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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Testing Ourselves

Testing Ourselves

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
2nd Corinthians 13:5

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:40
As in the previous scripture, these are another two verses that reminds us to examine ourselves each day to see if we are doing what God’s will is for our lives. As we examine our attitudes and behavior at the end of each day, we need to make sure that we are in the faith, and doing what God’s will is for our lives. If we examine our behavior and find that our attitude is not right, or our actions are lacking in some respect, this is the time to make the necessary changes. Always remember that God’s plan for us is to be a positive witness for him, and if you find that you are not always being this positive witness to others, this is the time to begin making the necessary changes in your attitude and behavior. Once you are aware that your attitude needs to be changed, this is the time to start to make the changes that need to be made. You will find that as you make these changes, you will improve your self esteem as well. These changes will not be as difficult to make, as you will find out, as being aware that changes need to be made is the hardest part. You will start to become aware of your shortcomings, and will find that it will become easier and easier to identify and change a certain behavior each and every time. God wants you to be the best you can be.
My Daily Devotional Volume I
January 26
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

A Happy Heart

A Happy Heart

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:13

If we start our day with a happy heart each morning, our day will be much more enjoyable. We will be better able to withstand the obstacles that Satan will use to try to destroy our happiness. By putting ourselves in the best frame of mind at the beginning of the day, we have equipped ourselves to put our best foot forward, and given ourselves the best opportunity possible, to influence in a positive manner, anyone we come into contact with during the day. If you get up in the morning in a terrible mood, the best thing you can do is find a place and spend some time with the Lord. Being in his presence will transform you, and can change the course of a day that Satan had negative plans for you. By learning to seek God quickly when we sense any attitude or behavior that is not Christ like, will help us prepare ourselves each day. I want the experience, I have with the people I come into contact with, to be a positive experience instead of a negative one. We can set the tone for ourselves and others we meet by being prepared for these people and dealing with them in a positive manner. This requires us to prepare ourselves to deal with these situations when they arise, and simply taking a few moments each morning will better prepare us to deal with these in the most positive manner possible. You can make your heart happy by asking God’s guidance, and your day will be brighter and happier, and you will be better equipped to make someone else’s day happier also.
My Daily Devotional Volume I
January 24
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Trusting In God

Trusting In God

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1st Peter 5:2

I lived most of my life without knowing the Grace of God. I suffered with all of the obstacles throughout my life, as the above scripture describes, until I found God and brought him into my heart. After I accepted Jesus as my savior, he has now restored me and made me strong, firm and steadfast, as he promised in the above verse. He has given me a peace about my life that is indescribable. Until we realize that we cannot do it alone, we will suffer with all the problems and worries of this life, and try to make decisions on our own. Until we realize that there is someone who will lead us and guide us and comfort us in our everyday struggles, we will not have the peace and joy that God promises us. We have to put our trust in God, and lean on his arms to hold us up, and put our burdens on him. When we come to the realization that God will always be there for us, and will be there to comfort us in our time of trouble, we will then have the comfort in our lives that he wants each of us to have. We will never be able to fulfill what his plans are for our lives, until we are able to release our burdens to him, and trust that he will provide our needs. He will make us strong, firm and steadfast, and will let us grow as we learn to trust him for everything in our lives. Our worries and cares will fade away and we will learn to depend on him for all our needs, and he will answer our prayers.
My Daily Devotional Volume I
January 22
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Dealing With Trials

Dealing With Trials

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4

God tells us many times throughout the Bible and especially in the above scripture that we will face trials in our daily lives. We will have days that everything will go wrong, and we will face adversities from many different directions. During these times we must have faith in God that these trials are the times when we are being tested, in how strong our faith is in Him. We must trust in his word during these times, and not become discouraged, but believe that we are being tested for a reason. It is how we come through and handle these trials that will demonstrate our true faith in God and his assurance that he will watch over us. The testing of our faith develops perseverance in us, and enables us to become equipped to handle adversities in our lives. By not getting ourselves upset and reacting negatively every time things do not go right, just remember that God is judging us, and is watching to see how we react to our situations. If we handle the situations the way he directs us to, we will become stronger in dealing with situations and trials in the future. As we think back at the end of the day, and see that we reacted to our problems in a positive manner, we will feel better about ourselves, and will help to instill in ourselves a positive attitude when future problems arise. So if you face problems today, deal with them in a positive manner as God directs us to, and you will be rewarded with his blessings.
My Daily Devotional Volume I
January 15
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Your Heavenly Home

Your Heavenly Home

"In my father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
John 14:2

Have you ever thought of the magnitude of the sacrifice that Jesus made for you? He left His Heavenly Home to come to earth to die on the cross for your sins. While on the earth, He had no permanent home, but humbled Himself in earths misery, being born in the likeness of sinful man. He once said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Matthew 8:20. Jesus resisted sin while on the earth, but suffered and died because He loved us so much. However, He conquered death, and He conquered sin, which you and I cannot do. The good news is that while He was here, He tells us in the scripture above that we can also have a heavenly home, the same home where He is now living, and that He is now preparing you and I a room in this Heavenly Home. Can you imagine what this dwelling place will be like, filled with all the unimaginable glory and splendor that only God can provide. This is the home that Jesus has returned to, and now He is anxiously awaiting for us to join Him. Just imagine sharing Heaven with Jesus, and walking with Him down the streets paved with gold. You will leave behind all your suffering, all your pain, all your worry, and all your troubles on this earth, as the new home that Jesus is preparing for you, will be yours for all eternity, and will be a place of peace and comfort, where all your needs will be met. All that is required from you, is to accept His offer, which is to turn from your sin, and ask Jesus to come into your heart, and be your savior. Don't wait until it is too late to secure your place in this Heavenly Home.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
July 2
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Friday, March 23, 2012

God's Grace Is Sufficient

God's Grace Is Sufficient

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ."
2nd Corinthians 1:20

Let me ask you a question today, "Is God's grace sufficient in all your times of trouble"? Can it keep you at peace, and comfort you as you face life's storms? The answer is a resounding "Yes", but so often when troubles really hit us, it's hard to rely on God's grace, as we want to try to get through the storms of life by ourselves. We think that we have to take control of all our situations, and that we have the right solutions. We believe that we have to get out of our situations by our own hands. We believe that we can shape our own future by making the right decisions. Let me tell you that troubles will come, but if you think you can dig yourselves out of your holes by yourself, you are badly mistaken. When your troubles come, you need to rely on God's grace instead of taking on the world by yourself. Use some of the examples found in the Bible, where God delivered His chosen people. He let His humble servant, David, defeat Goliath in battle. He let His servant, Moses lead the Israelites out of bondage, to their Promised Land, and provided food and water for them in the desert. God will do the same for you, if you will ask Him to deliver you from the troubles you are facing. His grace is sufficient for you, just as it was with all the others who turned to Him in their times of distress. The Bible tells us that when Paul begged God to intervene, in his time of trouble, God replied, "My grace is sufficient for you." 2nd Corinthians 12:9. So, if you find yourself today, bogged down with troubles on every side, and you have exhausted all avenues of escape, ask God to intervene in your situation and give you victory. If God's grace was good enough for Paul, it will be good enough for you.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
July 1
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Be God's Witness

Be God's Witness

"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Romans12:13

When we study the life of Jesus, we find that he ate with the publicans and sinners, and almost everyone He associated with was an outcast. The main thrust of His ministry however was redemptive, not social. His ministry was to be a witness to the world, and to share the plan of salvation to all that he encountered. Jesus knew where the people that needed salvation were, and He went to them. In today's society many people go out into the world with good intentions, but become polluted by the world instead of being a witness to the world. Instead of being a true witness for God, they let the world become a witness to them, as they begin to compromise God's Holy Word and His commandments. They let the media, such as television, music, dress fads, celebrity idols, and many others compromise their values. We are to retain our Biblical values, and "weep with those who weep, suffer with those who suffer, and identify ourselves with the poor, the sick, and needy in body, mind and spirit", but not waver in the way God tells us to live. We are to be a witness to the world, not let the world be a witness to us. We are to love those who are involved in the world, without becoming contaminated, influenced, or drawn to their lifestyle. You are a witness to the world in your jobs, your school, your neighborhoods, with your friends and with your families, and you must not waver, but at all times be the true witness that God requires of you. This is the life that Jesus led, as He reached out to the world, just as He expects you to do. His ministry of salvation is the same ministry that He expects from each of us. If you do not reach out and lead others to Christ, who will?
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 30
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3

Are you at perfect peace in your life or do you feel that the mountains are closing in on you? If you cannot identify with the scripture above, which tells us that God will keep in "perfect peace" all that believes and trusts in Him, then you are not trusting in God and having the faith that you need. Peace in your life only comes when you turn everything over to God, and put your complete faith and trust in Him. There are many scriptures throughout the Bible that tells us to be content, and that He will provide all that we need. We see many times when God provided for His people, as He did many miracles when the people of Israel were being led to the Promised Land. He provided all their needs. He let them defeat their enemies when everything seemed hopeless. With all the times that God provided for His people, why do you doubt that He will not provide for all your needs? Just as the scripture states, when your mind is steadfast, you will be at perfect peace, and not be worried about the things that confront you on a daily basis, because you will know that it is in His hands. You won't be worried about the future, and thinking about what might happen, because you will know that God will provide for you. You see, when you and I worry about what the future holds for us, we are denying God the right to lead us forward in confidence and peace. We should not cause God to grieve over us because we are indulging in worry, but should trust everything into His all caring hands. God wants us to be at peace about our life and in all things, as when we worry about things, and are not at peace, we become distracted and do not focus our lives totally on God. If you want perfect peace, God will provide.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 29
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Conquering Pride

Conquering Pride

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."
Romans 8:16

God loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for all our sins, and to let us have the promise of His salvation, and a path that will lead to an eternal life in Heaven. This path to Heaven means that we must be faithful and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the way that god wants us to travel. One of the obstacles that we will all face as we travel this path is the obstacle of humility. Most of us, whether we accept it or not, are very prideful people. We have the attitude that we can do all things ourselves, and make the right decisions throughout our lives, and why do we need God. Our pride can get in the way of developing the close relationship with God that He so desires from us. It deceives us into thinking that we can do God's work, without his help and intervention in our life. When we turn everything over to God, even the small things that may seem insignificant, can be turned into great things, with God's help. God is interested in everything that we do, and when our pride gets in the way, and we forget to ask Him to help us deal with our situations, we so often find out that the outcomes are not what we desired, or what God desired. If you are dealing with situations in your life that are not what you want, I want you to think about whether you took it to God to ask for guidance, and whether it was what He wanted for you. Did you put your faith and trust in Him to provide the answer? God is at work in your life, but until you turn everything over to Him, and let Him take control, you will not enjoy the joyful life that He wants for you. Even if your path seems dark, you must trust in Him to provide and give you victory. Don't let your pride stand in the way.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 28
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Monday, March 19, 2012

God's Great Gift

God's Great Gift

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Romans 14:17

We often forget that when we ask Jesus into our hearts, that God gives us the Holy Spirit, which is the source of our strength and power, as without this to lead and guide us, we could not face the battle alone and be victorious over the world. The Holy Spirit is the source of the power that provides us the ability to escape the weakness of the flesh, that would take control over all that we do. It gives us the power to withstand evil, and turn to good as we yield ourselves to it. We need this gift badly to live in the world we live in, and if we wish to live a victorious life, we must trust in it to lead us on the paths of righteousness, peace and joy. God freely gives us this great gift, when we ask Jesus into our hearts. This great gift lets us turn away from all sin, and gives us the strength to withstand Satan's fierce attacks against us. It allows us to move forward and fulfill God's plan for our life. But better yet, it provides us with the promise of an eternal life in Heaven. We cannot get to Heaven any other way, than to accept God's gift of forgiveness for all our past sins, and then to live our life, making God first in all that we do, and obeying and following His commandments. One of my old pastors used to tell me that "I need Jesus Christ for my eternal life, and the Holy Spirit for my internal life." When we put our trust and faith in God, we can live a life of righteousness, peace and joy, and can live our external life to the fullest. It is so important that we recognize just how much we need God in our hearts, and the Holy Spirit to help us meet the challenges of this world, but most of all we need them to secure our future home in Heaven.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 27
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Living In Peace

Living In Peace

"Lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
1st Timothy 2:2

I am amazed at all the trouble that many Christians seem to be dealing with in today's world. They can't get along with their neighbors, their coworkers, friends, and often their own family members. There always seems to be disagreements that often lead to broken relationships. The Bible tells us that we aren't to isolate ourselves from the world in which we live, but to live in it in peace. We are part of society, and we share in the harmony, and also in the difficulties and problems. The Bible tells us much about how we are to handle our social responsibility. The Old Testament prophets condemned those who ignored the poor and those who exploited the weak. As Christians, we know that our society is more affected by sin than at most other times in our history, and our efforts can make a difference in someone's life. We must all make an effort to alleviate whatever suffering we can, and also must make an effort to be an example of what a Christian should be. We are to lead a quiet and peaceable life, but not neglect others that we encounter, who are in need, . The Bible tells us that we are to love others as we love ourselves, which means that we are to be concerned about others, their needs and also help with their problems. We are not to be enablers, but when others have troubles, we are to be there for them. God loves our suffering world and tells us in Matthew 9:36 "Jesus saw the crowds and was moved with compassion." We are to be compassionate for the suffering around us, just as Jesus was, and reach out and show our compassion. We must learn to do this at the same time as we are teaching others to also live in peace with all godliness and reverence.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 26 Robert William Brock, Jr.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Are You Christ's Ambassador

Are You Christ's Ambassador

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
2nd Corinthians 5:20

Just this week, there was news that one of our United States ambassadors was killed by terrorists in the country that he was serving. An ambassador is a representative and servant of his government in a foreign land. He cannot make his own laws or develop policies that are not approved by his government, but must carry out the will of the government and authority he represents. As I read the information about him, I was reminded of the scripture above, which tells us that we are also ambassadors of Christ, when we accept Him as our savior. We cannot change His laws or His commandments, but must remain faithful to carry out and obey all of His scriptures. In other words, we are to live under the authority of the Word of God. We cannot do our will any longer, but must do the will of God in all that we do. As I look at our world today, I see a lack of ambassadors that will represent God to all the people that do not know Him as their savior. There is a lack of holy men and women today, who live under the authority of God and His Holy Word, and represents Him to all the people they come into contact with. An ambassador of God will be a person beyond reproach, and will back up the authority of God by the way they live their lives. This means that they must take the Word of God and live it in their daily walk, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Sunday morning Christian is not a true ambassador of God, as they must commit their life fully to do God's will. The Bible tells each of us who have asked Jesus into our hearts, that we are His ambassadors, to this lost and dying world. Are you a faithful ambassador for Christ to those around you?
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 25
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Friday, March 16, 2012

A New Creation

A New Creation

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."
2nd Corinthians 5:17

My grandfather was a carpenter, and I also have always enjoyed working with wood and building things. An old carpenter saying is that it is always better, and usually more economical, to build a new house than, to patch up an old one. This old saying is even more true in the spiritual realm and in our own lives, as the old nature of man with its sin, its depravity, and its wickedness, must give way to a new nature. The Bible says, "God will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." Ezekiel 36:26 It is impossible to accept Jesus as your Savior, and continue to do the same sinful things you were doing before. When you commit your heart to serving God, you must leave the old behind, and as the scripture above states "you are a new creation." This is quite a challenge, as God does not want to patch us up, but wants to remake us completely into His likeness. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, He also gives us the Holy Spirit to help lead and guide us to be the person He wants us to be. Without God, we cannot change anything, but with Him we can and will become a new creation. You see God will begin to change us from within, not from the outside. We can paint an old building, and have it looking good from the outside, but if the foundation is rotted and not secure, it is just a matter of time until it will rot and collapse. But when the foundation is firmly planted on solid rock, which is what God will give us, the winds and the weather will not destroy it. Jesus wants to come into your life and begin to change you from within. He wants to make you into a new creation, one that will have this solid foundation, one which will secure your eternity in heaven.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 24
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Spiritual Muscles

Spiritual Muscles

"With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies."
Psalm 108:13


During my recent annual physical examination at my family doctor, I heard his annual instructions again, "are you watching your diet, and are you getting enough daily exercise", as I had gained a few pounds since my last checkup. Having worked in the health care profession, I realize that we develop muscles through exercise, and it is through this resistance that we become stronger. In the same way, the Bible tells us that we only become stronger spiritually through exercise. We need the "spiritual muscles" to meet the challenges of life. This is especially true when we face suffering and affliction, for they are one of God's ways to make us strong. One reason God allows suffering to come to His people, according to the Bible is to discipline, chasten, and mold us. The way we develop our spiritual muscles is by reading our Bible, praying daily and developing a closer relationship with God. When we walk with God each day, and have a close personal relationship with Him, He is there to help us do battle with any of the challenges that we will face on a daily basis. We build our "spiritual muscles" by this daily devotion to God, as we make Him first in all that we do. This is the reason that we see so many weak spiritual Christians, as they make God first in their life only on Sunday morning, and then forget about Him the rest of their week. If we need God's "spiritual muscles", we have to exercise our faith each and every day, not just on Sunday. It is much like trying to lose weight by exercising only one time a week, as we will fail miserably. Take a few moments today to spend time with God, and exercise your "spiritual muscles", and let Him strengthen you to deal with your earthly cares and worries
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 23
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Generational Wisdom

Generational Wisdom

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts."
Psalm 145:4

I can remember the words of wisdom that my mother, and grandparents passed down to me, as I was growing up.
Although, at the time these words did not have a great deal of meaning to me, as I have gotten older, I realize now just how important their wisdom was, and how it has affected my life today. Being able to pass the things that my ancestors passed on to me, has become an obsession during the past twenty years of my life, as I have tried to capture all the memories and history of the ones that meant so much to me. The most significant things that I have discovered that has been passed down, are the values that they embraced, and their faith and trust in Jesus. This was so evident in their reverence for God, which was lived out in their everyday lives. I believe it is so important to pass our faith in Jesus from generation to generation. I know that when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, that the influence of my family played an instrumental part in my decision. They said many prayers for me, as I was growing up, that I would grow in wisdom, stature and have God's favor throughout my life. I would encourage each of you reading this devotional, to pray for your children and grandchildren. Speak to them personally, about your faith in Jesus, but most of all live your life each day as an example for them to follow. There is no greater gift you can ever give to your family, than to lead them to Jesus. "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Men." Luke 2:52
My Daily Devotional Volume V
January 1
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

In God's Presence

In God's Presence

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving to all that he has made."
Psalm 145:13

What would you do if you were about to meet the President of the United States, and have dinner with him? I'm sure you would go out of your way to dress correctly, and to make sure you were properly equipped to have the proper etiquette during dinner, so that you didn't say the wrong thing, or act in an improper way. You would try to do all the right things so as not to embarrass yourself. Some day you and I will meet someone that is more important than the President, as we will be standing before our almighty God. This is the meeting we should all be preparing ourselves for, because His dazzling glory far exceeds that of any earthly mortal, and in His presence we can only bow in humble worship and praise. This is the only time in our life where we must be found worthy, as God will know our hearts, and will either find us acceptable or find us unworthy. This meeting will determine where we will spend all our eternity, as He will judge us based on one fact, and that is whether we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, and have asked Him to forgive us of our sins. On that day, our cry will be that of Revelation: "You are worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power." Revelation 4:11 Are you preparing for that day, when you will meet the King of kings face to face, and will you be prepared to accept His judgment? We do not know the year, the day, or the hour this meeting will take place, but we do know that we all will face this final judgment and this final meeting. The time to prepare is now, by committing your life to Christ, and beginning to live as a child of the King. The Bible gives us a step by step guide to prepare for this meeting where we will be in God's presence.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 22
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Monday, March 12, 2012

God's Secret Angels

God's Secret Angels

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
Psalm 91:11

As I was growing up my grandmother always told me that the angels would watch over me and take care of me. I believe the angels did protect me at least two times in my life, that I am aware of. A large tree fell on me when I was several years old, and everyone could not believe I survived. Again when I was in college, I was involved in an automobile accident, where all that saw the wrecked car could not believe that there was any way I could have survived. There is much that has been written about angels, but I believe that angels are real, as the Bible tells us that they are, and God also tells us that he has commanded them to watch over us. Only in eternity will we know how many accidents they prevented, or how often they intervened in our lives, to keep things from happening to us. In the meantime, we can take comfort in their presence, and thank God for the love He expresses for us through their service. I do know that God tells us that He has a plan for our lives, and that all our days were ordained before we were ever born. God's secret angels guard us just the same as a secret agent is the one who seeks to protect his country, or the president against evil forces that are opposed to the one he serves. The American Secret Service is charged with protecting the president of the United States. They do an excellent job, but even they fail, and our presidents are killed. God's secret agents--the angels, are unseen and unrecognized by the world, they never fail in their appointed tasks. God loves us so much that His secret angels, are constantly watching over us, and protecting us. Just as the scripture above states God's angels will guard us in all our ways.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 21
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Let God Speak To You

Let God Speak To You

"The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints."
Colossians 1:26

I can remember our first television set when I was about 15 years old. The family would gather around the screen, which was so snowy that the faces of the people could hardly be recognized. It was, however, a very exciting time for us, knowing that somewhere out there, was a world that we could now experience, and be a part of. We knew that these people existed, because we could see them on this small screen, as they were talking to us. This memory of this memorable time, reminds me that God is also trying to contact us, and talk to us. He wants to speak to us, and tell us that He cares for us, and that He loves us. The problem in Him communicating with us, is not with Him, but is with us. He is continually talking to us in gentle whispers all throughout our lives. He is constantly bringing people into our lives, who can tell us about the message of His Holy word. In our society today, the name of God is always before us, as there is almost a church on every street corner. It is not God that keeps us from turning our life over to Him, but it is our stubbornness and selfishness that keeps us from talking to Him. There is no reason for our nation to not know God, as He has revealed Himself to us. He has revealed Himself in the world He created. He has revealed Himself in His written Word, the Bible. Centuries ago He spoke to the prophets and the apostles, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they wrote His Word for us. God is trying desperately to reach you, and to save you, and give you an eternal life in Heaven, but you must "tune in" and listen to Him. I urge you today, to let God talk to you, before it is too late.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 20
Robert William Brock, Jr

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Thirst For God

Thirst For God

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God"
Psalm 42:2

In our world today, I am sure these words from the Psalmist would sound strange to many people, as we live in an age that is preoccupied with the things of this world. But the Psalmist had discovered what most people discover sooner or later, which is that the things of this world don't mean a thing if God is not in your life. The Bible tells us that all things of this world will rust and rot away, as death is the great equalizer, and we cannot take our money, our wealth, our titles, or anything else with us when we die, and all are destined to face death. The things of this world can never satisfy the longings of our souls. Only God can meet our deepest yearnings. I remember a statement by St. Augustine centuries ago, which said, "You have made us for Yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You." This statement is so true as we are never satisfied with the things of this world, and can never get enough. There is a longing to have more and more, as we try to achieve peace and joy, by all the material things. King Solomon, stated in the Book of Ecclesiastes 1:2, "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Nothing in this life will matter, and is meaningless, if you don't have Jesus in your heart, and be saved by the blood of Jesus. Like the Psalmist stated, it is when you are thirsting for God, this is when you will have peace and joy in your life. When your life is centered around God, and your complete faith and trust is put in His hands, it is only then that you will be where God wants you to be. Take a few moments today to see what is crowding out your thirst for God. What is keeping you from making Him first in your life, and receiving the peace He has for you. Thirst for God today.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 19
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Perfect In Weakness

Perfect In Weakness

"When I am weak, then I am strong."
2nd Corinthians 12:10

In the Old Testament God repeatedly told the leaders of Israel to reduce the size of their armies, and announced how their victories would be won. He sent a small weak man, David, out to fight the mighty giant Goliath. Why do you think that God would have done this? The answer is that God wanted the people to place their trust in Him, and not in their own strength. God's work, done in God's way, will never lack for God's provision. The Lord told Paul, "My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2nd Corinthians 12:9. Having learned this lesson, Paul could then believe the scripture above. Only when Paul admitted his own weakness, and was willing to get out of the way, and trust and have faith in God, could God take over and give him victory. If we try to do God's will in our own strength, then we will want to take the credit for whatever gets accomplished, and will begin to think that we don't need God. We begin to think that we have the answers for all our problems, and want to do things our way. We need to realize that all things that we do, all the successes we may have, are not done by our own strength, but by God letting us succeed. There is nothing that we can do, that God could not stop instantly if He chooses. There is also nothing that can stop us from succeeding in all things, if this is God's will for us. The lesson we should all learn from these scriptures, is that we must trust and have faith in God, in all things, as according to His will, everything that He has in store for us will be accomplished. Our job is to trust in Him for the victory, in the way that He provides. When we let His strength work through us, then He alone will get the glory, not us, as this is the way it should be.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 18
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Let God Rescue You

Let God Rescue You

"The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead."
Proverbs 11:8

Do you go around each day with a chip on your shoulder? Are you harboring anger and bitterness against someone that has hurt you, and are unable to forgive them? If you find yourself in this situation, this is not where you need to be in your walk with God. The Bible tells us that we are to be happy and content in our daily life. This does not mean that we will not have problems or struggles, but during these times we should let our faith and trust in God see us through even the darkest times. Anger and resentment, and the inability to forgive others, will sap your happiness quicker than anything, make you bitter, but most of all will keep you from being a witness for God. We all meet people each day that seem to have no joy or happiness in their life. They have let their struggles rob them of the peace and joy that God wants for them. The Bible tells us that God will always provide what we need, and we must have the faith and trust in Him, that whatever trials we will face that He will see us through, and give us victory over them. God wants our light to shine each day, so that others will see the presence of God in our life. We always notice people that have a good attitude, that always seem to be happy, and who are always letting others know that God is in control of their lives. We also know the people who are constantly complaining, grumbling about situations in their life, and who seem to be unhappy with everything. The anger and bitterness inside anyone, and this unforgiving attitude can create a miserable existence, that can rob anyone of the peace and joy we should have. The solution to this is to begin to trust in God for all things, and have faith that He will see you through all your trials.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 17
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Slow Down

Slow Down

"The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."
Proverbs 10:22

When my little dog Teddy and I drove out this morning to get out daily cappuccino and his doggy bone, I was reminded just how busy everyone is. People were out going to and fro, and into their daily routines of going to work, school and attending to their daily business. I can remember growing up in Kentucky, and the lifestyle my parents and grandparents lived, which was never a hurried lifestyle, but one that was calm, and where everyone was contented and at peace. Today, the lifestyle of almost everyone is busyness, and everyone's schedule is so tight that most do not have time to stop for one minute to stop and smell the roses. It appears that the busy lifestyle of our society today, is affecting people's spiritual walk with God, as they don't have time for others, don't take time to pray, to read their Bibles, or even to spend time with their families. The focus of their lives is to accumulate money and wealth, and not on the things that should matter most to them. When I talk to many of my friends, their calendars are so filled with meetings and other commitments that very little time is left for what should really matter, their families, spending quality time with God in prayer, and Bible study. The Bible tells us that all our efforts should be focused on serving God, making Him first in all that we do, not relegating Him to the few minutes we have left after our other commitments. We should have learned from our ancestors, the important things in life that gives us peace and joy, instead most have priorities today that prevent them from enjoying the things that matter most. I would encourage each of you to "slow down", get your priorities straight, and make God first in your life.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 16
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Don't Wait Too Long

Don't Wait Too Long

"He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts"
Romans 4:5

I was reminded today by the obituary of a young man who died of a heart attack, just how fragile life really is, and how suddenly it can end. The obituary listed his wife, his children, his parents and other family members, but did not mention the church he attended, as the chaplain from the hospital was to preside over his funeral. When I see this in any obituary, I wonder if these people had a close relationship with Jesus. They woke up in the morning, not realizing that this would be their last day on this earth. All the planning they had done, all the money they had made, all the wealth they had accumulated, all the titles they had by their name doesn't mean anything if they did not have Jesus in their hearts. The Bible warns us that we only have until we take our last breath, to make the choice where we will spend our eternity. Our life on this earth is only for a season, and could end at any time, and it is so important to make the choice to ask Jesus into our hearts, so that our future beyond this earth is secure. It is such an important choice, but one that so many don't take the time to make. It is so easy to live in the present, enjoying our hobbies, doing our own thing, accumulating wealth, enjoying life and the luxuries and pleasures it can afford, and not looking ahead and preparing ourselves for the day of judgment. We will all someday die, some sooner than others, as we are not promised tomorrow. If there is one thing I could ask you to do today, it would be to make sure you are right with God. He is the only judge that you will face when your time on earth is over, and if you have not asked Jesus into your heart, you will spend your eternity in Hell. Secure your future, do it today.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 15
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Hour Is Near

The Hour Is Near

"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."

Today, I want to ask you some simple questions. How much time do you spend with God each day? Do you pray each morning for God to lead and guide you during the hours ahead? How much time do you spend reading your Bible each day? How many people at your job know that you are a Christian? The Bible tells us that God's greatest commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to make Him first in all that we do. The way we show our love for Him, is to do all the things I mentioned above. If you are not praying each day; if you are not reading your Bible each day; if you are not being a witness for Him each day, you are not showing your love for Him. God sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for you, and to give you the opportunity to accept Him as your savior, but in return expects you to do these things I mentioned above. If you are going your own way, and doing your own thing, and leaving God out of your daily life, you are falling short of doing your part. Take a moment this morning to evaluate your life, to see if you are deficient in any of these important questions. If you find that you are lacking, it may be time to make room for God, by adjusting your schedule to find time to pray, read your Bible, and time to let others know about God. You should not be trying to squeeze God in between other commitments, as He should come first. Your life should revolve around Him, and everything else should come after. There is nothing in life that should come before your time with God, as you are working for your eternal future, not to earn enough money for today, or to fulfill your own desires. The hour is near, and your future is at stake.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 14
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

God Is The Final Authority

God Is The Final Authority

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."
Romans 13:1

We will soon be electing a President of our great nation, and this is a critical time where we can again have a part in this process. During our lifetime, we have set back and watched the morals of our society decay, to the point that God has almost been removed from our everyday life. Abortion mills continue to prosper, and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, has pretty much been removed as a way of life. For generations our forefathers kept God in the forefront of their lives and their families. Today, over half of all marriages end in divorce, and families do not have the right foundation, on which to build their lives. We can see throughout the Bible that when a society deteriorates to this point, that God took drastic action to punish the people. He destroyed the entire earth by a great flood, and only spared the family of Noah. He destroyed the great cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, when they turned their backs on Him, and His laws and commandments. Is our society facing God's wrath and judgment because of our transgressions? Will God soon unleash His punishment on our nation because of our unwillingness to follow His laws? We should have learned our lesson from reading the history of the Bible, but we haven't. When we take God out of the family, the government, and all aspects of our life, we are dangerously close to God sending His wrath and His judgment against us. As you vote this year, look at the principles and character of the people who are running. Vote for a man that makes God first in his life, as God will govern through him, and provide him wisdom to lead us.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 13
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Let Your Light Shine

Let Your Light Shine

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."
Romans 12:11

Today, you will go out into the world, and will be faced with making the right choices. If you are a businessman, you will make choices that will define you as a leader, and the choices you make are not just about you. They’re about the positive impact you can have on your organization, your community, and beyond. The world needs everyday leaders, who will choose to make it a better place. You can make these choices on your own, or you can ask God to give you the wisdom and understanding to make good choices. If you try to do it by yourself, you may make some good choices, but they may not be ones that benefit the people around you, as your selfish instinct will begin to come into play, and eventually the outcomes may not be what you had in mind. God wants you to be the light to the world where ever you are, even in your business life. The role God wants you to play is to be a fisher of men in all that you do. You cannot just go to church on Sunday morning, and think that you have done your part. If you are truly a follower of God, your light will shine brightly where ever you are. People should know that you follow God, as they should see your actions, speech and behavior be a constant reminder that God is in control of your life. You have many opportunities to witness for God throughout your day, and you must take advantage of all of them. This is what God expects from you. Always remember that God's greatest commandment is to love Him, and also to love others as yourself. Don't let this day go by, and not let someone know about your God. Let your light shine brightly, to show others that God is in control of your life, and that He can also be their guide.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 12
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Friday, March 2, 2012

God's Plan For You

God's Plan For You

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Romans 12:2


Throughout the Bible God tells us that He has a plan for every life, and that if we live in constant fellowship with Him, He will direct and lead us in the fulfillment of this plan. To fully experience the plan that God has for us means that we can no longer continue to live in the world, and continue to live a sinful life. We must leave the world behind, and remove all the sin from our daily life, and then God will reveal the plan He has for us. God does not reveal His plan through fortune tellers, astrologers, soothsayers, or workers of hocus-pocus. This perfect plan is only revealed to those who have accepted Jesus Christ's plan for salvation. God only shares His secrets with those who are redeemed and transformed, and who humbly seeks His will for their lives. You cannot know the will of God for your life unless you first ask Jesus into your heart, confess that you are a sinner, and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior. When you make this commitment, you will begin a whole new life, one where you will be transformed, and one where you will make God first in all that you do. From this moment on God will begin to show you His will and the purpose He has for your life. You will become a new creation, and will have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you on the right paths. All your previous sins will now be forgiven, and you can begin your new life with a clean slate. Such a wonderful new beginning is only due to the shed blood that Jesus gave for you on Calvary's cross. You have the opportunity today to make the most important choice you will ever make, and that is to accept this grace of Jesus. Ask Him to reveal His plan for you
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 11
Robert William Brock, Jr.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Making The Right Choices

Making The Right Choices

"So I say, live by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."
Galatians 5:16

Each day we make choices to follow the will of God or not. We are confronted with decisions where we choose to do wrong, or to do what is right. Many times it is easier to do the things that are wrong, than it is to do the right things. If someone gives us the wrong change at the grocery store, it is easier to keep the money than to give it back. If we are late for work, it is easier to lie, than to tell our boss that we simply overslept, or did an errand before clocking in. If we get an unwanted phone call, it is easier to tell the caller that someone is at the door, as a way to keep from talking. We make excuses to try to justify our behavior, rather than to tell the truth. To walk in the way of the Lord, means to place one foot in front of the other, and to go forward one step at a time, making the right decisions each time. If you stop doing this, and begin to make the wrong choices, you are no longer moving forward. You are standing still, or worse, going backward. Walking forward, means you are doing God's will in all things, not compromising it, and doing things that will gratify your sinful nature. Doing what is right means to walk with God, in all your ways. It means to move forward in step with Him, confident that the way He is leading you is best. The Bible tells us that we are to live by the spirit, which means that we are to follow the will of God in all that we do. One of the highest commandments in the Bible is found in these words about Noah: "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God" Genesis 6:9 We should all be like Noah, and strive to do God's will in all that we do, and this means making the right choices in all our everyday decisions. Could this be said of you?
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
June 10
Robert William Brock, Jr.