HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GERALD PRICE!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ROBBIE & TAMMY EDWARDS!
SERVING WITH THE PROPER ATTITUDE
October 8 Serving with the Proper Attitude Psalm100: 2-3
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” (Psalm 100: 2-3)
Every one of us have had the experience of someone serving us. There are times when the service is good and, sometimes, not so good. Over the past few months, Annette and I have gone out to eat two times, at a particular restaurant, and the service was completely different each time. Each of the waiters got the food to the table and took care of the essential needs for the meal (napkins, refills, check, etc.), yet there was a real difference in the way that it occurred. What was the difference? It can be summed up in one word: ATTITUDE! The Attitude, of the server, can enhance or destroy our dining experience. Are you aware that our attitude, in serving Christ, will leave either a positive or negative impression on the folks that we are serving, in His Name? As Redeemed Believers, we are to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the Good News! Keep in mind, it is not just the service that we render or the message of Hope, it is the ATTITUDE in which we present the message! During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have observed the ATTITUDES and behaviors of professing, born-again Believers, and I am amazed! Earthly positions, political ideas, “Line in the sand” stands, and a host of other positions that are not bringing Honor and Glory to God, nor are they positions that promote Hope or Joy or the fact that God is in Control, and we have an obligation to serve Him “with Gladness!” It is my observation that this pandemic and the political climate have caused some to take positions that Satan has got to be enjoying. Dear Friends, we MUST set our priorities on serving God and we MUST avoid anything that is going to take away from our witness for Him. Is it any wonder that the psalmist instructs us to serve the Lord with gladness? Listen, it is not just the service that we render to others, but the ATTITUDE in which we do it that is the most important to God! Please let go of the temporal and earthly, so that you can serve Him with Gladness! Take a moment to realize and reflect on this one FACT: You, through the Blood of Jesus, belong to God, and you have the honor and privilege to represent His Kingdom and the privilege to share His Good News! Remember: “It is your ATTITUDE, not your aptitude, that will determine your altitude!” May we take this time to grow stronger in His will and to be witnesses for Christ, and not to cloud our witness with earthly and temporal positions that are not edifying to the Body of Christ! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE WHEN YOUR HEART IS SET ON HIM!
"PRAYER OR WORRIER"
October 7 “Prayer or Worrier” Philippians 4:6
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Amazingly, I have found, over the years, that people who do not pray, are usually great worriers. Without a constant and continuous communication with our Savior, we certainly have a lot to worry about! This passage of scripture makes our position clear. We are not to be victims of fate or circumstances! We are children of God, and we are a part of His family and we have been promised and provided the power for living and the opportunity to overcome worry and to live victoriously. We do not have to live in fear, and we do not have to live under the circumstances. God instructs us and encourages us to bring our issues and circumstances to Him. He tells us to “let your requests be made known to God!” Folks, when we pray, we need to be specific! Many years ago, a dear Pastor friend, told me to “Target” my prayers! I asked him what he was talking about, and his answer was eye opening. He said, “Don’t be a shotgun prayer!” He clarified this when he said, “Glen, don’t be a prayer that says, ‘God bless everyone, God help everyone, and be with the missionaries around the globe!’” He told me to “BE SPECIFIC” when I bring my petitions to God. He went on to say that I needed to be dedicated in my prayer life, so that I would not be an active “worrier.” We need to be “Grateful” that God has provided the avenue of prayer and has invited us into His presence through prayer! We need to be thankful and excited that God hears and answers our prayers. So, I leave you with this to ponder: “WHY WORRY WHEN YOU CAN PRAY?” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
OPEN YOUR EYES
October 6 “Open Your Eyes” John 4: 35
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:35)
When I was a small boy, I remember people talking about having a burden for lost folks and I was amazed why they were not busy getting these people found! As I have grown, I understand the process of this “Burden!” When I walk into the Walmart or into the Walgreens, I wonder if these folks are “saved” and if they are “Found.” Early on, in my Christian Life, I was aggressive and, downright irritating, as I shared Jesus with folks. A wise and loving believer shared with me the rules of Love and Sharing Jesus effectively. “You need to build relationships with those around you with the explicit purpose of opening the door to share the gospel with them!” The mission of the Gospel is not just for the Preacher, it is for every believer! Folks, “Lift up your eyes,” and build relationships and share His Love, so that our families and our friends will be with us in Heaven! These words… “Lift up your eyes,” are not a suggestion, but a command! We are to love one another and to walk in Obedience and that requires sharing His Love with others! Lord, give us strength and power to be Bold for You…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"HIS POWER, HIS LOVE, HIS PROMISE"
October 5 His Power, His Love, His Promise 2 Timothy 1:7
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Paul’s earthly life, is drawing, to a close, and he is writing to his “Son in the Ministry” to encourage him to continue in the faith and to keep on preaching and to continue to “fight the good fight!” In verse 6, Paul reminds Timothy to “stir up the gift of God which is in you!” There is no doubt that Timothy had a gift and Paul was simply telling him to “USE IT!” Folks, we are to do the same thing! Every one of us, have been gifted, by the Holy Spirit, and we need to “USE IT!” We do not need to Fear because we have been gifted with His Power and His Love and a Sound Mind! Amazingly, we have all that we need to fulfill our calling and to live a victorious Christian Life, yet we fail to surrender ourselves and to claim the power of the indwelling Spirit that is in every True, Born-Again Believer! Folks, God did not provide the Holy Spirit for our enjoyment, but for our employment! We must be witnesses for Christ until we meet Him in Eternity! Timothy had every reason to be encouraged and so do we! Embrace the Holy Spirit! Exercise Your Gifts! Refuse to allow Fear to have a place in Your Life and Claim the Promise of Power and of Love and a Sound Mind! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BE NOT DISMAYED
October 4 “Be Not Dismayed!” Joshua 1:9
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA SCOTT! Nanny and Papa love you “To the Moon and back…!”
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
The month of September, especially the last half, has been a challenge, physically, mentally, and emotionally! When I received the diagnosis of “Positive,” I was stunned and dismayed. How is this possible? I have been compliant with the protocols and the recommended procedures, in order, to avoid the misery. Nevertheless, reality is what it is! As I sat in the Doctor’s examination room, awaiting her to return with the discharge instructions, I saw that a memory had popped up on my phone and it was Joshua 1:9. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Praise God! Even though, the circumstances and the struggles that were ahead, I have been instructed, not to “fear or to be dismayed!” I can testify with intensity, that the COVID experience tested my patience, my attitude, and my ability to control my reactions! A dear brother in Christ, continued to text God’s Amazing Word, to me, and every text was a message that I needed to hear, at that very moment! He reminded me that God’s Presence, His Power, and His Personal Involvement in my present situation, would lead me to focus on His promises and to claim His Power to overcome circumstances! Guess what? Two days after I was diagnosed, my Bride joined me in the misery. In the small hours of the morning, with our hands together, we prayed and called on Jesus to provide His comfort, His healing, and the protection for our families. During this entire ordeal, I have held tight the promise of God in Joshua 1:9!! Claiming God’s Presence, His Power, His Provision and His Grace, I am grateful to report that Annette and I are improving daily! Dear Friends, every one of us are going through some difficult times and we must “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” It is absolutely imperative that we “Stay Strong, Stay Focused…and to remember…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
KNOWING WHAT TO DO...
October 3 Knowing What to Do 2 Timothy 2:15
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Daddy used to tell me, “Opportunity favors a prepared mind!” Being prepared, or knowing what to do, is an absolute must for believers! How are we to do what God has planned for us to do, when we are ignorant of His instructions? Sadly, many have claimed the miracle of Salvation, through the shed blood of Jesus and are wandering around, not knowing what we are to do next. I like the way that the “Amplified Bible” makes our responsibilities crystal clear. “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” Success, in serving God, requires Study, Working and Teaching! We MUST Study the Word of God, in order, to know what He requires of us! We are to be Workmen, sharing Jesus and doing it with Faithful Boldness and Never, Ever being ashamed of the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ!! We are to Teach and Witness, by words and by our actions, the Amazing Love of God, through Jesus Christ! Folks, the more that we know about our God and the more of His Word that we store in our hearts and our minds, the more likely that we are to walk in obedience and to be effective witnesses, “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth!” We, under the Blood of Jesus, have been “Called” to be prepared and to share His Word and to “Know What We Are Doing,” and to do it Boldly and Faithfully and with His Confidence! I encourage you to Study, to find out what you are to do, as a blessed and forgiven Born-Again, Blood Bought, Obedient Child of God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS, ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT QUESTION, YET TO BE!!!
Birthday's for 10-02-2021
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CATHY LOCKLEAIR, JAN DIEHL
FAITHFUL DEPENDENCE
October 2 Faithful Dependence Exodus 4:12
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12)
Today would have been my Daddy’s 94th birthday. As I reflect on his influence and his direction, I recalled a particular incident that altered my entire life. Believe in or not, I am basically a very shy person and the thoughts of speaking in a public setting was terrifying. It happened that the Reverend Lacy Oliver, Pastor of Falling Creek Baptist Church, in Kinston, North Carolina, asked me to fill in for him, while he was on vacation. My heart said, “Yes,” yet my mind was screaming, “What have you done?” I told Daddy that I wasn’t sure that I could do what I had committed to doing. He, in his calming and inspirational way, began to give me “wise” counsel. “Do you feel that God has called you to preach?” Are you willing to follow His Call?” The answer to both questions was “YES!” Daddy reminded me of the story of Moses and his fear and lack of confidence. Moses lost his nerve, and he began to complain, and he tried to convince the Lord that he lacked the skills necessary and the experience necessary to rise to the task ahead. Daddy made me read Exodus 4:12 (“Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”). He went on to teach me that, when God calls you, He will equip you to accomplish the assigned task. The last thing that Daddy said to me, concerning this matter, has stayed with me and his words, every time that I stand before anyone and share anything, are in the forefront of my thoughts. He said, “Son, we fear, because we are more concerned about how we are going to speak rather than what God wants to say through us!” From that point, until today, before I stand to teach or preach, I ask God to calm my fears and to replace it with FAITH! Depend on God to say through you, what He would have shared and depend on Him, through Faith, to accomplish His Will…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused, THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Happy Birthday Daddy!)
"GOING THROUGH IMPOSSIBLE DAYS"
October 1 “Going Through Impossible Days” Psalm 118:5
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!*** Thank you, for the prayers, food, cards, and every act of love and support during this struggle with the Coronavirus! Thank you to the Wayne Batten and the Deacons for stepping up to minister, during my sickness. Thank you to Rev. Bobby Richardson and Rev. John Edwards for covering the pulpit, in my absence!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.” (Psalm 118:5)
Annette and I have been through so difficult times and the residual effects of the COVID-19 virus continue to linger; however, we are in the position of being overcomers! When I look at the broader picture, I recognize that all of us are going through some amazingly difficult times. Fear, anxiety, conflicts, confrontations, chaos, upheavals, anti-God, anti-American, upside-down reasoning, lack of basic “Common Sense,” and a plethora of other issues that conspire to make these days, that we are enduring, truly Impossible!! If we watch television or read the Newspapers or listen to the radio, we will be drained, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When we succumb to the constant flow of negativity and worldly concerns, our bodies and our spirit weaken! In our prayers, we become desperate, as we call out to God for help and guidance. A Personal Note: My prayers have become more powerful, more focused, and more about “Walking by Faith, not by what I see!” The COVID-19, and the recovery time, has provided an opportunity to reflect and to re-focus my purpose and duty. Listen, if you are experiencing the negative influences of the moment, turn to God in prayer, asking Him to provide His Grace so that you can overcome the present evil! “OUT OF MY DISTRESS, I CALLED ON THE LORD!” Today, this is our instruction, our call to action, our next move!!! CALL ON THE LORD! I am certain that when I call on HIM, HE HEARS, HE RESPONDA and HE WILL TURN THE IMPOSSIBLE INTO THE POSSIBLE! Remember, as a true believer, He has set us free, even, in the midst, of the mayhem that is going on in this world. Claim HIS freedom and be set free! What God does with you, depends upon what you do! It Always has; It Always will! Be sure, be productive and continue to share the Love of God with others. To God Be the Glory!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!
Facing Grief
Good morning, this is Ross Carroll, BTC Deacon.
We all face grief at some point in our lives. Grief after the loss of a loved one is often the greatest struggle. I get it on my mind and just can’t let it go. You think it’s over; but something happens and it’s back again. Reading some scripture on grief, gives me peace of mind. God’s plan is wonderful and everything will be fine.
Matthew 5:4. Blessed are they that mourn: For they shall be comforted.
Revelations 21:4. And God shall wipe away all tears from thine eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Isaiah 41: 10. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
God Bless you. Have a blessed day
On Divisions in the Church
Good morning from Ricky Watson, Deacon – Baptist Tabernacle Church.
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks within the Sanctuary and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
On Divisions in the Church
Chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians
In the Book of Corinthians, Paul addressed the Church at Corinth concerning several subjects where they were “missing the mark!” One such area was in the divisions within the Church. Paul indicated that there was too much jealousy and quarreling among the members and that they were too worldly. Some were following Paul; some were following Apollos. Paul made the point that Paul and Apollos were only servants following God’s instructions. They were planting the seeds and watering the plants with the intention of making them grow. Is that not what we are about within our Church? We should be following the example of Christ and feed and water the fellowship so the Church and Christianity will grow; we should not be following what other servants are doing or saying, we should BE the servants God.
Paul says in verse 10 “by the Grace God has given him, he laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.” Verse 11 continues “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Paul follows by saying that man builds on the foundation that God already laid and how that man builds on that foundation will be shown for what it is at the end of his life on earth. We will be judged as to how we continue to build on the word of God and how we build our Church. How do you want to be judged? Is the quality of your works what you would want them to be on Judgement Day or do you fall short of God’s expectations?
Paul then concludes in Verses 22 and 23: “whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future – all are yours, and you are the Christ, and the Christ is of God.
So, we are to be following Christ in our lives, not Tom, Susan, or Harry. Following other servants allows the Church to be divided as we are not following the true Christ. Look at your life…are you following Christ, being a true servant of God, or are you following some other servant and not following the will of God. If the latter, then you should drop to your knees and beg for forgiveness and turn your life around to be a follower of the True God. This will allow us to live better lives and eliminate any divisions within the Church. Remember; Stay Strong and Stay Focused…
"FRUIT'S OF THE SPIRIT" Galatians 5: 22-23
Good Morning from Olivia Cooke, Deacon, Baptist Tabernacle Church .
But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL. Against such there is no Law.
Each of us have had or has someone in our life who influenced us because they showed the Fruit of the Spirits in their actions or words. That person for me was my mother-in-law Mrs. Virginia Cooke. As I have said before I was so fortunate to have had two mothers , one who raised me, taught me right from wrong and always made sure I was in church. As an adult Mrs .Virginia who taught me so much about life and what really mattered, Your Relationship with the Heavenly Father.
When we are in fellowship with Christ, the Holy Spirit's primary responsibility is to produce his likeness in us.
Mrs. Virginia showed "Love' to everyone , especially by praying everyday for all her family and church family. She was a "Joy" to be around, never no woe as me no matter what was going on. "Patience and Kindness" were her best virtues, she had the patience of Job always last to sit down at the table when it was meal time no matter if there was 4 or 10. Showed Kindness to everyone, never a harsh word. Even when times were hard she always shared with others out of the "Goodness" of her heart. "Faithful" to her Lord and Savior whom she Thanked every day." Gentle" as a Lamb. In "Control" at all times because she knew who was in control of her life.
This generation knew about hard work, helping your neighbors and showing respect to others. What's happened? When you take God out of schools, homes, and your life, as the old saying goes ''No Good Comes from It". Let's all be in Prayer for our Country, our Children and Grandchildren as they struggle with decisions to be made in their lives with all the ungodliness around them.
The "Fruit" of the Spirit is a description of what the Christian lifestyle and character traits are all about--an unbroken whole. We can't pick only the fruit we like. Let us strive to be more like those before us and learn from their wisdom.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, And he shall sustain thee. Psalms 55:22
Devotion from Kelly Currie
During exams of my senior year in college, I began to ache all over-like I had the flu. Most of the pain was concentrated in my lower back and legs. I saw a lot of doctors who ran a lot of tests. No one came up with a diagnosis, cause, or course of action. I was really depressed. I had always been an active, athletic person and now was laying around in pain.
One of my visits was to Duke Hospital. The doctors were perplexed. I left the visit in tears. Although I still had no diagnosis, this visit was the most important visit I would ever have. You see, while I was in the waiting room, there were all of these crippled children. Many were missing limbs, while others had deformed limbs. It was like the island of misfit toys, only these were broken children. God made me realize just how lucky I was. I had two good legs on which I could walk and live a normal life. I was so ashamed at my self-pity. I went home and started to push myself to work through the pain. I began to feel better.
I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 5 years later. Exercise is one of the main things doctors recommend to deal with the disease.
I came across this quote last week in a book by Richard Paul Evans. "Sometimes our arms are so full with burdens we carry that it hinders our view of the load those around us are staggering beneath."
Integrity and Truth
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Aaron Johnson, a 92-year-old child of God of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC.
They form a strong chain in a person’s life as steel links form a strong chain for towing vehicles to an auto shop or as some families fed their milk cows by a chain that let them graze in a circle. Before electricity was everywhere, we drew water from the well; some were shallow, and some were deep. We had a well chain and tackle to draw water. I am living in my eleventh decade calendar years as I was born in 1929. Very few people had much education in my early life. Mother had 6th Grade from Nash County and Papa had 8th Grade from Wake County. There were very few written contracts in those years so lots of business was done on a handshake. Formal businesses such as banking was done by only a person’s mark witnessed by a notary or another person. When a person did not know how to read you dealt with trust and that person’s honesty. When that trust was broken then feuds or no confidence began. Communities fell apart and people were unwelcome. Life does go through a lot of changes. The game of basketball is a good example. It has gone from 4 corners to now it requires the ball to be shot in seconds or lose possession anyway. When a player does not perform as they are trained to do, the coach as well as other players lose confidence in him or her and will take them out of the game. Life requires us to be honest with others as well as ourselves for us to live and sleep in peace for ourselves and as God’s ambassadors to the world around us. Be a strong link in the strong chain. Be truthful to have a strong and joyful life. Always Praise the Lord!
A Farmer's Faith
Good Morning and welcome to our BTC Daily Devotions. I am Wayne Batten, please forgive me for missing last Thursday’s devotion.
Those who have known me since childhood, know I was raised on the farm. I tell people I went to NC State to “Get Away From The Farm.” Isn’t that a Laugh. I have worked with farmers my entire career and continue to do so in my retirement years. Have you ever thought about the faith of farmers? How challenging is it to spend thousands of dollars on seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals, only to put it all into the ground and Hope and Pray it all comes up and makes a profit? What does the Bible say about Farmers?
I have borrowed some of this message from Successful Farming Magazine because I think it hits the nail on the head.
1. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land. – Deuteronomy 28:8
2. But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me. He is like a tree growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. It is not afraid when hot weather comes, because its leaves stay green; it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8
3. The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. –Deuteronomy 28:12
4. Be sure you know the conditions of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. – Proverbs 27:34-35
5. Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. – Ecclesiastes11:4
What crop are we growing? This past Saturday we had our Evangelism Block Party for children in the area. Over 64 children attended. They heard a brief message about Salvation and then had a chance to play in a safe and spiritual setting. Parents were extremely pleased to see what we are doing for the community.
Some of our own children were instrumental in sharing the word of God with the visitors. We had our Sunday Children’s Church Crafts on display at the balloon twisting tent and were able to share our stories of Moses from the Cradle up to the current lessons on King David. I hope our faith in planting and preparing for these young children will be as strong as a Farmers Faith in planting their crops.
Praising the Lord. Does it have to be on key?
Good morning friends. I am Lou Holland Carroll.
We can praise the Lord with written words,, shouts, dancing, musical instruments; and of, course singing.
I have always been envious of those play an instrument or sing beautifully. To do those things, you have to be blessed with a sense of timing and the ability to stay on key.
My pesky, little brother(some of you know him) used to say, "You don't know pain until you stand between Mama and Lou trying to sing in church." I would always respond, "The Bible says, "make a joyful noise." It didn't say the singing had to be pretty.
Psalms 100
1. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his trust endureth to all generations.
Joyful noise means that our way of praising should be fitting in God's eyes.
God should be at the center of our hearts.
Let your praise and thanksgiving ring, on or off key.
Devotion Sept. 18, 2021 He saw Zacchaeus and He sees you...
September 18
He Saw Zacchaeus and He Sees You… (Luke 19: 1-10)
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Susan Andrews, inactive deacon and member of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC.
“And he sought to see Jesus; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.” Luke 19:3 As children in Sunday School, we learned about Zacchaeus including a song about him. Remember this: Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. I remember taking construction paper cutouts to illustrate Zacchaeus standing on a branch in a tree with Jesus below him. Our children still learn about Zacchaeus, but as adults do we spend time studying about him? While Zacchaeus was small in stature, he had more challenges than his height. He was a tax collector and was hated by his people. He was an outcast and a sinner. However, none of these challenges prevented him from wanted to see Jesus… so he climbed the tree. Jesus is all about men and women regardless of their issues. He is all about the outcast who wants acceptance, the blind who wants to see, the sick who wants to be well, and the sinner who wants peace with God. In fact, those are the people Jesus came to Earth for. He came to seek and save the lost and bring the sinner into a right relationship with His heavenly Father. Jesus sought out Zacchaeus, and He is seeking you. Even when the things of this world block us from seeing Jesus, He always sees us. Jesus sees us and knows what we need most. Will you accept his guidance?
Life's Journey
Good morning! I am Ross Carroll, a new Deacon at Baptist Tabernacle. This role is very scary because I don't feel worthy.
But in reading this scripture, Isaiah 41:10-13, I know that God has my hand.
As we journey through life's daily challenges and struggles, God will lead us through the hard spots. He has held my hand many times.
Life can be cruel, but God will lead us if we trust Him.
Isaiah 41
10. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
12.Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
13. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Trust in God, he has your hand.
The Holy Spirit Pleads a Case: Guilty and Innocent. Esther 6-8
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Aaron Johnson, a child of God and member of Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC.
My wife, Helen, and I were on our way to Iowa to visit our son, Michael and his wife, Patsy. I had driven from Wendell to near Mt. Airy, NC and were on the new Interstate 74, bypassing Mt. Airy. Helen had begun driving and had set her cruise on 72 mph. I was unwrapping a new Gospel tape and was playing it to our enjoyment. Helen asked, “Wonder who He’s after?” It was us!! I was told by a voice to my inner self, “shut up”. She received a ticket for speeding! Told she had to go to court at Dobson, NC in about 6 weeks and about 20 miles from Mt. Airy. At this time of Helen’s life, age 72, she had COPD. She had been sleeping with oxygen for 3 years. We decided no lawyer. Put ourselves at the mercy of the court and let the Lord’s Spirit plead our case. Her first ticket ever. Courtroom on 3rd floor…elevators not working…twice she had to sit on the floor to get oxygen to breathe near normal. Again, that inner voice told me to shut up. At the time they called her case (no judge, no patrolman), George Bush was in Winston-Salem. They asked her about several Helen Johnson’s, but none was mine. Never asked how she pled. Solicitor said we will reduce this to improper equipment. A lady clerk or secretary said something to the solicitor. We couldn’t hear it for it was whispered. A few moments later he said we’ll dismiss it. You are free to go.
Ticket for 85 mph.
Innocent of intent
Guilty of keeping foot on gas pedal on hills – a definite no-no.
Praise God for the outcome of this case. We left everything in God’s hands. How can you apply this lesson to your life?