No Condemnation
December 12 No Condemnation John 3:17
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE the REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … **
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
When you recall the previous verse (John 3:16), expressing that God loves us and that He sent Jesus to save us, this verse (John 3:17) offers a glimpse into the very heart of our God and His motivations! He loves us enough, and desires a restored relationship with us, that He willingly sent Jesus to be our One, True and Final Blood Sacrifice for the Remission of our sins and to reestablish a relationship with God the Father, through the atoning Grace of Jesus Christ! Friends, this is the message of Christmas! This is the message of Hope! This is the message of relationships and restoration! Believe it! Claim it! Live it! Enjoy it! God Loves You and He wants a Relationship with you, so embrace the source of the relationship and claim, by faith, Jesus Christ into your life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Being a Part of the Healing…”
December 10 “Being a Part of the Healing…” Ephesians 4:31-32
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE the REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … **
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Growing up in an area that produced a lot of chickens, I learned some interesting facts about raising chickens. I discovered that the farmers would trim the beaks of the chicks. I was told that if one chick falls and gets hurt, the other chicks that are around the hurt one, would peck the wound with their sharp beaks and create an even larger sore. I understand that there have been times when the sore would even get infected and fester. Wow! When I thought about this fact, I began to speculate about our human behavior. What happened when one of our fellow Christian believers falls? How do we respond? Do we have, a tendency to “peck away” at the transgression, with gossip, whispers of criticism, stares, cold-shoulders? The reality is that even one peck can deepen their pain and make the wound larger and deeper and difficult to heal! The farmer’s solution may not be a bad idea, after all! Do you think that Jesus is calling on us to “trim our beaks?” We should lift one another up and pray for one another and we should treat others with compassion and forgiveness and kindness! Our calling, our responsibility, is to encourage others, inspire others, witness to others and to live our lives as a reflection of God’s Grace, actively growing in us!!! REMEMBER: ‘BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, THERE GOES I…” I want to be a part of the healing, not the hurting! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“REJOICE”
December 9 “REJOICE” Philippians 4:4
*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA, on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE THE REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us *
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
I realize that this life presents, many times, what seems like overwhelming challenges, yet one of the most powerful tools in our spiritual arsenal is the ability to “Rejoice!” I realize that the idea of rejoicing in the middle of a crisis or in the “throws” of a dilemma, is the last thing on your mind! But Do it Anyway! Always find the Joy, always find a reason to Praise God, and just do it! Let us rejoice in the opportunities that God places in our path! Rejoice in whatever season of life that you are experiencing. Rejoice in the gifts that God has provided and continue to Praise Him for the ability to exercise those gifts! “REJOICE!” FACT: As you Rejoice, your attitude, your attention will turn to what is good and blessed in your life! When we choose to Rejoice, we will focus on our God, and just how amazingly good He is! Experience teaches that REJOICING will add a bounce to your step and a smile to your face and appreciation in your heart! “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” Christmas Time is a time that we are told to Rejoice and to experience, Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Men… I challenge you to walk in Peace everyday and to develop the spiritual habit of “REJOICING” every day of the year! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE (This alone, is reason to “Rejoice”)!
Assured Victory, Regardless!
December 8 Assured Victory, Regardless! 1 John 4:4
*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA, on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE THE REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us *
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Boy oh boy, Satan is an unrelenting and tireless foe! He is fully committed to making life as hard and difficult and challenging as possible, for the “Redeemed” in Christ! Satan will throw everything possible into your path to create a stumbling block that might cause you to stumble, to fall, or to hamper your progress in your Christian Walk! Satan knows that he cannot have us back, but he will do everything possible to cause us to be ineffective and weakened in our witness for Christ Jesus. Dear Friends, let not your hearts be troubles, and do not fear! Satan is a finite, created being, and we belong to an infinite, Almighty God, the Creator of all that is, all-knowing, all powerful and all-present! Satan, on the other hand, possesses none of these attributes! The Fact is that He is no match for my GOD! Folks, the battles will come, and we will face some difficult and fierce challenges, at times, but the God of my Salvation, who has won the decisive and permanent victory at the Cross of Calvary is the same Lord who lives in me and guides me and holds me tight within His mighty hands! Excitingly, because He dwells in me, and He has promised complete victory, and that HE will help us prevail over all that Stan can send our way, then let us rejoice and Praise god and “LIVE IN VICTORY,” versus “LIVING IN BONDAGE!” Please Remember – “OUR VICTORY IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF GOD’S LOVE, JESUS’ GRACE AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Fear Not… Stress not… Stay Strong… Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Have You Been Robbed?
December 7 Have You Been Robbed? John 10:10
** SPECIAL RECOGNITION: 84 years ago, on a beautiful tropical morning, the Imperial Forces of the Japanese Navy attacked the Pearl Harbor Naval Base, causing widespread destruction, and ushered the United States into World War II. Sadly, when we forget history, and continue to ignore the past, we are destined to repeat it! Take a moment today to Stop and Thank God for the United States of America (The Greatest Nation in the History of Mankind), and the fact that we are living in the greatest place in this world, regardless of those who would have us to be experiencing something other than “Freedom!” This Nation was founded on the principles of God’s Holy Word, and we will continue to be the “Best Place of Earth to Live” as long as we recognize His Sovereignty and His Grace!
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*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA, on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE THE REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us *
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
This world is a treacherous place to be! As a Follower of Jesus Christ, we are living in an alien environment. Satan is busy, attacking the very foundations of decent and civil society and attempting to replace it with chaos and anarchy and, sadly, his job is being made must easier by individuals that, at one time or another, have professed a relationship with Jesus Christ! How can a “Born-Again” believer participate in the worldly deceptions and evil actions, of the satanic driven world that we live in? If, these insane events, have caused you to take your attention away from God and His Divine Promises that He has brought to us, then, you may have been robbed! You may have been robbed! You may have been robbed of your joy, robbed of your peace, robbed of your vision, robbed of your confidence and assurance, robbed of your commitment! Satan is excited about the present conditions of this world, and he is doing everything possible to make sure that chaos and anti-God activities will survive and abound! This “Thief” is ready to steal your joy and your dedication. This “Thief,” the Devil, is robbing people of their spiritual condition. It’s bad to see folks robbed, and they don’t even know they’ve been robbed. It’s bad to see folk having so much taken, and been robbed so many times, that it has become a part of their normal life! This “Thief” has come into the church and has stolen a lot of people’s Praise, he has stolen a lot of people’s assurances of their salvation, and he has stolen their joy. Have you been robbed? Have you taken your focus off Jesus? Are you living under the satanic influenced circumstances of this life? Listen, please, I am committed to building a Spiritual Wall, through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit, around my living! I am aware that Satan is the “Thief,” and he wants to steal anything and everything that is of God, from my life and from yours! I REFUSE TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN! I choose to claim my God’s Promise that, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Abundant living does not involve supporting Satan or promoting anything associated with his Evil plans. Professing Believer, it is time for you to take inventory of your life, your priorities, your loyalties, and your commitments! You cannot serve two masters!! Church, it is time for us to retire the concept of “a Spiritual Party Boat,” and be the captain of a “SPIRITUAL BATTLESHIP!!” We are in a battle for the very Soul, and we need to be armored up with God’s Word, Fortified, through Prayer and Consuming the Word of God on, a DAILY BASIS! As I observe the insane happenings, I take comfort in knowing that we are one day closer to the second coming of Jesus (RAPTURE). Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS REALLY AND TRULY, YET TO BE!! “COME QUICKLY LORD, COME QUICKLY!”
“BE BOLD!”
December 6 “BE BOLD!” Hebrews 4:16
** I apologize for the delay in posting this morning. Technical difficulties have been resolved… **
*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE THE REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … *
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
It is Christmastime in our land, and I want to tell a truth about our Savior, Jesus Christ! He came to earth and was tempted, just like we are tempted, He was involved in the daily struggles, just like us, and, because of that experience, He is fully aware of our struggles and problems. Because of this truth, we can “COME BOLDLY” to the “THRONE OF GRACE,” with the assurance of His Grace, His Mercy, and His Full Understanding of Our Present Dilemma! I am so grateful for the privilege, especially in the times that we are living! Every day, there seems to be another mind-blowing Evil event, happening, or some insane headline or some ignorant activity that confounds Common Sense, which requires our “BOLD” APPROACH” to God’s Throne, for His Mercy and His Grace to cover our every need! I don’t know about you, but it seems that I am in constant need of God’s mercy and grace! Daddy taught me to get up early and to come to the Throne of Grace, to start my day. He taught me to dig into God’s word, every day, to feed my Soul and to provide nourishment for my Spiritual Growth. He instructed me to be deliberate and diligent in my prayer time with God. He always taught, by words and actions, the need to be ready to yield to God’s call and to be ready to respond with a committed “YES” to God’s instructions! I am so grateful for a God that loves me enough to send His Only Son, to be born in humble surroundings, and to live a life to be emulated, and die for me, on that old cross, so that I can humbly realize and come to the Throne of God to obtain His Mercy, His Grace and His unmerited Favor to save me and to sustain me and to hold me for eternity!!! Regardless of the challenges that we face in this life, God has provided His Power to overcome! Go BOLDLY to GOD and He has promised His LOVE, His SUPPORT and His SAVING GRACE!! Make it a Merry Christmas and get right with God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Are We the Problem?
December 5 Are We the Problem? Deuteronomy 31:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
A few weeks ago, I was attending a “Ministerial” meeting of various pastors, and an interesting conversation was overheard. After a lively exchange of ideas about growth and expansion, and an interesting lecture on attitude, and effectiveness, we gathered in the “Common” area for discussion and to fellowship. I was within listening distance of an unusual discussion. It appeared that two of the participants had “Squared Off” in a “Tet a Tet” over some of the bullet Points that had been discussed during the lecture. Amazingly, and shockingly, one of the participants declared that the problem with the other individual was his need to constantly want to “Change” people. Wow! An Ordained Pastor, declaring to another Ordained Pastor, that his problem is the desire to “Change” people. The young man that was accused of being an instrument of “Change,” gently responded with a “Thank You for noticing!” “In today’s world, you and those like you are the problem! You think that everyone should think and act like you!” At this point, it was all that I could do not to inject my “Two Cents Worth” into the conversation, but I resisted and continued to listen. The one young man, who was accused of being the problem, asked a simple, yet profound question, when he asked, “How can you be a Pastor and a Purveyor of the Good News when you are offended by the idea of people changing?” Without a thought, the young man that received the inquiry walked away without a word! I was stunned, amazed, and saddened, at the same time! What a “Preach-able” moment! An ordained minister, hired by a local church fellowship, tasked with the job of growing the fellowship and providing a stable and solid foundation for others to depend upon, is worried about the idea of changing people, viewing the concept of changing lives, and his role in leading others into a “Changed” relationship with Jesus Christ, what does that say about the condition of this World? LISTEN! If your Pastor is not PREACHING JESUS CHRIST and PREACHING the LIFE CHANGING GRACE OF HIS SHED BLOOD, then find somewhere and someone that does PREACH the LIFE CHANGING BLOOD OF JESUS! As we were breaking up to go our separate ways, I felt compelled to speak to this “Wayward” young man and I wrote a particular scripture on the back of my card, and as I passed him, I stopped, and I introduced myself and I handed him the card. I told him that I was as close as a call when he needed to talk or if he just needed a kind word. He seemed to be a bit shaken, and he struggled with “Thank-you!” He read the back of the card, smiled and replied, “I will take you up on that!” I simply wrote this scripture: Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” I am praying for this young man, and I am anticipating the opportunity to witness to him, and to encourage him along his journey! How is your mind? Are you in need of a transformation? JESUS IS THE ANSWER! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!
“Who is this Man…?”
December 4 “Who is this Man…?” Matthew 8:27
*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE THE REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … *
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But the men marveled, saying, ‘What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!’” (Matthew 8:27)
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we be focused on the Power and the Provision that this man called Jesus, brings to our lives and our future. Several years ago, Daddy and I went deep sea fishing. Early that morning, we boarded the boat, and we set out for a great day of fishing. The ocean was calm, and the winds were light, and the anticipation of a successful day was before us. Everything was just as anticipated and just as planned. Keep in mind, this fishing boat was huge and the ride out to the “Deep” waters was smooth and uneventful. Oh well, things change! Late afternoon, the clouds began to thicken, and the wind began to steadily blow. We kept fishing, with some success, and I kept watching the faces of the deck crew that were assisting us. The winds grew stronger, the waves began to get taller, and my stomach began to have a mind of its own. The captain called out that we were on the edge of a storm, and that we were headed back to the dock. Folks, if we were on the edge of the storm, Thank God, we were not in the middle of it. The one thing that was clear, this boat may be big, from my perspective, yet at the edge of this storm, it was like a leaf blowing in the wind. The captain was rushing to shore as the storm engulfed our craft. Listen, within minutes, everyone on the boat had forgotten about fishing and were concentrating on keeping their lunch! We finally reached the dock, gathered our stuff, and quietly walked to the truck. I stepped off the dock and started to run to the truck. I glanced over at Daddy, and he was just walking normally. “Daddy, hurry up!” “Why, Son? We are already soaking wet. We can’t get any wetter!” We reached the truck and got in and began the short journey back to the Oceanana Motel. On the ride back, Daddy said, “Today was a time when you would want Jesus on board with you!” I asked him, “Why?” “Because HE controls the wind, and the sea obeys HIM!” Folks, in the middle of the storms of life, remember who is in control and who it is that has control of our lives. Every one of us goes through storms, yet we do not have to fear! I do not understand the events, the displays of hatred and the chaos that we are in the middle of, at this moment in time, however, I am 100% positive that God is in control, and fortified with that knowledge, I am walking in the calm of His promises and the strength of His control. We MUST remain faithful, we MUST claim the Calm of His Promises, and we MUST continue to serve Him in obedience and TRUST! Whatever may come, I am assured that HE WILL SEE ME THROUGH! “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” This is my Jesus, my Savior, my Lord! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“PRAY”
December 3 “PRAY” Mark 1:35
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE THE REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … **
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” (Mark 1:35)
My earliest memories of my dear mother always included her lessons on how to pray! When I look back, it was apparent that Prayer was an important part of our daily lives. Over 6 decades have passed by, and I am still Praying Daily! Rising early, before the sun comes up, and spending time with my Savior, in communication and meditation, is a part of who I am! The best part of the day, for me, is the time spent with my Lord, early in the morning, and this time is when I pour out my heart for the needs of others, the salvation of those that I know are lost, and the petition for those who are suffering under the burden of illnesses and disease! This quiet time together with my Lord, is the time that the Holy Spirit Directs Me, Empowers Me, Consoles Me, and Provides the Vision and Clarity for another day serving our God! Based upon observation and the actions of others, I can only conclude that Consistent Prayer is not a part of their lives and thoughts! We Must be People of Prayer! In this Hustle Bustle Hectic Pace of Living in the 21st Century, we need to, as Psalm 46:10 instructs, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Try this for one week! Rise early, read the Holy Scriptures, then spend some time in Prayer, Petitions, and Praise to our Heavenly Father, and at the end of the week, I am convinced that you will be doing this until God calls you home! For the Christian, Prayer, Consistent Prayer, IS NOT AN OPTION, if we intend to be a Growing and Empowered Believer! During this Christmas Season, do yourself a favor and learn to Pray! For me, God Ordained it, Mama taught it, and I am DOING it! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
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P.S. Satan is active and attempting to cause great harm to the Church and to the lives of individuals that are committed to serving Jesus. Sadly, Satan is using individuals that are well meaning, yet are not, from my assessment, recognizing the manipulation by the Evil One, to cause harm and unrest and chaos among the Body of Christ! This is a notice to Satan and those that are being used by him to cause discord and strife, you are being targeted with prayer and God’s Protective Intervention! NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Please be careful! Make sure that your motivations are edifying to Christ and that your actions and words are supporting the Cause of Christ, not tearing people down!
Real and Lasting Peace
December 2 Real and Lasting Peace Colossians 3:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
When Paul wrote these words, the only “Peace” that the people were familiar with was the “Peace” that came through conquest, by Caesar and the Roman Empire and its armies. So, here comes this fellow named Paul, and he is talking about the “Peace of Christ,” and this Peace should “rule in your hearts.” Think about it… Caesar brought a perceived Peace through “Might” and “Conquest,” yet, this Christ, that Paul speaks of, brings Peace that is described as “Mercy and Humility and Love and seems to be about a personal experience, not a conquering force and domination. As I contemplate the environment of Paul’s day, I see how these folks would have difficulty with this “Peace” thing. We have a natural tendency to attempt to “make Peace” in our lives by being more assertive and attaining more power and leverage. Notice, that the Followers of Jesus were different! They recognized that the only true and lasting way to bring “Peace,” is through “Peace!” I believe that this lesson is vital and critical in our present day, in order to survive! Evil, Chaos, and Total Insanity has taken hold of our world and, it appears that the goal is to disrupt and to destroy any “Peace” that we might enjoy! Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Model your life after Jesus and allow Him to “Rule” in your heart and be Grateful for His Blessings, Guidance and His Real and Lasting PEACE, regardless of the worldly circumstances! The Source of Real and Lasting Peace is Jesus Christ, and HIM ALONE! Isaiah 9:6 tells us… “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” This World Needs JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Our Greatest Advocate and Asset
December 1 Our Greatest Advocate and Asset Romans 8:31
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
The beautiful reality is that our God protects us and guards us because He loves us and we belong to Him! The fact of life is that we will encounter folks that are opposed to our faith and our God and what we live and stand for, and they are willing to do whatever to harm us and to stop the message of Jesus! Satan never grows weary in challenging believers, and he will continue to mount attacks against us, at every possible opportunity! Remember what James told us, in James 1:2-3: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James tells us that difficulties and challenges WILL come; however, the positive is that they will be used to make us stronger! When I face the challenges and trials, authored by Satan, and they are daily, I PRAISE GOD, that during the trials, MY GOD IS FOR ME, and HE PROMISED THAT HE WOULD HOLD ME CLOSE! He is our SHIELD, our SECURITY, our PROTECTOR! Our God’s Power to give us VICTORY is GREATER than any power that Satan has, that would defeat us! Think on this: Our God can, and does OVERRULE all things, and NOTHING can OVERRULE HIM! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” He is the greatest advocate that we will ever have, so live your life in the reality of HIS POWER and PRESENCE and recognize that He is fighting for YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Notice...
BTC FAMILY: Annette & I will be away for a couple of days and I am posting devotions, in advance...
Pray, Pray, Pray…
November 30 Pray, Pray, Pray… James 4:7-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
My Prayer Closet is, literally, a closet. I go into the closet, and I come near to God through prayer. When I am weary and worn, from ministry and obedience, I come close to God through prayer. When I am excited and upbeat and feeling blessed, I come close to God in Prayer! Are you sensing a pattern? Prayer is the absolute Key to success as a Christian and for our walk in Obedience. Prayer time is a special time, and I covet my time alone with my Lord and Savior. Amazingly, I have expanded my Prayer Closet to include our front porch, my car, and my lawnmower. “Praying always…,” that is what He expects! Jesus was human, yet Divine. This concept is difficult for us to absorb; however, He WAS a man, and He IS the Son of God. Jesus prayed to the Father for guidance and strength and for comfort and for the completion of His Divine Mission! If Jesus prayed and recognized the necessity for prayer, and was dedicated to the communication with His Father, don’t you think that we should do the same? How do we submit ourselves to God? WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! WE ARE TO RESIST THE DEVIL!! Again, WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY… The Greatest Gift that Mankind has Ever Received is the GIFT OF GOD’S LOVE IN THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST! Let this Christmas Season be the time that you realize the beauty of the gift and embrace Jesus completely! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Faith”
November 29 “Faith” James 2:20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that FAITH without works is dead?” (James 2:20)
We are entering a season of celebration for the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ! The Holy Scriptures share the Reason for this Season, and our opportunity to participate in the Love of God! God Loves Us, Jesus Died for Us, and We Come to a Saving Experience, Through Faith in His Love, His Selfless Act at Calvary, and His Promises to Save and Keep Us! Faith is the KEY! Every one of us has Faith in something! Faith in and of itself will never be as critically important as the object of our FAITH! We dwell in a world where faith is everywhere, yet, tragically, Faith is placed on all the wrong things! God has called us to be “People of FAITH!” Strong, Active, Extraordinary, Life Changing FAITH. What we do, and how we do it, is a visible manifestation of our FAITH! Our FAITH should be visible and clear to everyone around us. You see, genuine FAITH will always reveal itself! True FAITH is always visible and True FAITH WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE “FRUIT!!” FAITH on the inside will always produce “Fruit (Good Works).” There are multiple examples of True and Fruit Producing Faith throughout the Holy Scriptures. We see the Faith of Joseph as he persevered and forgave his brothers (Genesis 39-48). We see strong Faith as David was swinging his “Slingshot” to, by Faith, take down the giant, Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50). Faith was demonstrated when Isaiah spoke boldly: “Here I am! Send me! (Isaiah 6:8).” The point of all this is to reveal the absolute truth; our good works uncovers our FAITH and FAITH always produces results, and the results of our Faith will lead others to a FAITH in God and will Glorify our Father God and His Son, Jesus! During these difficult days, it is so easy to become discouraged! How do we survive? We “Hunker Down” and continue to walk in True and Life-Changing FAITH! FAITH that stimulates obedience, FAITH that perseveres, even when we are confronted by fatigue and discouragement and disappointment, FAITH that Forgives wrongs and FAITH that gives us Power to do things that we would not normally do! In Mark 11:22, it gives the answer to the chaos of our day, when it says, “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘HAVE FAITH IN GOD!’” Put your trust in GOD and HIS LOVE, through JESUS CHRIST! Keep producing “Fruit!” Keep sharing the LOVE of JESUS! Keep Trusting HIS POWER and PROVISION for your life! HAVE FAITH IN GOD! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
“Rejoice and be Exceeding Glad”
November 28 “Rejoice and be Exceeding Glad” Matthew 5:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
Do you remember singing this song: “I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy, down deep in my heart?” Can we really have JOY, in the face of this present age and the Anti-God atmosphere? Can we REJOICE, in the midst, of all this chaos and Evil? How can Jesus expect us to be JOYFUL in this situation? Here is the ANSWER! Real JOY is only possible when we have an active and growing relationship with JESUS CHRIST! You see, Real JOY is a by-product of our growing FAITH in the ONE that never fails and never Disappoints, and Promised, that HE would never Forsake us! When our focus is on the One who has SAVED US and WILL SUSTAIN US, then, we can have JOY in any situation and in any challenge! Guess what? TRUE JOY is much more than “Earthly Pleasures!” TRUE JOY originates with Almighty God and is an expression of our GRATITUDE for HIS LOVE that HAS SAVED US and has MADE US ACCEPTABLE in HIS SIGHT! We are going to have persecutions and trials and tribulation, however, as “BORN-AGAIN” CHILDREN OF GOD, we are made “OVERCOMERS,” through HIS LOVE AND GRACE!! Listen, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace. In this world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When we are in Christ, and we belong to HIM, then, we are, also, OVERCOMERS, and that gives us the Power and Ability to REJOICE AND TO BE EXCEEDING GLAD! As Mama would tell me… “JUST DO IT!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
November 27 Anticipation 1 Corinthians 2: 9-10
** HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR BABY GIRL! Kayla, Mama and I Love You with all of our Hearts! You are a True Blessing! Enjoy Your SPECIAL DAY **
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** From Our Home to Yours – HAPPY THANKSGIVING! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)
Somewhere around the middle of October, I used to concentrate on what Santa would bring to me on Christmas. Now, I would keep it to myself, although my anticipation of the Happy Season would build, until it simply had to come out! I recall leaving little hints or dropping my desires into the conversations with my parents. Each day seemed to get longer and longer, as I anticipated the wonderful day! Finally, it came time for me to share my wants and desires with my folks. Christmas has always been a time of anticipation for me, and it is no different for Kayla, DJ, and Ava! During the “Pandemic,” Annette and I attempted to keep our lives as close to normal as possible while heeding the warnings from medical professionals (In Hindsight, wasn’t as accurate as expected). As I have reflected on the reality of this present time, this scripture came to mind. In my earthly thoughts, I am anticipating the time of fellowship and celebration and Christmas cheer with my little family, however, I have ruminated on the greater joy, the greater blessings, the greater Promises of God, for the Followers of Christ! We can only imagine the amazing blessings and the preparations for the future that we as believers are going to enjoy, in the fullness of time. I am going to relish every moment, this Christmas, with my family and friends, yet, with the Hope of Eternal Joy and a Hallelujah Celebration that is to come, when I stand in His Presence! Why am I excited? Why am I anticipating that Glorious Day? The answer is simple: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” I am ready and I am anticipating all that God has in store for me, through the Redeeming Blood of His Only Son… HOPE for the Future, CONFIDENCE in HIS PROMISES, DEPENDENCE on HIS GRACE…I am ready, willing, and able! Commit today, to serve God, to be what He has called you to be and be excited about what is to come! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!