Will You Take The Time
"When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, Will you give me a drink."
John 4:7
In this scripture Jesus had been traveling back to Galilee from Judea, a long journey, and was tired, and stopped to rest and get a drink of water. Even though He was probably exhausted from His journey, He began a conversation with this Samaritan woman which later brought about her conversion. When I read this scripture, I thought about what people would do today, when they are tired from a hard day at work, at school, or even in the grocery store. Would they stop and talk to someone that may be struggling with issues in their lives? Would they take a few minutes to talk to someone that may just need someone's shoulder to cry on? With all the busyness of our daily life, I am sure that many would just pass on by and never stop to hear from someone that is hurting. I also think about the story of the good Samaritan who stopped to help someone on the side of the road, while many others passed by, and did not stop to help. When we look at just these two examples, we see how the Bible teaches us to always be on the lookout for people that need help. Even when Jesus was tired, He took the time to engage the Samaritan woman, and the good Samaritan took the time to help the man on the side of the road. Ministry is not a matter of mood, or picking the right circumstance, but it is one of opportunity and trust in the presence of the Lord, who loves working through us in the lives of the people He positions in our lives. I encourage each of you to always be aware of the people you encounter each day, and ask yourself if God has positioned these people in your life. You may be the one that can allow the Spirit of God to touch them and give them hope and an eternal life.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 17
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Be Patient-Wait On God
Be Patient-Wait On God
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."
James 5:7
I believe God puts dreams and desires in people's hearts, that they work all during their lives to achieve. However, so often many get discouraged as they want instant success and victory, and give up. Throughout the Bible God is telling us to be patient and wait for His timing. Our time is not God's time, as I have always struggled with patience, and know this firsthand. However, I have found that God's timing is perfect, where my timing was always flawed. If you are waiting for a relationship to improve, waiting to find the right husband or wife, waiting for a promotion, waiting to overcome an illness or some other dream or desire, I want you to realize that God knows all about your dream, and in His perfect timing He will make His plan for you become a reality. There is a right way to wait and there's a wrong way to wait. Too often, when things don't happen on our timetable, we get down, get discouraged, worry and become anxious. This is not the right way to wait. The scripture above gives us good advice, as it tells us to consider how the farmer waits--patiently and eagerly. We're not supposed to set around discouraged; we're supposed to be hopeful, positive and full of expectancy. Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favor. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you'll open the door for God to move. He'll fight your battles, and you'll see the abundant harvest He has in store for you. Put your trust and hope in God, that you will have good things in store for you in the future, as His plan is fulfilled for you.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 16
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."
James 5:7
I believe God puts dreams and desires in people's hearts, that they work all during their lives to achieve. However, so often many get discouraged as they want instant success and victory, and give up. Throughout the Bible God is telling us to be patient and wait for His timing. Our time is not God's time, as I have always struggled with patience, and know this firsthand. However, I have found that God's timing is perfect, where my timing was always flawed. If you are waiting for a relationship to improve, waiting to find the right husband or wife, waiting for a promotion, waiting to overcome an illness or some other dream or desire, I want you to realize that God knows all about your dream, and in His perfect timing He will make His plan for you become a reality. There is a right way to wait and there's a wrong way to wait. Too often, when things don't happen on our timetable, we get down, get discouraged, worry and become anxious. This is not the right way to wait. The scripture above gives us good advice, as it tells us to consider how the farmer waits--patiently and eagerly. We're not supposed to set around discouraged; we're supposed to be hopeful, positive and full of expectancy. Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favor. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you'll open the door for God to move. He'll fight your battles, and you'll see the abundant harvest He has in store for you. Put your trust and hope in God, that you will have good things in store for you in the future, as His plan is fulfilled for you.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 16
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Friday, January 6, 2012
What Is Your Master
What Is Your Master
"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him"
2nd Peter 2:19
The scripture above tells us that we are a slave to whatever sin has mastered us. Today, I want you to think about what sin you are a slave to. Some of the more common things are; you could be a slave to worry, a slave to lust, a slave to food, a slave to your money, or even be a slave to a bad attitude. Whatever you have in your life that is controlling you, and keeping you from having peace in your life, is something that you can remove by simply letting God be part of your life. You see my friend, God does not want you to go through life, being a slave to any kind of sin. He does not want you to spend any of your time mired down with worry, guilt, feeling worthless, defeated, fearful, and thinking there is no way out. God's plan for you is much larger than that, your destiny is too precious, his plan for you is much more important. Your future is too bright to let you be a slave to any kind of sin. Today, I want to encourage you to make up your mind that things will be different, starting today. This is a new day where you do not have to give in to the same old temptations that Satan keeps throwing at you. This is the day where you can stand strong, dig your heels in and resist whatever sin is enslaving you. Just ask God to help you resist Satan's temptation, and He will give you strength to withstand and overcome whatever Satan sends your way. God created you to be free, and today can be your day of freedom from Sin. Call on the name of the Lord, and He will help you. He will strengthen you, and empower you, to overcome any sin, so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 15
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him"
2nd Peter 2:19
The scripture above tells us that we are a slave to whatever sin has mastered us. Today, I want you to think about what sin you are a slave to. Some of the more common things are; you could be a slave to worry, a slave to lust, a slave to food, a slave to your money, or even be a slave to a bad attitude. Whatever you have in your life that is controlling you, and keeping you from having peace in your life, is something that you can remove by simply letting God be part of your life. You see my friend, God does not want you to go through life, being a slave to any kind of sin. He does not want you to spend any of your time mired down with worry, guilt, feeling worthless, defeated, fearful, and thinking there is no way out. God's plan for you is much larger than that, your destiny is too precious, his plan for you is much more important. Your future is too bright to let you be a slave to any kind of sin. Today, I want to encourage you to make up your mind that things will be different, starting today. This is a new day where you do not have to give in to the same old temptations that Satan keeps throwing at you. This is the day where you can stand strong, dig your heels in and resist whatever sin is enslaving you. Just ask God to help you resist Satan's temptation, and He will give you strength to withstand and overcome whatever Satan sends your way. God created you to be free, and today can be your day of freedom from Sin. Call on the name of the Lord, and He will help you. He will strengthen you, and empower you, to overcome any sin, so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 15
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Feel God's Presence
Feel God's Presence
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”
Song of Songs 2:11-12
I always include this devotional in all of my books as this is a special one for me, and lets me see and feel God's presence all around me. One of my favorite hobbies is working in my yard and garden, and as I spend many hours planting, pruning and weeding my flowers, I see God all around me, as I gaze on the beauty of what He has created before me. I believe God desires to be part of our everyday lives in this manner. He shows us His majesty in all the beauty that surrounds us, if we will look for it. Years ago, I discovered the above scripture during my Bible study, and it really jumped off the page at me, as it is one of the most beautiful scriptures I had discovered in some time. Since I found this scripture, every time I go out in my yard, I now think about this verse. It reminds me of God, and the beauty He has created all around me. After the rain and the storms comes the rainbow, and the beauty of the flowers, that He has surrounded me with. It is now a time for singing, as the birds fill the air with their joyful sounds. Since I asked Jesus into my heart, I can see Him and feel Him throughout my day, in all different ways such as this, which I had never experienced before. I believe Jesus wants us to experience Him in this way, in our everyday lives. It is through these kinds of moments, that we realize just how amazing God really is, when we hear the birds singing all around us, see the blue sky above, and feel the wind gently blowing through the trees These are now special times for me, as I can see God, and feel His presence all around me.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 14
Robert William Brock, Jr.
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”
Song of Songs 2:11-12
I always include this devotional in all of my books as this is a special one for me, and lets me see and feel God's presence all around me. One of my favorite hobbies is working in my yard and garden, and as I spend many hours planting, pruning and weeding my flowers, I see God all around me, as I gaze on the beauty of what He has created before me. I believe God desires to be part of our everyday lives in this manner. He shows us His majesty in all the beauty that surrounds us, if we will look for it. Years ago, I discovered the above scripture during my Bible study, and it really jumped off the page at me, as it is one of the most beautiful scriptures I had discovered in some time. Since I found this scripture, every time I go out in my yard, I now think about this verse. It reminds me of God, and the beauty He has created all around me. After the rain and the storms comes the rainbow, and the beauty of the flowers, that He has surrounded me with. It is now a time for singing, as the birds fill the air with their joyful sounds. Since I asked Jesus into my heart, I can see Him and feel Him throughout my day, in all different ways such as this, which I had never experienced before. I believe Jesus wants us to experience Him in this way, in our everyday lives. It is through these kinds of moments, that we realize just how amazing God really is, when we hear the birds singing all around us, see the blue sky above, and feel the wind gently blowing through the trees These are now special times for me, as I can see God, and feel His presence all around me.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 14
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Will You Stand
Will You Stand
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23
Over the years I have noticed that many so called Christians, do not speak out, and let others know that they are a Christian. You can observe Christians, in most areas of our society, in places they should not be. You can observe Christians, talking to people who are using bad language. You can find Christians, receiving dirty e-mails and messages, from so called friends. You can find Christians, working in situations that are unlawful, and that not pleasing to God. You can find Christians dressing inappropriately, and indecent. I spent 45 years in health care, and had all kinds of situations occur, where I could have kept silent, and put up with situations that were not Godly. There is no excuse for letting people curse around you, as you can kindly tell them that you do not feel comfortable with their language. There is no excuse when you let people continue to send you dirty e-mail messages, as you can ask to be removed from their mailing lists. There is no excuse for you letting the current fashion trend cause you to dress inappropriate. When you don't speak out, and remove yourself from these situations, you are turning a blind eye to sin. Our world is in desperate need of people who are willing to stand up for what is right. The people you associate with, need to know that you are a Christian, and that you do not condone their type of behavior. You should not be silent, and simply go along with the crowd, but should let them know that God is your savior, and that you are uncomfortable with their actions. It will not take long for people to respect your wishes, as they will change their behavior when they are in your presence. Will you be the person that will stand up for God?
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 12
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23
Over the years I have noticed that many so called Christians, do not speak out, and let others know that they are a Christian. You can observe Christians, in most areas of our society, in places they should not be. You can observe Christians, talking to people who are using bad language. You can find Christians, receiving dirty e-mails and messages, from so called friends. You can find Christians, working in situations that are unlawful, and that not pleasing to God. You can find Christians dressing inappropriately, and indecent. I spent 45 years in health care, and had all kinds of situations occur, where I could have kept silent, and put up with situations that were not Godly. There is no excuse for letting people curse around you, as you can kindly tell them that you do not feel comfortable with their language. There is no excuse when you let people continue to send you dirty e-mail messages, as you can ask to be removed from their mailing lists. There is no excuse for you letting the current fashion trend cause you to dress inappropriate. When you don't speak out, and remove yourself from these situations, you are turning a blind eye to sin. Our world is in desperate need of people who are willing to stand up for what is right. The people you associate with, need to know that you are a Christian, and that you do not condone their type of behavior. You should not be silent, and simply go along with the crowd, but should let them know that God is your savior, and that you are uncomfortable with their actions. It will not take long for people to respect your wishes, as they will change their behavior when they are in your presence. Will you be the person that will stand up for God?
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 12
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Are you Afraid
Are You Afraid
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
Proverbs 29:25
When I think about this scripture, I think about the prophet Jeremiah, who God commanded to go to the people in Israel and demand that they repent of their sins, and return to God. Jeremiah's fear began to get the best of him, and he began to come up with excuses, why he couldn't go. "I am too young." "I do not know how to speak." Even though Jeremiah made excuses why he couldn't go, God didn't give up on him, and encouraged him by saying "I am with you and will rescue you."Jeremiah 1:8 God was with Jeremiah, and he did go and tell the people all that God wanted him to tell them. Fear is something that most people battle each day, from the fear of flying, to fear of heights, to fear of snakes, and many other types of fear. No matter what kind of fear you have in your life today, I want you to know that you can overcome it. God may be asking you to use one of your gifts to reach out in your community, with a coworker, a family member or a classmate, and you are using fear as the reason you are not stepping out. Just as God was with Jeremiah and calmed his fear, He can do the same for you. The Bible teaches us that the "fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the fear of man is a stumbling block." If you are using fear as an excuse, just remember that God never calls you to do something for Him, that He doesn't empower you to do. Please take the time to get in the presence of God each day, let him speak to you and take away your fear. God's mission, and your purpose on earth is to let others know about the saving grace of Jesus. Open your ears and hearts to God, and let Him fulfill your mission to spread the word.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 11
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
Proverbs 29:25
When I think about this scripture, I think about the prophet Jeremiah, who God commanded to go to the people in Israel and demand that they repent of their sins, and return to God. Jeremiah's fear began to get the best of him, and he began to come up with excuses, why he couldn't go. "I am too young." "I do not know how to speak." Even though Jeremiah made excuses why he couldn't go, God didn't give up on him, and encouraged him by saying "I am with you and will rescue you."Jeremiah 1:8 God was with Jeremiah, and he did go and tell the people all that God wanted him to tell them. Fear is something that most people battle each day, from the fear of flying, to fear of heights, to fear of snakes, and many other types of fear. No matter what kind of fear you have in your life today, I want you to know that you can overcome it. God may be asking you to use one of your gifts to reach out in your community, with a coworker, a family member or a classmate, and you are using fear as the reason you are not stepping out. Just as God was with Jeremiah and calmed his fear, He can do the same for you. The Bible teaches us that the "fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the fear of man is a stumbling block." If you are using fear as an excuse, just remember that God never calls you to do something for Him, that He doesn't empower you to do. Please take the time to get in the presence of God each day, let him speak to you and take away your fear. God's mission, and your purpose on earth is to let others know about the saving grace of Jesus. Open your ears and hearts to God, and let Him fulfill your mission to spread the word.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 11
Robert William Brock, Jr.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Spend Time With God
Spend Time With God
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
We live in such a fast paced, time crunched world that just about everything we do is rushed, hurried and urgent. We have put ourselves on such tight schedules that we have little time left, other than for the bare necessities. The sports events, the work schedules, the hobbies, all eat away at what little precious time we have, that we have very little left for the things that are really important in life; God, family, health and other relationships, including the building up of our spiritual lives. If you find yourself described above, what are you placing first in your daily schedule? The Bible gives us the way our lives are to be structured. God comes first, followed by our families, and then others. This may seem so simple, to get your life back in order, but all you need to do is make God first, and it will work if you will practice it daily. Take just a few minutes each morning to get into the presence of God, read your Bibles, pray and ask Him to lead and guide you in the hours ahead. Doing this simple exercise, will set the tone for your day. You cannot properly handle life without God, but getting in His presence each morning will allow Him to strengthen you, and enable you to handle life peacefully and wisely. When you make time for God and then listen to His voice, He will lead and guide you to make the right choices during your day. Don't let the pressure and busyness of this world continue to control you. When you spend time with God, he will renew your strength, let you soar on wings like eagles, and not grow weary. He will then let the other parts of your life fall into the proper place.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 10
Robert William Brock, Jr.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
We live in such a fast paced, time crunched world that just about everything we do is rushed, hurried and urgent. We have put ourselves on such tight schedules that we have little time left, other than for the bare necessities. The sports events, the work schedules, the hobbies, all eat away at what little precious time we have, that we have very little left for the things that are really important in life; God, family, health and other relationships, including the building up of our spiritual lives. If you find yourself described above, what are you placing first in your daily schedule? The Bible gives us the way our lives are to be structured. God comes first, followed by our families, and then others. This may seem so simple, to get your life back in order, but all you need to do is make God first, and it will work if you will practice it daily. Take just a few minutes each morning to get into the presence of God, read your Bibles, pray and ask Him to lead and guide you in the hours ahead. Doing this simple exercise, will set the tone for your day. You cannot properly handle life without God, but getting in His presence each morning will allow Him to strengthen you, and enable you to handle life peacefully and wisely. When you make time for God and then listen to His voice, He will lead and guide you to make the right choices during your day. Don't let the pressure and busyness of this world continue to control you. When you spend time with God, he will renew your strength, let you soar on wings like eagles, and not grow weary. He will then let the other parts of your life fall into the proper place.
My Daily Devotional Volume Six
April 10
Robert William Brock, Jr.
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