BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SUTTON BOYETTE
SANDY TRIPPE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
PAUL & CAROLYN BROWN
BE BOLD ....
February 17 BE BOLD… Matthew 12:20-21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory; And in His name Gentiles will trust.” (Matthew 12:20-21)
Have you ever felt abused or “beat-up” when you share your faith with others? Well, there was a time when I would share Jesus with someone, that I felt abused and ill-used! Every one of us have failed and fallen short of His standards, yet He loves us anyway, and will use us to complete His mission for humanity! Dear Friends, I want to encourage you to share your faith, period! When I think of a man that shared Jesus, in the face of his own shortcomings, my mind goes to Peter! Peter had failed miserably at sharing his faith and he even went further by denying that he knew Jesus! In the book of Acts, there was a change in ole Peter. He stood flatfooted and declared to the masses: “Let it be known to you all, and to the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole! (Acts 4:10).” Isn’t it amazing! Even though Peter was weak and shaky in his initial sharing of Jesus’ love and grace, he was used by God to be a bold messenger for God and a Bright Light in the darkness of a sinful world! This is what I desire! I want to share my Faith and the source of my Faith, and I want to do it like a roaring fire that spreads across a dry and lifeless field! Please Lord, make my heart willing and my mouth anointed, to carry Your Good News to everyone that I meet! Alright Fellow Believers – BE BOLD, BE DELIBERATE, BE FAITHFUL, BE ENGAGED AND BE A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THIS DARK AND SINFUL WORLD! Never, ever feel abused or beat down; God provides, and we must embrace His Power and KEEP SHARING UNTIL WE SEE HIM AROUND THE THRONE IN HEAVEN! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS BATTEN
SALVATION and BEYOND
February 16 “SALVATION and BEYOND” Philippians 1:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
This one scripture tells the complete story of our “Salvation!” Our God begins the miracle work of “Salvation” with the miracle of “His Justification.” Our Justification is the forgiveness of our sins and the offering of a new life that, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, puts us in a proper and restored standing with God! “Salvation” is amazingly exciting, yet it is only the beginning! Praise God! He continues to work in us to transform us into an example of His Holiness! My Daddy cammed this process, “Sanctification!” He used to tell me that God was “all in” on this process, even when we were not! Through rebellion and temptations, our God is committed to complete what He has begun in us! Here is the fact: Our God is so committed to our “Sanctification” that He will discipline and correct us, even allowing directive and correcting problems to come our way! I am excited that God is so invested in my “Salvation,” and the completion of my complete “Sanctification!” The completion of His work in me is the fact that I am going to spend eternity, with Him, in Heaven! Here is where another word becomes real! The Biblical word is “Glorification!” This is when I will be taken up to Heaven and I will have a new body, and I will never again feel the effects of sin or any of the earthly challenges! How exciting to realize that there will be no more sorrow or pain or crying or dying, just the opportunity to “Praise God and to Worship Him in the achievement of true Holiness! I can only imagine the unspeakable joy and the Heavenly presence of Jesus forevermore! I am so very grateful for the selfless act on Calvary that has provided this opportunity for me to be with Jesus and to enjoy an eternity Praising Him and Worshipping the Father, because of the Son! Thank you, God, for your unmerited favor, and for what YOU have done, are doing, and what YOU will do! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Are you in the process of real “Sanctification?” Are you anticipating that day when you will achieve complete “Glorification?” Now is the time! BELIEVE – CONFESS (REPENT) – ASK – RECEIVE…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 02/15/2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ROBBIE BATTEN
"TRUST IN THE LORD AND PRAY"
February 15 “Trust in the Lord and Pray!” Mark 11:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)
One of the favorite sayings, from my mother, was that I should always “Trust in the Lord and Pray!” From an early age, I was witness to the necessity and the power of Prayer. Mama would tell me, in every situation, “Pray about it!” As I matured, I came to realize that “prayer” was the key to my survival and that “Prayer” has no limits or boundaries! My God can do everything necessary to guide me and to help me and to allow me to grow in Him. Praise God! He is unique and He is ready to hear my prayers, about anything, at anytime and anywhere! Mama would caution me to understand that my prayers should be “in His Will,” and that I should pray about everything! Just a note: Every prayer that I have prayed to my Savior, He has answered! His answers are “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait on Me!” God loved me enough to sacrifice Jesus, so that I could be saved, and have a relationship with God the Father. So, I am still trusting in the Lord while I am praying and I know that, through the challenges and trials of this life, He hears me, and He will answer in the manner that is best for me! I am excited that my God sees tomorrow, while I can only see today! He sees next month and next year and I am limited in my human prospective, yet I am trusting Him and talking with Him and excited about the future! The longer I live, the more I know that I can Trust Him! By the way…God hasn’t given me everything that I have asked for, over the years! Thank God, that He hasn’t! I can only imagine the mess that I would be in today! Listen, I have struggled when it appeared that I was not going to get my way, and I have wanted to “pout!” Then, there was this voice, a strong and loving voice, that gave me the best instructions: “Trust in the Lord and Pray!” Thank you, Mama, for sharing the Love of God with me! NO ONE knows what is best for me more than my Savior, Jesus Christ! Today, as every day, I place my doubts, burdens, worries at the base of the Cross, and plead the “Blood of Jesus” for these petitions. Trusting in God to be God, and to do what He promised that He would do, is the most amazing and “Freeing” thing! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
STEVE BAILEY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GREG & DANIELLE GIDDING
ROGER & MERRY HOCUTT
"REAL LOVE"
February 14 “Real Love” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)
Today is the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day. For as long as most of us can remember, February, and the 14th of February has been the month, and day to celebrate and recognize “Love!” I can remember being so excited that I would share a Valentine’s card with each one of my classmates when I was in elementary school. I think that I was most excited about the chocolate hearts that were always around. As I grew older, it became an opportunity to show that special one, just how I felt and might even get a kiss because of it! As an adult, I took on a different position. The perceived obligation to shower your significant other with expensive candy, flowers, and a meal at a “Nice” (code word for expensive) restaurant, were a bit overwhelming for me! The first Valentine’s Day that Annette and I shared, I told her, in advance, that I was not getting candy, flowers or any of that stuff. I prepared a meal at my place, and we had a simple time together, watching TV and talking. By the way, I had rather send flowers or candy on April 7th or May 11th! She would not expect them and that would become a very special moment! I tell this to tell this… God is Love! His Love is a True and Pure and Eternal Love! His Love is not determined by time or space or circumstances or moods or attitudes or ups or downs, or any other earthly challenge! Paul called it “Charity!” We know it as “Love!” The only way to truly “Love” one another, is to embrace the Love of God, through the shed blood of Jesus and His example of Real Love! Share your love with your spouse or friend yet remember the author and creator of “Real Love,” Jesus Christ! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 13, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ANNETTE RAGAN
DIANA ADAMS
REPENT
February 13 “Repent” Luke 13:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
There is a story told of a little boy that applied for church membership. The Pastor asked, “Why do you want to join the church?” “Because I want to show everyone that Jesus has saved me!” “Do you feel that you are saved? Who saved you? asked the Pastor. The little boy replied, “It is the work of Jesus Christ and me!” “What was your part in being saved?” asked the Pastor. The little boy quickly responded, “I repented, and Jesus did the rest!” What is Repentance? Repentance is that change of a sinner's (Romans 3:23) mind which leads him to turn from his evil ways and live. It could be said as the little boy said – it is our part (Something that we MUST do), and then HE will do the rest! Will He do the rest if we don’t do our part? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! God is not going to save a man that does not want to be saved! As I counsel with individuals that are suffering with various challenges, I always talk about salvation and repentance and the fact that we are all sinners, and that we all fall short of the glory and majesty of almighty God, and invariably, the vast majority tell me that they are not sinners and that they are not lost and that I sound like every other pastor. (I AM QUITE PROUD THAT I SOUND LIKE A PASTOR!) Equally sad, is the individual that refuses to forgive his or her neighbor! Living under the burden of unforgiveness will always hamper your own forgiveness. Daddy used to tell me that people, must “Get Lost,” before they can be saved, and that is so true! We must recognize and acknowledge that we are lost before we can be found! The very first thing that Peter said to the multitude, on the day of Pentecost, was about how to become a child of God. Acts 2:38 says, “…Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Notice that he didn’t say that to be saved you had to first join the church, or the first thing was to be baptized; no, these come after being saved. He says that the first thing that you need to do, is to “Repent!” Throughout the Bible, we read about the importance of repentance and God’s forgiveness! God is merciful enough to forgive us of our sins, if we are man enough to come to Him and ask for that forgiveness. Amazingly, for some folks, it is the hardest thing that they could possibly do, is to ask for forgiveness! For them, asking for forgiveness is Hard! Are you willing to humble yourself and to say, “Christ, I realize I am a sinner and I realize that I cannot save myself, and I realize that if you do not have mercy on me, I am eternally lost! O God, I confess my sins, please forgive me.” HE WILL HONOR YOUR REQUEST AND HE WILL SAVE YOUR SOUL!! “…and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out!” (John 7:37) This is the answer to our earthly human struggles and issues! This is the solution to our dilemmas of life! If you missed it, let me shout it to the rooftop… “REPENT AND BE SAVED!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GLENN BUNN
DIANA COLEY
GRADY JOHNSON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DONALD & DIANA ADAMS
THE ONLY WAY
February 12 “THE ONLY WAY” John 3:36
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
Recently, I was watching a TV preacher, and, at the same time, I was writing notes in my daily journal, and this man questioned the way to God! That’s right! He indicated that we can come to God by our behaviors and lifestyles and that our eternal life is assured, when we use Jesus as the example for our living! Well, he did get that right…Jesus IS our EXAMPLE! The fact is that ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD IS ONLY POSSIBLE THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST! You can be the best moral person and be the most giving and humble person around, and still go to HELL! Listen to this FACT!!! JESUS CHRIST IS NOT MERELY A WAY TO GOD, JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!!! God’s ultimate plan for restoration of our relationship with Him is through Jesus Christ! When we place our FAITH in the selfless act on Calvary, for the forgiveness of our sins and we confess our sins and ask Jesus to SAVE us, then, we will have ETERNAL LIFE with our GOD! “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Regardless of what may be spoken, taught, or proclaimed, JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO ACHIEVE SALVATION AND TO BE ABLE TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALMIGHTY GOD! THANK YOU, GOD for Your Amazing Grace and Love! Are you depending on Jesus? Are you claiming His Power for Redemption and Salvation? TODAY IS THE DAY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
I am an OVERCOMER
February 11 I am an OVERCOMER Galatians 2:20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
The Holy Scriptures inform us that there WILL be trials, tribulations, conflicts, chaos, and twisted and perverse thoughts and actions by those that oppose the message of Hope and Freedom, that comes from the selfless act on Calvary, by God’s Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, and sadly, we are witnessing the effects of decades of Satanic influences and a concerted effort to oppose anything that has standards of behavior, based upon Judo-Christian ethics. We are experiencing the results of generations of “if it feels good, then it is okay” attitudes and morals, and when there are not standards of behavior established, then we must rely on “feelings,” and these standards change, based upon emotion and prejudices, and this type of pattern of behavior cannot be sustained! Chaos, Anger, Arrogance, and Twisted Behaviors become the Norm, and those that claim Jesus Christ, and are living by the standards of civil behavior, will continue to find it difficult to navigate through this evil and perverse world! My dear mother told me that there would be challenges and trials, that I would experience, in this life! Every one of us experience challenges, and the ever changing dynamic of 21st century life in America, every single day! PRAISE GOD! Guess what? I experience trials every day (so do you) – In this World and in my own heart! Jesus told us that “In this world, I would have tribulation, but He instructed me that I was to be of ‘Good Cheer,’ for He had overcome the World, and as His child, I, too, am an overcomer (John 16:33)!! Isn’t it exciting to know that “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)!” PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! TO GOD BE THE GLORY, FOREVER AND EVER…AMEN! He has promised Victory in Jesus, and we can count on His Grace and His Power and His Provision for our living! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 02/10/23
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO;
JULIE CARROLL
ATTITUDE for LIVING
February 10 ATTITUDE for LIVING Psalm 100
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100)
How should we as Children of God behave? How are we to conduct our lives on a “day to day” basis? Could it be that we are not embracing the promises of God and that we are demonstrating a lack of His Power and sustaining Grace? I am convinced that our ATTITUDE towards HIS LOVE and HIS SAVING GRACE in our lives, dictates our actions, behaviors, and our words! Listen closely, situations and circumstances of life, change at a moment’s notice, and when our thoughts and attitudes are determined by the shifting status of the events of the day, then we are going to be “Shifty” in our service and praise to our God! Believers, keep looking up, continue to praise God, embrace His promises and what your attitude and your mouth. May every action that you take and every word that you speak honor God and cause one more person to come to His Saving Grace! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! It is your ATTITUDE, not your APTITUDE, that will determine your ALTITUDE!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
** Recently, the issues and challenges that we here about in other places, has arrived in the small communities of Wendell and Zebulon. Satan, and his henchmen, are openly and boldly promoting their standards of behavior (actually no standards or rules, at all), and are forcing us to accept their twisted and perverse ways, or pay the costs, by having our standards and lifestyles, challenged in the courts and in the courts of public opinion! Satan has become brazen and unapologetic in his attempt to thwart the cause of Christ! Whether you are aware or ready, the standards of acceptable behavior are shifting, and the Christian is being told to accept this, or else! We hear of persecutions around the world and challenges to our way of life, and now the reality has arrived! When parents are allowing children, as young as 4-6 years old, to dictate their own behavior and when parents are “coaching” their young children to be expressions of their standardless lifestyles and their desire to conform to the world’s twisted and sad ways, then these children are going to grow up expecting the world to be just like them, and for everyone to conform to their thoughts and moral-less ways. I struggle with the fact that I have been told that I am a purveyor of Hate and Intolerance when I am sharing the Love of Jesus Christ! It is difficult to Love those who are absolutely opposed to what you stand for, and what you believe and live! So, how do we deal with the insane and godless attitudes and behaviors? WE REMAIN TRUE TO WHAT WE KNOW IS THE TRUTH, AND LIVE IT OUT, EVERYDAY, IN EVERY WAY, AND LET OUR LIVES BE THE WITNESS TO THE EVIL THAT EXISTS! Keep Growing, Keep Believing, Keep Sharing, Keep the FAITH and Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS, FOR THE BELIEVER, YET TO BE!