DELIGHT IN THE LORD
October 11 Delight in the Lord Psalm 37:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“Delight” is an interesting word. It has such a deeper meaning than what we might think. “Delight” is followed by “also,” in today’s scripture passage. It implies that our “Delight” is to be greater than our present capacity and expanding to be more our present “Delight!” Our Call, Our Duty, Our Privilege is to “Delight in the Lord!” We do this, by rejoicing in the Lord and to come before Him with Thanksgiving and Anticipation of His Gracious Provision. Desires are things that we want to receive. It is sort of like your desires for Christmas and the “loot’ that you will haul in! For our desires to be fulfilled, we must have hearts that are sincere and dedicated and committed to His will for our lives. You see, in God, what we are to do is “Delight,” then what we receive is “Desires,” as they become one. We must align our delighting and desiring, so that it honors Him and that our focus is on His Grace, His Promises, His Glory, and His “Desires” for our lives! God has promised, to us, the “Desires” of our Hearts, however, it requires our dedicated commitment and surrender to HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES! Relationship is KEY! I pray that you will embrace His Promises and live to bring honor and glory to God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 10, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. LUNA PARRISH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
STAN & TAMMY PRUDEN
BEING PERPETUALLY PREPARED
October 10 Being Perpetually Prepared Isaiah 26:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
I heard a story about a new hired hand that was trying to wake up the boss, when he realized that a big storm was coming towards the farm. He banged on the door, yet no one came. He, finally, threw rocks against the side of the house, and, finally, the farmer came to the door to inquire what was going on. “There is a big storm with high winds coming! We need to secure the animals and secure the barns!” The farmer told the hired hand to calm down. “Go back to bed, I’ve already taken care of things. I do it every night so I can sleep through storms!” There are some folks that seem to be anxious and troubled and unsettled in every aspect of their lives. There again, there are others that are calm and serene and seemingly unmoved by the turmoil and challenges of this life. So, it begs the question: What is the secret of inner peace? As my Daddy used to tell me (over and over), “Opportunity favors a prepared mind!” I believe that one important key to peace is preparation! The farmer wasn’t afraid of the storm because he had prepared for the storm. Believers, as Christians, we need to prepare ourselves to handle the adversity and challenges that are coming our way, by placing our complete trust in the Lord. Remember John 16:33! Be in a state of perpetual preparedness! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Armor -up… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 9, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DONNIE COLEY, JR.
PUSHING AWAY THE DARKNESS
October 9 “Pushing Away the Darkness” Matthew 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Many years ago, my wonderful Sunday School Teacher, was attempting to help us understand about “Purity” and the process to attain the goal. Keep in mind, we all begin life in the “Darkness” and, through the Blood of Jesus and His Salvation, through Faith, we come into the “Light” and the “Darkness” of our Human Lives becomes “Pure.” Mrs. Joyner had a pitcher with dark, ink-stained water and a glass of clear water on the table. She began to pour the nasty water into the glass, as the water ran over the rim of the glass into a pan. “Children, see what is happening to the water?” This clear glass of water became cloudy and murky. She quickly said that this is what happens to our spirit when we fill ourselves with negative and unpleasant thoughts! She took another pitcher that was filled with pure, clear water, and poured the water into the glass. The dirty water, in the glass, gradually became lighter and lighter in color until it was clear again. Folks, this is what happens when we fill ourselves with God’s pure love and light! Please be careful what you allow to enter your minds! Please be careful to stay in God’s Word and to keep praying and to keep sharing the Good News! When you fill your mind with the murky and negative, you will be murky and negative. I pray that you will allow the wisdom and direction, from God’s Word, to fill you to overflowing, therefore, pushing away the “Darkness!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GERALD PRICE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
ROBBIE & TAMMY EDWARDS
REMAINING FAITHFUL, REGARDLESS ......
October 8 “Remaining Faithful, Regardless” Psalm 31:23-24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Oh, love the Lord, all you, His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24)
Have you ever felt all alone or in a barren and dry time? In those times, when it feels as if you are facing the challenges and struggles of this world, as a single soldier, in this overwhelming conflict, we MUST remember and cling to HIS PROMISES! We MUST seek God as our source of power and HIS PROMISE of holding us secure in HIS LOVE. We MUST recognize our gifts and talents and utilize these blessings, to the utmost. In these downtimes, we MUST feed our souls with HIS WORD! We MUST read, study, and prepare to SHARE HIS LOVE! We MUST continue to reflect HIS BEAUTY, inside and out! Remember, that we REPRESENT the GOD of THE UNIVERSE, and that HE IS OUR SOURCE AND SUPPLY! We MUST encourage ourselves! We MUST talk to ourselves and speak positive and affirming words of encouragement and strength, as we face the obstacles and challenges, and claim the reality and accept HIS POWER to OVERCOME! We MUST live our lives with DELIBERATE and INTENTIONAL DEPENDENCE on our AMAZING GOD! As Born-Again Believers, we WILL face challenges and difficulties! We MUST cling to the PROMISE: “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER
October 7 Brother Against Brother Matthew 5:11-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
This world is becoming difficult for the true believer. Sharing Jesus, and His Love, has become offensive and the sharer has the potential, to be considered, to be spreading “Hate Speech!” Sadly, none of us are insulated from the Evil and the Chaos that Satan is churning up among God’s people. A few years ago, I was asked to intervene in a “Squabble” between two brothers. It was difficult to “cut through the hyperbole,” in order, to determine the cause of the riff. Finally, I determined that one brother had shared the Plan of Salvation with the other brother, and the brother that heard the message was totally and completely offended. “How dare he say that I am a sinner! I could tell you who is the sinner!” I forgot to mention that these boys are twins! They have been together, doing things together, dating sisters, marrying sisters, yet, about this one thing and about the message of Christ, the one brother broke ranks and began to criticize the other and say terrible things about him and his God. Finally, I realized that the brother that shared Jesus with the other, was doing it out of Love for his twin. Now, the brother that was on the receiving end of the message was having no part of this, in his words, fantasy! They were shouting at one another and saying terrible things to and about one another and I, in a stern and loud voice, told them to stop it and sit and listen! I was praying, in my spirit, that the Holy Spirit would provide the words necessary to calm the situation and to touch the brother that was offended and to minister to the brother that shared Jesus, in order, to bring the “Lost” brother to Christ! The one brother got up and stormed out of the house and there was the, well intentioned, brother, with tears in his eyes. The brother that left, before leaving, said some hurtful and “hate-filled” words to his twin brother. The brother that was left with me, looked at me and asked, “what can I do now?” I told him that he had to be aware that his brother had to make up his own mind and that all he could do is share the life changing message of Jesus Love, and the Holy Spirit would handle the outcome. Then he asked how he was to handle the hateful and hurtful words of his twin, the one individual that was the closest to him, in every way. I shared this scripture for today: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Remember, God’s Word is offensive to this world, and we must “Armor Up” and keep serving Him, regardless of the worldly challenges, even if it is our own brother! As Dr. Jeremiah says, “Just Keep Going!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARY FOR OCTOBER 6, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
CHARLIE & HANNAH NORWOOD
OPEN YOUR EYES
October 6 “Open Your Eyes” John 4: 35
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:35)
When I was a small boy, I remember people talking about having a burden for lost folks and I was amazed why they were not busy getting these people found! As I have grown, I understand the process of this “Burden!” When I walk into the Walmart or into the Walgreens, I wonder if these folks are “saved” and if they are “Found.” Early on, in my Christian Life, I was aggressive and, downright irritating, as I shared Jesus with folks. A wise and loving believer shared with me the rules of Love and Sharing Jesus effectively. “You need to build relationships with those around you with the explicit purpose of opening the door to share the gospel with them!” The mission of the Gospel is not just for the Preacher, it is for every believer! Folks, “Lift up your eyes,” and build relationships and share His Love, so that our families and our friends will be with us in Heaven! These words… “Lift up your eyes,” are not a suggestion, but a command! We are to love one another and to walk in Obedience and that requires sharing His Love with others! Lord, give us strength and power to be Bold for You…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 5, 2022
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO JAMIE & KATHY WHEELER!!
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