BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 4, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SAMANTHA BUNN
RANDY DRIVER
AVA SCOTT
LEENA WHEELER
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 3, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RANDY CREECH
ROSIE JUSTICE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
AARON & PAM RICE
BIRTHDAYS FOR 10/02/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JAN DIEHL
CATHY LOCKLEAIR
DO NOT FEAR ....
October 5 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!
THE BEST THING IN LIFE IS FREE
October 4 The Best Thing in Life is Free Psalm 63:3
**HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY TO OUR GRANDDAUGHTER, AVAQ SCOTT! NANNY & PAPA LOVES YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.” (Psalm 63:3)
Have you ever heard that, “The best things in life are free?” In Psalm 63, King David expresses the fact that, without God, his life is empty and hollow: “O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” I believe that David experienced wonderful things in his life, however, as King, he had his share of hardships and difficulties and great blessing. David was aware that, although he was blessed with the best that life could offer, it was empty and meaningless without God. When I consider the life that we live, right now, I am encouraged and excited to think of the blessings that I enjoy, that cost nothing. Picture, if you will, Ava crawling up in my lap and saying, “I love you Papa!” How about the that amazing meal that your wife prepared last night or the picturesque view of your favorite mountaintop or the beauty of your rose garden? Life has many good things to offer that do not cost us a dime! Chaotic and evil things are happening in this world, and we have no control of the craziness that is happening. What we can control, is our attitude and reaction to the issues. We can dwell on the negative and deny the power and blessings of God, or we can choose to see the beauty and embrace the positive reality of God’s creation. I truly believe that God wants us to enjoy our lives on earth! Think about it…he designed and created the very first home for mankind – the Garden of Eden! It was a paradise! REALITY ALERT! God created the Garden of Eden as Adam & Eve’s home. They were to maintain and enjoy the bounty and beauty of this paradise, yet we see that Adam & Eve’s monumental mistake resulted in their expulsion from Eden. As I reflect on this factual story, I recognize that, even though, God created the earth, and its beauty, for mankind to enjoy, but WITHOUT GOD, IT IS UNSATISFYING AND HOLLOW! The best things in life are free!! The best thing in life, is a relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
GO AHEAD!!
October 3 “Go Ahead!” Exodus 4:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12)
Have you ever been required to speak in front of a large crowd? Have you ever been fearful to talk in front of a group? If you have, then you are in the top ten of the most fearful things to do in the United States. I think back to the days when I was petrified to speak in public. My earliest recollections of the fear of speaking in front of a crowd was the time that Mrs. Carter, my Sunday School Teacher, had we children, recite a Bible Verse, before the entire congregation, on a Sunday Morning! I remember, clearly my response when I learned of her intent. “Miss Carter, I can’t do this!” She was always ready for a teachable moment, and she took advantage of this moment to share a story of another fellow that said that “he couldn’t!” She told me of the struggle that Moses faced and the promise from God! She made me look up and read this scripture to her. “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” She told me that God would be with me and provide what I needed to say when I needed to say it. I did recite the scripture and I was nervous, and I was “shaking in my boots,” but Miss Carter’s words and her faith in me, provided the “kick” that I needed to claim God’s provision and power and to “Stand up and Go Ahead!” That event was 59 years ago, yet I still am a bit anxious when I speak before a crowd, and I am a bit anxious when I share Jesus with an individual. When you speak up for Jesus, will you be nervous? In all, likelihood, the answer is yes! Remember, ask God to replace your fears and concerns for the focus on Him and His words that you should say. The Bottom Line: Replace your Fears with Faith! So, I leave you with the admonition from Mrs. Estelle Carter… “Go Ahead!” With, the exception of my parents, this precious lady had the greatest influence on my Spiritual Life and Actions! As Believers, we are required and expected to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, with everyone that we encounter! So, just “GO AHEAD!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BTC HOMECOMING 2022
October 2 BTC Homecoming 2022 Luke 5:25
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God.” (Luke 5:25)
My daddy grew up in the Orphanage at Kennedy Home, near LaGrange, North Carolina, and the experience of not having a traditional home, motivated daddy to create a stable and permanent home for me and my mother. Home was so very important to him. He used to tell me that, regardless of the situations and challenges that I will face in this life, that I could always come home. He said that coming home to a place of comfort, both physically and emotionally, and coming home to a place of safety, was so important for our survival, as humans. Dear Friends, One Hundred Years Ago, our forefathers and mothers, desiring to create a place of comfort and security and a place of praise and worship, established the Fellowship that we now know as Baptist Tabernacle Church. For 100 years this place has been a place of sanctuary and worship and praise, and it is a place that we can come and worship without fear or anxiety. I am so honored to be the pastor of such a beautiful and active church family! As long as God allows this life to exist, I pray that BTC will continue to be a “Bright Light” into this Dark and Dismal World! Daddy used to exclaim, “Remember Son, you can ALWAYS come HOME!” Daddy is now in his Heavenly Home, and we are celebrating, what would have been his 95th birthday, today! I am so grateful for my earthly father, and I am so grateful that my earthly father, introducing me to my Heavenly Father! I am excited in the fact that my earthly home is a place of sanctuary and security, but I am more excited about the fact that my Heavenly Home is going to be more secure and more comforting and more inviting than anything that I enjoy here. The fact is clear! This world is not my home, I am just passing through! Thank you, God, for a great earthly home, and an amazing Church Home, and the fact that my Eternal Home is getting closer and closer! To all that enjoy the Homecoming 2022, at BTC, WELCOME HOME! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…REMEMBER – THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!
NOTICE...
I WILL BE POSTING THE DEVOTIONS FOR THE NEXT 3 DAYS. i WILL BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL THURSDAY. PASTOR GLEN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOHN & HANNAH HEADRICK
GRATITUDE
October 1 GRATITUDE Psalm 92:1
** 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… “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;” (Psalm 92:1)
Many years ago, my pastor asked me to pick up one of our senior lady’s and bring her to church. Pastor Cook told me that she was a bit grumpy and difficult! I, knew her, casually, yet I had no idea what an impact that this lady was going to make in my life. Miss Ruth had never married, and she took care of her parents and brother until they passed away, and she lived in the house that she was born in. The first Sunday morning that Kayla and I arrived, I was driving my truck, and I immediately saw that there was going to be an issue for her getting in the truck. I asked her to wait a moment, and I rushed back home and retrieved a stool for her to step up on. She climbed into the truck, and she was clutching her purse like I was going to take it from her. Kayla said, “Miss Ruth, that’s a pretty dress!” Her response was, “Yeah!” Wow! This was going to be something! Long Story Short… Miss Ruth lived a simple and lonely life. Her only contact with the world was her weekly trip to church. I discovered that Miss Ruth was different, yet she was the sweetest and most giving person that I had met. She lacked worldly goods, yet she offered so much more! Kayla and I developed a relationship with Miss Ruth, and we visited her on other days, besides Sunday. The one thing that you could count on, is the fact that Miss Ruth was grateful! I filled in, in her Sunday School Class, on Sunday, and the class president asked Miss Ruth to have the opening prayer. Wow! I was shocked and tears began to well up in my eyes. Miss Ruth began her prayer with the prettiest words that I had ever heard, “Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to be here today. Thank you, Lord, for Brock and his girl! Thank you, Lord, for them bringing me here…” One of the dear ladies, in the class, told me, later, that she prayed that same prayer every time that she was called on to pray! In her struggles and in her isolation, this beautiful lady taught me a lesson! Regardless of the challenges and situations of life, we can always be Thankful! Miss Ruth, thank you for the privilege to have known you and to have called you FRIEND! Folks, NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AND TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE BLESSINGS OF GOD! Miss Ruth has gone on to Glory, yet her witness and her gratitude still exists, as an example for me to aspire to achieve! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TERESA MORGAN
TEMPIE WHITLEY (90TH)
CONNIE BECHDOLT
HELPING YOUR NEIGHBOR
September 30 Helping Your Neighbor Isaiah 41:6
** 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… “Everyone helped his neighbor, And said to his brother, “Be of good courage!” (Isaiah 41:6)
I have had the privilege, since I was 18 years old, to preach in many churches, as I filled in for pastor’s that were away from their churches. One stands out as a “Preachable” moment, and I will always remember the lesson that it taught. I received a call from Pastor Tom, and we confirmed the date and time of my “filling-in” for him. Tom was the pastor of a small rural church in the northeastern part of North Carolina. The landscape was appointed with farms and fields that created a beautiful picture of “Country” living. I arrived early, as is my habit, to find one older man, who called himself G-Pa Jasper, standing on the porch of this rustic and weather-worn church building. “Are you the preacher? Well, we probably ain’t gonna have church today, young man!” My response was, “Why not?” “Cliff Johnson’s hogs broke down the fence and got out, this morning, and most of the church folks are helping him round up them hogs!” He continued, “What ain’t chasin hogs, are rebuilding that fence!” I thought that I had to see this, so I asked G-Pa Jasper if I could follow him to the place where all the action was occurring. I followed the truck, as we traveled every dirt path and rutted trail, until we arrived at the farm. There were several folks herding the hogs towards the lot, while others were rapidly restoring the fence. I stood there in amazement. I was going to preach on “Loving Your Neighbor,” and these folks were living it! So, I removed my coat and tie, and joined in the “Live Sermon,” that was demonstrating the reality of “Loving Your Neighbor!” There are so many ways to demonstrate God’s Love! I pray that God will allow me to see all the ways in which to display His Love! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND ASSUREDLY YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RICKY ANDREWS
HEATHER B. LANE
GOD Knows ....
September 28 God Knows… 2 Corinthians 5:17
** 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… “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Several years ago, I was hiking the trails of the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, with a couple of my buddies, and we decided that we were going to break the rules and climb the cliff. I began the climb, and my buddies were beside of me, and we were excited to make this happen. I was almost to the top, and I realized that I was the only one there. My buddies had quietly stopped climbing and slid back down to the riverbank. Then it happened! I began to feel the ground give way under my feet and the dirt began to shift and I could feel myself rapidly moving downwards towards the river, with nothing between me and the rapid moving waters of the Neuse River. What was I to do? As I slid down the 90’ face of this obstacle, I quickly realized that I had a choice. I could dismiss the fall, I could deny the fall, I could succumb to the fall, or I could deal with it! The descent towards the river was eye-opening. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a Park Ranger observing my dilemma. As I descended, I shouted out to him, “I am sorry!” The river began to get closer and closer, and I was scrambling to figure out a path to avoid being wet. “Please Lord, help me!” Just before I was about to be completely engulfed by the raging river, I grabbed hold of a little tree, growing out of the riverbank, and I finally stopped my slide. The first face that I saw was the Ranger! He had a smile on his face, and he reached out his hand to assist me into a more secure location. Boy oh boy, did I feel guilty! “I didn’t think that you were around,” I said to the Ranger. He chuckled and said that “he was always around!” Somehow, the Ranger could tell that we were going to be up to “no good,” so he trailed us to our destination. As I reflect on this experience, I realize that my God is always around, and I have no secrets from Him. My actions, my thoughts, my motivations, my emotions, are never a secret to Him. My act of climbing the cliff was wrong! I could not deny it, I could not distort it, I could not dismiss it! The Ranger asked my name and where I lived. Politely, I answered every question. He looked at me and spoke these words, “Are you going to ever do this again?” My rapid response was, “No Sir!” I apologized for my actions, and he was very kind in his response. Who would have thought that, in just a few years, I would be working for him, at the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. Wow! What a Jesus moment! I knew better, yet I did it anyway! When I got caught, I felt so much guilt! Again, I knew better, and did it, anyway! Isn’t that the definition of guilt? Guilt is a healthy regret for telling God one thing and doing another! There are no secrets from God! Don’t even try to hide anything from Him! We are weak and vulnerable, and we must depend on Him for our survival. The simple message for today is: Realize that God is everywhere, and our feeble human attempts to hide our actions is futile. We must confess our shortcomings and ask for His Grace and Forgiveness and His Guidance to avoid the errors of our human thoughts and actions. By the way, I had a healthy regret for the decision to climb the cliff, especially when I fell! Please aspire to follow God and to be obedient to His calling! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Sidenote: My “buddies” saw the Ranger and they ran away, leaving me to deal with the issues. They left the Park and left me, (Thank God), “High and Dry!”