"HOW TO DEFEAT SATAN"
September 22 “How to Defeat Satan” James 4:7
**The 100th Baptist Tabernacle Church Homecoming Service will occur on Sunday, October 2, 2022. You are invited to attend! Hope to see you there… **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” (James 4:7)
“Don’t even think about it!” Have you ever heard these words? My mother had an amazing ability to know when I was thinking up a way, to get into trouble and to “aggravate the stew” out of her (at least, that was the way that she described it). “Get it out of your mind,” was another one of her statements that would cause great concern for me. How does she know what I am thinking and how does she know what I am about to do? If my earthly mother, with her human flaws and shortcomings, could anticipate my actions and know my thoughts and motivations, just imagine what my Heavenly Father knows! God tells us, in His Word, that we should “Think on the good, just, noble, edifying, faith-filled and divine expectations.” Mama used to tell me that I must protect what goes in my mind through my eyes and ears. Basically, she demanded and expected that I control what I saw, and I heard, the way I spoke, what I spoke and my actions, both public and private! “Mama, can I go with ‘So in So’ to the party?” “NO!” “WHY?” Here was her standard answer, “Because it don’t look good!” My dear Friends, I am asking and pleading with you to surrender your hearts, your minds, your words, your actions, and your ALL to Jesus and walk in the assurance of His Love, His Promises and His Eternal Provision! REMEMBER: IF IT IS NOT EDIFYING TO GOD, LEAVE IT ALONE!! What God does with you, depends upon what you do! It Always has; It Always will!! Be Sure, be Productive and Continue to Share the Love of God with Others…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 09/21/2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO WAYNE & SHARON CREECH
HIS Grace and Truth
September 21 “HIS Grace & Truth…” John 1:14
** October 2, 2022, Baptist Tabernacle Church will celebrate Homecoming. This is our 100th Homecoming Service. Spread the word… Hope to see you there! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
No event in the history of mankind is more significant and more important than the fact that God loved us enough that He would send Jesus Christ, His Beloved Son, on a mission to save Humanity. Jesus to on the flesh of humanity and dwelled among us, and He walked and talked and suffered and struggled, just like we struggle, yet He was the Divine Son of God, on The Mission of Love and the Author and Finisher of our Opportunity for Salvation and the Opportunity to spend eternity with God, in a restored relationship, because of Jesus and His Divine Mission of True and Complete Restoration and Redemption and Reconciliation!!! God Loved us enough to send THE VERY BEST! God’s ultimate revelation of His Love for us, is clearly expressed in the Grace and Truth that Jesus brough to humanity! I am excited that the Creator of this Universe, the ultimate power and authority over life and death, has expressed His complete and all-consuming Love for Mankind, through the selfless atoning act of Grace at the Cross of Calvary, and has allowed us, by Faith, to experience His Atoning Love, and to get a glimpse of the Ultimate Beauty that is the eternal revelation of His Love, as we worship and dwell with Him, in Heaven. Friends, this Love is His Grace and Truth! Embrace His Love, Share His Truth, and Get Excited about the Reality of His Glory! TO GOD BE THE GLORY…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NIKKO BANNON
PAUL MORRIS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
SONNY & SANDY TRIPPE
DELIVERANCE
September 20 Deliverance Galatians 1:3-4
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 its distractions and activities, tend 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!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROGER HOCUTT
"Fear or FAITH"
September 19 “Fear or FAITH” Isaiah 41:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
God’s Word makes it crystal clear; we are not to fear! Now, in our humanity, we all experience times of fear and the dread that is associated with fear! So, how are we to live without fear? The reality is that Fear exists, yet we are not to allow Fear to dominate our lives and control our future! I am talking about this thing called Fear because many of us are struggling with the reality and wondering how to overcome the issue. Recently, a dear lady asked me how she was to overcome her fear and to live for Jesus, the way that she knew that she should. I told her to recognize that Fear exists and go to God in prayer, asking for victory over the darkness and Fear that is real and difficult, in her life. I told her that Faith in God, and His promises for victory, will allow her to overcome her fears and to grow in His Grace. Daddy used to preach that, “When your Faith increases, your doubts and fears will decrease!” Folks, allow the “Light of God’s Word” to penetrate the darkness of your lives and claim His Power, Provision, Presence and Strength and boldly live your life in order to Honor God and to be a “Light” for God, in this dark and dismal world! I can hear my Daddy now, “Recognize the Fear and do it anyway! God has you in His Hands!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DON FARRISS
JENNIFER MITCHELL SHIPMAN
"BLESSED, MORE BLESSED, AND BLESSED AGAIN"
September 18 “Blessed, More Blessed, and Blessed Again” Psalm 1:1-6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1:1-6)
In my studies of Psalms and the writing of King David, it is thought that Psalm 1 was his favorite because it introduced the Hebrew word, “Esher,” which is translated to mean “Happy,” or “Blessed!” The message that David is proclaiming, is that, when we walk in the presence of the Lord and we seek a relationship with Him, and we are committed to doing His will, then we will be “Blessed” and “Happy!” In David’s time, the main method to establish a close relationship with God was to “delight in His Law!” They were to “Learn it,” “Meditate on it,” and to “Practice it,” daily! In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is the fulfillment of the “law,” and, because we are unable to “Keep the Law,” in our humanity, Jesus came to forgive our sins and to reestablish our relationship with Almighty God. Psalm 1 is still relevant for us today! Since Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, and we are followers of Christ, then we are, indeed, keeping the Law! Folks, we must avoid those that will take us away from our devotion to Christ and we must limit the exposure to the negative actions that will cloud our pathway and cause us to forget our “Blessings!” God’s word is Clear: The one who follows God and seeks His face and turns from the wicked ways, will have the opportunity to be “Blessed” and “Happy” in this journey that we call “Life!” Once again, I reference the events of the past few months that have solidified the necessity to “seek His Face and to Praise His Name!” Amazingly, on January 31, 2022, in the middle of a stroke, and the aftermath of diagnosis and treatment, I remained resolute and confident that my God was (and is) in control and that He would (and will) see me through to the end! I still believe, and I am Blessed, More Blessed and Blessed Some More! Just as the Hebrews were to meditate and learn and practice the “Law,” we are to “Meditate” on God’s Word, and we are to “Learn” God’s Word, and we are to “Practice it” every single day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ROSS CARROLL
WAYNE CURRIE
"CALL UPON ME, I WILL LISTEN"
September 16 “Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.” Jeremiah 29:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
All, of the greatest moments of my life have been experienced, in prayer and the results of prayer! The scripture passage for today, follows a promise that God made, to provide a future and to offer hope! I feel blessed and privileged to be able to call on my God, and to know that He has promised a “Divinely Guided Future and His Blessed Hope for my Life! You see, prayer, sincere and faith-filled prayer, is the conduit by which we enter His presence and talk with Him and position ourselves to claim His Divine Promises for our Lives! I get excited, each time that I enter the presence of the “UNLIMITED GOD,” especially, when I recognize my “LIMITED” capacity! PRAISE GOD! Because of His “UNLIMITED” provisions, I can live “LIMITLESS!” Folks, the privilege of prayer is a blessing! We can talk to God, and He will listen and answer our prayers! He listens to my “whining and my complaining and still loves me and has promised that He would provide His Grace for my every shortcoming! So, given the promise, and believing His Word, and recognizing His “UNLIMITED” capacity and power, with intensity and with clear focus, call on the Lord, in Faith, and share your burdens and struggles and needs and desires, and leave them at His feet! Every day, in faithful prayer, share your ups and downs and LEAVE THEM WITH HIM! Pray for each other and lift-up our leaders and our friends and neighbors and LEAVE IT THERE! Bring all your burdens to the Lord, put them at His Feet and LEAVE THEM THERE! Guess What? Your Husband or Wife, Your Friends, Your Co-Workers, even Your Pastor may not always listen to you, yet we have a friend, a friend that is closer than a brother, that will listen, hear, and respond to our prayers! What a privilege that we have in Holy and UNLIMITED PRAYER! Exercise the Privilege and Pour Out Your Heart to God and Expect His Blessings, Corrections, and His Provisions! HE WILL LISTEN TO YOU!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
LIVING MORE ABUNDANTLY
September 15 Living More Abundantly John 10:10
**Please Pray for a SPECIAL FAMILY Unspoken Prayer Need**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Amazingly, it is possible to live our lives in a bland and joyless manner. Going through the motions and accomplishing, doing, yet never finding joy in our existence. Unfortunately, this is true of believers, as well as non-believers. Think about it: God has given life so that we can serve Him and to enjoy His Creation. Believers, we need to figure out how to embrace God’s blessings and to enjoy His Bounty! Regardless of the circumstances, we have, the opportunity, to enjoy His Blessings! This is an Attitude, and a conscious Decision! Frustrations and unbelief and struggles, have a tendency, to steal our joy and reduce of quality of living! As we enter each new day, let us choose to leave our problems at the foot of the Cross and believe in our Savior for Joy and Spiritual Bounty! REMEMBER…We Reap What We Sow! Please don’t miss out on the joy that is yours, as a “Birth-right!” May God help us to live our lives, walking in obedience and embracing the blessings and enjoying life! To God Be the Glory…. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
NOTICE...
I have posted the devotions for the next 3 days, in advance. I will be unavailable until Wednesday Afternoon. May God Richly Bless you! Pastor Glen
LIBERTY
September 14 “LIBERTY” Galatians 5:13
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)
Over the past several weeks, I have been studying the Book of Galatians, and I have discovered such wisdom and guidance from the words of this amazing book. When we consider the role that we play in walking in the Love of Jesus, we must recognize our duty, our calling to serve! Everything that we do, as a Servant of God, should be done with others in mind. Being a Servant of God is an ongoing position where we lay down our own agendas and prejudices and focus on our responsibilities to God. Over the course of this “Pandemic,” I have seen good people, with seemingly righteous intentions, allow a narrow opinion and agenda, to alter their witness and their ability to share Jesus and to serve God. Just a few weeks ago, I witnessed a sad and disheartening display of “Human Emotional Selfish Earthly Pride and Prejudice” being displayed by a seemingly, well meaning, yet obviously misdirected individual. Let me make this crystal clear: Whatever we do, however we act, whatever we say, as a Believer, must, first and foremost, bring honor and glory to God and must be governed by the responsibility of supporting and promoting the message of God’s Love, through Jesus Christ! My opinions, my “feelings,” my earthly thoughts must be surrendered to God for His Service and for His Purpose! If your actions, words, and thoughts are not edifying to God and the Message of the Good News of Christ, then it is time that you did some serious soul searching; on your knees, and ask God to direct your paths, govern your words and temper your actions and to guide your heart, so that you can be the best “Servant” that He desires and expects! Wow! Guess what? GOD IS NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR OPINIONS! GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR SURRENDERED SERVICE FOR HIM! “Forgive me Lord if my opinions have caused others to stumble. Forgive me Lord if my words have caused anyone grief or sorrow. Forgive me Lord, if my actions have not been the “Light” that they need to be, Please Forgive Me Lord…!” Christian Liberty is not a license to gratify your human and earthly opinions, it is solely and uniquely for the purpose of honoring God and promoting the message of Love and Redemption, through the Shed Blood of Jesus! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
(REMEMBER – Those that want to be offended by God’s Truth, will always be offended! You do what God has called you to do and walk in obedience and HE will see you through to the end!!)
REMIND ME LORD...
September 13 “Remind me Lord” Psalm 39:4-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.” (Psalm 39:4-12)
Two days ago, a very good friend, asked me if I was aware of the events and issues that are happening in this world. I believe that he was shocked when I told him that I am fully aware and that I can do nothing to change the progression of God’s eternal plan for this world and all that is going on in it! I am aware of the “shortages” that exist, and I am aware of the “anti-Christian” and “anti-Law & Order” attitudes that have become acceptable in the politics and the behaviors of our land. I am aware of the “Hyper-Sensitivity” of individuals and the tendency of folks to be offended by anything that doesn’t validate their chosen behaviors! Clearly, this world does not want the “rock solid” truth of God’s word to be the standard for thought or behavior. You see, when there are no absolutes, then, one can act and do anything and justify the behavior, because there are no standards! Keep this one fact in your mind: As a Believer, your responsibility is to share the “Good News” with this dark and lost world, and to navigate others into a “Personal Relationship” with Jesus Christ! Again, we are, in the midst, of the eternal plan of God, and we are to prioritize our thoughts and behaviors to edify His will and purpose for our limited, earthly existence. My friend wanted to engage in a conversation that would highlight the evil and active demonstrations of hatred and the lack of moral and civil behavior that is now a part of our culture, and he asked me a question that I was amazed that he asked. “Glen, where is our Hope?” Really? Psalm 39:7 states it clearly… “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you! Dear friends, we have Hope in our Lord, and we have Victory over the attitudes and behaviors of this present day! Let go of the trash that is this world and dedicate yourself to helping others come to Jesus in His Grace and “Saving” power. “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my physical body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work for Him. 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 single day!” I am claiming His Victory Principle, and I am affirming His Power for my Living, and I am affirming that I am the son of the King, who is not moved by this world. My God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS!!! Folks, please be aware that I am fully aware of the issues of the day and the politics and depravity that exists! I refuse to surrender my attitude and my life to the temporal issues of this present moment! My job, my calling, my responsibility is to live for Jesus and to be an example of His Love, Forgiveness and Grace! Every time that I am tempted to speak of the issues of the day, and to allow it to alter my focus, I am shouting to the rooftop: NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Please recognize your role and your place in the plan of God and work for Him until He comes again! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (RePrint)
DO IT NOW!
September 12 Do It Now! James 1:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “…He, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:25)
There was a dear lady that lived in our community, and she had an old steamer trunk that had a prominent place in her “front” room, and she would tell me that her earthly valuables were stored in this trunk. I was fascinated and curious about her treasures, yet she was always curious over this trunk. I had been doing odd jobs for her for years, and this one day, she asked me if I would like to see her valuables. So, we went into the “front” room, and she opened the trunk and carefully spoke of every item. The one that stood out was the beautiful tablecloth that was milk white and adorned with amazingly detailed lace embroidery. She told me that one day she was going to put it on her table and have a grand dinner party. When she spoke of this future event, she smiled with such anticipation that I was moved, and I anticipated that day. Unfortunately, this dear lady was all alone, and she rarely had any visitors and she spoke, of all the things, that she was going to do in the future. “Someday,” was her favorite word when she described her activities. Sadly, my dear friend passed away without ever having that special dinner. A few days after her funeral, there was a knock at our door and a gentleman asked to come in and talk with us about our dear friend. He went directly to the business and informed me that she had left her steamer trunk and several items to me, in her will. Wow! I was speechless! Mama went with me to the house, the next day, and there it was, that mysterious steamer trunk. I felt a bit strange and was slow to open the lid. I lifted the lid and there it was, that lace tablecloth, yellowed and beginning to be so fragile. There was an envelope on the cloth, addressed to me. I opened the letter and the first words brought tears to my eyes. This dear lady told me to do what I needed to do, now, and do not wait. She gave me instructions on what to do with the bulk of her things and I was overwhelmed. When I think about that tablecloth and the idea of a grand dinner party and the fact that my dear friend never accomplished that dream, I think about all of the missed opportunities that I have had, and the times that I have procrastinated, when I should have been a faithful and active “Doer!” Serving God requires action NOW! Please do not wait until tomorrow…Today is the day to show His Love to this world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
JUST NOT ENOUGH
September 11 “Just Not Enough” Matthew 11:28-30
**Today is the anniversary of a tragic time in our American History. On this day, in September 2001, extreme hatred and the blatant disregard for human life, was tragically and vividly displayed for all the world to see! Since that day, Hatred, and the disregard for life, has continued to grow and examples of this attitude are evident, every day! Living, in the midst, of this prevailing and sad attitude, we must double down on our PRAYER TIME and OUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROMISES AND PROVISION! Stop for a moment today, and honor the memory of those who, were living their lives as usual, and went to their daily activities, and because of the hatred of our way of life, these innocent individuals, paid the ultimate price! HATRED, IN ANY FORM, WILL ALWAYS BE DESTRUCTIVE AND HAS NO PLACE IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY! JESUS CHRIST is the ANSWER to HATRED! JESUS teaches LOVE, NOT HATE! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Wow! There are days when I am so busy that I wonder how I am going to accomplish all that is before me! On those days when I am especially busy, there is a tendency to forgo, or shorten my daily devotional time with God. Amazingly, the busier that I am, the more I need that quiet, alone time with God! The bottom line is, that an abbreviated prayer time is just not cutting it! Believers, we are facing some difficult and trying times, and we must be prayed up, armored up, read up and prepared to face the battle with the Evil One! Listen, we must NEVER neglect our FIRST LOVE, and our SOURCE OF POWER, JESUS CHRIST! Friends, this world exhausts us physically, emotionally and causes us to lose focus on our Spiritual Growth! An abbreviated, short time with God, is simply not going to cut it! We need, we must have extended time with of Savior, for renewal, and for empowerment, and for His sustaining Power and Provision! PLEASE MAKR TIME FOR GOD! It is about your survival, in this hostile and wicked world! He promises REST, so claim it, seek it, and use it! When times get tough, I double my PRAYER TIME! Guess What? The more time that I spend with my God, the more prepared I am for the insanity and challenges of this Evil World! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!