inspiration for your day. God wants us to comfort us in times of need and through life's challenges. If you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, the Bible can lift your spirits and give you a fresh start! Meditate on God’s Word, throughout the day and share them with your friends so you can send encouragement and impact someone else's day! The reality of our present age is that despair and anxiety have always been and will always be a part of life on Earth, but we can all find strength and guidance in the encouragement from the Bible, and the verses of Hope and Power. No matter what we face - job loss, relationship conflict, death of a loved one, sickness, disease, or even a worldwide pandemic, there is always an opportunity to re-focus on God's promises. God wants to encourage us to find joy and peace every single day, in everything that we do, or say. That's why Scripture is packed with encouraging verses and the Power to overcome! God's Word has been translated and kept alive for hundreds of centuries to speak directly to your heart now! You were meant to find hope through Jesus Christ and the love of God. The best way to fight discouragement is by meditating on words of encouragement that are found in God’s Holy Word! 2 Timothy 1:7 provides a powerful and dynamic statement of fact that we can live by… “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Friends, I refuse to be swayed by the insanity of this day, but to cling to the promises of God’s Holy Word and I fully recognize that “IT IS WHAT IT IS,” and I choose to claim His Power, Presence, Provision and Blessed Hope, regardless of the circumstances! I have used this statement of fact, often… “IT IS WHAT IT IS!!” Remember, It Is, but we have a solution to the “ills of the day!” That Solution is JESUS CHRIST, OUR RISEN LORD! I am determined to live above the chaos and insanity of this age, and to continue to claim His Victory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! REMEMBER, “It Is What It Is,” and our calling is to Proclaim Jesus, the Answer to All of this world’s issues!!!!
In Times Like These
May 16 In Times Like These Psalm 55:22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)
For as long as I can remember, my parents had a plaque that was posted over the kitchen sink that had a familiar prayer that many have quoted over the years. It is called the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I asked my mother why she posted it above the sink and she said that the sink is used a lot and that each time she used the sink, she would remind herself of the beauty of these words. Friends, there are some things in this life that cannot be changed! However, there are things that surely can be changed! Some things in this life are realities and they are “Fixed,” Unchangeable realities that we must simply accept! And some things are definitely changeable, and God will empower us to change these circumstances! I can hear my daddy now, “Don’t beat your sword on a rock son!” He meant that I should not attempt to change those things which are fixed and unchangeable! He would tell me to pray and to ask God to guide me, and to allow His Power to direct me! Ask for wisdom to know what to change and what to leave alone! Don’t worry about the things that you cannot change! Give it to God and He will take care of it! Don’t Worry, have faith and pray! Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you… Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Honesty, Taught Under Pressure
May 15 Honesty, Taught Under Pressure Proverbs 10:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
Many years ago, I had a way of making money and I was dedicated to the task. I would walk along Highway 111, with my wagon in tow, and I would pick up drink bottles that were scattered along the roadside. This is not a story about littering, although, I was most excited about it, at that time of my life! I would gather a wagon full of bottles, and I would immediately head for Mr. Price’s store, to redeem the bottles for cash! On this particular day I was in line to redeem the bottles, behind a boy that I looked up to and thought that he didn’t even know me. You know the type! He was older and he hung out with the “IN” group, and he was the idol of every underclassman. Well, it just so happened that he called me by name. He said, “Hey Glen, I see you have the same job as me.” We chatted a bit while Mr. Price was counting bottles. We went inside of the store to receive our “wages” for our days’ work. Skip and I were over near the candy shelf, and he said something that created some extreme mental difficulty for me. He suggested that we steal some candy. He said that he would create a distraction and I could take some candy. Boy oh boy was I feeling pressure to “Fit-in.” Here it is, I have an opportunity to impress this boy, and I might even make it into the “Cool” crowd. Struggling with this dilemma, I gave in to the pressure and slipped a pack of chewing gum that looked like chewing tobacco into my jeans pocket. I thanked Mr. Price for taking the bottles and I quickly made an exit. We were outside of the store and Skip said, “I didn’t think you had it in you!” Oh well, I did it and now I was feeling, that the results of my actions were not worth the guilt and regret that I experienced. “Skip, good to see you. I need to go home and do my chores. See you around…” The walk home afforded me the opportunity to talk with my wagon and to prepare for the face to face with my mother. Keep in mind, Mama had no clue about my activities. Arriving home, I immediately went to doing my daily chores. Well, I should have known! Mama said, “What’s going on?” “What do you mean?” “Something is going on…what have you done?” What I had feared was here…I began to “sing” like a canary. Mama was calm and she told me to get in the car, and we were going back up to the store and we were going to settle this issue. We were one mile from the store, however, that ride seemed like it was 50 miles. We entered the store and Mama told Mr. Price that I wanted to share something with him. So, I told him the entire sorted story, and I apologized for my actions and placed the money for the gum on the counter. His response was not expected…He said, “Glen, I know that you took the gum! I keep my eyes on that boy Skip. He and his buddies steal something every time they come in.” Immediately, I DID NOT WANT to be a part of their crowd. I thought that confession and payment would settle the issue. I was wrong! Mr. Price told me that it was ok, and that the payment was enough, but Miss Barbara had other ideas. She asked Mr. Price if he had any odd jobs that I could do to compensate him for my dishonesty and lack of integrity. So, for 2 months, I went to the store, and I organized the stock room and had to separate the returned bottles, by brand and I was required to sweep and dust and do anything that was required and needed. Mama was not finished…I had to quote this specific Bible verse, from Proverbs 22:1, every single day… “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” I am so grateful for my mother’s influence and her intensity in teaching a valuable “Life’s Lesson!” Folks, we must be careful following the “In Crowd,” seeking approval from this world and its sinful ways. How are we, as representatives of Jesus Christ, to live our lives? Simply put… “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!!!
PRAY: Anytime, All the Time!
May 14 PRAY: Anytime, All the Time! 1 Thessalonians 5:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Pray Without Ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:7)
My dear mother would often say, “All we can do is pray!” So many times, as Life has become challenging and times difficult and people hard to handle, I have spoken these same words and then, “Stopped, Dropped, and Prayed!” Praying unlocks the doors of Heaven and releases the Power of God in our lives! James 4:2 tells us that “You do not have because you do not ask!” Consider the instructions from Phillippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” God expects us to talk with Him and to share our needs and our intentions for ourselves, and He expects that we intercede for others, as well! God wants to use us, through our daily, consistent prayers, to make a difference in the lives of others! FACT: “When you are praying for someone, it is impossible to tear them down!” When trials come… PRAY! When challenges occur… PRAY! When Sickness Happens… PRAY! When Disappointments Come… PRAY! When People Hurt You… PRAY! When Times are Great…Pray! When Life is Amazing… PRAY! The key to success in living, is to “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Am I Alone in this?”
May 13 “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 satisfied that I must be going crazy! I have asked myself if I am the only one that feels this way and am I the only one that sees the craziness and insanity that is going on! We are all faced with the realities of life, whether we acknowledge it or not. The challenges that come from a “New” normal; that has been thrust upon us, and all that goes with it, create upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of life causes us to become disillusioned and become a bit fearful. There are times when we feel as if we are adrift in the middle of a raging storm with no “Safe Port” in sight. Folks, I am here to declare that WE DO have HOPE! We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST, and HE IS OUR HOPE!! HE is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all the craziness of this present age, we MUST be firmly and securely attached to our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! You have heard me use this before: “In times like these, you need a Savior, In times like these you need an Anchor; Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the SOLID ROCK! This ROCK is JESUS, yes, He’s the ONE; This ROCK is JESUS, the ONLY ONE! Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the SOLID ROCK!” In times like these, we really do need that ROCK, which is JESUS CHRIST! So, the answer to the question is clear…NO, you are not going crazy; crazy things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY!! I am clinging to the anchor, which is my Savior, and when I feel confused and a sense of despair, I grip that anchor rope that gives me peace and strength and ETERNAL HOPE! I pray that you will “ANCHOR DEEP,” and grab hold of the HOPE, read John 3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is found, only in Jesus! Remember – You Are Not Alone!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!