CONTINUING TO GROW
May 26 Continuing to Grow… Matthew 16:18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
I love ole Simon Peter! He reminds me of my life and my own responses to God’s call. You can say that Simon Peter was an example of what NOT to do in your Christian walk. Think about it! He stepped out of the boat and was walking on the top of the water, then took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. He challenged and disagreed with Jesus when it came to the matter of washing his feet. He denied Jesus three times and he acted rashly and impulsively when he cut off the servant’s ear while they were in the Garden of Gethsemane. Wow! Ole Peter made some mistakes! Actually, He has provided us with the actions and opportunities to learn from. Think about it…Peter was the only follower of Christ to step out of the boat and walk on water. He wasn’t timid or fearful to ask Jesus questions, such as when Jesus washed his feet! Amazingly, he was the only disciple to follow Jesus after He was arrested, and he tried to defend Jesus when they were in the garden. There are times when I think that I am constantly making mistakes and missteps in my Christian walk, yet I keep moving forward. Peter made many mistakes, yet he kept moving forward! My Daddy used to say that “Life is a process, not an event,” and we need to keep moving, keep growing, keep learning and the Lord God will help us, sustain us, guide us, along the way, through the Holy Spirit, to fulfill His plan and purpose for our lives! Remember that Peter fulfilled the commission of Jesus Christ, and he preached the Good News, and he led many souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Why am I still excited? Just like ole Peter, my Lord is not through with me and, even though I still have limitations and even though I still make mistakes, He has amazing and Great things ahead for me! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 25, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MR. JACKIE (In Heaven) & MRS. JOAN HUNTER!
BE BLESSED
May 25 BE BLESSED Numbers 6:24-26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Trusting in the “Goodness” of God and the Promises of His Grace, I am praying that you are Growing and Maturing in the Love of God, Through Jesus Christ and that You are Praising God every day and that You are making a difference in this dark and evil world! It is my desire for you, to be blessed, to enjoy the presence of God and His Blessings and to embrace His Peace. Please encourage others to “Be Blessed,” to Embrace His Love and to Live “Under the Blood” of our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! A dear lady, Mrs. Peggy Wilder (who has made her graduation to glory) that I respect greatly, had a “Faith affirming declaration,” that inspires me every time that I think of her faith and her witness. Every posting, every letter, every correspondence, that she sent or spoke, always ended with, “Feeling blessed more blessed & blessed again!” The message for today is simple: BE WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AND LIVE ABOVE THE EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES AND RECOGNIZE THE POWER THAT WE HAVE TO BE OVERCOMERS. ENCOURAGE OTHERS, TEACH OTHERS, BE AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS, FORGIVE OTHERS, LOVE OTHERS AND FULFILL YOUR PART IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD! As Miss Peggy says, “Feeling blessed more blessed & blessed again!” Thank you, Miss Peggy, for a great legacy! Thank you, Jesus for Your Great Love! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 24, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
ALTON & CHARLE’ JOHNSON
ANXIETY versus PEACE
May 24 Anxiety versus Peace Philippians 4:6-7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
There was a short time in my work life that I worked on an assembly line, and I was paid on the number of pieces that I could complete. The term used for this was “Piecework!” A few years ago, I read a story about a “Busboy,” in a restaurant, that was busy clearing dirty dishes from the tables and hauling them to the kitchen and returning with clean dishes to stack on the shelves for the next customer. There was an older gentleman, seated at the counter, observing this young man and the way that he was doing his job. The gentleman could tell that there was something different about this boy. The gentleman, observing the volume of dishes being transported, back and forth; he spoke to the boy with these words: “I bet you wish you were doing piecework!” The Busboy looked at him with a puzzled expression, since he had never heard of the “piecework” that he spoke about. Within a quick moment, a broad smile came across the face of the busboy and he replied, “Sir, I’m making Peace every chance that I get! I am doing “Peace-work!” Wouldn’t it be amazing if we were more interested in “PEACE-Work!” Interested in being “PEACE-makers” versus “PIECE-makers!” The reality is simple: If God is our PEACE, then, we are “PEACEMAKERS!” When we are so concerned with the worldly pursuits, and forget our calling, then we will miss a true blessing. What is your emphasis on life? What is your focus? Who do you serve…God or Mammon? “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY ....!!!!
May 23 Pray, Pray, Pray… 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.” (James 4:7-8)
My Prayer Closet (a place free from distractions) is, literally, a closet. I go into the closet, and I come near to God through prayer. When I am weary and worn, from ministry and obedience, I come close to God through prayer. When I am excited and upbeat and feeling blessed, I come close to God in Prayer! Are you sensing a pattern? Prayer is the absolute Key to success as a Christian and for our walk in Obedience. Prayer time is a special time and I covet my time alone with my Lord and Savior. Amazingly, I have expanded my Prayer Closet to include our front porch, my car, and my lawnmower. “Praying always…,” that is what He expects! Jesus was human, yet Divine. This concept is difficult for us to absorb; however, He WAS a man, and He IS the Son of God. Jesus prayed to the Father for guidance and strength and for comfort and for the completion of His Divine Mission! If Jesus prayed and recognized the necessity for prayer, and was dedicated to the communication with His Father, don’t you think that we should do the same? How do we submit ourselves to God? WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! WE ARE TO RESIST THE DEVIL!! Again, WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR MAY 22, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JACK BUNN
STAN PRUDEN
"IT IS WHAT IT IS"
May 22 “It Is What It Is!!” 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)
Boy oh boy, we are living in some extremely difficult times! Troubles, strife, discord, hatred, evil and twisted thoughts, and actions abound! If we focus on the actions and words of this world, we will continue to be discouraged and our witness for our Savior will be diluted! This is just what Satan would like for every believer! PRAISE GOD, that His Word is filled with encouraging words that provide an uplifting word of hope and inspiration for your day. God wants us to comfort us in times of need and through life's challenges. If you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, the Bible can lift your spirits and give you a fresh start! Meditate on God’s Word, throughout the day and share them with your friends so you can send encouragement and impact someone else's day! The reality of our present age is that despair and anxiety have always been and will always be a part of life on Earth, but we can all find strength and guidance in the encouragement from the Bible, and the verses of Hope and Power. No matter what we face - job loss, relationship conflict, death of a loved one, or even a worldwide pandemic, there is always an opportunity to re-focus on God's promises.
God wants to encourage us to find joy and peace every single day, in everything that we do, or say. That's why Scripture is packed with encouraging verses and the Power to overcome! God's Word has been translated and kept alive for hundreds of centuries to speak directly to your heart now! You were meant to find hope through Jesus Christ and the love of God. The best way to fight discouragement is by meditating on words of encouragement that are found in God’s Holy Word! 2 Timothy 1:7 provides a powerful and dynamic statement of fact that we can live by… “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Friends, I refuse to be swayed by the insanity of this day, but to cling to the promises of God’s Holy Word and I fully recognize that “IT IS WHAT IT IS,” and I choose to claim His Power, Presence, Provision and Blessed Hope, regardless of the circumstances! I have used this statement of fact, often… “IT IS WHAT IT IS!!” Remember, It Is, but we have a solution to the “ills of the day!” That Solution is JESUS CHRIST, OUR RISEN LORD! I am determined to live above the chaos and insanity of this age, and to continue to claim His Victory! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! REMEMBER, “It Is What It Is,” and our calling is to Proclaim Jesus, the Answer to All of this world’s issues!!!!
SIDE NOTE: In My Opinion, there is a glaring example of “Political Correctness,” or “Chaos Driven Insanity,” in the changing of the name of Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, based on some arbitrary thought that a name is offensive and will create irreparable harm to the population! A perfect example of “IT IS WHAT IT IS!”
BIRTHDAYS FOR 05/21/23
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ELIJAH JONES (!st Birthday)
JERRY LEE
"OUR BOUNTIFUL AND ENDLESS SUPPLY"
May 21 “Our Bountiful and Endless Supply” Romans 8:32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… ““He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
God has promised that He would be faithful to us and that He would sustain us and never leave us nor forsake us, yet there are times when we are discouraged and lonely and in despair and we have difficulty finding our way. Remember, He is our unending and on-going supply for everything that we need to live for Him and to enjoy the “Fruit” of our Labor and to Praise God from whom, all, of our, blessings flow!! You see, God gave His Son for us. How much more will He give, in our times of need and struggles? I am excited that He is an overflowing well of resources, that brings, into my life, spiritual pride and hope and energy and vitality and His Blessed Assurance. Guess What? That’s right…God is Good…God is Mighty…God is Love and God is Good to His Children. Be Encouraged! Be Committed! Be True to His Calling! Enjoy the Prosperity that He Provides for His Children! Once again, Be Encouraged!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 20, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RICKY & JOAN WATSON
LIFE ... Noah's Ark Inspired
May 20 LIFE… Noah’s Ark Inspired! Proverbs 4:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.” (Proverbs 4:5)
Several months ago, a dear friend gave me a sheet of paper that I posted beside my computer, and I have read it every morning, since I posted it. It continues to inspire me, and I want to share its encouraging words with you! It is entitled, “Everything I Need to Know About Life, I Learned from Noah’s Ark!”
1. Don’t Miss the Boat.
2. Remember that We are All in the Same Boat
3. Plan Ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
4. Stay Fit. When You’re really Old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don’t Listen to the Critics; just get on with the Job that needs to be Done.
6. Build Your Future on High Ground.
7. For Safety Sake, Travel in Pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When You’re Stressed, Float a While!
10. Remember, the Ark was built by Amateurs, the Titanic by Professionals!
11. No Matter the Storm, when you are with God, there’s ALWAYS a Rainbow waiting… (MYBIBLE.COM)
Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
"TURN AWAY FROM SIN"
May 19 “Turn Away From Sin” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Tune into any broadcast medium and observe the headlines for that day! The priorities of the world have shifted into utter insanity, without any degree of common sense or decency! In what world is it proper for men, dressed as women, to be teaching young children, and the powers that want to be, are promoting and defending such behaviors? How is it that multiple individuals can me murdered in the inner cities of America, and little, if any outcry occurs, yet, when a police officer, in the performance of their duty, kills a suspect, that is armed and dangerous, that it immediately provokes a violent and destructive response? Are you observing the selective outrage and the targeted responses to evil? Daddy used to tell me that a day was coming when the basic common-sense standards of behavior would be viewed as evil, wrong and contrary to civil society! The day has arrived! What are the priorities of the Evil Driven Leadership of our Nation? It appears that the systematic destruction of unborn children is the number one priority, closely followed by the idea that the Judo-Christian Ethic is antiquated and contrary to the perverted thoughts of a “God-less” society! Be Not Deceived; we are living in the last days of this evil world’s domination. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 is meant for today, May 19, 2023! Believer, we MUST be aware of the twisted nature of the Evil that has overtaken basic common sense, and we MUST continue to claim His promises and Live Out His Love, growing each day into the Spiritual Warriors, Armored Up, Prayed Up, Read Up, prepared to Step Up, Speak Up and to Lead as many as we can, into a Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ! EVIL EXISTS! SATAN IS MOVING, AND GOD’S PLAN IS UNFOLDING! TIME IS PRECIOUS AND WE MUST ACT RIGHT NOW! Hebrews 13:5 provides great comfort, as it instructs us… “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He has promised HIS Faithfulness! Listen, we ARE in the middle of this ugliness and decay, yet we can walk confidently and fortified in the knowledge that He will sustain us, keep us, and Protect us, when we surrender completely to His Holy Will! This world is headed towards destruction, but because of the Love of God, through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are not a part of this world, but, because of His Redeeming Blood, we are citizens of Heaven! Be Strong, Endure, Be Faithful, Continue to Proclaim His Love and Salvation, and NEVER, EVER ALLOW THIS WORLD AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS AGE, TO DICTATE YOUR BEHAVIORS! Words fail me, as I attempt to express the sadness of our present age, yet I want you to be aware that we live in this world, but, PRAISE GOD, as Born-Again Believers, WE ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD! Please Stay Strong & Focused, and continue to realize that, for the committed Follower of Christ, THE BEST IS, INDEED, YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR MAY 18, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TIM BAILEY
STEVE WHITE
RAYMOND HENLEY
JOANN TANNER
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