HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ISAAC WORLEY!
REJOICE, PRAY, BE THANKFUL
November 4 Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
ANNOUNCEMENT: Baptist Tabernacle Church will be 100 years old, in 2022. A grand celebration is planned for May 22, 2022, to commemorate the first service as an organized church body! Special information, recognitions, God’s Word, and a catered meal will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
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***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!!***
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In the Fall of 1964, I saw the power of God demonstrated within my own little family. The year began with my mother having, yet another kidney surgery and the disruption of our household, by her absence. Daddy hired a lady to come in and cook and clean and “look after me.” Sadly, this lady was a thief and a liar! She didn’t stay long! So, I went to a neighbor’s house after school and that was interesting. They were good people, just strange! Mama came home and all was right with the world, until she was forced to go back to the hospital in October of 1964. Here we go again…I can only imagine the stress and anxiety that my Daddy was going through. This time, this surgery, Mama had her right kidney removed. She finally came home, and things began to normalize. The phone rang and I answered the call and there was a Goldsboro Police Officer on the other end of the line, asking to speak to Mrs. Brock. Well, she was asleep, and I told him, and he dropped the news on me…your Daddy has been in an accident and he is at Wayne Memorial Hospital. I immediately woke Mama, and she calmly called the Police Department for details and then she called the Hospital for details of his condition. Her first response was…we need to pray! Keep in mind, Mama had a drain tube and a glass jar as the collection sight and I was a boy and we didn’t have a vehicle to travel on, with the exception, of a tractor. After some challenges and calls, Mama was able to speak to Daddy and things improved quickly. Apparently, someone ran a light and T-Boned Daddy. He was OK and was headed home. When he arrived home, there was such a relief and a calm within the walls of our little home. Daddy was bruised up and had 2 broken ribs and we were now a “No” car family and Mama was recovering from major surgery, and I was a boy! Daddy made fried bologna sandwiches for our supper, and we sat around the table, and we prayed and ate. When I reflect back to that day, and the conditions that we experienced, I am still amazed at the attitude and actions of my parents. Daddy, Mama, and I held hands and Daddy asked blessing on the food and he gave thanks for bringing him through and he offered praise to God for protecting our little family! Amazing! I was seeing the misery and Daddy and Mama was seeing the Blessing! This visual and practical lesson has stayed with me all these years. Later, I asked Daddy how it was that they were so upbeat when their lives were in shambles, and his response was priceless… “Son, we are children of God and He promised that He would be with us and help us. He, also, told us that troubles would come our way and to look to Him for comfort and restitution!” That day, I did not fully understand, but today I do! Our Faith in God is the Key to Living! By Faith, my parents navigated through this life and, by Faith they taught me to “Look to God” for everything that I do… Basically… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Please Stay Strong, Stay Focused…EVEN IN THE FACE OF GREAT CHALLENGES, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S & ANNIVERSARIES FOR 11/03/21
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RICKY WATSON, KAITLIN BAILEY, TAMMY PRUDEN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO GLEN & CELIA HORTON
I AM RESOLVED!
November 3 I Am Resolved 2 Peter 1:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;” (2 Peter 1:10)
I like the song, “I Am Resolved No Longer To Linger!” As I was looking for something else, while scanning the internet, I came upon this study, and I wanted to share portions of it with you!
We often sing the song, "I Am Resolved" when inviting people to obey the gospel. But today, I want to use the song to invite you to become better Christians. I Am Resolved: "Resolve" means to "decide firmly on a course of action" (Oxford University Press). So, we say that a person who's resolved to do something has made a resolution. In other words, they've made a firm decision. For example, the song "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus" is about the resolutions we've made. “I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back. Tho' none go with me I still will follow, No turning back, no turning back. My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus, No turning back, I'll follow Him.” As Christians, we make firm decisions regarding our commitment to God, such as: I love and obey God. I put God first in everything. Assembling with the saints is a top priority. I'll do my best to serve God. We also make firm decisions regarding our growth and progress as a Christian, such as: I'm going to read the Bible this year. I'm going to teach a class this year. I'm going to invite my neighbors to church this year. I'm going to prepare more for Bible class this year. Paul constantly tried to improve in His service to God. And we, as faithful Christians, also strive to improve in our service. Making firm decisions (resolutions) helps us make these changes in our lives. Resolved Not To Linger: When we sing "I am Resolved," we proclaim we've decided not to linger. “I am resolved no longer to linger, Charmed by the world's delight; Things that are higher, things that are nobler, These have allured my sight.” How resolved are you not to linger? Are you diligent? Are you "applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love" (2 Pet. 1:5-7)? Are you "diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you" (2 Pet. 1:10)? Or, are you lingering? Lingering Christians: "Linger" means to be slow or reluctant. God's word teaches us not to linger when it comes to changing and becoming a more fruitful Christian. Rather than lingering, we are to be "not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord" (Rom. 12:11). Likewise, Jesus strongly warms Christians who are lingering. To Christians who had left their first love, Jesus says: "'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place -- unless you repent'" (Rev. 2:5). And to lukewarm Christians, Jesus says: "'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth'" (Rev. 3:15-16). "'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent'" (Rev. 3:19). To be a better Christian, we must resolve to be different from the world. Like the song says: I am resolved to enter the kingdom, Leaving the paths of sin; Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, Still will I enter in. This has always been God's desire for His children, as Paul explains from the Old Testament. "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness" (2 Cor. 6:14)? "'Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,' says the Lord. 'And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,' says the Lord Almighty'" (2 Cor. 6:17-18). Are You Resolved? Are you resolved, to be a more fruitful Christian in 2021? How are you going to become more fruitful? What's your plan? What have you firmly decided? As for me, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (BibleStudyGuide.org)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTHONY HILL! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CARL & ANNA CREECH
SHORTAGES?
November 2 Shortages? Philippians 4:19
ANNOUNCEMENT: Baptist Tabernacle Church will be 100 years old, in 2022. A grand celebration is planned for May 22, 2022, to commemorate the first service as an organized church body! Special information, recognitions, God’s Word, and a catered meal will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
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***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!!***
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
What has happened to the production and supply chains of America? In nine months, we have gone from bounty to shortages! Shortages of basic goods and shortages of workers and shortages of automobiles and shortages of gasoline and shortages of turkeys for Thanksgiving and shortages of almost everything that we have come to expect that would always be available. Where have the workers gone? Where have the turkeys gone? Have we had a sudden and dramatic drop in the population? Why are we dealing with inadequate supplies of goods and services? We are told that it is the COVID 19 virus and its effects on the world economy. Really? This virus is responsible for individuals, choosing not to be employed? This virus is responsible for the lack of available goods and services? The conversation in the WalMart, on Tuesday morning, was the apparent lack of products on the shelves. I asked one of the managers why the empty shelves, and her reply was eye opening, “We can’t get the products from the warehouse!” I asked, “Are the products in the warehouse and you are being shorted, on purpose?” She said, “I don’t know what is going on!” Folks, in the short term, the lack of basic goods is concerning, however, in the “Big Picture,” I am claiming the promises of my God when He assures us that “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Please do not be anxious and please, do not fret, God has control, and His promises WILL BE FULFILLED in our lives! Paul declared that “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).” There will be “ups and downs,” in this life, and, as long, as we live, there will be challenges and difficulties, so KEEP LOOKING TO GOD FOR HIS POWER, PROVISION AND HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS! I choose to be content and to continue to PREACH the Good News, regardless of the present human circumstances! I choose to continue to “Grow” in His Grace and Knowledge, regardless of the challenging climate of chaos and evil! How about you? Are you secure in your relationship with Jesus? Are you like, the Apostle Paul, and “content” in all that you experience? God has provided the promise! We must claim the promise and live it, every single day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S & ANNIVERSARIES FOR 11/01/2021
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COLIN CREECH, JANE STRICKLAND
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO GENE & JENNY BUTLER
THANK YOU!
November 1 “Thank You!” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
ANNOUNCEMENT: Baptist Tabernacle Church will be 100 years old, in 2022. A grand celebration is planned for April 22, 2022, to commemorate the first service as an organized church body! Special information, recognitions, God’s Word, and a catered meal will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BTC!
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***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!!***
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We have so much to be thankful for! We are living in the greatest country in history, and we enjoy the blessings of bounty, freedom, and opportunity for personal prosperity, yet there are so many that are ungrateful and grumpy about their situations. The world and all that it offers, encourages ingratitude, and blame for others and when someone comes along and appears to be grateful for life and the simple things around them, there is an immediate offense by those who choose to be miserable and thankless! Mama used to teach me that I needed to be thankful for each new day and she would find something, in each new day, to thank God. I observe this ungrateful and hate-filled world and I am sad for the despair that exists. What can I do? The answer is simple!! I can live my life with gratitude, and I can share the GOOD NEWS of Hope and Grace and Gratitude, and by being an example of HIS GRACE, I can show this lost and dying world that Hope is available, and that Gratitude is possible! Take your eyes off your situation and place your eyes on the Cross! Embrace His Love, His Life and His Promises, and you will have much to be Grateful for!!! May this Thanksgiving time be a time of renewal and re-commitment to witnessing and expressing gratitude for His Amazing Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 10/31/2021
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY TO WANDA CUSTER, BRAD HALES, BRIAN HALES, BRENNAN HALES!
A SOUND MIND!
October 31 A Sound Mind 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 was near the end of his earthly life and he was writing to young Timothy to encourage him to continue to be faithful and to continue to fight the good fight and to “stir up the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul reminded Timothy that he was called out for the ministry and that he has been empowered to share the Gospel and that he has received the “Gift” of God, and he needs to “stir it up” and continue to serve God by sharing, with boldness, the “Good News!” Folks, when we come to Jesus, by faith, in confession and believing, the Holy Spirit comes to empower us to a greater and holy mission. The same Holy Spirit that empowered Timothy is the same Holy Spirit that gives us power for witnessing and for service for our savior! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We have all that we need to live the victorious Christian Life if we will surrender and be filled with the Spirit of God! I love what I heard an old preach say; “The Father didn’t give us the Holy Spirit for enjoyment, but for employment!” Get busy doing the Father’s business! Get active in sharing Jesus with this lost and dying world! Be encouraged and continue to live your life as a reflection of the Good News of Jesus Christ! We can make a difference, one soul at a time! Remember your gift…remember your calling…remember your destiny and serve Him with gladness! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PROCLAIMING OUR LORD
October 30 Proclaiming Our Lord Isaiah 61:1-3
***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… “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
This passage is so powerful and prophetic! It is the proclamation of the coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ! Isaiah, under the power and direction, of the Holy Spirit, tells us of the coming “servant” of the Lord, who will be the ultimate “Preacher” of all time, and he declares the ministry that He will be proclaim. Do you remember the wristbands that had “WWJD” embossed on them? “What Would Jesus Do?” We are told that He will “Preach” the Good Tidings to the Poor, He will heal the brokenhearted, He will proclaim liberty to the captives, and He will open the prison doors for the prisoners. THAT IS TRULY “GOOD NEWS!” When individuals are without Jesus, they are imprisoned in their sin and their hope for freedom is found in the “Preacher” that we call Jesus! Because of God’s Love for humanity, Jesus came to take on our sins, and He, at the Cross, insured our freedom, and allowed us the privilege and responsibility to live, so as, to, honor God, and reflect the Love of Jesus! Folks, as Redeemed Believers, we are to be “Like Jesus,” and that means that we are to be about sharing the Good News and we are to set the captives free and to help the brokenhearted and we are to be about the Father’s Business! Our priorities should and must be about serving God! Paul said, in Romans 1:6 that he is “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!” We must share the Good News! We must live it out before men! This world is hearing the “Bad” news, how about we share some “Good News!” Let’s commit to “PUSH BACK THE DARKNESS,” as we serve God and look for the day when we will see Him, face to face! Let Your Light Shine!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY 38th ANNIVERSARY
October 29 Happy 38th Anniversary Genesis 2:24
***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… “Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
Thirty-eight years ago today, Annette and I stood at the altar at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC, and publicly proclaimed our love and commitment to and for one another! Almost 4 decades later, that love that was demonstrated on October 29, 1983, is still growing, and progressing. There have been good times and tough times, yet the constant has been our love for one another! Each one of us has matured and mellowed and have become “one,” just as the scriptures say that we should be. Reflecting on this expanding and maturing relationship, I think about our relationship with our God, through the Shed Blood of Jesus. We come to Christ in Faith, and we commit ourselves to growing and nurturing that relationship. The more we commit, the more that we grow, the more that we mature, the more that we become “one” with Him, we become more obedient and more effective in our witness for Jesus. Keep in mind, I am truly blessed that Annette finally relented and said, “I DO!” The three most important days of my life, are when I accepted the sacrifice for my sins and claimed Jesus as Savior and the evening that Annette and I proclaimed to the world, “WE DO,” and the birth of our daughter, Kayla! For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5:30–31). When a man and woman are married, they become one flesh. Regarding Christ and the church, we are all members of Christ’s body. In neither situation is Paul meaning one physical body, but just a husband is now “joined to his wife,” we are also joined to Christ. We are all one in Christ, just as a husband and wife are one. Take your commitment seriously! Keep growing together! To borrow and adapt a phrase from the US Army: “Be All That You Can Be!”
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ANNETTE! I LOVE AND ADORE YOU AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU SAID, “I DO,” SO MANY YEARS AGO! I AM STILL SAYING, “I DO,” EVERYDAY AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SAY IT UNTIL GOD CALLS ME HOME! (4)
Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY FOR 10/28/2021
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANCE ADKINS! May Your Special Day be as Special as YOU! Remember, You are Loved and Appreciated….Pastor Glen
DO IT NOW!!
October 28 Do It Now! James 1:25
***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… “…He, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)
There was a dear lady that lived in our community, and she had an old steamer trunk that had a prominent place in her “front” room, and she would tell me that her earthly valuables were stored in this trunk. I was fascinated and curious about her treasures, yet she was always curious over this trunk. I had been doing odd jobs for her for years, and this one day, she asked me if I would like to see her valuables. So, we went into the “front” room, and she opened the trunk and carefully spoke of every item. The one that stood out was the beautiful tablecloth that was milk white and adorned with amazingly detailed lace embroidery. She told me that one day she was going to put it on her table and have a grand dinner party. When she spoke of this future event, she smiled with such anticipation that I was moved, and I anticipated that day. Unfortunately, this dear lady was all alone, and she rarely had any visitors and she spoke, of all of the things, that she was going to do in the future. “Someday,” was her favorite word when she described her activities. Sadly, my dear friend passed away without ever having that special dinner. A few days after her funeral, there was a knock at our door and a gentleman asked to come in and talk with us about our dear friend. He went directly to the business and informed me that she had left her steamer trunk and several items to me, in her will. Wow! I was speechless! Mama went with me to the house, the next day, and there it was, that mysterious steamer trunk. I felt a bit strange and was slow to open the lid. I lifted the lid and there it was, that lace tablecloth, yellowed and beginning to be so fragile. There was an envelope on the cloth, addressed to me. I opened the letter and the first words brought tears to my eyes. This dear lady told me to do what I needed to do, now, and do not wait. She gave me instructions on what to do with the bulk of her things and I was overwhelmed. When I think about that tablecloth and the idea of a grand dinner party and the fact that my dear friend never accomplished that dream, I think about all of the missed opportunities that I have had, and the times that I have procrastinated, when I should have been a faithful and active “Doer!” Serving God requires action NOW! Please do not wait until tomorrow…Today is the day to show His Love to this world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE"
October 27 “Two is Better than One” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
***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 Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Henry Ward Beecher, a pastor that lived in the 1800’s, said, “Climbers of the Alps fasten themselves together with a rope for safety.” What amazingly wise words for us, in our world conditions for today. The Words of Solomon, also referred to as, the “Preacher,” instructs us that, two are, absolutely, better than one! Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to fellowship and to support and to lift one another up. That is part of God’s plan for us to be “Givers!” Giving of our time and our talents and our blessings and our financial resources and our words of encouragement! Romans 12:1 instructs us to “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Many of us have excuses for why we can’t or don’t give of ourselves as encouragement and comfort to others. I want you to “THINK THIS OVER!”
God made the Sun…It Gives.
God made the Moon…It Gives.
God made the Stars…They Give.
God made the Air…It Gives.
God made the Clouds…They Give.
God made the Earth…It Gives.
God made the Trees…They Give.
God made the Flowers…They Give.
God made the Birds…They Give.
God made the PLAN…HE GIVES.
God made Man…He ?
Serving God requires that we GIVE! It means that we give of our Time, Talent, Resources, Blessings and Our All! During this difficult time of uncertainty, please exercise your blessings, by reaching out to others, and be a blessing to them. God provided the example with His Son, Jesus and He expects us to honor His gift to us, by being a blessing to others! Serving Jesus is the best way that I know, to be a “GIVER!” We have our “CALL TO ACTION!” Believers, step up and shout the “Good News” of encouragement to everyone around you and fulfill your calling and responsibility, through the Blood of Jesus! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
AUTHENTIC LOVE
October 26 Authentic Love Romans 5:8
***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 Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But God demonstrated His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
The question was asked by a traveling preacher, at a tent revival, “Have you been captured by the Love of God?” Wow! That is a question that we need to answer! When we consider the width and length and depth and height of the Love of Jesus Christ for humanity, we aught to recognize this love and embrace and emulate this level of Love. Unfortunately, today, in 21st Century America, there are many superficial expressions of Love, yet they are shallow expressions. Folks, if we need an example and a true expression of Love that we can emulate, then go to Calvary! God demonstrated His love for us, and He proved His love for us, by giving His Own Son to die for our sins. Pondering the scripture passage, I ask this question: How much does God Love us? Jesus answered this question as He hung on that cruel cross and paid the debt for our sins. As Born-Again Christians, we need to demonstrate and express the extravagant and sincere Love of God to others, as we walk in Obedience and fulfill our responsibility of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, the author and example of real, true, and authentic LOVE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HOW TO DEFEAT SATAN
October 25 “How to Defeat Satan” James 4:7
***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… “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” (James 4:7)
“Don’t even think about it!” Have you ever heard these words? My mother had an amazing ability to know when I was thinking up a way, to get into trouble and to “aggravate the stew” out of her (at least, that was the way that she described it). “Get it out of your mind,” was another one of her statements that would cause great concern for me. How does she know what I am thinking and how does she know what I am about to do? If my earthly mother, with her human flaws and shortcomings, could anticipate my actions and know my thoughts and motivations, just imagine what my Heavenly Father knows! God tells us, in His Word, that we should “Think on the good, just, noble, edifying, faith-filled and divine expectations.” Mama used to tell me that I must protect what goes in my mind through my eyes and ears. Basically, she demanded and expected that I control what I saw, and I heard, the way I spoke, what I spoke and my actions, both public and private! “Mama, can I go with ‘So in So’ to the party?” “NO!” “WHY?” Here was her standard answer, “Because it don’t look good!” My dear Friends, I am asking and pleading with you to surrender your hearts, your minds, your words, your actions, and your ALL to Jesus and walk in the assurance of His Love, His Promises and His Eternal Provision! REMEMBER: IF IT IS NOT EDIFYING TO GOD, LEAVE IT ALONE!! 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…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
October 24 Being a Good Neighbor Proverbs 11:25
***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… “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
There was a lady, in our neighborhood, that had a “bad” reputation and most of the community avoided her. It came to my mother’s ears that this woman was very sick and had no one to help her. Mama went into action! She made her famous “Chicken Noodle Soup,” and homemade crackers and away she went to this lady’s house. She knocked on the door and when the woman opened the door, mama found a pitiful and sad sight. This lady was dirty, and her house smelled, and it was a mess. Mama took over and instructed her to eat and mama (oh yeah, I was along for the labor to come), and I began the “seek and cleanse” operation. Within an hour, the house was clean and straight, and it smelled good. This lady resisted, at first, yet finally relented, and mama gave her a bath! When she emerged from the bathroom, she had undergone an amazing transformation. Mama instructed me to pull back the covers on the bed and this renewed lady climbed into her clean bed. When we finally left, mama had instructed her to call when she had any needs, and we would be right there. Over the next few days, we visited her and kept her house straight and provided food until she was able to take care of herself. The sad and shocking reality, at least for me, was the reaction from mama’s church group (the Ladies Mission Group). Many of the ladies were shocked to find out that mama had been in this woman’s house, much less, cleaned and fed her. As I reflected on the reactions of these ladies and the way that they treated Mama, I was hurt and confused! In Luke’s Gospel, the Good Samaritan had found a man, robbed, stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left for dead. Many of the “religious” folks, ignored the injured man, yet this Samaritan, had compassion on this man’s condition, and his compassion was not defined by his status or ethnicity or his religious beliefs, and he put him on his donkey and took him to the closest Inn and told the Innkeeper, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back (Luke 10:29-35)!” I asked Mama about the reactions of her friends, and she told me that she was responsible for her own actions and that they would have to account for their actions. She went on to explain that we are called to love and minister to everyone, regardless of their position or condition, in this life! Reflecting of the world’s conditions, and the anointing of God on my life, I recognize that “EVERYONE” is my “NEIGHBOR,” and I have a responsibility, under the saving Blood of Jesus,” to be a “Good Neighbor” to all! So, who should we be “Neighborly” to? Who is it that we should be generous to? The command to “Love our Neighbor” is a solid and firm instruction! Why don’t we give it a try? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WATCH YOUR MOUTH
October 23 Watch Your Mouth! Matthew 12:37
***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 by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
The earliest memories of my mother’s instructions for living, included this phrase: “WATCH YOUR MOUTH!” She was attempting to help me to navigate through this life with as minimal amount of conflict as possible. Our words can encourage, and they can hurt and destroy. Our words, as believers, should be edifying to God and to others! Psalms 19:14 tells us to, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Amazingly, so often, I have prayed with faith for a blessing or for healing, for myself and others, then I have proceeded to cancel out my prayer with words of doubt and unbelief! Folks, we have got to grow in Christ and WATCH OUR MOUTHS! James 1:6-8 tells us: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers, is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” When we say one thing and act another, then we are demonstrating a “Double Minded Tendency” and we need to walk in FAITH, Talk in FAITH, Live in FAITH and WATCH OUR MOUTH! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Be HOLY as HE is HOLY
October 22 Be Holy as HE is Holy 1 Thessalonians 4:7
***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 did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7)
In the age of chaos and “if it feels good, do it” mentality, and the systematic destruction of all moral and ethical standards, we MUST saturate our minds with the strong and powerful Word of God. In Joshua 1:8, we are told, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” In order, to survive this world, and in order, to prosper in this anti-God environment, we must submerge ourselves in His Word and be committed to prayer and to sharing His Love with others. Focus on God! Commit yourselves to His Good Works and DO NOT BE ENTANGLED IN THIS CHAOS! Our God’s view is eternal, and we need to embrace that view and grow towards a full view of God’s reality! Friends, focus on the good, honorable, just, and noble, and let go of the negative and destructive thoughts and behaviors that are not edifying to our God! “Be Holy as He is Holy!” What is your focus? How are you living your life? Are you entangled in the temporal issues of the day, while neglecting His eternal purpose for your life? To use one of mama’s phrases: STOP IT! Focus on God! Stop allowing the negatives of this world dictate your spiritual existence…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!