"BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE"

April 8      “Be Strong and of Good Courage…”  Joshua 1:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9)

The one fact of living in the 21st Century, is the reality of problems, in our daily living! Through loss and chaos and Pandemic issues and violence and unrest and evil situations that abound, we, as Believers, are to press on despite the issues and problems! Joshua was presented with a dilemma, in that, Moses, the Great Leader was dead, and he was, now, the Leader, and the future was uncertain and the path to take was rocky, yet Moses was dead, but God is not! Joshua was faced with the task of leading his people into the “Promised Land,” and to follow the leading of God Almighty! Friends, we have the same blessing and the same challenge, today! The past is the past, and we are to look to the future with Hope and with a sense of urgency, as we follow Christ and serve Him! We are to press on, as we claim His Promises for our future! Keep Looking Up and Forward! We are to press on with the assurance of His empowerment and His Amazing Grace that will enable us to move forward, while praising Him and walking in His Almighty Presence! God told Joshua to “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed…” He has given us the same call! I praise God that He is my Rock, my Shield, my Power for Living, my Guide and Enabler! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 7, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ALEC BERGERON

SAMUEL MORRIS

JACKSON TRIPPE

SHARING THE TRUTH

April 7      “Sharing the Truth”    John 17:18-19

EASTER ANNOUNCEMENT: On April 9, 2023, we will have a “SONRISE” Service. It will begin at 7:00am, and there will be a biscuit and coffee, plus… breakfast afterwards.

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending [my disciples] into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth." (John 17:18-19 NIV)

In John 17, we experience the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, which happens to be the longest recorded prayer in the Bible. This prayer is an intercession for His Disciples. This prayer assures us that we are “Sanctified” to serve the Lord! The Savior, the True Intercessor has made our sanctification to service as reality! Jesus sent His disciples into the world to bring the “Good News” and to make a difference in the lives of all that they encountered! Jesus gave Himself completely and totally to the Mission that God had ordained for Him, and He has sent us on this same Mission, to share the Good News and to make a difference in the lives of all that we encounter! As Followers of Christ, our Mission is God-Led, God-Inspired, and is God-Ordained! The fact is that we are His, and our Mission is His, because we are followers of Christ, and we belong to Him, and we are called to this Life-Altering Mission! Friends, we need to live our lives as a reflection of His Commission and act as ambassadors for the Cause of Christ, in everything that we do and speak! He has ordained us, He has “sanctified us,” and He has empowered us to “Go into the World” and to proclaim the Good News! Every day, in every situation, I continue to pray that Jesus will make me an instrument of His purpose and regardless of the challenges and difficulties, cause me to be a “Purveyor of the TRUTH!” How about you?  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 6, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

NATALIE BAILEY

HIS Life-Changing LOVE

April 6      HIS Life-Changing LOVE           Luke 10:36-37

EASTER ANNOUNCEMENT: On April 9, 2023, we will have a “SONRISE” Service. It will begin at 7:00am, and there will be a biscuit and coffee, plus… breakfast afterwards.

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So, which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)

One of my favorite parables, is the parable of the “Good Samaritan!” I love the lesson that it teaches and the way in which we should deal with others, regardless of their position in life! Many people passed by this man in need, and because of their own bias and prejudices, walked past him, on the far side of the road. Wow! I must be careful that this doesn’t describe me and my actions! Only one individual showed care and concern and he went the “extra mile,” to take care of the needs of this poor soul. What is the difference between this one man and the others that passed by? The real and lasting difference is “LOVE!” Friends, we are faced with similar choices today! Are we going to be a Strong and Loving Witness for God, in this divided and segmented society, or are we going to demonstrate our own human prejudices and forget the grace of God and the blessings of our own salvation? I truly believe that, as “Born-Again, Blood Bought, Children of God, we must demonstrate intentional and radical LOVE! Over the past several weeks, I have been talking and teaching about witnessing and sharing Jesus with everyone that we meet, yet if we are not demonstrating this Good News, in our actions and habits, then our words will fall short of the intended purpose! There are desperate needs among our fellow travelers, and there are hurting and needy people that we meet, every day. How will we respond to the needs? Is it true, that everyone needs Jesus? Can we recognize the need, and then work to meet that need? Please Lord, place me in the pathway of those who are in need! The question for today is simple: Will you walk past the needy, or will you stop; help and demonstrate His Real and Radical LOVE? The Bible teaches, my experience proves, that LOVE CHANGES THINGS! This world needs God’s LOVE! This world needs the example of RADICAL LOVE, demonstrated before them, in words and in actions! Let’s be the “Good Samaritan” for this needy world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Walking in FAITH

April 5      “Walking in FAITH   1 Peter 1:8

EASTER ANNOUNCEMENT: On April 9, 2023, we will have a “SONRISE” Service. It will begin at 7:00am, and there will be a biscuit and coffee, plus… breakfast afterwards.

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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Peter 1:8)

We (Christians) are called to “walk” by FAITH, and not by what we see! In Hebrews 11:1, the scripture passage defines “FAITH” as, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen!” How could the First Century Christians continue to follow Christ, when they were facing brutal and fierce persecution, torture, and death? How did they endure? Their secret is found in one word: FAITH!! This FAITH has the amazing power to guide and direct believers through the roughest and darkest days that can be imagined! The same FAITH that sustained Abraham, the same FAITH that compelled Noah to obey the call of God, the same FAITH that empowered Paul to Preach the Good News, is the same FAITH that can direct, empower, and sustain us, right now, today!! This FAITH is the energy that drives Christians through the challenges and trials of this life! Peter tells us, in the scripture passage for today, that he was anticipating seeing Jesus! This FAITH, this Confidence was his overwhelming and driving force! Challenges, circumstances, issues, chaos were no match for the FAITH that drove and sustained these early believers! LISTEN, the same FAITH that propelled these believers past the issues of the day, is the same FAITH that provides power for our living, right now, today! This same Jesus, that died on the Cross, arose from the Grave, and is now seated on the Right Side of God, the Father, advocating for you and I, still provides His Power to change us, sustain us, save us and to see us through, until we stand in His presence, through FAITH in Him, as OVERCOMERS! May each of us have this genuine FAITH that guides, empowers, and sustains us, until we see His Face in Eternity! Let our lives of FAITH, bring Praise, Honor and Glory to Our God, through our Savior, Jesus Christ! “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 4, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ROBERT EARP

KATHY SMITH

HANNAH IDE

JUSTIFICATION by FAITH

April 4      Justification by FAITH     Romans 3:28

EASTER ANNOUNCEMENT: On April 9, 2023, we will have a “SONRISE” Service. It will begin at 7:00am, and there will be a biscuit and coffee, plus… breakfast afterwards.

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

Let us go back to days of Job, and as we observe the situation unfolding, we hear this man, Job, ask a question. He asked, “How then can man be righteous before God?” Fast forward to the time of Paul. The Apostle Paul makes very clear, the answer to this question. The answer is FAITH!! Folks, without FAITH, Salvation is IMPOSSIBLE! You can be the best person alive and can-do amazing acts of kindness and you can bless others, yet without FAITH and a Redeeming Relationship with Jesus Christ, it will profit nothing, eternally! Paul makes it crystal clear that “good works, good intentions, religious rituals, religious processes, or anything else that we can think up, will not and cannot, provide the cleansing needed for Salvation! IT IS THROUGH THE ATONING BLOOD OF JESUS, AND THE LOVING ACT AT CALVARY THAT PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SAVED! WHEN WE BELIEVE IN JESUS, AND, BY FAITH, ASK HIM TO CLEANSE US, FORGIVE US, AND TO SAVE OUR IMPORTAL SOULS, THEN WE COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER, THROUGH THE SON! HE LOVED US ENOUGH TO SEND JESUS TO BE THE ONE, TRUE, AND FINAL BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR THE REMISSION OF OUR SINS! Praise God! SALVATION IS NOT BY ANYTHING THAT I DO, IT IS BY GOD’S MERCY! IT IS NOT BECAUSE OF MY GOODNESS; IT IS THE GRACE OF GOD. BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE, AND BECAUSE OF HIS SELFLESS ACT AT CALVARY, AND WHEN I BELIEVE AND HAVE FAITH IN THIS MAN CALLED JESUS, I AM JUSTIFIED BEFORE GOD, THE FATHER! THAT IS JUSTIFICATION, AND THIS EASTER SEASON (AND EVERYDAY) I AM EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD AND ENJOYING HIS GRACE AND MERCY AND HIS POWER TO LIVE THIS LIFE, ABUNDANTLY! IT IS BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE, AND IT IS BECAUSE OF FAITH, THAT I CAN BE ASSURED OF MY PLACE IN ETERNITY!  (The words are in caps because I am preaching) TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 3, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JOSHUA HUNTER

"KEEP ON KEEPING ON, PERIOD!!"

April 3  “Keep on Keeping on, Period!”  Luke 11:9-10

EASTER ANNOUNCEMENT: On April 9, 2023, we will have a “SONRISE” Service. It will begin at 7:00am, and there will be a biscuit and coffee, plus… breakfast afterwards.

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So, I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  (Luke 11:9-10)

In our humanity, we have a tendency to want immediate results and the idea of patience is foreign to most of us! Many years ago, after several months of work and saving, I had enough money to purchase a new bicycle. It was beautiful! The bike was red and chrome and the seat was black and the trim matched the rest of the bike! Boy! I was a proud puppy when I rode this amazing machine up to my buddy’s house to “show-off” my new purchase. Everyone was “oooing” and “ahhing” over my new bike! Two weeks later, I came rushing home, after a long days riding around the countryside, with my boys, and I rolled into our yard and, I was already late for supper, so I leaned my bike up against the hickory tree near the back door and rushed into the house to eat supper. Quickly, my focus was turned and I forgot about my bike that was propped against the tree, when it should have been placed in the barn, where it was supposed to be! The next morning, a went out to begin my day, and my new bike was gone! Holy, Holy, Holy, I had a spell! Mama came running out to see what was going on, and making a long story short, Mama comforted me, and gingerly indicated that I should have put it away, the way that it was intended! Anyway, Mama & Daddy continued to assure me the bike would “turn up,” somewhere, and I would get it back! That night, as I was doing my evening prayers, I doubled down on asking about my bicycle and I spent the majority of the time requesting my bike to be found! Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, and I was beginning to recognize that I was going to need to repeat the process and continue to work and save for another bike. On night, at the supper table, Daddy told me that I needed to be patient and for me to continue to have faith! I know that he was only trying to help, but I thought that that was the dumbest advice possible, especially after the long time without my new bike! As I struggled with the idea of giving up on finding my new bike, Daddy came sliding into the yard, blowing the car horn, and as Mama and I bounded out of the back door, low and behold, there was my red and chrome bike! Come to find out, it had been stolen from our yard by an older teenager, and he had dumped my bike in the woods behind Mr. Walker’s house, and because everyone in the Spring Bank Community new about my bike, it was easy for the finder to return my bike! Now, I realize that this is not your typical Biblical teaching story, however, just listen! As Christians, living in these mortal, human bodies, we have a tendency to give up too quickly and to expect “INSTANT” results, however, the scripture passage for today, tells us to CONTINUE to ASK, CONTINUE to SEEK, and to CONTINUE to KNOCK!! The question for today is this… Are you praying for a particular thing, and do you have the feeling that you should abandon your prayers, and resign yourself to the idea that it is not going to happen? When we pray, with our focus and attitude, securely grounded on HIM, we are to CONTINUE to ASK, SEEK, and CONTINUE to KNOCK!!! So, I say to you, as a fellow believer! DON’T STOP ASKING, BELIEVING AND KNOCKING! He PROMISED, I BELIEVE, and I am WAITING for HIS WILL to be MADE KNOWN!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL 2, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

GINGER PREDDY

"CLUTTER FREE LIVING"

April 2      “Clutter Free Living”     Matthew 6:21

EASTER ANNOUNCEMENT: On April 9, 2023, we will have a “SONRISE” Service. It will begin at 7:00am, and there will be a biscuit and coffee, plus… breakfast afterwards.

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

For many years, my parents were busy making their lives simple.  I would ask why they were doing one thing or another, and Mama would always say, “The simpler the better!”  What did that mean?  Well, as I approach my “Golden Years,” I am all about the simplicity of life.  I have observed the lives of great people of God and their lives were characterized by simplicity.  So many years, I have lived in a hurry to succeed and to make a mark in life.  Thank God that I have discovered that the most powerful and directed life is one that knows where it is going and recognizes the source of power and becomes clutter free and is focused, and not in a hurry!  Daddy used to say that you could be busy digging a ditch with a spoon and accomplish very little.  Let me point out that being busy is by no means, a sin.  Jesus, Paul, Peter, Matthew, were busy, and very little is accomplished without effort and work and the weariness that comes from the labor.  Now, if your business is dedicated to the accumulation of stuff that are empty and shallow and hold no eternal significance, well that can’t please God, so, it might qualify as sin!  I know what it is to be tired and weary in the pursuit of things that do not satisfy and have zero eternal value.  My passions and my possessions, that activated my pride, were all empty and dead things in my life.  Folks, I am 100% committed to being busy for my Lord!  I am constantly “De-Cluttering” my life and continuing to focus on what is edifying to my Savior!  Please, do not follow, seeking “dead” stuff, when our “Living” is promised, when we seek things, that are above.  Is your life cluttered with temporal and earthly stuff and are you busy digging a ditch with a spoon?  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Live Clutter-Free…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

"WISDOM -VS- KNOWLEDGE"

April 1      “Wisdom vs Knowledge”        Proverbs 18:2-3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.”  (Proverbs 18:2-3)

I have been told, my entire life, that “Knowledge is King!” I am told that “wisdom” is to be valued and sought and that we simply need to ask our God for it, and He will provide all that we need! I love what Charles Spurgeon said about this subject! “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” Is it possible that individuals may be “educated” beyond their ability to use the knowledge? Today is an unofficial day of acceptable “lying!” “The Moon is made of Cheese!” “April Fools!” When I ponder the condition of this world, specifically the United States of America, and the foolish and destructive patterns of acceptable behavior and thoughts that are permeating the culture, I want to shout to the rooftop, “This has Got to Be ‘April Fools!’” The reality of Spurgeon’s words echoes through the entire culture of our 21st century existence! I submit to you that, based on the evidence, every day is “Fool’s Day,” in America, today, in 2023! Friends, listen to Isaiah 32:6: “For the foolish person will speak foolishness, and his heart will work iniquity: To practice ungodliness, to utter error against the Lord, to keep the hungry unsatisfied, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.” Does this sound familiar? Is this happening in our World? Believers, seek His Wisdom and “Exercise that Wisdom,” in all of your dealing! Proverbs 14:8-10 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor. The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy.” Please, Please, Please, Seek His Wisdom and avoid the Foolish, and do not participate in the “Foolishness” that has overtaken our modern human thoughts and behaviors! We do not have control over the foolishness and actions of others; however, we have full control over our reactions and our participation in the insanity of the foolish! Micah 6:8 tells us the way that we are to live!! “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” The question remains, will you seek His face, will you live humbly before Him, will you do what is right, will you “love mercy,” and share that mercy with others? This crazy and convoluted world rolls on to destruction, yet I refuse to be a party to hastening the destruction! Please Lord, give me wisdom to live among my fellow travelers with Your Wisdom and Patience, and Your Grace to successfully navigate as many as I can into the presence of Your Saving Grace and Your ability to “Heal” the “Foolish!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Original Posting on April1, 2022)

"FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS"

March 31      “Faith and Faithfulness”              James 2:20

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that FAITH without works is dead?”                    (James 2:20)      

Every one of us has Faith in something! Faith in and of itself will never be as critically important as the object of our FAITH! We dwell in a world where faith is everywhere, yet, tragically, Faith is placed on all the wrong things! God has called us to be “People of FAITH!” Strong, Active, Extraordinary, Life Changing FAITH. What we do, and how we do it, is a visible manifestation of our FAITH! Our FAITH should be visible and clear to everyone around us. You see, genuine FAITH will always reveal itself! True FAITH is always visible and True FAITH WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE “FRUIT!!” FAITH on the inside will always produce “Fruit (Good Works).” There are multiple examples of True and Fruit Producing Faith throughout the Holy Scriptures. We see the Faith of Joseph as he persevered and forgave his brothers (Genesis 39-48). We see strong Faith as David was swinging his “Slingshot” to, by Faith, take down the giant, Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50). Faith was demonstrated when Isaiah spoke boldly: “Here I am! Send me! (Isaiah 6:8).” The point of all this is to reveal the absolute truth; our good works uncovers our FAITH and FAITH always produces results, and the results of our Faith will lead others to a FAITH in God and will Glorify our Father God and His Son, Jesus! During these difficult days, it is so easy to become discouraged! How do we survive? We “Hunker Down” and continue to walk in True and Life-Changing FAITH! FAITH that stimulates obedience, FAITH that perseveres, even when we are confronted by fatigue and discouragement and disappointment, FAITH that Forgives wrongs and FAITH that gives us Power to do things that we would not normally do! In Mark 11:22, it gives the answer to the chaos of our day, when it says, “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘HAVE FAITH IN GOD!’” Put your trust in GOD and HIS LOVE, through JESUS CHRIST! Keep producing “Fruit!” Keep sharing the LOVE of JESUS! Keep Trusting HIS POWER and PROVISION for your life! HAVE FAITH IN GOD! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!                                                                                                                             

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 30, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DOUG CREECH, JR

MR. KENNETH “BUCK” NOWELL

CHAD STATON

JOSEPH STATON, JR.

CONTROLLING THE INPUT

March 30          “Controlling the Input”  Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  (Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV)

Oh, my goodness! Have you noticed the “trash” that is on mainstream television, today? I was asked, just a few days ago, if I had watched a program on a major network, and my response was, “No!” I try to avoid the Evil propaganda that has permeated the major television programming. Sex, violence, profanity, and a host of questionable actions have replaced decent and uplifting programming. I watch Andy Griffith and Perry Mason and Rawhide and Wagon Train and Hazel, and anything that has some reasonable content! We must be careful what we expose ourselves to, and we must filter the materials that enter our minds through the “Boob-Tube!” I have purposely reduced my TV exposure, which provides greater available time to do the things that are more productive and beneficial! I have chosen to control the materials that come into my life, and I fully believe that we must do this, in order, to grow and to become mature and strong followers of Jesus Christ! Satan will use every means available to dilute and to thwart the cause of Christ! I simply refuse to be a contributor to his efforts!! How about you? Are you controlling what comes into your eyes and ears? There is an old computer saying… “Garbage in, Garbage out!”  Please do not allow Satan to distract you from your calling, your mission and your service for the Lord!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

"BE PASSIONATE!!"

March 29          “Be Passionate!”   Colossians 3:23

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (Colossians 3:23)

While we were in the High Country, last week, I was listening to a program that had a moderator and two individuals that were presented as “experts” in their respected positions, on the issues being discussed. I was casually watching the program, until one of the “experts” declared that Men could be Women, and that Women could be Men! The basic discussion was centered on the “Trans-Male” competing as a woman, in NCAA college swimming. One “expert” was appalled that anyone would question the legitimate right of this individual that identified as a woman, to compete against women that are actually, biological women! Wow! Friends, this is where we are in our country! This is one more slam at the fundamental and basic order that God created! When we have a debate about the basic biological reality of Male and Female, and the idea that there could be an unlimited number of gender possibilities, then we are on a slippery slope towards absolute and undeniable collapse, both morally and physically! The one panelist, that was representing the multiple gender notion, was passionate and articulate and had just the right words to defend and promote her side of the argument! I was impressed with her passion; yet appalled at her message! What in the world is going on! Listen Church, it is time that we stopped playing! It is time that we stopped acting like these “Crazy” happenings are going on somewhere else! They are at our Front Door!! It is time that we became passionate about our Jesus! It is time that we stand up for what is right and what is just and edifying to our Savior! It is time that we got serious about living for Him! The “Half-Hearted,” and “Lukewarm” level of Service is not going to be enough! Revelation 3:15-16 tells us plainly, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”  Are you passionate about Jesus and His Message of Hope and Redemption and Grace? Are you living your life, for Jesus, in a manner that reflects His Grace and Forgiveness, in your own life, and a passion that can be seen by all that you encounter? Listen, we are noy going to change the “march of evil” that Satan has devised for humanity, however, we can help change the lives of those that are being exposed to this evil, and insane, thoughts and behaviors! Please live your Christian Life with Passion! A Passion for sharing Jesus – A Passion for Lost Souls – A Passion to make a difference in this “tidal wave” of unbridled evil that is sweeping our nation!!! Jesus is the answer to all of the evils of this world! WE MUST BE ABOUT THE FATHER’S BUSINESS!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 28, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHRISTIN BROWN

CATHERINE BAILEY

ETHAN WALTERS

BEING RESPONSIBLE

March 28    Being Responsible   1 Timothy 5:8

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church! “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”  (1 Timothy 5:8)

When did it become the responsibility of others to take care of me and my family?  When did it become acceptable to blame others for my decisions and the consequences of those decisions?  Growing up in an environment of “Personal Responsibility,” I find it difficult to understand the tendency of others to blame their race, or gender or geography or anything else for their situations and their own decisions!  My Daddy witnessed and experienced abuse by his father and he was brought up in an orphanage, where he was required to work for his “Keep!”  My Mother grew up in extreme poverty and, yet she was taught “Personal Responsibility!”  Folks, every one of us have “Issues,” and every one of us have challenges.  We must take responsibility for our own actions and issues and be responsible!!  “You are responsible for your own actions and do not blame others for your mistakes!”  I heard these words constantly, especially when I attempted to blame others for my own bad decisions and actions.  Mama would tell me that “Personal Responsibility” is not an option in the Brock household!  When I think back, I have always been taught to take responsibility for myself and to not depend on others to provide for my needs.  Daddy taught me to always have a watch, a pocketknife (today, if I were in grade school, I would be suspended, or worse!), a pen and a pocket handkerchief!  As I observe the culture of “Blame,” that has overtaken our land, and seems to be the “Norm,” I am saddened to see entire generations that are settling for “Mediocrity!”  God has promised “Abundance” and that requires “Responsible Living!”  Blaming others for your issues and for your position in life is not productive.  Each one of us has the responsibility to take care of our own needs and the needs of our families!  Amazingly, our government has promoted this “Dependency” mentality, of assistance and victimhood, and has created this “Dependent” culture.  “It is my race, my gender, my environment, my stature, my age, my parents, my nationality, that has caused all of my difficulties…It is not my fault!”  Folks, my God does not discriminate, and my God does not see color, gender, nationality, or any other earthly dividing line.  God, in His Great Love, expects all of us to have and to exercise Personal Responsibility and Personal Integrity, in our living.  I am so grateful that my parents instilled in my life, the need to be “Dependent” on God and to be “Independent” in my personal life!!  Satan is using every tool available to deceive and divide folks into believing that they are victims and that their only hope is in this world and its facilities.  Keep in mind, the only “Dependence” that Christians need is our “Dependence” on God and His Promises, found in the pages of His Holy Word!  I have done a poor job of expressing this vital message, however, please focus on God’s power and direction, and do not blame others for your lot in life!  Live above the circumstances and claim victory in your “Dependence” on Almighty God… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!! (Re-Posted with a Purpose)

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH 27, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

COLTON NARRON

KELSEY BUNN

TRUDY PAUL (In Heaven)