OUR WORDS, OUR THOUGHTS, OUR ACTIONS
February 25 Our Words, Our Thoughts, Our Actions Psalm 19:14
OBSERVATION OF REALITY: No generation can say they are completely free from the threat of war. Jesus spoke of the inevitability of conflict when he prophesied of the signs of his coming. He said in the Gospel of Matthew: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8)… THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN AND IT IS NOT AS FAR OFF AS IT USED TO BE! Now is the time to get thing right between you and our Savior, Jesus Christ!! (Pastor Glen Brock)
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Have you ever spoke in haste and were sorry for the words that you used? Have you ever thought about something, and dwelled upon it, until you made it become reality? Is it necessary for the Believer to control our speech and to control our thoughts? The Psalmist is asking for Divine intervention in controlling his words and his thoughts! It is, absolutely, necessary for the Believer to control and to govern the words from our mouths and we must control and govern our thoughts! This is a tough pair! What we think, will ultimately, come out of our mouths! God is our Father, Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit is our Strength and Our Guide! We MUST be careful what we think and what we say! Our witness for Jesus and the proclamation of His Word requires that we control our thoughts and words! In Philippians 4:8, Paul expressed a need to be in control of out thoughts and our words! He said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” What are you thinking about right this minute? What words are ready to leave your mouth? Because of your thoughts, what actions are you about to engage in? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
STAND STRONG
February 24 Stand Strong 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
There are days, when I want to pull the covers over my head and refuse to face the challenges of the present day! Have you ever felt that way? The Apostle Paul, in today’s scripture passage, describes the realities of ministerial life. We, as “Born Again” Believers, have a responsibility to witness and to live for Jesus, so that lost folk will see Jesus in us! I am here to tell you that, so very often, the task can be difficult! I continue to remind myself that I am only required to witness and share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, not to “Save” folks! Jesus’ selfless act at Calvary and the Promised Holy Spirit, oversee, the “Saving” part! This evil and perverse world is absolutely opposed to the Love of God and Satan is prepared to challenge us, at every moment and about everything! Satan is so pleased when we, as representatives of the Love of God, become discouraged and weary in out righteous responsibilities. At that exact moment, Satan has his best opportunity to “Steal our Witness!” The message is short, today!! DO NOT ALLOW SATAN TO STEAL YOUR JOY, YOUR ENTHUSIAM, YOUR VISION, NOR STEAL YOUR JOY!! Paul said it and I am attempting (through the Holy Spirit) to live it… “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Remember the “Victory Principle!” “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, the joy of life. All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. He has given me the ‘VICTORY PRINCIPLE’ for which I thank Him every day!!” NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA CREECH
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR 02/23/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MARY PAT HICKS
AMY CREECH WATTS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TODAY IS THE 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FOR LARRY & OTHELL PRICE. WE ARE GOING TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE TODAY AND THEIR LIFE TOGETHER! PLEASE PRAY FOR MR. LARRY & THE ENTIRE FAMILY…
THE FULLNESS OF GOD
February 23 “The FULLNESS of GOD” Ephesians 3:19
**Today is the Wedding Anniversary (65 years) for Larry & Othell Price, and the day that we are celebrating “Miss” Othell’s life. Please pray for Mr. Larry and the entire family.
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
Love is the greatest thing that man has ever experienced! When I think of the depth of the Love of God, for humanity, and His expression of that Love, through the sacrifice of His Only Son, Jesus, I am amazed and grateful! This Love, the Love of Jesus Christ, is not something that we can achieve, it is something that we receive! The fact of the matter is this: We could never figure out or even come to know Him in a personal and intimate way through our human intellect. PRAISE GOD! Our Heavenly Father determined to use the Divine Message of His Love, displayed on the Cross of Calvary, to bring us into a true and lasting relationship with Him! His Great Love purchased our Salvation, and that same Love secured our eternity! This Love has the power to do anything! Friends, God’s Love is enough! There is absolutely nothing lacking about His Love! We cannot add to or take away from this Love! I am excited to realize that this Love, the Love of God, has the power to change me, to keep me and to guide and empower me to face the challenges of this current age! Regardless of what I face, I am encouraged, like the Apostle Paul, when he declared in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Isn’t it an amazing thing to know the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, and to understand that nothing can and will ever change this Love! Regardless of the circumstances, problems, difficulties, the Love of God is not altered or diluted! His Great Love fills my longings and fills every need and completes my living! Please Lord, remind me, each day, that I am more than a conqueror through the Love of God through my savior, Jesus Christ! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"BLESSED ASSURANCE"
February 22 “Blessed Assurance” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
**Overnight, Russia began the invasion of Ukraine. Unfortunately, there seems to be little, if anything, that the Western Powers can do about the aggression. What we can do is to PRAY! This is one more example of the Prophecy being fulfilled! **
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
I am excited that my Savior, Jesus Christ, is coming again! By faith, I am believing that everyone that belongs to Him is going to be “caught up,” and will be in His Presence, along with all of those who have gone before us! I do not know when, yet I am excited about the reality of His return! When I reflect on the evil and chaotic world, that we live in, and the challenges to serve God in the middle of all this insanity, I embrace the reality of His return and the exciting times that are just ahead! I am committed to living a life that represents the Love of God and His amazing Gift of Grace, so that we can live eternally, with Him. I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be, however, through His Grace and Forgiving Love, I am attempting to serve Him and to grow in His Grace and Knowledge and to apply it to my living and my witness for Him. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I am attempting to live my life to honor Him and to serve Him and to continue to anticipate the day when I will see Him in the fullness of His Glory! That might be through death, or it might be when I “rise” to meet Him in the sky, yet, for me, I am excited and anticipating the assurance that it will be one or the other! PRAISE GOD! My eternity is set! My home is in Heaven, and I am affirming God’s Grace and sustaining Power for my living, right here, right now! As I face the challenges of living in this sinful and evil world, I am claiming His Power and His Provision and His “BLESSED ASSURANCE!” Through the Power of Almighty God, I WILL see my Jesus, in the fullness of Time! Be Encouraged…Be Ready… Be Bold… Stay Strong…Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PEACE
February 21 “PEACE” Philippians 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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Today’s world, with its chaos and unrest and the challenges and sinful ways, creates unrest and disharmony in our living. Our God recognized the need of mankind for “Peace” and the ability to live above the circumstances. Jesus died on the cross to make “Peace” between us and God! Jesus promised His disciples that He was giving His “Peace,” not the peace of the world, but the “PEACE” from the Blessed Holy Spirit! The Apostle Paul is encouraging the Philippians to receive this “Peace” through faithful prayer! Friends, we need to pray, pray in faith and believing that God will answer our petitions! In Isaiah 26:3, it says, “You will keep in perfect ‘Peace’ those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You!” If we are to have real and sustained “Peace,” we must focus our minds on the one that is in control of everything! God did not ordain us to be “anxious!” As a Born-Again Believer, being anxious, is an indication that we are out of our new normal way of life! That old nature is filled with anxiety and fear and woe is me thoughts, yet our new, redeemed nature rises above this, to claim His “Peace” for our lives! In the verses preceding this passage, Paul encouraged the Philippians to “pray,” in every situation, and do it with “Thanksgiving,” and he said that the “Peace” of God would guard our hearts and our minds! This world is going to continue to become more evil and more difficult and more perverse and more anti-God! Do not fear! God has promised that in the middle of all of this chaos and despair, we have the ability to transcend the challenges and to overcome the issues! PRAISE GOD! He has, through the Grace of Jesus Christ, the power to overcome the issues and to embrace the “PEACE” of God that will keep our Hearts and our Minds! Pray – Believe – Pray – Receive – Pray – Enjoy! His “Peace” transcends our understanding, yet He provides this amazing Power to walk through this Evil World with His “Peace,” and the assurance of His redeeming Grace! Please do not let the present evil and all that goes with it, in any way, separate you from your birthright, as a redeemed child of God! His “Peace” drives away the “Anxiety” of this old world! Choose God, Choose Peace and Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY FOR FEBRUARY 20, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ZACHARY JONES
HOW TO DEFEAT SATAN
February 20 “How to Defeat Satan” James 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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
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 that? My dear Mother had an amazing ability to know when I was thinking up a way to get into trouble and to, as she would put it, “aggravate the stew out of her.” “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, what I heard, the way I spoke, what I spoke and my actions, both in public and in private! “Mama, can I go with ‘so in so’ to the party?” “NO!” “Why?” “Because it don’t look good!” 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, then LEAVE IT ALONE!!! What God does with you, depends upon what you do! It Always Has; It Always Will!! Be Sure, Be Productive, Resist the Devil, and continue to share the Love of God with everyone that you meet! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAROLYN BROWN!
PERSPECTIVE
February 19 “Perspective” Zechariah 9:17
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty!” (Zechariah 9:17)
Have you ever gotten up on the “wrong side of the bed?” At that point, you decide that you are going to have a “bad day!” Well, there have been days like that for me, and there are times when I have accepted the misery and didn’t do anything to change the circumstances, and when that happened, I really did have a “bad day!” A few days ago, I was visiting at Rex Hospital, and I ran into an old pastor friend, and I could tell that he was troubled. I asked the standard question, “How are you doing?” The response caused me to stop and stare at him. “Not worth a darn, to be truthful!” “What’s going on brother?” He replied, “I got up this morning and the coffee pot was broken, then I slipped in the shower and bruised my leg, and then my wife called and told me that she had just been fired from her job and I went out to my truck, and it would not start!” Wow! I grabbed him by the hand and told him that we were going to pray, right now, right here in the hallway of Rex Hospital! He looked a little puzzled, yet he didn’t resist, so I began to pray, out loud, for a transformation of his perspective and his attitude! At the conclusion of the prayer, I opened my eyes and, believe it or not, five other people had stopped and gathered around us as we prayed! My brother had tears in his eyes, and he told me that he was so grateful for running into me and that he just needed a reality check! “I forgot that He promised that He would see us through, and I was so focused on the issues that I forgot the blessings!” Dear Friends, in this life, there will be challenges and trials and irritations and frustrations and a host of other issues, yet we are to stay focused on the “BIG” Picture and to claim His Power, Provision, Presence, and His Grace, in everything that we do and experience! “For how great, is His goodness, and how great is His beauty!” Let this be your guiding thought and may your “Attitude” be defined by His Presence in your life! Remember, stuff happens, yet as a Believer, we are the children of the King, who is not moved by the issues and trials of this world. For our God is with us and He goes before us, and we need not fear, because we are HIS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BE BOLD...
February 18 BE BOLD… Matthew 12:20-21
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory; And in His name Gentiles will trust.” (Matthew 12:20-21)
Have you ever felt abused or “beat-up” when you share your faith with others? Well, there was a time when I would share Jesus with someone, that I felt abused and ill-used! Every one of us have failed and fallen short of His standards, yet He loves us anyway, and will use us to complete His mission for humanity! Dear Friends, I want to encourage you to share your faith, period! When I think of a man that shared Jesus, in the face of his own shortcomings, my mind goes to Peter! Peter had failed miserably at sharing his faith and he even went further by denying that he knew Jesus! In the book of Acts, there was a change in ole Peter. He stood flatfooted and declared to the masses: “Let it be known to you all, and to the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole! (Acts 4:10).” Isn’t it amazing! Even though Peter was weak and shaky in his initial sharing of Jesus’ love and grace, he was used by God to be a bold messenger for God and a Bright Light in the darkness of a sinful world! This is what I desire! I want to share my Faith and the source of my Faith, and I want to do it like a roaring fire that spreads across a dry and lifeless field! Please Lord, make my heart willing and my mouth anointed, to carry Your Good News to everyone that I meet! Alright Fellow Believers – BE BOLD, BE DELIBERATE, BE FAITHFUL, BE ENGAGED AND BE A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK AND SINFUL WORLD! Never, ever feel abused or beat down; God provides, and we must embrace His Power and KEEP SHARING UNTIL WE SEE HIM AROUND THE THRONE IN HEAVEN! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY'S, ANNIVERSARIES FOR 02/17/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SANDY TRIPPE
SUTTON BOYETTE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
PAUL & CAROLYN BROWN
ATTITUDE FOR LIVING
February 17 ATTITUDE for LIVING Psalm 100
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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 truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100)
How should we as Children of God behave? How are we to conduct our lives on a “day to day” basis? Could it be that we are not embracing the promises of God and that we are demonstrating a lack of His Power and sustaining Grace? I am convinced that our ATTITUDE towards HIS LOVE and HIS SAVING GRACE in our lives, dictates our actions, behaviors, and our words! Listen closely, situations and circumstances of life, change at a moment’s notice, and when our thoughts and attitudes are determined by the shifting status of the events of the day, then we are going to be “Shifty” in our service and praise to our God! Believers, keep looking up, continue to praise God, embrace His promises and what your attitude and your mouth. May every action that you take and every word that you speak honor God and cause one more person to come to His Saving Grace! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! It is your ATTITUDE, not your APTITUDE, that will determine your ALTITUDE!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
SALVATION AND BEYOND ...
February 16 “SALVATION and BEYOND” Philippians 1:6
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
This one scripture tells the complete story of our “Salvation!” Our God begins the miracle work of “Salvation” with the miracle of “His Justification.” Our Justification is the forgiveness of our sins and the offering of a new life that, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, puts us in a proper and restored standing with God! “Salvation” is amazingly exciting, yet it is only the beginning! Praise God! He continues to work in us to transform us into an example of His Holiness! My Daddy cammed this process, “Sanctification!” He used to tell me that God was “all in” on this process, even when we were not! Through rebellion and temptations, our God is committed to complete what He has begun in us! Here is the fact: Our God is so committed to our “Sanctification” that He will discipline and correct us, even allowing directive and correcting problems to come our way! I am excited that God is so invested in my “Salvation,” and the completion of my complete “Sanctification!” The completion of His work in me is the fact that I am going to spend eternity, with Him, in Heaven! Here is where another word becomes real! The Biblical word is “Glorification!” This is when I will be taken up to Heaven and I will have a new body, and I will never again feel the effects of sin or any of the earthly challenges! How exciting to realize that there will be no more sorrow or pain or crying or dying, just the opportunity to “Praise God and to Worship Him in the achievement of true Holiness! I can only imagine the unspeakable joy and the Heavenly presence of Jesus forevermore! I am so very grateful for the selfless act on Calvary that has provided this opportunity for me to be with Jesus and to enjoy an eternity Praising Him and Worshipping the Father, because of the Son! Thank you, God, for your unmerited favor, and for what YOU have done, are doing, and what YOU will do! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Are you in the process of real “Sanctification?” Are you anticipating that day when you will achieve complete “Glorification?” Now is the time! BELIEVE – CONFESS (REPENT) – ASK – RECEIVE…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAY FOR 02/15/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBIE BATTEN!
BEING COMFORTABLE WITH "ME"
,February 15 “Being Comfortable with ME” Galatians 5:1
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 (Parker’s BBQ) will be a part of the celebration. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the festivities.
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
Many years ago, I was looking for a summer job. This particular job was with the electrical engineering department at NC State. I lacked any engineering skills and was ignorant of the working of the job, yet I was interested in having the job. I talked with one of my fellow students, that happened to be an electrical engineering student, and he coached me on what I should say, and he gave me some “Target” words to say that would make me appear as if I had a clue. I rehearsed the speech, and I was so anxious about the interview. Well, the day came, and I went to the interview. A pleasant, young man escorted me into a conference room, and I asked him about the interviewer and the job. I fired off several questions about the activities and requirements of the job, and this young man assured me that this job that I sought was a good summer job. He made me feel comfortable, as I continued to express my enthusiastic desire to do the job. The more that we talked, the more I became comfortable with the prospects of securing the job. Wow! The young man stood up from the table and said, “Welcome aboard!” What? Yes, I had been escorted to the conference room by the actual interviewer, Dr. Frank Kauffman. It was at that moment that I realized that I am at my best when I am myself. Not some rehearsed process, but a real and genuine expression of who I really am. God made me to be just as I am, and I need to embrace it and to use it and to be what He has called me to be! The more that I grow in His Grace, and the more that I exercise that Grace, and the longer that I have the privilege to serve Him, I continue to claim the Freedom that comes from His selfless act at Calvary, and I enjoy being just plain ole Glen. Not trying to copy another human being, just serving God, and being me! Whatever I am to do today, and whomever I meet today, help me Lord to claim Your power, and to be the best “me” that I can be, because of the Freedom that You have provided! I am grateful to my God that I am comfortable in my own skin! Are you attempting to be something other than what God as made you to be? BE REAL! BE TRUE! EMBRACE HIS FREEDOM! SERVE HIM WITH GLADNESS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO STEVE BAILEY!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO GREG & DANIELLE GIDDING; ROGER & MERRIE HOCUTT; MIKE & JEANY O’NEAL
REAL LOVE
February 14 “Real Love” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
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 (Parker’s BBQ) 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… “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)
Today is the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day. For as long as most of us can remember, February, and the 14th of February has been the month of “Love!” I can remember being so excited that I would share a Valentine’s card with each on of my classmates when I was in elementary school. I think that I was most excited about the chocolate hearts that were always around. As I grew older, it became an opportunity to show that special one, just how I felt and might even get a kiss because of it! As an adult, I took on a different position. The perceived obligation to shower your significant other with expensive candy, flowers, and a meal at a “Nice” (code word for expensive) restaurant, were a bit overwhelming for me! The first Valentine’s Day that Annette and I shared, I told her, in advance, that I was not getting candy, flowers or any of that stuff. I prepared a meal at my place, and we had a simple time together, watching TV and talking. By the way, I had rather send flowers or candy on April 7th or May 11th! She would not expect them and that would become a very special moment! I tell this to tell this… God is Love! His Love is a True and Pure and Eternal Love! His Love is not determined by time or space or circumstances or moods or attitudes or ups or downs, or any other earthly challenge! Paul called it “Charity!” We know it as “Love!” The only way to truly “Love” one another, is to embrace the Love of God, through the shed blood of Jesus and His example of Real Love! Share your love with your spouse or friend yet remember the author and creator of “Real Love,” Jesus Christ! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!