COME TO ME
October 19 Come to Me 1 John 1:5-7
**HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL HINNANT!**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)
So much of our time is spent in attempting to be what we think others expect us to be! We create barriers of protection, to secure ourselves against the world and its challenges and expectations, and we tend to forget the promises of God and His ability to secure our daily walk! Mama used to tell me that God (and she) sees everything that I do and that I should come into His presence with my defenses down, and my attitude proper, and be ready to be blessed and to receive the manifold blessings of our creator! When I pray, thank you Mama, I feel a sense of relief and the reality of being totally open and exposed before my God. In reality, we have nothing to hide, He sees everything, so come into His presence with the assurance of His Grace and His acceptance of our devotion to Him. Praise God! The relationship that I enjoy with my Savior, is the best relationship that I have, in this life, and I look forward to coming into His presence, in prayer and surrender, daily! When I encounter the false fellowship of those who are participating in the false atmosphere of worldly fellowship and their ability to create a situation of disharmony, both for themselves and for me, I am so excited to come to God, in prayer and supplication, thanking Him for His Grace, His relationship and His Supreme Power, over my life! Dear Friends, living for Jesus is a “Lifestyle,” and a Choice! He Promises that He will take can of us and that He will provide His Rest for our existence! Exodus 33:14 declares this fact: The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest!” Come to Him in complete surrender and relax in His presence and enjoy His bounty and embrace His Promises and Live your Life as a Reflection of His Grace and Glory! Commune with Him, Worship Him, Glorify Him, and watch just how sweet your life will become!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 18, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LES BROWN
SHELLEY HALES WRIGHT
VICKIE RENFROW
SALVATION
October 18 SALVATION Isaiah 53:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)
The birth of Jesus, and His death, was and is a part of the grand plan of Almighty God. Today’s scripture passage comes at the conclusion of the poem that is about being a servant. This servant’s poem prophecies the death of Jesus on the Cross. The sacrificial death of Jesus points out His role as a servant. His glory and eternal blessings are available to those who accept His sacrificial love. The scene here, is of a victorious conqueror, sharing the victory with his allies! However, this victory and this sacrifice, came with a price! Jesus was numbered among the sinners (transgressors), and He divine plan was charged to Him: He bore our sins and He took the penalty of sin and He took it to the Cross, so that you and I can have a relationship with God, through the shed blood of Jesus! He is our intercessor! He is our advocate! He is our Savior! Jesus had provided, in God’s eternal plan, the opportunity to have a fresh start, a second chance! Every one of us are born into sin, and the Love of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, ensures our opportunity for redemption! Jesus died for the sins of the world (that includes ours), and He also died for us, individually! It was our sins, the sins of humanity, that sent Him to the Cross! Victory is won! We have the chance to share in this victory, when we recognize that we are sinners, and we confess our sins, and we ask God, through Jesus Christ, to save us and to sustain us! I thank God for loving me enough to send Jesus to provide the opportunity for salvation and a growing relationship with God. It is my desire, my goal, to honor His commandment, and to “take up my cross,” every single day, and follow Him!
The path to Salvation is simple:
A. Admit you have Sinned!
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 )
B. Believe on Jesus Christ!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17 )
C. Confess Christ Publicly!
“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
May God bless you as you serve Him! Claim His Victory and Live for Him and Share His Good News! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
MORE THAN CONQUERORS
October 17 More Than Conquerors Romans 8:31-37
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:31-37)
There are days when I feel as if I am walking through this life, all alone! Challenges, both personal and public, create issues that are hard to deal with, yet through those times, I have the assurance that my God is with me, protecting me, carrying me, holding me, and guiding me, even when my feelings indicate differently! On those days, when I feel so helpless and challenged, I have the promise that “I am with you and I am for you, in everything that you do!” Satan attempts to cloud the fact that my God is with me, and that He is my companion and my provider! My mother used to tell me that in those times when life seems to beat you down and you feel as if you are all alone, whisper His Name! Every time, without fail, when I speak His Name, it opens my heart and my mind to His Holy Presence! When I speak to my Savior, in complete surrender to His Presence, I am renewed, and I am empowered to face any challenge that life has to offer! Every one of us are challenged, daily, yet God’s Amazing Grace is there for us! Remember what Genesis 28:15 tells us: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” We are more than conquerors through HIS AMAZING GRACE!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Armor-up, and Keep Looking Up to Jesus! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACEY HUDSON
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACEY HUDSON
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 16, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MR. FRED COATES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
ROB & CAROL HIMMEL
EDIFYING CHRIST IN EVERYTHING
October 16 Edifying Christ, in EVERYTHING 1 John 1:6-7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6-7)
Is it possible to be a “Born-Again, Blood Brought” child of Almighty God, and demonstrate a social and political position that is contrary to His Holy Word? Is it possible that our social and political beliefs and actions are separate and apart from our Christian Commitments? Can we promote a political position that is opposed to the standards and commitments of Christ? (“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8) It is my conviction, that every believer MUST demonstrate a true and total commitment to God’s Word in ALL that we DO and all that we SAY! The idea that we can be one thing in our social interactions and another in our Christian interactions or our political interactions, is inconsistent with the call to be Holy and to demonstrate HIS HOLINESS! Our walk with Christ MUST be CONSISTENT with God’s Holy Word, and we MUST demonstrate HIS LOVE and Our Commitment to HIS LOVE, in our thoughts, actions and endeavors! I am amazed that individuals, that are active “church-goers,” promoting positions and ideas that are opposed to the standards of God’s Holy Word! If our political positions or our social positions are opposed to God’s Word, then, we need to re-assess our priorities, and determine if we are truly committed to the Love of Christ and HIS Saving Grace! BOTTOM LINE: If our political positions are opposed to the standards of God’s Word and our positions are not edifying to the Body of Christ, then leave it alone, and seek His Face and continue to Grow in His Grace and Love! Satan is attacking and we MUST be prepared to face the battle that is upon us! Our job is to PROCLAIM JESUS to this Lost and Dying World. 1 Corinthians 14:8 declares a truth: “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” As a Professing, Born-Again Christian, your witness, your voice MUST be clear and committed, and NOTHING IN THIS WORLD SHOULD MUFFLE OR HAMPER YOUR “TRUMPET CALL” TO THE LOST FOLK IN THIS WORLD!! Be Consistent, Be Committed, Be Truthful, Be REAL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 10/15/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. OLIVIA COOKE
REJOICE, PRAY, BE THANKFUL
October 15 Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In the Fall of 1964, I saw the power of God demonstrated within my own little family. The year began with my mother having, yet another kidney surgery and the disruption of our household, by her absence. Daddy hired a lady to come in and cook and clean and “look after me.” Sadly, this lady was a thief and a liar! She didn’t stay long! So, I went to a neighbor’s house after school and that was interesting. They were good people, just strange! Mama came home and all was right with the world, until she was forced to go back to the hospital in October of 1964. Here we go again…I can only imagine the stress and anxiety that my Daddy was going through. This time, this surgery, Mama had her right kidney removed. She finally came home, and things began to normalize. The phone rang and I answered the call and there was a Goldsboro Police Officer on the other end of the line, asking to speak to Mrs. Brock. Well, she was asleep, and I told him, and he dropped the news on me…your Daddy has been in an accident, and he is at Wayne Memorial Hospital. I immediately woke Mama, and she calmly called the Police Department for details and then she called the Hospital for details of his condition. Her first response was…we need to pray! Keep in mind, Mama had a drain tube and a glass jar as the collection sight and I was a boy and we didn’t have a vehicle to travel on, with the exception, of a tractor. After some challenges and calls, Mama was able to speak to Daddy and things improved quickly. Apparently, someone ran a light and T-Boned Daddy. He was OK and was headed home. When he arrived home, there was such a relief and a calm within the walls of our little home. Daddy was bruised up and had 2 broken ribs and we were now a “No” car family and Mama was recovering from major surgery, and I was a little boy! Daddy made fried bologna sandwiches for our supper, and we sat around the table, and we prayed and ate. When I, reflect, on that day, and the conditions that we experienced, I am still amazed at the attitude and actions of my parents. Daddy, Mama, and I held hands and Daddy asked blessing on the food and he gave thanks for bringing him through and he offered praise to God for protecting our little family! Amazing! I was seeing the Misery and Daddy and Mama was seeing the Blessing! This visual and practical lesson has stayed with me all these years. Later, I asked Daddy how it was that they were so upbeat when our lives were in shambles, and his response was priceless… “Son, we are children of God and He promised that He would be with us and help us. He, also, told us that troubles would come our way and to look to Him for comfort and restitution!” That day, I did not fully understand, but today I do! Our Faith in God is the Key to Living! By Faith, my parents navigated through this life, and, by Faith, they taught me to “Look to God” for everything that I do… Basically… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Please Stay Strong, Stay Focused…EVEN IN THE FACE OF GREAT CHALLENGES, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 10/14/22
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LAUREN PARKER
BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
October 14 Being a Good Neighbor Proverbs 11:25
**Please Pray for the victims of the senseless shootings, and their families, that occurred, last evening, in Raleigh. Please Pray for our Communities, Cities, State, and our Nation! Evil abounds and continues to express itself in unspeakable violent acts! This is a “Heart” problem, and Jesus IS the ANSWER to this SITUATION! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
There was a lady, in our neighborhood, that had a “bad” reputation and most of the community avoided her. It came to my mother’s ears that this woman was very sick and had no one to help her. Mama went into action! She made her famous “Chicken Noodle Soup,” and homemade crackers and away she went to this lady’s house. She knocked on the door and when the woman opened the door, mama found a pitiful and sad sight. This lady was dirty, and her house smelled, and it was a mess. Mama took over and instructed her to eat and mama (oh yeah, I was along for the labor to come), and I began the “seek and cleanse” operation. Within an hour, the house was clean and straight, and it smelled good. This lady resisted, at first, yet finally relented, and mama gave her a bath! When she emerged from the bathroom, she had undergone an amazing transformation. Mama instructed me to pull back the covers on the bed and this renewed lady climbed into her clean bed. When we finally left, mama had instructed her to call when she had any needs, and we would be right there. Over the next few days, we visited her and kept her house straight and provided food until she was able to take care of herself. The sad and shocking reality, at least for me, was the reaction from mama’s church group (the Ladies Mission Group). Many of the ladies were shocked to find out that mama had been in this woman’s house, much less, cleaned and fed her. As I reflected on the reactions of these ladies and the way that they treated Mama, I was hurt and confused! In Luke’s Gospel, the Good Samaritan had found a man, robbed, stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left for dead. Many of the “religious” folks, ignored the injured man, yet this Samaritan, had compassion on this man’s condition, and his compassion was not defined by his status or ethnicity or his religious beliefs, and he put him on his donkey and took him to the closest Inn and told the Innkeeper, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back (Luke 10:29-35)!” I asked Mama about the reactions of her friends, and she told me that she was responsible for her own actions and that they would have to account for their actions. She went on to explain that we are called to love and minister to everyone, regardless of their position or condition, in this life! Reflecting on the world’s conditions, and the anointing of God on my life, I recognize that “EVERYONE” is my “NEIGHBOR,” and I have a responsibility, under the saving Blood of Jesus,” to be a “Good Neighbor” to all! So, who should we be “Neighborly” to? Who is it that we should be generous to? The command to “Love our Neighbor” is a solid and firm instruction! Why don’t we give it a try? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 13, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JIMMY BERGERON
PREPARE FOR THE BATTLE
October 13 Prepare for the Battle Mark 13:9–11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me, you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested, and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13: 9-11)
A few months ago, I was in the Zebulon Walmart, and I was having a private conversation with one of my fellow pastors, and he was discussing the challenges of the ministry and I said that it has become difficult to minister, in an atmosphere of “folks being offended by everything” mentality and a “fluid” standard that moves, in order, to validate behavior. Keep in mind, we were not talking to this individual and we were outside of the building, and we were 6 feet away from him. This man decided that he should inject himself into our conversation and express his opinion to us and straighten us out! First, why did he think that he had the right to say anything to us? How is it that he felt that he should “correct” our thoughts? I responded to him in a kind and gentle manner. I posed some questions to him and waited for a response. My Pastor friend was not as patient, and he was ready to go 10 rounds with this man. This man’s response was so very sad. He said that we should practice what we preach and that we were, obviously, hate filled and that is why he didn’t attend any church. Wow! How interesting! This young man did not know us, and he had no clue of our lives or thoughts or our mission in this life, yet because he had formed an opinion, based on the “acceptable” thoughts of the day, he felt compelled to “straighten us out!” Folks, listen to me…we are living in “perilous times,” and the standards of God’s Word are, absolutely, offensive to this world. Think about what is acceptable today! A State in this country has deemed it necessary to have, in department stores, a section of toys that are “gender neutral” and “pronoun sensitive!” A move to replace “Columbus Day” with Indigenous People’s Day, and other sad expressions of the desire to erase history and replace it with some politically correct scenario that promotes the radical, anti-Christian agenda of the satanic driven minions. Political and public figures, that are standing for biblical morals, are being reviles and denigrated for their thoughts and beliefs. We have reached the point, in America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, that if you say anything that is offensive to the “popular” anti-Christian culture, you are deemed a racist, homophobic, misogynistic…. How long will it be before the Bible and those who have claimed Jesus as Savior, will be seen as “People of Hate” and the culture of “anything goes,” will move to “silence” us? How long will it be before “Preaching God’s Word” will be considered “Hate Speech?” It is coming, God’s Word informs us of the challenges to come! So, here is the message for today! Regardless of what this world demands, we MUST stay true to God’s Word, God’s Plan for our lives and we MUST remain committed and faithful, even in the face of ridicule and harassment! Satan and his minions are busy, spreading the hatred and chaos and the idea that there are no absolutes or standards! I claim the Victory in Jesus and I pledge to stand against the Devil and share His LOVE and His Joy and His Peace and His Strength, even in the face of opposition and peril! Folks, the time is coming that persecution will be the acceptable behavior for a lost and hate-filled culture! Remain Obedient, Continue to Grow in His Grace, continue to “Hide God’s Word in your heart,” Stand Strong and “Armor Up” for the battles that are ahead! Do not fear nor be weary… Through Jesus, we are Overcomers! The scriptures tell us of our victory…“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). We Win! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 12, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NEAL DRIVER
ANNA WALTERS
LET "JOY" ABOUND
October 12 Let “JOY” Abound Proverbs 16:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Our JOY is not determined by our circumstances! Our JOY is not about good or bad situations or events! True JOY, His JOY is about our commitment to Him and His Promises of Power, Presence and Provision, for every circumstance! Our delight, and our attitudes are not about balmy weather or ice-covered roads or hot days or frozen nights, or any other circumstance, it is about COMMITMENT! God Loves Us Enough, That He Sent Jesus to SAVE Us, and to SUSTAIN Us! We flourish when we are growing in HIS GRACE and in HIS Power and in HIS AMAZING GRACE! When we are growing stronger, each day, in our Faith, we are prepared for the challenges of living, and we are ready to enjoy the fruits of our relationship with Almighty God! JOY is a product of HIS GRACE, and our receiving HIS GRACE, and living each day, claiming HIS BLESINGS! Circumstances, situations, worldly challenges do not determine our JOY! God’s JOY is so much more than circumstances! Our JOY, Our Security, our future is dependent on our growing relationship with God! Give Your Life to God, Today, and Live for HIM, growing and loving and sharing and being what HE has Called you to be! Please Lord, Grant us the courage, wisdom, determination, and vision to claim YOUR Promises and to walk in YOUR AMAZING GRACE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
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!