HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SHEILA STANCIL
BROOKE BAILEY ZEPEDA
WALKING IN HIS LIGHT
January 17 Walking in His Light John 8:12
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.
***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… “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I AM the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Jesus declared that “He is the Light!” From the beginning, He is the Light! The day that I was saved and forgiven of my sins, He was the Light! That Light, that Holy Bright Light, directed me to salvation and, that same Light, guides me today! Jesus is my Light of Salvation, and He can be that same Light for you! Dear Fellow Believers, we have a responsibility, we have a duty, we have a calling, to be a Bright Light of Jesus in this dark and dismal world! Dr. Kelton Hinton has been teaching fellow Pastors to embrace the Light of Jesus and to “Push Back the Darkness!” Folks, that is exactly what we need to do! When the Light of Jesus illuminates our paths, and we are guided by this Light, we avoid the stumbles and pitfalls of this life! When we are walking in the Light of Jesus, we make better decisions, and we reflect His Love and His saving Grace, and we can navigate others into the “LIGHT!” May you be a “BRIGHT LIGHT FOR JESUS” and be committed to “PUSHING BACK THE DARKNESS!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S FOR JANUARY 16, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CHRISTIN HUNTER
January 16 In the Name of Jesus Colossians 3:17
**ALL SERVICES ARE CANCELLED FOR JANUARY 16, 2022. DUE TO WEATHER ISSUES**
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.
***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… “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)
There is power in the NAME OF JESUS! Throughout the New Testament, the NAME OF JESUS was used to perform great and amazing miracles! Peter and John used the NAME OF JESUS (Acts 3) to heal the lame man. Paul said, “In the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST come out, as he prayed for the girl to be released from the demon. Praise God! The NAME OF JESUS can fix broken lives and heal the sick and restore the afflicted and transform the lost and dying. Believers, we have a powerful opportunity! Just as the disciples used the NAME OF JESUS to effect great changes in the lives of many, we too, have that same opportunity and we have this same POWERFUL NAME TO USE AND TO SHARE! So, live your life with hope and confidence and with the assurance of His Grace and Glory! “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” What can the NAME OF JESUS do for you? Reflect on the lyrics of a Gaither song and embrace the NAME OF JESUS! “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; There's something about that name. Master savior Jesus, It's like the fragrance after rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; Let Heaven and Earth proclaim! Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but There is something about that name!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
DELIVERANCE
January 15 Deliverance Galatians 1:3-4
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.
***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… “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:3-4)
Life in the 21st Century is busy! No one can deny that we are, as a society, so much busier than we were just a couple of decades ago. There is so much more going on that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything accomplished. The World and all of its distractions and activities, have a tendency to take us away from being the True Christian that we should be! If we aren’t careful, we will allow the “World’s Standards and Expectations” to dictate out thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors! So, the question is, how do we “separate” lives while living in this EVIL and DEPRAVED world? Fellow Believers, we have some precious promised truths in today’s scripture passage. The first truth is that Jesus is our answer to the question of how we navigate through this Evil World! He has provided deliverance from bondage of this world’s temptations and has provided instructions to follow to make it through this age, while walking in obedience and achieving VICTORY over this Evil World! The next truth is profound!! Through the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST and the LOVE OF GOD, for us, HE has, indeed, brought deliverance from sin and He has provided guidance and leadership in the ability to lead righteous and godly lives, regardless of this world’s negative and destructive influences. It is God’s will for us to live Holy and Righteous lives and He has provided the necessary tools to do just that! We are His workmanship, and we are His Hands and Feet in this world, and we are to be about the Father’s Business! It is our responsibility to be what God has ordained for us to be! It is our decision to be strong and effective servants for Christ! It is our duty, our calling, our Hope, to be the best witness for Christ that we can be! Regardless of the negative and depraved influences of SATAN and this World, we are to BOLDLY CLAIM HIS PROMISES AND LIVE HOLY LIVES, WITH THE FIRM ASSURANCE THAT HE HAS BROUGHT TO US…HIS GRACE AND HIS COMFORTING PEACE!! What God does with you, IS UP TO YOU! It ALWAYS has been, it ALWAYS will be! Please stay in God’s Word; Stay of your Knees in Prayer and continue to Share the Good News of Jesus Christ, in Word and in Actions! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S FOR JANUARY 14, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RICKIE DRIVER
DYLAN MELVIN
MARY LOU RICHARDSON
SECURITY
January 14 SECURITY Matthew 28:20
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.
***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… “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
David, the man that was described as “the man after God’s own Heart,” said that he wanted God to live in his house as long as he lived! I agree with David! I want God to dwell with me forever! There is this idea that God exists in the physical structures that we describe as “churches!” God does not live in four walls and a roof structure (although, He could, if He chose)! Acts 17:24 tells the truth, when it says, “Our Lord does not live in temples built by human hands!” Amazingly, David desired to be in the presence of God, continually! In Psalm 23, David said that he would live in the house of the Lord forever! He wasn’t trying to be an isolationist, he simply wanted to be in the presence of the Lord, whenever and wherever he was! ME TOO! I was to be with Jesus always! I am excited that He lives in me and that, wherever I go, He goes too! Whatever I do, He is present! Dear Friends, that is a “Secure Feeling” and a “Secure Place” to be! How about you? Are you engaged in activities and thoughts that you wouldn’t want Jesus along? He promised… “I will be with you always!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BE A PLANTER OF HOPE & PEACE
January 13 Be a Planter of Hope & Peace Hosea 10:12
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.
***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… “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12)
Would you like to witness a miracle? Would you like to make a difference in the life of an individual? Well, try this: Plant a word of encouragement and love into that person’s life. Continue to nurture and cultivate it with a friendly smile and a committed prayer life, and watch what happens, before your eyes! Our culture has a habit of sowing negative and “hate-filled” rhetoric and the atmosphere of 21st century America is replete with divisions and chaos and unhealthy decisions and sadness and despair. Let’s be the purveyor of “Positive and Uplifting” words of Hope and Goodness! Try it… compliment your neighbor, send flowers to your spouse, visit a widow, be grateful to a waitress, speak a kind word to a stranger! Sowing seeds of His Love and His Peace is like sowing seeds! You do not know the mechanics of how it works; you just know that it does! Seeds of Kindness will produce kindness and the more we sow, the stronger we become and the greater the opportunity to “Share Jesus!” Random acts of Love and Kindness will always produce positive, lifechanging results! Keep Sowing, Keep Nurturing, Keep Believing and Continue to “Push Back the Darkness” in the lives of everyone that you encounter! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S FOR 01/12/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WES PRIVETTE
GLENN STRICKLAND
GOD KNOWS...
January 12 God Knows… 2 Corinthians 5:17
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.
***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, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Several years ago, I was hiking the trails of the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, with a couple of my buddies, and we decided that we were going to break the rules and climb the cliff. I began the climb, and my buddies were beside of me, and we were excited to make this happen. I was almost to the top, and I realized that I was the only one there. My buddies had quietly stopped climbing and slid back down to the riverbank. Then it happened! I began to feel the ground give way under my feet and the dirt began to shift and I could feel myself rapidly moving downwards towards the river, with nothing between me and the rapid moving waters of the Neuse River. What was I to do? As I slid down the 90’ face of this obstacle, I quickly realized that I had a choice. I could dismiss the fall, I could deny the fall, I could succumb to the fall, or I could deal with it! The descent towards the river was eye-opening. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a Park Ranger observing my dilemma. As I descended, I shouted out to him, “I am sorry!” The river began to get closer and closer, and I was scrambling to figure out a path to avoid being wet. “Please Lord, help me!” Just before I was about to be completely engulfed by the raging river, I grabbed hold of a little tree, growing out of the riverbank, and I finally stopped my slid. The first face that I saw was the Ranger! He had a smile on his face, and he reached out his hand to assist me into a more secure location. Boy oh boy, did I feel guilty! “I didn’t think that you were around,” I said to the Ranger. He chuckled and said that “he was always around!” Somehow, the Ranger could tell that we were going to be up to “no good,” so he trailed us to our destination. As I reflect on this experience, I realize that my God is always around, and I have no secrets from Him. My actions, my thoughts, my motivations, my emotions, are never a secret to Him. My act of climbing the cliff was wrong! I could not deny it, I could not distort it, I could not dismiss it! The Ranger asked my name and where I lived. Politely, I answered every question. He looked at me and spoke these words, “Are you going to ever do this again?” My rapid response was, “No Sir!” I apologized for my actions, and he was very kind in his response. Who would have thought that, in just a few years, I would be working for him, at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. Wow! What a Jesus moment! I knew better, yet I did it anyway! When I got caught, I felt so much guilt! Again, I knew better, and did it, anyway! Isn’t that the definition of guilt? Guilt is a healthy regret for telling God one thing and doing another! There are no secrets from God! Don’t even try to hide anything from Him! We are weak and vulnerable, and we must depend on Him for our survival. The simple message for today is: Realize that God is everywhere, and our feeble human attempts to hide our actions is futile. We must confess our shortcomings and ask for His Grace and Forgiveness and His Guidance to avoid the errors of our human thoughts and actions. By the way, I had a healthy regret for the decision to climb the cliff, especially when I fell! Please aspire to follow God and to be obedient to His calling! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Sidenote: My “buddies” saw the Ranger and they ran away, leaving me to deal with the issues. They left the Park and left me, Thank God, “High and Dry!”
TRY WISDOM...
January 11 Try Wisdom Proverbs 4:7
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.
***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… “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
The year was 1964, and the Brock family moved into their new home, deep in the countryside of Eastern Wayne County. We began to settle into our isolation and all that the quiet brought to the experience. We noticed that our dog’s food was being eaten, but not by him. Spot would howl and moan and bark all night, and when you are in the middle of that much quiet, it was loud! Daddy decided that he would stay up and observe what was going on. What he discovered was interesting. He observed, at approximately 2:00am, a very brave and determined raccoon. Amazingly, my dog, Spot, would only howl and bark at this “Coon,” and did not offer to hurt or chase him away. For us, it became an issue, yet this ole coon seemed to enjoy the nightly trip to consume the free food. Daddy and I were up at the local general store, and Daddy mentioned this nightly visitor. One of the old farmers gave us some amazingly smart advice. He said, “That coon was there before you, and he is only doing what he knows, so I reckon you ought to try some tolerance.” He also suggested that we put out some food, just for him. So, that very night, Mama put together a smorgasbord of groceries for our visitor. Spot stopped howling and he was able to eat his own food and the raccoon, we named him, Ronnie, was perfectly content to peacefully coexist with this family that had invaded his living space. Why am I sharing this simple story? I believe that, as Followers of Christ, we are to respect each other and we are called to love each other and we need to be tolerant of the differences that we each enjoy, while exercising the Love of God, in each situation. As it worked out for “Ronnie,” and my family; there was amble room for us all, and, following the advice of the old farmer, we employed a little tolerance and respect, and “Ronnie” seemed to understand, and I have got to believe, appreciated the opportunity to tolerate each other. Mama’s groceries, on a regular basis, didn’t hurt! Folks, we share this world with different peoples, with different ways and thoughts and backgrounds and different missions, so, if we are to be in the position to “Share Jesus” with them, we must be in “Position” to “Get Along,” and establish a relationship that we facilitate our ability to SHARE! I have established relationships with others, that, on the surface, might seem odd and unlikely, yet, if I am to Share the Message of Christ with them, I must be patient and tolerant! Notice that I didn’t say that I had to agree with their politics or social thoughts or their behaviors. My purpose, my goal, my desire, as a believer, is to be in position to honor God’s calling and to be obedient to that call! It requires wisdom to navigate through a world that is consumed by Evil, yet, God has promised that we can be and should be and must be prepared to serve! Our mission is Jesus, and we must have the attitude of service and devotion to him! This is not about us, or how “WE” feel; it is totally about Him and our obligation to Share with others! Listen, He has promised…James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all liberally, and unbraided not; and it shall be given him.” When you ask for “Wisdom,” HE WILL PROVIDE!! Equipped with the tools to serve, we must press on to fulfill our calling! “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).” Remember “Ronnie” and try a little WISDOM, PATIENCE and TOLERANCE in your relations with others, while staying focused and true to your commitments, convictions, and your mission! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
TRULY FOCUSED
January 10 Truly Focused Isaiah 26:3
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.
***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… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Over the past two years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of prejudice, hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. In the middle of political and radical changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the craziness of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and expectations. How am I to react to the ongoing anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-morality rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and important and edifying to our Savior! A few days ago, on a local TV station, a reporter boldly said that COVID19 and its variants have caused a spike in mental health issues! Really? You Think? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distance and the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing some levels of depression and mental health issues! Dear friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for His Peace! God has Promised that, when we are focused on the correct things and when we are committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect PEACE,” regardless of the circumstances! For the past two years, I have ended each daily devotional with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires TRUE FOCUS on what is real and just and edifying to God! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My Heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, And now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed, O God on Thee, My eyes are now on things above, From worldly yokes, PRAISE GOD I’m free, I’m running o’er with joy and love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s Voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, Upon the prize that lies before; All other claims will reject, My heart is fixed forevermore. No Longer tossed upon the waves, Of sin and doubt, but now I sail; Within the Life Boat, Jesus Saves, No Storms against me shall prevail!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY FOR 01/09/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JACKSON MORGAN
TRIUMPH
January 9 Triumph 2 Corinthians 2:14
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.
***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 thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
Many years ago, I played on a softball team that started out, well, the worst team in the entire softball league (we lost every game the entire season). The next year, we had a new coach, and he taught us to “have a good time and enjoy the game!” For the next 3 years, we won every game, and the folks began to expect a win from us. The last game of the season had arrived, and we were ready to play ball. After the dust settled, we had lost a hard-fought game by 1 run. As we were walking off the field, I heard a lady say, “What a way to end the season… what a waste!!” A bit later, at the Pizza Party, for the team, I heard this same woman say that “Winning is not just the most important thing, it is the only thing!” We had won 35 straight games, yet she was saying that that was not enough. Guess What? Life is like a Game. We have victories and defeats and ups and downs. I think of ole Solomon. He was one of the biggest winners of all time, yet it was not enough. Think about the “Rich Young Ruler” that approached Christ with the question of his future. He seemed to have it all, but his soul was empty and bankrupt, and the answer that Jesus gave him, made him sad. He had great riches, and, apparently, to him, Jesus was not enough. Daddy used to say that “Folks will always be restless and dissatisfied, until they “Rest in Him!” Our Triumph, Our Joy, Our Happiness will always depend on our Relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Reflecting on the current social and political situations that exist, I remind you that, whether in victory or defeat, our Hope is found in the Love of God, and not in and of this world! The world will never be satisfied because it is empty and void of any real and lasting Hope! Our Hope; is found in HIM! When we “Rest in Him,” we are VICTORIOUS! As Followers of Christ, WE ARE TRIUMPHANT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S FOR JANUARY 8, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHAY TO:
DONNA SMITH
SAMANTHA CREECH
ALLISON STATON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO GEORGE & JANE STRICKLAND…EVEN THOUGH MR. GEORGE IS IN HEAVEN, THIS LOVESTORY STILL GOES ON TODAY…WE LOVE YOU “MISS” JANE!
PRAYING ALWAYS...
January 8 Praying Always… 1 Chronicles 16:11
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.
***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… “Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)
We were in the mountains of North Carolina, a few years ago, with the purpose of renewal and refreshing. The past several weeks had taken its toll on me, and I was just going through the motions, with no power and enthusiasm and my prayer life was suffering. It was one of those times when I had placed everything in front of Prayer Time and was just casually engaging in prayer. Annette said, “We need some down time!” She has a God-Given ability to discern when I am about to “Burn Out!” So, to the mountains we went! We enjoyed going to various “flea markets” around the local area, and this trip was no different. In one of the stores, I spotted a pair of roller skates that you put over your shoes and I purchased them. My mind went back to those days of my youth, and I could envision me skating around the carport as soon as we returned to the house. Sure enough, I put the skates on, tightened the skates, with the key, and stood upright. Ok, all is well! So, I slowly eased off from the spot where I stood. Thoughts of my agility and my joy in skating, came rushing into my mind, and as quickly as it entered, it exited. The thoughts of my youthful skill and pleasure of skating were quickly replaced with the reality that I was falling! Sure enough, my knees met the concrete and my, not so youthful body, told my mouth to groan! As I removed the skates and tossed them into the bushes, I realized that, if I was going to enjoy skating, I would have to do it more often, maybe, even every day, in order, to receive the joy that I had remembered. As I was sitting on the cold concrete, I had a moment of clarity! If I expected my Prayer Life to be fulfilling and effective, and if I were to receive the Power to serve God and to obey His commands, then, I, like this skating, need to do it more often! If I wanted my relationship with God to be more meaningful and if I wanted to serve Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then I was going to have to pray “Constantly!” I got up, dug the skates from the bushes, and told myself, “I’ll skate some more tomorrow, but right now, I am going to pray!” Every time that I have sags or down times, spiritually, it is because I fail to “Seek the LORD and His Strength!” PRAISE GOD! He has shown me that the Power that I operate in; is activated, at its greatest effectiveness, when I am constantly in prayer! The more that I pray, the stronger I become!! The stronger that I become, the more I need to Pray! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S FPR JANUARY 07, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
FRANCELINE PRICE
SAMANTHA HUNTER
SADIE BATTEN
CONTINUE LEARNING
January 7 Continue Learning Proverbs 1:5
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.
***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 wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” (Proverbs 1:5)
Have you ever heard the statement that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” I am here to tell you that God can and does teach old dog’s new tricks! It is important for believers to continue to seek His face and to continue to “dig” deep into His Holy Word, and to continue to learn and to experience His Grace and to be prepared to share and teach about His Love and His Amazing Grace! One thing that my Daddy hammered into my head, was the fact that knowing something in our minds and knowing how to apply it or, doing it, are two different things! Folks, God expects us to continue to grow in His Grace and in our Knowledge of Him, with the goal of increasing our “closeness” to Him and to enhance our relationship and to be “effective” witnesses for Him. We must be “Life-Long” Learners, and we must continue to Learn about Him and to continue to Lean on Him and continue to Grow in Him and to experience the “Abundant Living” that He has ordained for us to experience! What God does with you is up to you! It always has, and it always will! Keep Learning, Keep Loving, Keep Experiencing, Keep Sharing, Keep Enjoying His Bounty, and Never, Ever, stop Growing in Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WE HAVE A CHOICE
January 6 We Have A Choice Joshua 24:15
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.
***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… “If you don’t want to serve the Lord, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)
There is one overriding fact: God has invited us to be a part of His Kingdom, to be “Forgiven” through Jesus Christ, to embrace His Love and Grace, to serve Him and to be saved! There is no mistake in His invitation to us! God loved us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins, and He loved us enough to ensure that our lives would be secure, through the Holy Spirit, and He has provided redemption and Grace! He is clear in what He asks of us, and His offer to us is clear! God has left the choice to us! I find it amazing that God has left the choice to us! He loves us, He has provided relief and redemption, He has offered complete salvation, yet He has left it up to us! It is incredible that He has “moved heaven and earth” for us to be in a relationship with Him, and the decision is ours to accept or reject! So much of this life is a done deal! We cannot choose how tall we are, or how large we are, or if we will have a small nose or a “honker!” Praise God! We can, and must, choose where we will spend eternity! This is a BIG choice, this is a CRITICAL decision, and He has left it up to us!
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” You make decisions every day and the only real and true and lasting and MOST IMPORTANT decision is WHO ARE YOU GOING TO SERVE! But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRHTDAY'S FOR JANUARY 6, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BRIAN BAILEY
DALE DRIVER