December 19 Staying Truly Focused Isaiah 26:3
** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022, BTC will have a 10:00am CHRISTMAS SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **
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)
Over the past two years, with its chaos and upheaval and demonstrations of hatred and evil, I have been challenged to stay focused on what is real and eternal. I the midst of political and radical ideological changes in our national resolve, I have found myself caught up in the insanity of a popular movement of secular and temporal thoughts and desires. Satan is having a “Field-day!” How am I to react to anti-Christian, anti-American rhetoric that is absolutely opposed to my convictions, my thoughts, my upbringing, and my Christian values? How easy it is to lose focus on what is real and just and edifying to our Lord and Savior! Yesterday, once again, the news outlets were reporting on the idea that the COVID-19 virus and its variants, have caused increased stress and a spike in mental health issues, and because of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, that we should go back to mandates and masks and “Shutdown” protocols. Really? Extreme changes to our way of life and isolation and distancing and all the negative (both real and created) that has been reported and experienced, no wonder that folks are experiencing some levels of depression and disfunction! Friends, I thank God for His Power and Presence in my life and the Provision for Peace! God has promised that, when we are focused on the correct things and when we are committed to His Will, then we are going to experience “Perfect Peace,” regardless of the circumstances! For almost two years, I have ended each daily devotional, with the admonition to “STAY STRONG, STAY FOCUSED!” Our survival requires True Focus on what is Real and Just and Edifying to our GOD! The words of a beautiful old hymn (My heart is fixed, O God on Thee), provides the encouragement that we need to, not only survive, but to THRIVE! “My heart is fixed O God on Thee, No more my feet shall go astray; I caught a glimpse of Calvary, and now I walk with Christ today. My heart is fixed O God on Thee, my eyes are now on things above, from worldly yokes, Praise God I’m free, I’m running o’er with Joy and Love. One time I wandered far away, I did not heed the Shepherd’s voice; My heart on God is fixed today, For He is my eternal choice. My heart is fixed, my face is set, upon the prize that lies before; all other claims I will reject, My Heart is fixed forevermore. No longer tossed upon the waves, Of sin and doubt but now I sail; within the life boat, JESUS SAVES, No Storms against me shall prevail.” We are celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and because of His birth, and life and death, and Resurrection, and our claiming His Selfless act at Calvary, we CAN have victory over the challenges of this life! Keep in mind, we will experience challenges, yet His Great Love and sustaining Power will bring us through to experience complete victory! I Thank God for His Love and For My Jesus! Let this Christmas Season be a time to begin to Focus on Jesus, and to celebrate, our Savior and Lord, JESUS CHRIST, in Your Life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 12/18/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BEN HOCUTT
BOBBY SELLERS
"BE STILL, BE BLESSED"
December 18 “Be Still, Be Blessed” Isaiah 50:4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.” (Isaiah 50:4)
In this hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, please take time to recognize the reason that we celebrate! I find myself being consumed by the trappings of Christmas and failing to concentrate on the actual reason for celebration! When I sense that I am drifting away from my calling and my responsibilities, I stop, and I listen for His instructions! When I am busy doing “stuff,” it is difficult to listen to His Call! I thank God for the desire to seek His face and to communicate with Him, through Prayer and His Holy Word! I am excited that the Blessed Holy Spirit, our Promise from Jesus Christ, will lead, guide, direct, and teach us, when we are submissive to His Instructions! Living close to God requires commitment! Experiencing His calming Peace requires commitment! Living in the fullness of His Joy and Blessings requires commitment! Are you sensing a pattern? That’s right! We MUST COMMIT OURSELVES TO GOD, and LIVE CLOSE to HIM, in ALL THAT WE DO! Let this CHRISTMAS SEASON be the start of your COMMITMENT to LIVE each day, COMMITTED to GOD’S GRACE, LOVE, JOY, DIRECTION, and HIS HOLY PURPOSE for your Life! As we journey through this life, may God’s Presence and Power cover every area of your life! When this occurs, then we can say, with commitment and confidence, “MERRY CHRISTMAS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY YET TO BE! Remember, As a Born-Again Believer, our BEST DAYS are AHEAD!
THE "FISHIN" SPOT
December 17 The “Fishin” Spot 2 Corinthians 11:3
** SPECIAL NOTICE: TONIGHT, December 17, 2022, we will experience the “LIVE NATIVITY” production… also, Our Kids will be singing Sunday Morning, December 18, 2022, during the Morning Worship Hour! Ya’ll come and celebrate with us! Celebrate Jesus!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Wow! Listening to the news of the day and having experienced the issues of human deceptions and conflicts, I sit and reflect on the Season and the Reason that Jesus came to earth! God loves us enough that He sent Jesus to be the One True and Last Sacrifice for our sins! Keep in mind, not everyone recognizes His Love, His Mission, and His Atoning Grace! I would like to share a story, from my youth, that illustrates the necessity and the reality of staying true to your mission and to be faithful, regardless of the challenges that occur! When I was a boy, I “LOVED” to fish! There was a particular spot, along the banks of the Neuse River that was my favorite place to fish. It was called, “Spring Bank!” It seemed that this special place was where the fish would congregate, and I fished this special spot, as often as I could. From early spring, until early winter, I was there, at least 3 times a week. I would grab my fishing poles, let Mama know where I was headed, or at least in the general direction, and away I would go! Oh yeah, I failed to tell you why the fishing was so good! This Special Place, My Place, where the fishing was great, was, also, the same spot that the snakes, thought was a special place for them. No one else would fish the spot because of the snakes! Now, let me paint the picture for you! I would sit in my wallowed-out spot on the bank, against a big Water Oak Tree, and I had my cane pole, for fishing, and my shorter cane pole for “snaking!” Imagine me sitting on the bank, with my line in the water, and I am watching the cork and watching for snakes. (Did I mention that the snakes were on the bank and in the trees and in the water… they were everywhere! I remember counting 31 snakes on one fishing trip…) With my shorter cane pole, I would hit the snakes while pulling in the fish. Keep in mind, this type of fishing was not for the weak of heart or one that might have a fear, of the obstacles (snakes). July and August, the snakes were more aggressive, and it required more concentration to not be a victim. Why this story today? I truly believe that we are, in the midst, of Satanic deceptions, just like Eve experienced, in the Garden of Eden and we must be aware and prepared for the deceptions. Evil exists on every side and Satan wants to keep us from “Fishing!” That is, he wants us to fail as “Fishers of Men!” When I was a boy, Daddy would warn me about playing in the tall weeds and grass! “Watch out for the snakes!” Notice that he didn’t say, “Watch out, there MAY be snakes!” The fact is that snakes are in the grass and snakes are everywhere that me step! Dear Friends, we are living in “Snake-Filled” times, with obstacles and deceptions at every turn, so, I am asking you to recognize the environment and prepare for the challenge and armor up for the on-going battle! We MUST be AWARE of the SNAKES and be prepared to deal with them and to NEVER let them STOP us from our MISSION to be TRUE and EFFECTIVE “FISHERS OF MEN!” By the Way… we ate lots and lots of fresh fish! We must remain committed; we must remain faithful… His Blessings and His Bounty are ours, when we are obedient, and faithful! Is this a Christmas message? YES! Anything that keeps us focused on the Love of God and the Gratitude for HIS LOVE, through JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted for a Purpose! Merry Christmas!)
WHO IS THIS MAN?
December 16 “Who is this Man…?” Matthew 8:27
** SPECIAL NOTICE: December 17, 2022, we will experience the “LIVE NATIVITY” production… also, Our Kids will be singing Sunday Morning, December 18, 2022, during the Morning Worship Hour! Ya’ll come and celebrate with us! Celebrate Jesus!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But the men marveled, saying, ‘What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!’” (Matthew 8:27)
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we be focused on the Power and the Provision that this man called Jesus, brings to our lives and our future. Several years ago, Daddy and I went deep sea fishing. Early that morning, we boarded the boat and we set out for a great day of fishing. The ocean was calm, and the winds were light, and the anticipation of a successful day was before us. Everything was just as anticipated and just as planned. Keep in mind, this fishing boat was huge and the ride out to the “Deep” waters was smooth and uneventful. Oh well, things change! Late afternoon, the clouds began to thicken, and the wind began to steadily blow. We kept fishing, with some success, and I kept watching the faces of the deck crew that were assisting us. The winds grew stronger, the waves began to get taller, and my stomach began to have a mind of its own. The captain called out that we were in the edge of a storm, and that we were headed back to the dock. Folks, if we were on the edge of the storm, Thank God, we were not in the middle of it. The one thing that was clear, this boat may be big, from my perspective, yet in the edge of this storm, it was like a leaf blowing in the wind. The captain was rushing to shore as the storm engulfed our craft. Listen, within minutes, everyone on the boat had forgotten about fishing and were concentrating on keeping their lunch! We finally reached the dock, gathered our stuff, and quietly walked to the truck. I stepped off the dock and started to run to the truck. I glanced over at Daddy, and he was just walking normally. “Daddy, hurry up!” “Why, Son? We are already soaking wet. We can’t get any wetter!” We reached the truck and got in and began the short journey back to the Oceanana Motel. On the ride back, Daddy said, “Today was a time when you would want Jesus on board with you!” I asked him, “Why?” “Because HE controls the wind, and the sea obeys HIM!” Folks, in the middle of the storms of life, remember who is in control and who it is that has control of our lives. Every one of us, go through storms, yet we do not have to fear! I do not understand the events, the displays of hatred and the chaos that we are in the middle of, at this moment in time, however, I am 100% positive that God is in control, and fortified with that knowledge, I am walking in the calm of His promises and the strength of His control. We MUST remain faithful, we MUST claim the Calm of His Promises, and we MUST continue to serve Him in obedience and TRUST! Whatever may come, I am assured that HE WILL SEE ME THROUGH! “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” This is my Jesus, my Savior, my Lord! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
CHRISTIAN LIBERTY
December 15 “CHRISTIAN LIBERTY” Galatians 5:13
** SPECIAL NOTICE: December 17, 2022, we will experience the “LIVE NATIVITY” production… also, Our Kids will be singing Sunday Morning, December 18, 2022, during the Morning Worship Hour! Ya’ll come and celebrate with us! Celebrate Jesus!
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, as my personal Bible Study, 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, and Political Struggles,” 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! During this Christmas Season, may we embrace HIS Love, HIS Mission for Humanity and be a Part of the Beauty, and not a part of this world’s ugliness! “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards ALL men!!” 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!!)
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 14, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
FRANCES CARROLL (Aunt Fran)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TRACEY & CYNTHIA HUDSON
DAVID & HOLLY HUGHES
DL & KAYLA SCOTT
HAVE YOU BEEN ROBBED?
December 14 Have You Been Robbed? John 10:10
** SPECIAL NOTICE: December 17, 2022, we will experience the “LIVE NATIVITY” production… also, Our Kids will be singing Sunday Morning, December 18, 2022, during the Morning Worship Hour! Ya’ll come and celebrate with us! Celebrate Jesus!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
This world is a treacherous place to be! As a Follower of Jesus Christ, we are living in an alien environment. Satan is busy, attacking the very foundations of decent and civil society and attempting to replace it with chaos and anarchy and, sadly, his job is being made must easier by individuals that, at one time or another, have professed a relationship with Jesus Christ! How can a “Born-Again” believer participate in the worldly deceptions and evil actions, of the satanic driven world that we live in? If, these insane events, have caused you to take your attention away from God and His Divine Promises that He has brought to us, then, you may have been robbed! You may have been robbed! You may have been robbed of your joy, robbed of your peace, robbed of your vision, robbed of your confidence and assurance, robbed of your commitment! Satan is excited about the present conditions of this world, and he is doing everything possible to make sure that chaos and anti-God activities will survive and abound! This “Thief” is ready to steal your joy and your dedication. This “Thief,” the Devil, is robbing people of their spiritual condition. It’s bad to see folks robbed, and they don’t even know they’ve been robbed. It’s bad to see folk having so much taken and been robbed so many times, that it has become a part of their normal life! This “Thief” has come into the church and has stolen a lot of people’s Praise, he has stolen a lot of people’s assurances of their salvation, and he has stolen their joy. Have you been robbed? Have you taken your focus off Jesus? Are you living under the satanic influenced circumstances of this life? Listen, please, I am committed to building a Spiritual Wall, through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit, around my living! I am aware that Satan is the “Thief,” and he wants to steal anything and everything that is of God, from my life and from yours! I REFUSE TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN! I choose to claim my God’s Promise that, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Abundant living does not involve supporting Satan or promoting anything associated with his Evil plans. Professing Believer, it is time for you to take inventory of your life, your priorities, your loyalties, and your commitments! You cannot serve two masters!! Church, it is time for us to retire the concept of “a Spiritual Party Boat,” and be the captain of a “SPIRITUAL BATTLESHIP!!” We are in a battle for the very Soul, and we need to be armored up with God’s Word, Fortified, through Prayer and Consuming the Word of God on, a DAILY BASIS! As I observe the insane happenings, I take comfort in knowing that we are one day closer to the second coming of Jesus (RAPTURE). Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS REAALY AND TRULY, YET TO BE!! “COME QUICKLY LORD, COME QUICKLY!” (Re-post)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 12, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DENA BRANNAN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
CHARLES & MARY ANN PADGETT
ANTHONY & JESICA HILL
PEACE
December 12 “PEACE” Romans 5:1
**Thank-You, to Sandy Trippe (the author and creator and choreographer), Paul Brown (Director and Encourager), and the Baptist Tabernacle Church Choir, for an amazing Cantata experience, yesterday, at Church and, last night, at the Robinwood Retirement Community! Your efforts and hard work were evident in the performances! Thank-you to all that attended our Special Day! You are always welcome at the TAB! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
The history of humanity is full of examples of individuals that have called for “Peace,” and multiple examples of the failures of humanity to achieve, this elusive, “Peace!” The twentieth century was the bloodiest in the recorded human history. An estimated twenty-five million people died in multiple wars during this century. During this entire century, man was seeking “Peace” and attempting to solve the crisis of the moment. Amazingly and sadly, we cannot and did not broker “Peace” between other humans and we certainly didn’t have “Peace” with God! It is obvious that humanity cannot achieve “Peace” on our own. From Adam, in the Garden, to the year 2021, humanity still cannot achieve “Peace!” An observation, of the 21st century church, reveals that we still have not achieved “Peace,” even among those who publicly proclaim to be Christian. So, what is the answer? How, can we obtain this elusive “Peace?” Paul states the solution clearly and plainly; as believers, we have been justified by FAITH. In and of ourselves, we, based on history, cannot achieve “Peace” on our own. I fully believe that we think that we have, to do, “something,” in order to achieve “Peace.” Listen, before justification, through Jesus Christ, we were “enemies” of God, and we were at war with God. The plain and simple fact is that we have been “Justified” by FAITH and we have, not only, the “Peace” of God, but we also have “Peace” with God!! Dear friends, trying to achieve, any level of “Peace,” requires a relationship with Jesus. When Jesus declared, from Calvary’s Cross, that “IT IS FINISHED,” a “Peace” agreement was established between the rebellious heart of man and the Holy Heart of God. Let the “Peace” of God reign in your heart and walk in His “Love,” so that others can see His “Peace” in you! Remember, what God does with you is completely dependent on what you do! It always has and it always will!! In this time of chaos and fatigue and unrest and anger and insanity; make every effort, through the justification of God, to be a true example of “Peace” and “Sanity” to those around you and Glorify God! May the “Peace” of God control, dictate and guide your thoughts and actions, so that you will continue to honor God and be a true and active witness for the “Peace” of God! The prophet Isaiah proclaimed it best… In Isaiah Chapter 9:6-7… “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 11, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BLAIR DRIVER
SINGING PRAISES AT THE TAB
December 11 Singing Praises at the “TAB” Colossians 3:16
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: TODAY is the day that The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA, this morning, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE the REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … ** ENCORE PERFORMANCE TONIGHT AT ROBINWOOD, WENDELL, NC!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
One of my favorite things about Christmas, is the music! Today, PRAISE GOD, we are going to experience a Special Time at Baptist Tabernacle Church! Our choir is performing a Christmas Cantata, for the first time in 2 years! Sandy Trippe, once again, has put together a beautiful complement of songs that inspire us, entertains us, and encourages us! With Sandy’s Talents and Paul Brown’s Direction, we are going to sing praises to God, celebrate Jesus ‘birth and encourage each other! I was told, several years ago, by a young man, that I respect, that “music is not worship,” and I FULLY DISAGREE! We are encouraged, in the scriptures, to sing songs, hymns, and allow the music to inspire us and to empower us to greater service! “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” You are cordially invited to come and experience the exciting events of our Praise and Worship Cantata! Baptist Tabernacle Church, at 11:00 am, December 11, 2022. The title of our performance is “CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!” May Christ dwell in you, richly, and may you celebrate Christmas with songs and hymns and praises to God! You are welcome at Baptist Tabernacle, today, and every day, to celebrate Jesus! Keep Singing, Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
A SPECIAL "THANK-YOU"
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO WAYNE & PAM BATTEN, JOURNEY KIDS & ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE MISSION TRIP TO OPEN HOUSE AT KENNEDY HOME ON FRIDAY EVENING! IT WAS A SPECIAL TIME AND GREAT MEMORIES WERE MADE AND WE MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THESE AMAZING CHILDREN, AT KENNEDY HOME! WHAT A TRUE BLESSING TO BE A PART OF SUCH A LOVING AND CARING BODY OF BELIEVERS, LIKE THE BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHURCH FAMILY! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! LOVE YOU ALL, PASTOR GLEN & ANNETTE!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR DECEMBER 10, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WALLACE BUNN
MATTHEW LEE
“Being a Part of the Healing…”
December 10 “Being a Part of the Healing…” Ephesians 4:31-32
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Tomorrow is the BIG DAY when The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE the REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Growing up in an area that produced a lot of chickens, I learned some interesting facts about raising chickens. I discovered that the farmers would trim the beaks of the chicks. I was told that if one chick falls and gets hurt, the other chicks that are around the hurt one, would peck the wound with their sharp beaks and create an even larger sore. I understand that there have been times when the sore would even get infected and fester. Wow! When I thought about this fact, I began to speculate about our human behavior. What happened when one of our fellow Christian believers falls? How do we respond? Do we have, a tendency to “peck away” at the transgression, with gossip, whispers of criticism, stares, cold-shoulders? The reality is that even one peck can deepen their pain and make the wound larger and deeper and difficult to heal! The farmer’s solution may not be a bad idea, after all! Do you think that Jesus is calling on us to “trim our beaks?” We should lift one another up and pray for one another and we should treat others with compassion and forgiveness and kindness! Our calling, our responsibility, is to encourage others, inspire others, witness to others and to live our lives as a reflection of God’s Grace, actively growing in us!!! REMEMBER: ‘BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, THERE GOES I…” I want to be a part of the healing, not the hurting! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR DECEMBER 9, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WILLIAM HOCUTT
STACY BUNN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RYAN & BROOKE HARGREAVES
THE GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION
December 9 The Good News of Salvation Isaiah 61:1
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHOIR will be performing our CHRISTMAS CANTATA on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022, during the 11:00 Worship Hour. You are invited to attend and CELEBRATE the REASON for the SEASON! Ya’ll Come and CELEBRATE with us … **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” (Isaiah 61:1)
Every day, I Thank God for the Good News of Salvation, through Jesus Christ! This scripture passage is a tremendous prophecy of the coming of THE Messiah, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it tells us that this Servant of God will be the ultimate PREACHER and that HIS Ministry will bring GOOD NEWS! I get excited, each time that I read these words! Think about it…He will be anointed to PROCLAIM (preach) the Good Tidings to the poor, to heal and direct the Brokenhearted, and to PREACH Freedom and Liberty to those who are captive, and HE will open the doors of the prisons that hold us captive! THIS IS GOOD NEWS!! Listen, as Believers, we are commanded to bring this GOOD NEWS to ALL NATIONS! The GOOD NEWS IS SIMPLE! Jesus said to PREACH REPENTANCE, THE GOSPEL (remission of our sins), and to LIVE IT OUT IN OUR LIVES, DAILY!!! Oh, My Goodness… We Hear Enough BAD NEWS, so let’s pledge to share God’s Amazing Grace and to PREACH the GOOD NEWS of the GRACE of GOD through JESUS CHRIST, THE BEST NEWS!!!! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST! We MUST SHARE IT! I Declare to the world that I am, and will continue to be, a purveyor of GOOD NEWS! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!