FORGIVE, PERIOD!!!
August 22 Forgive, Period! Mark 11:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him.” (Mark 11:25)
Jesus told His Disciples if they truly wanted to access God through their prayers, then they must forgive those that had hurt and abused them. Jesus pointed out that if they were unwilling to forgive their fellowmen, how could they expect to be forgiven by God? Every one of the commands of our God are for our benefit and one of the most important commands is to FORGIVE! Folks, I fully understand the extreme difficulty in forgiving those who have caused hurt and misery for our lives, however, I, also, recognize the liberating effects of forgiveness. I have held grudges and have languished in my “hurt” and every moment that I held on to the offense, I was causing great harm to my own relationship with my Jesus. Again, how can I expect my Lord to forgive me of my sins, when I am unwilling to forgive my offenders? Forgiveness has been one of the most difficult parts of my personal walk with Christ. Listen, when we forgive others, we are laying down the heavy burden of resentment, anger, and broken relationships. In order, for us to grow in Jesus, we must tear down the barriers between us and God. When we forgive, we remove any obstacles for our own forgiveness! We live in a fractured and sinful world. You can count on being hurt and offended by the sinful and un-repented non-believers, and you can count on being hurt by professing believers, along this road of life! By that same logic, we will offend and hurt others, as well! So, WE MUST FORGIVE! FORGIVENESS IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR OUR GROWTH AND IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR OUR FORGIVENESS! To access our God, through prayer, requires our complete forgiveness of others…No If’s, No And’s, No But’s…Just Forgive!! Forgive those who have hurt you and you will see the freeing results of God’s Love, as it is exercised in your behaviors and your attitudes! Let Go of The Hurt and Embrace the Healing that is Found in God’s Example of Forgiving Love: JESUS CHRIST!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 21, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATHY WHEELER
BRENDA TURNER NARRON
"GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GREAT"
August 21 “God is Good, God is Great” Psalm 34:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
When I was a child, I learned to ask the blessing, for our meals, by saying this prayer: “God is Good, God is Great. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we are fed. Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread. Amen.” Little did I know that my parents were instilling in me, the concept and reality that God is Great, and God is Good and that He has the ability and the desire to sustain me and to deliver me, in any situation, from my fears and my challenges and He has the Power to make me an overcomer! I realized that my God is Great, and He loved me enough to send Jesus to be my sacrifice for my sins and that act of Divine Love, is my promise of deliverance! My God is Good and Great, and I rejoice in the fact that I am His and He dwells within, and He sustains and maintains me! He continues to deliver me from my fears and my shortcomings, and He continues to empower me to achieve His purpose for my living! Even though, I use different words to ask for His blessings on the meals that I partake, I still acknowledge His Goodness and Greatness, and I THANK HIM for the food and foe EVERYTHING that HE Does and Is, for me! Seek Him Daily! He promised deliverance! May your attitude reflect His Grace and His Goodness and Greatness! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WATCH YOUR MOUTH
August 20 Watch Your Mouth! Matthew 12:37
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
The earliest memories of my mother’s instructions for living, included this phrase: “WATCH YOUR MOUTH!” She was attempting to help me to navigate through this life with as minimal amount of conflict as possible. Our words can encourage, and they can hurt and destroy. Our words, as believers, should be edifying to God and to others! Psalms 19:14 tells us to, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Amazingly, so often, I have prayed with faith for a blessing or for healing, for myself and others, then I have proceeded to cancel out my prayer with words of doubt and unbelief! There is a story of an area that was so dry, due to a lack of rain, and the townsfolk decided to have a prayer vigil to ask God for rain to cover their area. Nearly all of the citizens showed up for the prayer time, yet only one little boy brought an umbrella! Folks, we have got to grow in Christ and exercise our FAITH and WATCH OUR MOUTHS! James 1:6-8 tells us: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that waver, is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” When we say one thing and act another, then we are demonstrating a “Double Minded Tendency” and we need to walk in FAITH, Talk in FAITH, Live in FAITH and WATCH OUR MOUTH! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 08/19/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
HANNAH HEADRICK
RYAN SCOTT
HE is the ONLY WAY !!!
August 19 HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!! John 3:36
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
Eternal Life is a reality for humanity! Every one of us will live forever, somewhere! For the Believer, Eternal Life is with our Savior, Jesus Christ! Eternal Life is in and about the Son, Jesus! Jesus Christ is not A way to God; HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!! He tells us that those who Believe in Him and Trust in Him and, by Faith, walk in His Way, that we will have Everlasting Life with Him! When we believe, confess our transgressions, ask Him to Save us, then a relationship is established with our Savior! This relationship should grow and mature as we navigate through this life! When we place our Faith and Trust and Hope, in Jesus Christ, for our forgiveness of sin, at that very moment, we begin to experience His Eternal Life! Remember John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Are you walking in relationship with the Savior? Are you growing in His Grace and His Provision, every day? Are you depending on His Promises and His Power to ensure our Eternal Place with Him in Heaven? “Forgive me, Lord, and please give to me Your strength to overcome my own sin and human weaknesses and help me to live a life that is pleasing to YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 18, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TIMOTHY HALE
DO NOT FEAR ...
August 18 DO NOT FEAR… Psalm 27:1-2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.” (Psalm 27:1-2)
The Evil One, that we call Satan, or the Devil, is a bald-faced liar! He goes about lying to people and attempts to demonstrate negativity and defeat to all that will hear and see his workings and activities. Folks, we need to be grounded and founded in God’s Word and keep on reading and memorizing His Word, so that we can resist Satan and thwart his every attempt to cause chaos and confusion and fear, within our lives. It seems to me that Fear is running rampant in our world. Folks appear to be fearful of everything, especially those things that the satanic driven, anti-Christ, vocal minions of Satan are spuing across this land. Isn’t it amazing the direct contrast between God’s Holy Word and the promotions of the Devil! Fear is his weapon, and he is about the job of deceiving and spreading this fear. Global Warming, wait, Climate Change (We are told that this is the greatest threat to humanity that exists) or Critical Race Theory or that One Life Matters Over Another, and all the while, sharing, teaching, and promoting Hatred and Division. The Holy Word of God teaches Love and Acceptance and Reverence and Respect and Focusing on God and not on the things of this world. Please do not allow the popular earthly thought of the day dictate your “Feelings” and dictate your ATTITUDE! I am claiming the Victory and the admonition from God: FEAR NOT!!! So, I am going to continue to serve God, help my Fellow Travelers, and be a “FEARLESS” witness of the goodness and the power of God, to this lost and perverse generation. How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 17, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NATALIA BAILEY
JESSIKA MADJAR
SECURE ON MY JOURNEY
August 17 Secure on My Journey Ephesians 1:13-14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Have you ever been lost? By that, I mean, not knowing where you are and where you are going. We all lose our way, from time to time. Occasionally, I get lost in myself. I get so busy “going,” that I forget where I am going and why I am doing it. Not so long ago, I was in my car, and I was supposed to be headed to Duke, only to realize that I was in the parking deck of UNC Rex. Oops! Praise God, this was a teachable, spiritual lesson. Even though I might have felt lost, I was not lost! When I accepted Christ and He came to dwell within me, He provided an amazing gift of assurance and security for me! The Holy Spirit has moved into my life, and I am excited that He is with me forever! Jesus came to provide forgiveness of our sins and the Holy Spirit is ever-present to lead, guide, correct, transform, equip, remind, and to sustain us in all the trials and “lost-feeling” days ahead, until we stand in the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Listen, we might lose our way, and we might question who we are, but we cannot lose our place among those that are purchased by the shed blood of Jesus! Simply put: WE BELONG TO HIM AND HE HAS PROMISED THAT HE WILL SUSTAIN US AND KEEP US UNTIL THE DAY THAT WE STAND BEFORE HIM IN HEAVEN… So, regardless of my human feelings, I am Safe and Secure in the knowledge that HE HAS ME! So, I must live for Him and Honor His Love, by my actions and words! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Safe…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 16, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
“AUNT” CLARA HOCUTT
BROOKE DILLON
SING PRAISES!!
August 16 Sing Praises! Psalm 147:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” (Psalm 147:1)
There was always music in our house when I was a child. Music was an important part of our living. My Mother loved Southern Gospel Music, and she adored the Happy Goodman Family! Vestal Goodman was her, all-time favorite! Mama would sing the Vestal Goodman favorites in church, and always at home. She would crank-up the stereo and away she would clean and iron and every homemaker task. Our house was filled with music! Now, Daddy would preach the virtues of music, of singing and “making a joyful noise” to the Lord! Daddy’s favorite group was the Chuckwagon Gang! Daddy, to my knowledge, sang only one song, in public, and that was the “Great Speckled Bird!” My parents felt that music was an anchor in times of distress, and a blessing is times of prosperity! It boils down to attitude! I believe that music helps us to focus on God’s Amazing Grace and to live out His intentions for us! On my Daddy’s office wall was a framed statement from a man that also loved music and incorporated it into everything that he attempted to accomplish, for our Lord! This man was St. Francis of Assisi. The framed writing said this: “Make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. Where there is darkness, light.” Believers, what do you say we sing a little more, sow a little more, love a little more, and be an instrument of His purpose? TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
(Regardless of what may come, keep singing, keep believing and never, ever dwell in the past!!)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 15, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MR. BILLY GODWIN (May Your Day be as SPECIAL as YOU! Love You, My Brother)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RAY & CECILIA GARDNER
GIVING
August 15 Giving… Acts 20:35
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
From my earliest recollections, I was shown the need to be a “Giver.” Mama was, absolutely, adamant that we should help the less fortunate and do it boldly and with conviction. When anyone, and I mean, anyone, was down or in need, in our little community, Barbara was the first on the scene to help, in her special way. When I think back, Mama was the “Original First Responder” for the Spring Bank Community! I often think about the witness and the lessons that she taught me, even when she was just being “Barbara!” I can hear her now, “Giving is better than receiving!” I was truly convinced that my dear sweet mother had slipped her cog, yet, when I witnessed the joy that was hers when she would prepare one of her amazing meals or bake her famous “Carrot Cake,” or slip a few dollars to one in need, I saw the expression of satisfaction and completeness in my mother! By the way, there were times that we were the needy, yet, for Mama, we were blessed, and we had a spiritual responsibility to honor God’s Word! Mama was a living and working example of the scripture passage for today! Dear Friends, we have a responsibility, to help one another and we are instructed to love one another, and we are expected to help the weak and less fortunate and we are to do it, not out of some obligation, but from a heart that is faithful and from a position of Obedience. I am grateful for my “Living “example, of God’s meaning of “It is more blessed to give, than to receive!” There is a clear fact that is evident in serving others! When we are engaged in helping our fellowman, then we are not focused on our own issues and our own misery! Get busy serving God!! Devote your time to making a difference. Follow, the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, and be active in your “Giving!” Folks, every time that I want to “Shut Down,” and “Close Out” everyone, I remember the words of my mother, and the witness of God’s Word through her actions, I get up and get busy, busy for my Lord! FACT: If you are seeking understanding, in this chaotic world, then dedicate yourself to understanding others. If you are seeking comfort in this life, then dedicate yourself to providing comfort for others. If you are seeking a greater level of Faith, then dedicate yourself to sharing Jesus and to planting the seeds of Faith, in others! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting from August 2021)
BIRTHDAYS FOR 08/14/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RACHEL BAGGETT
ADDIE BATTEN
DO YOU TRUST GOD?
August 14 Do You Trust God? Philippians 4:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack, is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy! Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy? As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life. I am excited for the future! God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I have to do; is Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED! The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack. God said that He would supply my every need and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises? How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity. Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you? How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH? Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 08/13/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JEANY O’NEAL
LEAMON STRICKLAND
MIKE HARRIS
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
August 13 “The Truth Shall Set You Free” John 8:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Mama used to say that; “The Truth is the Truth, and it will stand when the world is on fire!” In today’s world, the value of absolute truth is fading away. You can see it happening, as people are doing what they think is right in their own eyes and are not following the absolute truth of God’s Holy Word. Truth has become a flexible ideal, with the “if it feels good, do it” mentality. This world is in a “Spiritual Bondage” and those who choose to walk in the lie of Satan are forgetting the words of Jesus, found in John’s Gospel. “If you abide in My Word, you are my Disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!” (John 8:31-32) The world may deny the absolute truth of God, however, as born-again children of God, we must realize that this promise, this foundation of truth, is our strength to face the challenges of living and it is our responsibility to live for Jesus, obeying the standards that have been established, in His Holy Word. He promised, that if, we will follow His Truth, He will set us free from the bondage of sin. We need to study His Word and we need to live His Word, every single day. Folks, by walking in His Truth, according to His Holy Scriptures, and walking in obedience to His Calling, we are promised that we will have Spiritual Freedom. His Love for us, His Plan for Humanity, His Gift of Grace, are ABSOLUTE TRUTHS, and we must embrace His Gift, and live it every day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)