LIBERTY
July 4 Liberty Galatians 5:13
**HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
Today, we celebrate the 246th Anniversary of the establishment of our great Republic. Two- and one-half centuries ago, our Founding Fathers began an experiment that has survived great challenges and amazing difficulties yet is still the greatest country to have ever existed! We are not perfect, but our system of governance has been designed to flex and to improve over time. I am so very thankful to be living in the USA. We still enjoy the freedom to worship our God and we continue to enjoy the right to assemble for the purpose of worshipping our God. Our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of acknowledging their dependence on Almighty God, and the desire for those who chose to follow Christ, would be free to pursue that goal. Thomas Jefferson, in the beginning words of the Declaration of Independence, concluded with these words that have inspired me, ever since I read them, many years ago… “— And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” The Constitution of the United States is our human governing document for the well-being of our peoples. For the Christian, our Guiding Document is the Holy Bible! Within the pages of this Living Word, are found the freedoms and responsibilities that we must conform to and act upon. Our Document of Freedom is God’s Holy Word! I celebrate the Liberty and independence that we enjoy as citizens of the United States, but I embrace and Praise God for the “Dependence” that I have through His Holy Word and His Shed Blood for me! God’s Holy Word and my claiming God’s Love and Grace for my life, is my Declaration of DEPENDENCE on Him! Thank you God for the USA! Thank you God for Jesus! Thank you God for Your sustaining Love! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! HAPPY INDEPENCENCE DAY AMERICA! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
STAY ALERT, BE READY!
July 3 Stay Alert, Be Ready… 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
My dear friend, Reverend Ricky Anderson, has told me of his experiences of standing on the hillside and looking over into the most famous battlefield that exists, the Valley of Jezreel. It is more commonly known as the Valley of Armageddon! As a student of history, I know that the first recorded battle took place there, and the exciting news is that the Last Battle fought on this earth will happen right there! This is a famous battlefield, yet the most common and most used battlefield in in our hearts and minds! The Apostle Paul gives clear instructions to cover ourselves with the breastplate of Faith and Love, and to protect our minds with the helmet of Salvation! Listen, the instructions from Paul are applicable to our lives today! Faith ushers into our lives, the righteousness of Christ, and this Love allows us to share it with others! This Hope of Salvation, that Paul speaks about, protects our minds and is a true source of encouragement! Listen Closely!!! Every single day, Satan is actively engaged in the battle for your thoughts and your very heart! He is seeking control, so that he can cause others to doubt and to stumble along this life! THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE VICTORY AND TO SERVE GOD, IS TO REMAIN ALERT AND TO BE READY FOR THE BATTLE! There is no doubt, WE ARE IN A BATTLE FOR THE VERY SOUL OF MAN! Get Ready, Be Ready and “Armor Up!” “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay Ready…The Battle is at hand! Victory is ours, through the Blood of Jesus! REMEMBER: THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 2, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROL FLOWERS
JOANN HOCUTT
JACOB MORRIS
MARC SCOTT
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
HORACE & BETTY SHIRLEY
HIS Great Love...
July 2 HIS Great Love… John 15:13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
In 1 John 4:8, John wrote to the early church that “God is Love!” Christianity is the only earthly belief system that, has at its foundation, the reality of Loving One Another! Love is the key. Love is the central part of our God’s very nature and existence. It is because of God’s amazing Love that He sought a vital relationship with sinful men and women, even at the cost of His Only Begotten Son. It was this GREAT LOVE that brought Jesus to the Cross, and it was this amazing Love that Jesus demonstrated, on that old Cross, is the reality of God’s GREAT LOVE for us! So, when Jesus says that; “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” it is a statement of our requirement to Love God and our Neighbor! Our Jesus, willingly and with divine purpose, went to the Cross and suffered and died for our sins and this is the Greatest Act of Love that the world has ever known!! Jesus came because God Loves us and Jesus, in His Love for Mankind, was willing to be the one, true, and final blood sacrifice for our sins! That, my friends, is LOVE. I am excited to be a part of that “Shed Blood Experience” and to call Jesus, friend. As my friend, I am in communication with Him, and to have Him share in my burdens, and grateful that He intercedes, with the Father, on my behalf. The reality is clear, we are to Love God, Embrace and claim His Love through Jesus and to GO and SHARE this LOVING RELATIONSHIP and this LOVING FRIENDSHIP with everyone that we meet!! Thank you God for Loving me enough to “Lay Down Your Son’s Life For ME!” IT IS ALL ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR US!! DO YOU REALLY LOVE HIM? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
OUR COMMISSION
July 1 “Our Commission” John 20:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
Picture the scene, Jesus has been crucified and the Disciples were afraid that the same mob that falsely accused and beat Him and crucified Him, would be coming for them. They quickly gathered in one room, behind a securely bolted door. Amazingly and miraculously, their entire situation was about to change: “Jesus came and stood in the midst. (v19) … Can you imagine? Their fear was replaced with shock and amazement. The first words that Jesus spoke to these fearful followers were so appropriate: “PEACE BE WITH YOU!” Jesus came to fulfill His mission for humankind and the Holy Scriptures clearly tells us that God, the Father, sent Jesus, His Son, into this sinful world, in order to make it possible for we, as sinful man, to be forgiven and to re-establish our relationship with God, the Father. It is here and now, that Jesus commissions His Disciples to go into this sinful world, with the mission of telling others about the Love of God and the miraculous power of Jesus to have conquered Death and Sin and through His Grace, that they, too, could be saved. Jesus prepared His Disciples for the struggle and task ahead. He breathed on them, and He gave them a taste of the Power that would be coming at Pentecost: THE HOLY SPIRIT! Folks, God’s Love, and the sacrifice of Jesus is for us, even today! Just as Jesus commissioned His Disciples to go into the world and share Jesus, we too, have that same commission, right now, right here, today! He promised that we would not be “Comfortless,” that is, we would not be “Powerless!” The Holy Spirit provides the guidance and the Power and the Presence to carry out this “GREAT COMMISSION!” Sharing Jesus IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PREACHER; IT IS FOR EVERY BELIEVER! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 30, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
WILLIAM & VICKIE HOCUTT
JIMMIE & TAMMY NARRON
BJ & MICHELLE SMITH
STACY & LORI BUNN
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
June 30 Standards of Behavior 1 John 3:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)
“It’s my way or the highway!” “I’ll take my toys and go home!” As I observe the lawlessness and the blatant disregard for the “rule of law,” in the United States, and the insane notion of “nilly willy” changing the laws to accommodate the evil and sinful behaviors of those who would have our nation to be a land of “feelings,” versus a Land of Laws and Civil Behavior! Wow! Just a week ago, a major network anchor called for the abolishing of the Supreme Court because he didn’t like the ruling coming from the High Court! The constitutional right of owning and bearing arms is under assault! The recent shootings at Ross Elementary School, and the various shootings around the country have caused our political leaders to feel that something must be done to keep this from happening again! I agree! However, without common sense and a reality check, an emotional reaction, or a “I must do something to address this” attitude, we will continue to have these displays of evil, violent, and lawless behaviors to occur! Sadly, the reality of 21st century America is a disregard for law, civil behavior, and the attitude of “Tolerance,” if it fits into a narrow political and radical reformation of our society. When there are no standards of acceptable behavior, then anything goes, and that is exactly what the Satan driven political folks want to be reality. From my perspective, as a Christian, we, as a society, have cultivated these attitudes and their results. Fascinatingly, we continue to pass laws to restrict behavior for certain “unacceptable at the moment” behaviors, while, at the same time, embracing and codifying other behaviors, as long as, these behaviors are promoting and perpetuating our narrow agenda of “Lawlessness”! This debate will continue to rage until God puts a stop to it, when Jesus Christ returns to establish His Kingdom! Dear Friends, just be aware of the evil that is growing! Be aware of the radical, evil attitudes of Anti-Christian, Anti-Law, Anti-American behaviors and understand that Satan and his minions will continue to preach this chaos and will continue to cause havoc among men and women, until Jesus returns. So, what do we do? We claim a relationship with Jesus Christ! We study His Holy Word and we put His word into practice, in our lives! We pray for each other, our leaders (even though they are opposed to everything that you hold dear), and you continue to share the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible! Focus on what is real and just and honest and is edifying to our Savior and Lord! This world is not my home, I am just passing through! Oh yeah…some will be offended by this statement, however, we are told, in the scriptures, that folks do not want the “Light of Truth” to shine on them, because “men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 26, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROL BAILEY
DAVID HUGHES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BRANDON & CRYSTAL BAKER
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & TRUTH
June 29 Worship in Spirit & Truth John 4:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” (John 4:24)
Jesus was in a discussion with the Samaritan woman, and she realized that Jesus was a prophet, and she pointed out the issues related to the Jews and the Samaritans. The Jews worshipped in Jerusalem and the Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, in their own Temple, and that the Samaritans did not have the same access to worship God. Jesus told this woman that there was coming a day when all peoples could worship the Father anywhere and everywhere, as long, as they worshipped Him in “Spirit & Truth!” Folks, God could care less about a person’s heritage, color, gender, or race! He expects worship and He expects us to be obedient to His call. He knows our motives for worship, and He knows our motives for going to worship. Do we worship out of a sense of Duty or Joy? What God requires and what God expects, in our worship, is a heart that is fully and completely devoted to Him!! As long, as God tarries, and as long, as the opportunity exists for corporate worship, may we remain faithful in our prayer life and may we continue to ask God for His guidance and for His Spirit to direct our worship! We MUST worship God with an OPEN HEART and a SENSE of EXPECTATION. Jesus puts it this way… ““God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” Does that include you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
CLUTTER-FREE
June 28 Clutter Free Matthew 6:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
For many years, my parents were busy making their lives simple. I would ask why they were doing one thing or another, and Mama would always say, “The simpler the better!” What did that mean? Well, as I approach my “Golden Years,” I am all about the simplicity of life. I have observed the lives of great people of God and their lives were characterized by simplicity. So many years, I have lived in a hurry to succeed and to make a mark in life. Thank God that I have discovered that the most powerful and directed life is one that knows where it is going and recognizes the source of power and becomes clutter free and is focused, and not in a hurry! Daddy used to say that you could be busy digging a ditch with a spoon and accomplish very little. Let me point out that being busy is by no means, a sin. Jesus, Paul, Peter, Matthew, were busy, and very little is accomplished without effort and work and the weariness that comes from the labor. Now, if your business is dedicated to the accumulation of stuff that are empty and shallow and hold no eternal significance, well that can’t please God, so, it might qualify as sin! I know what it is to be tired and weary in the pursuit of things that do not satisfy and have zero eternal value. My passions and my possessions, that activated my pride, were all empty and dead things in my life. Folks, I am 100% committed to being busy for my Lord! I am constantly “De-Cluttering” my life and continuing to focus on what is edifying to my Savior! Please, do not follow after, seeking “dead” stuff, when our “Living” is promised, when we seek things, that are above. Is your life cluttered with temporal and earthly stuff and are you busy digging a ditch with a spoon? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Live Clutter-Free…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-print)
IN TIMES LIKE THESE
June 27 In Times Like These… 2 Timothy 3:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1)
So, what are we to do when “Perilous” times happen? I truly and fully believe that we are living in the last days before Jesus returns and I want to encourage you with a song that says it all… In Times Like These…
In times like these, you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
In times like these you need the Bible
In times like these o be not idle
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
In times like these, I have a Savior
In times like these, I have an anchor
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock…
My dear daddy, in every sermon that he preached, declared to all who would listen, the intense need to “Anchor Deep,” in the power and promises of Almighty God! So, I am following the call, and declaring before you to “Anchor Deep,” and hold on…Stay close to God, Read His Word, Share His Grace and Keep Looking to the Eastern Sky for His Sudden and Miraculous Appearing! It is going to happen, and I am going to be ready? Are you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…SURELY, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
SHARPEN EACH OTHER
June 26 “Sharpen Each Other…” Proverbs 27:17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
We are not travelling alone, in this world, and, even though, there are times when, being alone, is healthy, we are called to build friendships and relationships that improve each participant and to be an encourager of each other. This verse from Proverbs, produces a clear and strong image of our responsibility towards each other. Do you have “Iron” in your life? Who is it that “Sharpens” you? Iron rubbed against another piece of iron, and it will become sharp, even as it sharpens the other piece. The best of Christ-centered relationships will be like two pieces of iron. A quality relationship will be based on growth in Christlikeness and “Lifting” one another up and “Edifying” Christ, in the growing relationship. Many have said that they didn’t need to go to church to be a Christian, and that is, on the face of it, correct, yet, we miss so much of what God has ordained for us to use and enjoy, in our growth process. True Christian friends will not allow falsehoods to exist within the friendship, nor within the friend. True Christian friends will love one another enough to say what needs to be said, ask tough questions, and expect the same from the other. True Christian friends will “encourage one another all the more as the day approaches” (Heb 10:25). I am grateful for my dear Christian Brother, Ricky Anderson, who has always provided the “Iron” that I need to stay “Sharp” and to keep focused on Growing in Christ! Who is your “Iron?” God has established the plan for each of us to lift-up and to edify each other and continue to grow is our relationship with Christ. Remember, to have a friend, you must be a friend!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
THE IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE
June 25 The Impossible Made Possible Mark 10:27
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
I absolutely love this promise from my Savior! There are times, especially in recent days, that I have been bewildered and overwhelmed by the challenges of the day and have had a sense of being defeated and I Praise God that this promise of God, spoken by my Savior, has brought me back to the reality of my living! When I remember God’s great Love for me, and all of the promises that He provides and the necessity to be what He has called me to be, well, all of the blues and defeated attitudes simple disappear and I am ready and re-energized to take on the impossible, directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit! Alone, I am weak, but through my God, I have strength to overcome and to live for Him with power and assurance and with the humanly impossible, becomes absolutely and totally possible through my God! 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, mu Lord and Savior. He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I thank Him every day!” I continue to Praise God for making the IMPOSSIBLE, completely POSSIBLE, in my walk with Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
TRUST GOD
June 24 Trust God Romans 6:23
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“I have some good news and some bad news; which do you want first?” All of us have heard this before, and it always creates a dilemma. Which do we want first? Good and bad exists! In Romans 6:23, it is handled the way that I want news… First, the Bad News: “The Wages of Sin is DEATH!” DEATH is the complete separation from God and the terrible state of darkness. Our sins have a price, and apart from God, that price is our DEATH! Without God, there is extremely Bad News for our future… Complete and total separation from the Hope of Glory! Alright, hold on… the story does not end here! The Good News is, indeed, Good News! It is very Good News: “The Gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus!” Do you see it? The Good News is that, through Jesus Christ, He completely reverses the DEATH process, and the very moment that we trust Christ for our salvation and for our redemption, and the Spirit becomes active and alive in us, and we experience the “Life” activating Grace of His Love, then we experience the Good News! PRAISE GOD! Our physical death is not the end, just the beginning! It is the doorway to our entrance into eternity, into Heaven and into the presence of Almighty God! NOW, THAT IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 23, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LANCE RICE
SHORTAGES?
June 23 Shortages? Philippians 4:19
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 nineteen months, we have gone from bounty to shortages! Shortages of basic goods and shortages of hospitality workers, Lifeguards, and shortages of automobiles and shortages of gasoline and shortages of certain meats and poultry and shortages of almost everything that we have come to expect that would always be available. Where have the workers gone? Where have the chickens gone? Have we had a sudden and dramatic drop in the population? Why are we dealing with inadequate supplies of goods and services? Shortages of airline pilots, and shortages of police officers (in reality, who would want to be a police officer in this environment of anti-police and pro-violence and selective outrage and acceptance of lawlessness?) We are told that it is the COVID 19 virus pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and its effects on the world economy. Really? This virus is responsible for individuals, choosing not to be employed? How are these folks paying their bills? Is this virus responsible for the lack of available goods and services? Why are we dependent for our gasoline supply from a country that has been our antagonist, for decades? The conversation in the Walmart, recently, 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!” Just a few days ago, the President expressed a warning that there could be food shortages in America, soon! 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!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 22, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SUE CLINE MACK
SALLY “Gorgeous” POSCH
WHO WILL YOU SERVE?
June 22 Who Will You Serve? 1 Kings 18:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, how long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21)
You cannot ride two horses at the same time! Can we have one foot in the church and one foot in the world, and expect to survive successfully? Remember the old statement of, “having your cake and eating it?” Friends, this attitude and reality is akin to straddling a fence! God’s word, in Revelation 3:15-16, tells us exactly how God feels about “fence straddling!” “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Satan is active and he is presenting many “shiny” distractions! Sadly, we are pursuing false gods of money, position, power, materialism, and pleasure, while paying “lip Service” to Almighty God! IT IS TIME TO MAKE A DECISION!! It is time to come down off the fence and decide as to whom your will serve! THIS IS NOT A GAME, and YOUR ETERNAL FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!