HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
March 21 Happy Anniversary! 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails….” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
On March 21, 1981, I had the privilege to meet the most amazing young lady that I had ever seen! Standing in the dormitory, at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College), waiting for her to appear, nothing had prepared me for the amazing vision that I saw! She walked into the room and my heart skipped a beat or two, as I fumbled to say, “Hello.” She was beautiful! Her hair was so long! It cascaded down below her waist and when she smiled, I was smitten! Away we went on our adventure! Our first stop was Parker’s Barbeque (what a way to impress a Country Girl). In those days, I really knew how to “spoil” a girl! Next stop, the Bowling Alley. She beat me badly! I was still so focused on just how amazing she was, that I couldn’t even form words together to even act like someone with the ability to talk! As we sat at the snack area, I worked up enough courage to speak, and I asked for her phone number. Wow! She gave it to me! My heart skipped another beat! We brought her back to the dorm and we said our good-byes and back to Zebulon we went! On the drive home, I knew that my life had changed forever! Who would have thought that a “Blind Date” would be so special? Over the next few days, I was extremely busy, and I had not called her, and my friend asked me about calling her, and when I told him that I had not, well, he went “crazy!” I was still enamored, and I was still smiling, yet life was busy, and I just needed a push! I called her and we agreed to meet and go out again! Wow Wee… I was hooked! Now, she was not so much…she was completing her BS in Nursing and all that goes with those final days, and I was not a priority! I continued to visit, and we continued to date, and we continued to grow closer, and we continued to have fun together and then it happened! I was saying “Good Night,” and I said it, I really said it, I said, “I Love You!” She responded with, “Thank you!” Thank-you! Really? At this point, I began the campaign to change the “Thank you” into “I Love You!” Praise God! She finally said it and on October 29, 1983, she said, “I DO,” and our Love Story that began with a “Blind Date,” still survives and thrives today! By the way… I had prayed that God would send someone into my life that I could love and that she would love me and that, together, we could build a life together, that would honor Him and make our earthly lives fulfilling! THANK YOU, GOD, FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS! Annette, I loved you then, and I love you more today than I did yesterday! Thank you for 42 amazing years of love, dedication, and shared blessings! Friends, may you know the blessings of God, in every area of your life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 20, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TAYLOR BLONIARCZYK
ASHER HAYDEN
LAUGH A LITTLE ....
March 20 Laugh a Little….. Job 8:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21)
Some of the best memories of my early years were sitting around the supper table and laughing with my parents. Daddy had a “dry and sharp wit,” and Mama was smart, yet gullible and witnessing the banter between them was always colorful and entertaining. Amazingly, without fail, I always felt better after supper, regardless of what we ate. As I grew older, I noticed that Mama always tried to see the “Bright Side” of every situation, easy or difficult. From 1960 until 1964, Mama had 5 major kidney surgeries, with the 5th one removing her right kidney. Now, picture this, it was 1964 and medical science was evolving, yet was nothing like today. Mama came home with a drain tube coming from her right side and it was attached to a large glass jar. My first question to Mama was, “What is that?” She could see the fear in my young eyes, and she answered my question with a “Funny” that would calm my fears. A few weeks before her surgery, we had a new septic tank installed and the man that installed it was patient and kind, with this inquisitive young kid, as he explained every aspect of the installation and the need for the new septic tank. So, Mama said to me, “Baby, this is my new septic tank!” She laughed, I laughed and when Daddy got home, he laughed. I learned that laughter will not stop calamities or disease or tensions or distresses, however, laughter acts as a strong medicine, soothing difficult times and brightening up the dreariness of our daily grind. Laughter builds inner strength and fortifies us as we deal with life’s challenges. Amid this challenging environment and during the confusion of what is real and what is fake and what is true and what is false, I pray that God will allow us to stop and re-focus and re-tool, so that we can smile in the midst of the chaos and confusion and, simply, let ourselves laugh a little! A couple of years ago, I fell and hurt my back. I was carrying a jar of water in my hand, and when I recovered from my acrobatic contortions, I discovered that I had not spilled the water, nor had I broken the jar. I was in constant pain for 12 days and I was unable to rest in bed, so I attempted sleep in my recliner. I thought about my first thought and laughed…I wasn’t upset about the fall; I was amazed that I held the jar! It does not take a lot to see the negative and the controversial issues of the day, however, it requires the Grace of God to believe that He has this situation and with the God Given Common Sense, and with Obedience to His Call, we will overcome and do it with a smile on our faces and a chuckle in our souls. Recently, I was asked how I could be so casual about all that is going on in the world. My answer was simple and direct… “I do not know exactly where this is going and I do not know how it will change our daily lives and I do not know the struggles and distress that we will face, however, what I do know is this: I AM THE SON OF THE KING, WHO IS NOT MOVED BY THE WORLD. FOR MY GOD IS WITH ME AND GOES BEFORE ME AND HE HAS ME SECURELY IN HIS GRIP. I DO NOT FEAR BECAUSE I AM HIS!” I am not angry, nor am I dismayed, nor am I sad…I choose to claim His Promises of Victory and to live my short time here, with a song in my heart, laughter on my lips and joy unspeakable and covered in His Glory! Be grumpy, hateful, angry, and argumentative if you will, however, I refuse to do it! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. If you need a laugh, think about this old man doing the “hucklebuck” while falling and attempting to keep the water in the jar and the jar from dropping and breaking. It was kinda funny!!
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 19, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MR. HAROLD ANDREWS
ALLETTE HALE
JOSH WHEELER
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DALE & SANDRA WEATHERS
HIS Love ....
March 19 HIS Love… Romans 5:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
There are days when I am amazed that God loves humanity! The things that are occurring and the challenges that exist, even among professing believers, it is amazing that He still loves us! When I think about the “width and length and depth and the height” of His love for mankind, I am so grateful! Unfortunately, there are many that have a “Superficial” expression of Love, and there is no depth or conviction or truth in their expression of that love. Think about it… Think of the Love that was demonstrated towards us, when Jesus went to the Cross to sacrifice Himself for our Salvation and our Restoration of Relationship, with the Father! Friends, when we are participants in that kind of love, then our expressions of His Love should be truthful and authentic and eternal! God demonstrated His Amazing and Abundant and Extravagant Love for us when He sent Jesus to the Cross, for our sins! I am so thankful for this Love and the fact that I am under this Love, every single day of my life! When I think about, and embrace His Perfect Love, it makes it so much easier to Love others! Because of the amazing example of Love that was demonstrated, on the Cross, may I express that same Love to my neighbors! I want to be real, authentic, and determined, as I share the Love of God with others! Focus on His Love and pass it on! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!!
March 18 HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!! John 3:36
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
Eternal Life is a reality for humanity! Every one of us will live forever, somewhere! For the Believer, Eternal Life is with our Savior, Jesus Christ! Eternal Life is in and about the Son, Jesus! Jesus Christ is not A way to God; HE IS THE ONLY WAY!!! He tells us that those who Believe in Him and Trust in Him and, by Faith, walk in His Way, that we will have Everlasting Life with Him! When we believe, confess our transgressions, ask Him to Save us, then a relationship is established with our Savior! This relationship should grow and mature as we navigate through this life! When we place our Faith and Trust and Hope, in Jesus Christ, for our forgiveness of sin, at that very moment, we begin to experience His Eternal Life! Remember John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Are you walking in relationship with the Savior? Are you growing in His Grace and His Provision, every day? Are you depending on His Promises and His Power to ensure our Eternal Place with Him in Heaven? “Forgive me, Lord, and please give to me Your strength to overcome my own sin and human weaknesses and help me to live a life that is pleasing to YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
GOD'S POWER FOR LIVING
“March 17 “God’s Power for Living” Romans 12:2
**THANK – YOU to the Deacons of BTC for posting devotions, in my absence! Another Great Job! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Yesterday was another day that tested my resolve and tried my level of patience with my fellowman! In the middle of this encounter, I stopped and remembered that we were told that there would be “days like this,” and that we, the followers of Christ, are overcomers, because HE is the ultimate “Overcomer!” Amazingly, the individuals, in question, that were creating the situation, were unaware of the real blessing of time! You see, had this occurred, a few years ago, there would have been a much different outcome! Thanks be to God for His Grace and His Power and His Love! I spoke with kindness, and I said, “I am sorry that you feel this way! I pray that you will see the error of your ways and come to Jesus before it is too late!” I turned towards my vehicle and began to say my “VICTORY PRINCIPLE” statement, and I spoke it, repeatedly! “I affirm that God’s Power is rising in me, Renewing and Healing my Body, Bringing Power to my Mind, Giving me Success in my calling. I affirm Health, Energy, Enthusiasm the Joy of Life! All of this I owe to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior! He has given me the VICTORY PRINCIPLE for which I THANK HIM every day!!” Afterwards, I shouted, for the entire world to hear… “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!!” Friends, challenges will come! We must be ready to deal with the EVIL that exists among us! Please be ready! Armor up, Stay Read up, Stay Prayed up and continue to “LOOK UP!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAYLE ALFORD
JESUS CHRIST: OUR HOPE
March 12 Jesus Christ: Our HOPE Psalm 146:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” (Psalm 146:5)
Every day, in everything, we have the opportunity and responsibility, to show this world the Love and the Hope of Almighty God, through His Son, Jesus! This is difficult for some! I was asked, just recently if God loves me, why is life so difficult? Well, all of us face tough times and all of us have challenges! We are told that we would have tribulations and trials and challenges, yet His Great Love and His (Jesus) selfless act at Calvary, and His Redeeming Grace has made it possible for us to Overcome the issues of Life! The Good News is that we WILL have dark days and challenges, and we will experience difficulties, and we will encounter people that are negative and destructive, yet HE PROMISED VICTORY for His Children! I choose to take the challenges of this life, and to use them to show others that there is Hope! Hope for tomorrow! Hope for the struggles of Life! Hope for endurance! It is through Jesus Christ, and His Love for us, that offers the opportunity for us to be a witness for Him, of His Hope and Victory for Living! Simply put… God is the Only One who can provide us with the HOPE and ultimately lead us to Victory! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay FOCUSED!!! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH
March 11 Worship in Spirit & Truth John 4:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” (John 4:24)
Jesus was in a discussion with the Samaritan woman, and she realized that Jesus was a prophet, and she pointed out the issues related to the Jews and the Samaritans. The Jews worshipped in Jerusalem and the Samaritans worshipped on Mount Gerizim, in their own Temple, and that the Samaritans did not have the same access to worship God. Jesus told this woman that there was coming a day when all peoples could worship the Father anywhere and everywhere, as long, as they worshipped Him in “Spirit & Truth!” Folks, God could care less about a person’s heritage, color, gender, or race! He expects worship and He expects us to be obedient to His call. He knows our motives for worship, and He knows our motives for going to worship. Do we worship out of a sense of Duty or Joy? What God requires and what God expects, in our worship, is a heart that is fully and completely devoted to Him!! As long, as God tarries, and as long, as the opportunity exists for corporate worship, may we remain faithful in our prayer life and may we continue to ask God for His guidance and for His Spirit to direct our worship! We MUST worship God with an OPEN HEART and a SENSE of EXPECTATION. Jesus puts it this way… ““God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT & TRUTH.” Does that include you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR 03/09/2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY( In Heaven) TO TWO AMAZING FOLKS, MR. BILL DRIVER & MRS. OTHELL PRICE! WE MISS YOU BOTH!
SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND
March 9 “Seek and You WILL Find” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
When I observe the actions of this world and the individuals that are searching for beauty and meaning in the dark and decaying worldly existence, I am so encouraged by the redeeming Grace of my God! People are searching and their eyes are open, and their ears are tuned, and their hearts are longing, yet when the answer, the real and true answer, is presented, they doubt and run. A dear brother was sharing a story about a young man that was searching for some light into his dark world, and my friend shared the “Light and Love” of Jesus with him, and he walked away, refusing to believe that this could be true, yet he searches among the “self-help” books and the knowledge of humans, in order to satisfy his longing for understanding. Since Adam and the original sin, man has been in the grip of Satan and living in the darkness that sin brings to our existence. Because of the love that God has for His Creation (each one of us) and His desire for our relationship to be re-established, He sent Jesus as the one, true, and final blood sacrifice for our sins, and when we, by faith, believe, confess our sinfulness, and receive the saving Grace of God, we are privileged to experience the unveiling of God Bright and transforming Light. He unplugs our ears, and He allows us to see clearly, His Great Love and His Limitless Power and Provision for our Lives! Receiving the Grace of God and His transforming and Saving Power, ignites, within our souls, the Hope and Joy and Power that we seek! Praise God! Because of His Grace and because of His act at Calvary, we can live in the radiant light of His Salvation, and we can bring that Light into the lives of others! Through Jesus, Our Eyes are Opened, and Our Ears can Hear, and our hearts are full of the Grace of Almighty God! I pray that you will allow God to unveil His Grace in you and be that Bright Light in this Dark and Decaying Sinful World! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! REMEMBER THIS FACT: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The Solution to the Problems that exist, for us, is a Saving Relationship with JESUS CHRIST! No One, or No Other Thing… Just JESUS!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 8, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RICKY NARRON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BOBBY & CARRIE SELLERS
SEFTON & CAROLYN STEVENS
PLACE YOUR HAND IN HIS
March 8 “Place Your Hand in His” Acts 11:21
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the Hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21)
I was in the Target Store, just recently, and a little boy was frantic and was crying because he had lost his mother. I bent down and attempted to comfort him and to assure him that we would find his mother. Even though, he allowed me to assist in the search for Mom, he continued to loudly cry and to call her name! It was clear that my support and my hug was not enough to calm his fears and to ease his anxiety. I began to shout, “Mom,” and within seconds, his mother appeared, and all was well. She calmed his fears and eased his anxieties! That is exactly what was happening in the passage of scripture, for today. When you look around, this is exactly what is happening today! People are stressed out to the MAX! Even though, we are not experiencing the same level of persecution that the early church experienced (yet), we are still being challenged, and circumstances are difficult! Look around…Marriages (and the institution of marriage) are under attack, Individuals questioning their gender, violence and destruction abounds in the inner cities, prices for basic goods and services are skyrocketing, instabilities around the globe, and anxiety and fears abound! Fear Not My Friends… God has our backs! He has not; and will not remove His Hand from our lives! The call, today, is to place your hand in His and hold on, and claim His Grace, His Power, His Provision and His Sustaining Promises, that He WILL see us through until the End! Place your Hand in HIS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 7, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CHASITY BUNN
KEVIN CREECH
MICHAEL O”NEAL
Get SAVED, NOW !!!!
March 7 “Get Saved NOW!” 2 Corinthians 6:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Over the past few months, I have participated, in their services and witnessed the deaths of so many people! Two of these folks had lived difficult and challenging lives, and I was asked if one of the young men had been saved! I was so glad to report that he was saved and that he was doing so much better in his living! Their ages ranged from 91 years old, to 26 years old, and death came to each of them. Some were expected, and others were sudden, and without warning! The message today is simple and clear! You do not know when death will knock on your door, so you need to be ready! You need to make a choice where you will spend eternity! FACT: Every one of us will live for eternity! The question is, WHERE WILL WE SPEND ETERNITY! Claiming the Saving and Forgiving Grace of Jesus Christ ensures your “Forever” in Heaven! Rejecting Him and Refusing to recognize His Selfless Act of Grace and Forgiveness on the Cross, you have made the decision to spend eternity in torment and pain and, ultimately, the fires of a burning Hot HELL! John 3:16 tells us that, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 2 Peter 3:9 speaks of the intentions of our God! “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” NOW IS THE TIME TO REPENT and COME TO JESUS! It is very simple: The ABC’s of SALVATION!
A – Admit: Admit what you have done wrong and ask forgiveness. Romans 3:23 “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death.”
I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
B – Believe: Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again as a payment for your sins. John 3:16 “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.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
C - Confess and Choose: Confess and choose to allow God to the be in charge of your life! Matthew 16:24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:13 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Source - 2021 ABCJesusLovesMe) It is that simple! God Loves You! Jesus Came to ensure your salvation! It is UP TO YOU! Where will you spend eternity? How will you live your life? WHAT IS IT? SALVATION! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH 6, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RENEE’ DRIVER
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
MIKE & SUSAN ADAMS
RESIST EVIL FOLK
March 6 Resist Evil Folk Proverbs 1:10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.” (Proverbs 1:10)
Here we go again, with one of my “Life’s Experiences Stories” that teach a valuable lesson, or at least, was valuable to me, at the time! Imagine, if you will, a typical hot Eastern North Carolina evening, with 4 young boys anticipating darkness to fall so that they could “camp-out” all night long. We had done this before, yet this night was different. On this night, we had the addition of an older boy, and he immediately became the leader of this little pack. We were “goofing” around and talking about “girls,” and, all of a sudden, the new boy suggested that this was boring and that we should do something exciting. I will call him Bubba, since he is still living, and he is well known in Eastern Wayne County. Bubba decides that we should go to Mr. A. O. Price’s Store and break into his “Drink” building and take some drinks. The three original boys, which includes me, were reluctant to sign on to this program, however, the pressure to conform and the prestige of Bubba soon wore us down. So, off we go! “How am I going to avoid this and save face?” That “Still Small Voice” was screaming at me… “DON’T DO IT!!!” Immediately, I pretended that my stomach was killing me and that I had to go to the bathroom and that I was going to my house to handle the situation and that I would catch up to them, as quickly as I could resolve the situation. So, they continued, to accomplish their mission, and I went to my house and undressed and crawled into my bed. Daddy came into my room and inquired about why I came home, and I told him that I didn’t feel well. That was the truth…I didn’t feel well about stealing Mr. Price’s drinks! To finish the story…the fellas did go to the store, and they did break into the drink house, and they did get caught! It just so happened that a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff was parked behind the store, yet, out of sight of the drink house. He heard the noise and came to investigate and found my friends and Bubba, inside of the building, at night, with the store closed and drinks in hand. What happened next was, truly ugly! My friend’s parents were called to go to Goldsboro to pick up their sons, including the big boy, Bubba! The next day, the story was all over the small community of Spring Bank. Praise God that my name was not a part of the rapidly spreading news! I didn’t understand what had happened to me that night and why I couldn’t bring myself to follow the fellas into this mess. As I matured, both physically; and more specifically, Spiritually, I understood that the Holy Spirit was guiding and strongly directing me to “Cut and Run” to my safe place! God promised the HOLY SPIRIT and we need to be sensitive and tuned into His teaching, leading, and instructions. This event was over 50 years ago, and it is as clear to me, as if it was 50 minutes ago. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-printed with a purpose)