HIS Amazing Creation
July 22 HIS Amazing Creation Colossians 1:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16)
Sitting on the dock, awaiting the sun to rise, I sat in the solitude of the moment, observing the vastness and beauty of my God’s Creation. The sun began its appointed arrival, and I was struck with a sense of awe and wonder. Think about it! God decided, in one moment, and the history of Man began. Everything that is of Man, became a matter of record. This Sun, this amazing ball of flaming gases, that is designed to light the universe, came out of nothing! God ordained that this light would determine our days! God’s mighty hand began to work, and we have deep canyons that were carved out of solid rock, and the oceans were gathered together, mountains sprang up out of the flatlands, the stars were hung in perfect order, and our God created the delicate petals of a wildflower, and HIS Power and Beauty were evident for all to observe! As I looked out over a lake that was reportedly created by a meteor strike, thousands of years ago, and I contemplated the power and majesty of God’s creation, the majestic beauty and symmetry of His Divine plan, and I am truly grateful and am in awe! Friends, in our busy, chaotic world, please take time to observe and to enjoy the blessings of God’s magnificent creation, and appreciate His Power, Presence, and amazing Grace through His Love for us! Encourage others to see the majesty and beauty of God’s Amazing Creation! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND EMPHATICALLY YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 21, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JIM ELLIS
JAMES FERRELL
KIM JEFFREYS
Courage Comes from Within
July 21 Courage Comes from Within Psalm 31:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)
My mother used to read a story to me, from an old Indian folklore book, and one of those stories dealt with courage. When we were at the lake, last week, every morning, just about daybreak, I observed the birds and the way that they dealt with the bigger birds that were attempting to get their piece of bread that was provided by the big round thing that was in the swing (that was me). This big bird came in, all big and bad, and the smaller birds scrambled, except for one smaller bird. This bird was “in the face” of the big bird and he would chase the larger bird away. Amazingly, the other smaller birds would return to eating the bread. As I witnessed this interaction, I recalled that story, from long ago, that spoke of courage and where to find courage. The story went like this: “There was a mouse that was afraid of cats, so the magician agreed to turn the mouse into a cat. The fear of cats disappeared. Well, the newly transformed cat met a dog, and the fear was back, so the magician turned the cat into a dog. Are you keeping up? Alright, the mouse turned cat turned dog was happy until he met a tiger, and, once again, the magician turned him into the thing that he feared, a tiger. Well, the tiger came to the magician and was complaining that he had met a hunter! Shock of all shocks…the magician would not help! He told the tiger that he would change him back into a mouse, just because you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse.” Listen, we can build up a gruff and imposing exterior and still tremble with fear on the inside! Courage is an outgrowth of who we are and who we serve. We can face our fears with force, and we can construct mighty exteriors, and we can hoard wealth and can seek fame and fortune, but do these things work to bring us courage? Exterior supports are temporary, but only our inward character and relationship creates courage! “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24) Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 20, 2023
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO H.E. & PHYLLIS EDWARDS! May God Richly Bless You Both! In His Love, Pastor Glen
Personal Responsibility
July 14 Personal Responsibility Galatians 6:1-5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one, examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5)
My parents taught me to be personally responsible for my own actions and my own needs. Daddy taught me to be prepared! He said to be prepared to take care of yourself. A part of this preparation was to carry a pocketknife, comb, pen, a pocket handkerchief, watch, and a band-aid, in my wallet. He declared that there is only one that I should be dependent upon, and that is Almighty God! My dependence on God’s Love and His Precious Promises, promotes my Biblical responsibility to be independent and to stand strong, in the power of His Love. Amazingly, I am witnessing a shift in actions and attitudes of personal responsibility, to a dependent attitude that expresses that my well-being is the responsibility of someone else. Wow! “It’s not my fault!’ “We need equity in our finances!” “I shouldn’t have to work to get what I want!” “Minimum wage, minimum work!” “I am entitled to it!” “It’s not fair, he has so much, and I have so little!” “He was born into privilege, and I wasn’t!” “The government should give us a livable wage!” There is a new idea that we (our government) should provide millions of dollars in “Let Me Feel Good About Myself” Reparations to Black Americans, for the tragedy of slavery in the United States! I am amazed at the idea that some folks have when it comes to taking responsibility for their own actions! I have heard individuals speak these statements, and they spoke these words with passion and conviction! Before anyone climbs on the entitlement bandwagon, I am not talking about those who are unable to take care of themselves, I am talking about able-bodied individuals that can take care of themselves, yet feel that someone, usually the government or you, should insure their livelihood. Folks, as Christians, we are to encourage and assist folks along the pathway of life, all the while, sharing and teaching God’s word and His desire for us to be strong and independent in our earthly lives. The Apostle Paul worked along the Mission Journeys as a Tentmaker! It is our duty to work for Jesus and it is our duty to serve Him in the Beauty of HIS Holiness! There is NO GETTING AROUND THE CALL TO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DUTY!!! Galatians 6:5 says, “For each one shall bear his own load.” Believers, BE RESPONSIBLE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 19, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TRACY GILMORE
KIM PRIVETTE
“Being A Witness”
July 19 “Being A Witness” Romans 10:14-15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15)
How will our neighbors hear the Good News? How will our families hear the Good News? We are told that the “Harvest is white to harvest, yet there are no workers!” Ezekiel 22:30 says, “I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” I remember Daddy using an illustration that speaks to our responsibility, our duty, our calling to be “Witnesses” for Jesus. Not so many days ago, I read a similar story, written by Wayne Rice, in “Hot Illustrations for Youth Groups,” and it goes like this: “A story is told about a time just after Christ returned from earth to heaven. The angel Gabriel rushed up to Christ and asked if Christ had suffered terribly. “Yes,” answered Christ – “I did.” “So now everyone on earth knows how much you love them and what you did for them?” asked Gabriel. “Oh, no. Only a handful.” “But Lord, how will the rest of the world find out – why didn’t you tell them?” “It’s OK, I asked Peter, James, John and the others to tell the others. And when they know, they will tell others. Soon the whole world will know.” “But what if they don’t tell the others? What if they get to busy? What will you do then? Have you made any other plans?” “I made no other plans,” answered Christ. “I’m counting on them”. Could it be that God is depending on us to share the Gospel? Could it be that our calling is to be “Witnesses” for Him? In Matthew 28:19, we are instructed to, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” When we come to Christ, and we are redeemed by His Blood, we are ordained, at that moment, to be “Witnesses” for that same Love and that same Grace that saved us, and for the sustaining power to live abundantly, right here, right now! Can God count on you? I am resolved to share the Good News! I am excited to let folks know that I am the Son of the King, who is not moved by the craziness of this world. My God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS! With the assurance of my salvation, and a recognition of His Amazing Grace, I am resolved to serve Him, and to share His Good News, and to be the best Witness that I can possibly be! How about you? Can Jesus count on you to share the Good News? You see, He IS counting on you!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with a Purpose)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 18,2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ZACK SCOTT
JUSTIN WHITLEY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BEN & RHONDA GREEN
Delight, Commit, Trust!
July 18 Delight, Commit, Trust! Psalm 37:4-5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:” (Psalm 37:4-5)
From the moment that we surrender our lives to God and claim His Salvation through the blood of Jesus, we are in the position to “Delight” in God. When we “Delight” in Him, He begins a beautiful work in us. He creates new desires within our being, like more love, peace, grace, and the list, is eternal. As you “Delight” in all that God is, you will notice that you are committed, more and more, to the instructions and expectations of God. True commitment is a reflection, of your love for God and for others. Keep in mind, Delighting, Committing, Trusting, does not necessarily make our lives easier, but it most assuredly gives us the power and the wisdom and His Grace and the Power to “go through and to overcome!” Is your life and relationship with God seemingly “out of sorts?” We need to re-commit, we need to renew our trust and allow Him to alter our desires and to re-align our priorities and serve Him with obedience, gladness and in Jesus’ Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Delight, Commit, Trust!)
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 17, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SONNY TRIPPE
JOYCE BARNES
“Exercising Great Love”
July 17 “Exercising Great Love” 2 Peter 3:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
My earliest memories involve the love of my mother and the mercy that she demonstrated towards this “active and mischievous” little boy! I was inquisitive and I wanted to see how things worked, and that would include taking things apart and putting them back together. One example was the Electrolux vacuum cleaner. It came apart easily, and it went back together just as simply, with 2 parts left over! Oops! Here comes the exercise of her great love! I know that I put Mama through some trying times, yet she was so compassionate, and she loved me through the “growth.” Now, her patience had limits! From time to time, she would exercise her great love at the end of a belt or a “switch (I would have to fetch)!” Mama was my first example of the Love of God and the depth of His love for a wayward people. My God loves each one of us and He does not want any to perish, and this great love is extended to all! Just as Mama would show mercy, our God shows mercy to us! He does not overlook sin, or ignore His Holiness, but God is patient and loving and He is ready to forgive and to reconnect with us. Folks, I would ask why it was that I would receive a “killing” for my actions, yet my friend would get a pass from his mother! “Because I love you more,” was my mother’s answer! Peter said that it might appear that our Lord was “slack” in punishing the sinful, however, God is patient and loving and He wants us to repent and to claim His Grace and to re-establish a “Right” relationship with Him. God is patiently waiting for you today! Every day, in everything, God is actively demonstrating His Great Love for us! Sadly, not everyone will be SAVED! God’s Love demands Holiness, and His Holiness is always tempered by HIS LOVE! Just remember this: God Loves You and He is Not Slack with this Love! He has Promised redemption, and Eternal Life, with Him, and the Price of Admission to Heaven has been paid on the Cross of Calvary! God is ready to forgive your sins, and He is willing to show His Mercy towards you, and to offer His Grace (His unmerited favor) for the remission of your sins! My dear Mama corrected me because she loved me, and my God offers His Love and He corrects me and guides me and protects me, and He is not SLACK in Doing IT! I have rambled on to say this and it is the most important lesson of all: “… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 16, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KATRINE HAYNES
JAMIE JEFFREYS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
JERRY & PAIGE RICHARDSON
“Demonstrating Servanthood”
July 16 “Demonstrating Servanthood” John 13:14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Many years ago, while attending a Sunday Night service, at my grandmother’s church, I experienced a real “Foot Washing Service!” Now, let me tell you right now, this was a totally new and slightly unnerving experience. I was paired with an older man and when he revealed his feet, I was appalled. His feet were rough and ragged, and his nails were long and yellow, and I was wondering how I was going to get out of this. The young Pastor noticed that I was having some difficulty with this new experience, and he came over and asked me if I was ok. Well, the fact was that I was not ok! I whispered to him, “I don’t think that I can do this. Look at his feet!” His response was priceless! He said, “Its not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” In biblical times, most people’s feet were dirty and dusty, because they walked everywhere that they went. It was a demonstration of hospitality to visitors, to wash their feet as they entered the home. The job of washing feet was left for the lowest of servants. After the meal was completed, Jesus began to wash the feet of His Disciples. In the Upper Room, on that faithful night, not one of the Disciples volunteered to wash anyone’s feet. Jesus was still teaching a lesson, and this did not stop Him from washing their feet. Jesus’ purpose in washing the Disciple’s feet was to demonstrate love and for the Disciples to recognize the role of servanthood. He was demonstrating that the Christian Life requires the surrender and the giving of ourselves in service to others. The reality of the message is that LOVE REQUIRES ACTION! Genuine faith and real love will always lead to godly actions. Yes, I washed that old man’s feet, and I did it while saying to myself, “Lord, if you washed feet, who am I to say no way!” That experience has stayed with me, and it has helped me to realize my role in sharing Jesus and living for Him, in humility and service. Interesting Fact: The word “LEADER” is found 6 times in the Bible and the word “SERVANT” is found 900 times in the Bible. That should indicate the importance of serving others and to lead by example. Are you being a servant to others? Folks, once again, what God does with you is entirely up to you! It always has and it always will! I am not suggesting that you wash my feet, however, just as that young Pastor, so many years ago, told me… “It’s not the condition of his feet, it is the condition of your heart!” We must be in an attitude of servanthood if we are to walk in obedience! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 9, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WYATT CARLYLE
CARL HOLT
DONNA RICHARDSON
AMANDA HORTON
Pray, Pray, Pray…
July 9 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)
Notice that the scripture passage is the same as yesterday. Yesterday, the message was a call for “Personal Commitment,” and, today, the message is “HOW” to “Grow Your Personal Commitment!” My Prayer Closet is, literally, a closet (an area with minimal distractions). I go into the closet, and I come near to God through prayer. When I am weary and worn, from ministry and obedience to His Call, 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!