BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 1, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
VIKKI BROCK
PERSONAL COMMITMENT
February 1 Personal Commitment James 4:7-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)
Who is in charge, of your life? Who has your loyalty and devotion? Who do you look to for authority and guidance for your living? James is pointing out that we, want to serve God, yet, we allow the Devil to have authority over our lives. We have to choose who we will follow! Through the Blood of Jesus, our God has provided the ability to stand up against the wiles of the Devil, as he creates temptations, within our lives. Under the Redeeming Blood of Jesus, we are no longer controlled by the power of sin, nor are we helpless against Satan and his minions. Praise God! We have the power and the authority to stand up and speak with Holy Power, to Satan and his henchmen, to get away and to “Flee” from us! When we choose to draw near to God and resist the wiles of Satan, the scriptures tell us that He (God) will move closer to us! Remember, we have the Victory! We just, have, to claim it! Live it! Share it! I choose to resist Satan, Claim God’s Promises of Victory and be confident in my personal devotion and commitment, each day of my life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BEING A WITNESS
January 31 Being A Witness Romans 10:14-15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15)
How will our neighbors hear the Good News? How will our families hear the Good News? We are told that the “Harvest is white to harvest, yet there are no workers!” Ezekiel 22:30 says, “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” I remember Daddy using an illustration that speaks to our responsibility, our duty, our calling to be “Witnesses” for Jesus. Not so many days ago, I read a similar story, written by Wayne Rice, in “Hot Illustrations for Youth Groups,” and it goes like this: “A story is told about a time just after Christ returned from earth to heaven. The angel Gabriel rushed up to Christ and asked if Christ had suffered terribly. “Yes,” answered Christ – “I did.” “So now everyone on earth knows how much you love them and what you did for them?” asked Gabriel. “Oh, no. Only a handful.” “But Lord, how will the rest of the world find out – why didn’t you tell them?” “It’s OK, I asked Peter, James, John and the others to tell the others. And when they know, they will tell others. Soon the whole world will know.” “But what if they don’t tell the others? What if they get to busy? What will you do then? Have you made any other plans?” “I made no other plans,” answered Christ. “I’m counting on them”. Could it be that God is depending on us to share the Gospel? Could it be that our calling is to be “Witnesses” for Him? In Matthew 28:19, we are instructed to, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” When we come to Christ, and we are redeemed by His Blood, we are ordained, at that moment, to be “Witnesses” for that same Love and that same Grace that saved us, and for the sustaining power to live abundantly, right here, right now! Can God count on you? I am resolved to share the Good News! I am excited to let folks know that I am the Son of the King, who is not moved by the craziness of this world. My God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS! With the assurance of my salvation, and a recognition of His Amazing Grace, I am resolved to serve Him, and to share His Good News, and to be the best Witness that I can possibly be! How about you? Can Jesus count on you to share the Good News? You see, He IS counting on you!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JANUARY 29, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATHY FLYNN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DENNIS & CATHY LOCKLEAIR
Living as an OVERCOMER
January 29 Living as an OVERCOMER Romans 7:18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18)
Many years ago, I was with my Daddy as we canvased the community, and visited with various individuals. We happened upon a certain home and the man that dwelled there, had not been to church in many weeks. As we approached the door, Daddy turned to me and said, “Start Praying, right now!” “Pray for what?” I asked. “Pray for the Holy Spirit’s intervention!” Daddy knocked on the door, and the man opened the door, and as he saw who was knocking, he began to cry. Oh no! Daddy obviously knew something about this man that he had not shared with me! Through his tears, he invited us into his home and we each took a seat in the ”Front” room. There was a lull in the conversation, and it seemed like an eternity before anyone spoke. This young man spoke through his sobbing, and said, “I knew you would come by, and I have dreaded it!” “Preacher, I am struggling, and I don’t seem to be able to break out of the issues that seem to control me!” Daddy moved over to the sofa, where the man was seated, and gently placed his arm around him and said those amazing words of comfort and concern, “Tell me about it, Brother.” He began to share the struggles and challenges that he had been dealing with, and, the more he shared, the more intense was his sobbing. He shared that those things that he knew that he should be doing, he didn’t do, and the things that he knew that he shouldn’t do, he was doing! Daddy said to this man, “I know what you are saying, and I understand your pain! I have been right where you are, and let me share with you how God allowed me to adjust, re-focus and recover!” Daddy shared Romans 7:18, then he quoted Romans 7:24-25 (O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.) Daddy remined this man that this is the very reason that Jesus came! Daddy prayed with this man and he instructed him to double down on his prayer time and to double down on his Bible reading and to recite this scripture when life’s challenges present themselves! As we got back in the truck, headed home, Daddy asked a question! “What did you learn from this experience?” (I didn’t know there was going to be a “pop test!”) I responded, after some thought, that everyone of us struggle with the “old” nature, yet God’s Power, Through the Holy Spirit, provides the opportunity to Overcome the Challenges! In our humanity, we are weak, yet, in HIS POWER, we are Strong! Daddy smiled… before we pulled in the driveway, he looked over at me and said some beautiful and encouraging words… “You Go Boy!!” FACT: Every one of us face the same challenges, in living, that this young man faced, and we all have the reality of the Power of the Holy Spirit, to guide, correct, and encourage us in our ever growing and changing relationship with the Father, through the Son! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND ASSUREDLY YET TO BE!!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 01/28/2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
PAT NARRON
SHARING THE GOSPEL
January 28 Sharing the Gospel Romans 15:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “That I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offerings of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:16)
Believers, we must be grateful for the calling on our lives that God has placed, securely and firmly, in our lives! What a truly awesome privilege that we have, to be the representatives of His Love and forgiving Grace, to this evil and sinful world! When I think about the Old Testament Priest, they wore different clothing, and they performed different tasks than others. These men were “Set Apart” from the masses, and they were recognizable! Their main job was to offer sacrifices and offerings that were acceptable to Almighty God. PRAISE GOD! As the Servants of God, in 2023, we do not need to offer blood sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins, because the one, true, and final blood sacrifice for our sins has been offered, in the body of our savior, Jesus Christ! When we claim the redemptive power, through Faith, we are set apart to represent Jesus Christ and we are to “Be Different,” and we are to “Act Differently,” and we are to be the “Light” into the darkness of this evil and sinful world! We are to offer ourselves up to God and be ready and willing to serve Him in obedience and in the power and leading of the Blessed Holy Spirit! On Monday, January 31, 2022, as I was laying on an Emergency Department cot, in the designated “room,” “Hallway A-3,” I had a wonderful vantage point for being a “Bright Light” for my Savior! Keep in mind, this is NOT ABOUT ME, BUT IT IS, ABOUT HIM! I am laying there, not knowing the extent of my dilemma, I was praying for His will to be, and I, simply, began to do what I always do! I was reaching out to the staff and the doctors. One of the doctors asked me how it was that I seemed to be so calm when the word, “Stroke,” was used to describe my dilemma. My answer was clear and plain! “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my body, bringing power to my mind, giving me continued success in my calling. I am affirming health, energy, enthusiasm, and His Joy in my life. You see, all that I am and all of this I owe to my Savior Jesus Christ! I am claiming His VICTORY PRINCIPLE! In all things, I am His and I am grateful!” The doctor’s response was, “Wow!” I was able to “minister” to everyone that passed my cot, and I was able to share the “Light of God’s Love,” with the nurses and the Doctors. DJ was there to witness the opportunities that were available to me! As long, as there, is breath in the body, we are called to be “Ministers” of His Grace and Good News! Regardless of our human issues and limitations, we are, through the precious Blood of Jesus, obligated to share with others, the redeeming power of His Love! From 10:00am until 9:30pm, I was in the ED, before being brought to a room, and during this time, I was singing (to myself) these words, and I am grateful that God applied His comfort and assurance on my mind and body, and I turned my thoughts upon my calling… “O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light, in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant, and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conqu’rors we are! His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!” Regardless of our physical limitations, we must share Jesus, in the Power of His Word, and with the Example of His Redeeming Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JANUARY 27, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KERRY W. GARNER
JENNIFER THOMPSON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JERRY & LINDA LEE
THE GREAT RESCUE MISSION
January 27 “The Great Rescue Mission” 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
There is a great rescue mission underway, with the express purpose to save and redeem a lost and dying world! The FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT have come together to “rescue the perishing!” This rescue mission was planned by the FATHER, the SON accomplished it, and the HOLY SPIRIT draws and convicts and is the bright light that illuminates a dark and dismal heart and makes aware the need for the redeeming Grace of God, through the SON, Jesus Christ! To every one of us that has been “born-again,” “saved by His Grace,” have a responsibility to embrace the mission and to be about the business of sharing the “Good News!” Reality Check: WE ARE HIS MESSENGERS! We have everything that we need to present the “Gospel,” and to do it with “Boldness!” There is a harsh reality that has taken me some time to embrace! Not everybody will be “Saved!” It is God’s will that all be saved, yet the reality is clear! God does not want anyone to perish and spend eternity in the fires of Hell, yet there will be those that will not accept Him! I feel a passion to share the Gospel and to make every effort to make a difference in the lives of as many as possible! This process, this mission begins with prayer! “Lord, teach me to share with Your Power and Grace and Compassion! Please give me a heart that wants to see others saved. Lord, help me to never be complacent in my Faith Journey and help me to be Bold in my witness for You! Thank you for the privilege of experiencing Your Saving Grace and the opportunity to share it with others!” Are you grateful? Are you ready to share the Good News? Are you surrendered to His Will and recognize the responsibility as a Believer? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PS… The Need for Jesus is GREAT! Satan is actively destroying the very foundations of our society and he is using every means available. Look around… Mass Shootings (guns are blamed, not the shooters), Riots and burning and looting government buildings (with ZERO consequences), Anti-Police and Anti-Punishment for Crime policies, Reverse Discrimination, Hatred, unrestrictive violence, Extreme Sensitivity towards every little thing that happens, and the idea that what is Good, and has been Good forever, is now deemed wrong and racist and hate-speech and hurtful to those who would have our society to operate with ZERO rules or regulations that would hamper their WRONG behavior or thoughts! JESUS IS COMING SOON, AND WE NEED TO BE READY AND WE NEED TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE MESSAGE OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION AND THE REALITY OF ETERNITY!!!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 26, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JUDY BOSWELL
STEVEN CARLYLE
MATT DILLON
CYNTHIA HUDSON
DONALD GAY
SHELBY MAKEPEACE
LOGAN WHITLEY
PEACE
January 26 “PEACE” Philippians 4:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Today’s world, with its chaos and unrest and the challenges and sinful ways, creates unrest and disharmony in our living. Our God recognized the need of mankind for “Peace” and the ability to live above the circumstances. Jesus died on the cross to make “Peace” between us and God! Jesus promised His disciples that He was giving His “Peace,” not the peace of the world, but the “PEACE” from the Blessed Holy Spirit! The Apostle Paul is encouraging the Philippians to receive this “Peace” through faithful prayer! Friends, we need to pray, pray in faith and believing that God will answer our petitions! In Isaiah 26:3, it says, “You will keep in perfect ‘Peace’ those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You!” If we are to have real and sustained “Peace,” we must focus our minds on the one that is in control of everything! God did not ordain us to be “anxious!” As a Born-Again Believer, being anxious, is an indication that we are out of our new normal way of life! That old nature is filled with anxiety and fear and woe is me thoughts, yet our new, redeemed nature rises above this, to claim His “Peace” for our lives! In the verses preceding this passage, Paul encouraged the Philippians to “pray,” in every situation, and do it with “Thanksgiving,” and he said that the “Peace” of God would guard our hearts and our minds! This world is going to continue to become more evil and more difficult and more perverse and more anti-God! (Just this past week, a man wearing a T-Shirt that said, “Jesus Saves,” was ejected from the Mall of America because his shirt was deemed offensive, and someone reported this terrifying act of aggression and hatred. FACT: This world has become so sensitive about everything and anything that has anything to do with Jesus Christ, and that includes YOU!!) Do not fear! God has promised that in the middle of all this chaos and despair, we have the ability to transcend the challenges and to overcome the issues! PRAISE GOD! He has, through the Grace of Jesus Christ, the power to overcome the issues and to embrace the “PEACE” of God that will keep our Hearts and our Minds! Pray – Believe – Pray – Receive – Pray – Enjoy! His “Peace” transcends our understanding, yet He provides this amazing Power to walk through this Evil World with His “Peace,” and the assurance of His redeeming Grace! Please do not let the present evil and all that goes with it, in any way, separate you from your birthright, as a redeemed child of God! His “Peace” drives away the “Anxiety” of this old world! Choose God, Choose Peace and Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 01/25/2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATHY AYSCUE
FEELING EMPTY
January 25 “Feeling Empty…” Acts 3:19-20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before…” (Acts 3:19-20)
Have you ever felt “jaded,” or “empty?” I was in a conversation with a pastor friend, and he was sharing that he was going through the motions, and that he was feeling isolated and alone! He continued to share that he was still preaching and visiting and doing those things that were required, yet he didn’t have the energy or enthusiasm that he once enjoyed. With tears in his eyes, he asked me how I did it! My response was quick… “Do What?” He said that he observed me interacting with others and aways smiling and always with a quick word and an encouraging thought, and I stopped him, and I informed him that I have times of feeling empty and alone and isolated and weary and challenged and “down-right tired,” but when these times come, I know that I need some “ALONE TIME” with my Lord! Many years ago, my parents would play host to a traveling evangelist, and Mama would “spoil” him with all of her amazing ways! He would have the best sheets on the bed, and our best pillows, and she would put out the thickest towels, washcloths and she would make his stay with us as comfortable and refreshing as she could! I recall one young man, in particular, that told my folks that he felt so comfortable and blessed and refreshed! You can imagine that Mama was beaming her beautiful smile! The last morning that he was with us, he confessed that he came into our home, empty, weary and borderline discouraged, and that he felt a bit guilty when he wasn’t “Doing” something for the Lord, however, he had been blessed to have been pampered and to have experienced the “Brock” warmhearted hospitality, and an opportunity for some “Down-Time! (Some Guilt-Free, Refreshing Down Time) Friends, we all get weary in our daily service, and we get challenged and we have a sense of emptiness, yet we have a solution to this human condition! When I begin to feel this emptiness and weariness, I know that it is time to into the presence of God and spend time with my Lord! Alone Time, just me and Him, praying and listening and reading His word and blocking out all the distractions of this world, and allow Him to refresh me, empower me, and allow me to grow! Dear Friends, when you feel empty, and you will, COME into the presence of the Lord, and spend time with Him, and allow Him to touch you and heal you and lift you up, then you will leave “FILLED!” THANK YOU, GOD FOR YOUR SALVATION AND YOUR SUSTAINING AND REFRESHING POWER! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BE POSITIVE
January 24 Be Positive Proverbs 6:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” (Proverbs 6:2)
This world is a negative place, and we are products of this environment! Think about this… “I ain’t got, but one,” or “I only have one.” We have a tendency, in our words and actions to have a default position of negativity. Recently, I was reading a book about our patterns of speech and the way in which we interact with others. It has prompted me to be aware of my own speech patterns and my choice of words. Dear friends, we have a responsibility to represent the Good News, in a positive and clear fashion, and we need to pay attention to the way that we speak. I will tell you that I have been amazed at the way that I express myself. I have always been a positive, “Glass Half Full” type of person, yet I have come to realize that I speak from a position that is “negative!” I believe that Jesus recognized this human issue and He spoke to “renewing of our minds,” as a way of moving us from a “negative world view,” into a positive, “Holy Spirit Guided” eternal viewpoint. In Philippians 4:8, we are instructed to control our thoughts, (through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment) therefore, our words and actions… “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” What we think and how we think, will determine how we speak! Our Savior wants our words to be true and revealing and positive and edifying to Him. Attitude, Aptitude, Abilities, Action…We are called to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE – We are called to STUDY to PREPARE OURSELVES for the TASK – We are called to UTILIZE every RESOURCE available to us, to HONOR OUR CALLING – We are called to put our ATTITUDE, Our APTITUDE, Our ABILITIES into POSITIVE ACTION for HIM! As I continue the call to EVANGELISM, and as I grow in His Grace, I am becoming aware of areas in my own life that I need to surrender to Him. True and effective Evangelism is Personal and Life-style Evangelism…Sharing Your Own Experiences with our Savior and allowing others to see themselves experiencing the same amazing results! I am praying that my words will be positive, and my actions will match my words and my attitude will reflect His Love and my dedication to being the best that I can be, through the Holy Spirit, that I can be! Hoe about you? Be Positive, Be Strong, Be Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 23, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MIKE BAILEY
BLESSED, MORE BLESSED, AND BLESSED AGAIN!
January 23 “Blessed, More Blessed, and Blessed Again” Psalm 1:1-6
**After Church Yesterday, Another Young Person Accepted Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior and will be Baptized on February 5, 2023! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! TRULY BLESSED…
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.” (Psalm 1:1-6)
In my studies of Psalms and the writing of King David, it is thought that Psalm 1 was his favorite because it introduced the Hebrew word, “Esher,” which is translated to mean “Happy,” or “Blessed!” The message that David is proclaiming, is that, when we walk in the presence of the Lord and we seek a relationship with Him, and we are committed to doing His will, then we will be “Blessed” and “Happy!” In David’s time, the main method to establish a close relationship with God was to “delight in His Law!” They were to “Learn it,” “Meditate on it,” and to “Practice it,” daily! In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is the fulfillment of the “law,” and, because we are unable to “Keep the Law,” in our humanity, Jesus came to forgive our sins and to reestablish our relationship with Almighty God. Psalm 1 is still relevant for us today! Since Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law, and we are followers of Christ, then we are, indeed, keeping the Law! Folks, we must avoid those that will take us away from our devotion to Christ and we must limit the exposure to the negative actions that will cloud our pathway and cause us to forget our “Blessings!” God’s word is Clear: The one who follows God and seeks His face and turns from the wicked ways, will have the opportunity to be “Blessed” and “Happy” in this journey that we call “Life!” Once again, I reference the events of the past few days that have solidified the necessity to “seek His Face and to Praise His Name!” One Year Ago, Amazingly, in the middle of a stroke, and the aftermath of diagnosis and treatment, I have remained resolute and confident that my God was (and is) in control and that He would (and will) see me through to the end! I Praise God that I am still able to proclaim HIS Word and that I am stronger, more committed and dedicated to fulfilling HIS calling on my life! I still believe, and I am Blessed, More Blessed and Blessed Some More! Just as the Hebrews were to meditate and learn and practice the “Law,” we are to “Meditate” on God’s Word, and we are to “Learn” God’s Word, and we are to “Practice it,” and “Share it” every single day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!