“Real JOY”
July 27 “Real JOY” Matthew 5:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
If you were raised in the church, you probably remember the song, “I’ve got joy, joy, joy, joy down deep in my heart…” I love the part that Mrs. Carter would add… “And if the Devil doesn’t like it, he can sit on a tack!” Think about this concept! Experiencing real joy, in the midst of trials and persecutions, and difficulties and challenges! How is this possible? Real JOY is only possible in a Personal and Growing Relationship with the Savior, JESUS CHRIST! I am excited to know that, through Faith in the One that has saved me, and will never fail me, nor will He ever leave me, that I can experience REAL JOY, in spite of the issues of the day! REAL JOY is more than earthly pleasures and an “easy” life! It is embracing and experiencing the power for living, right here, right now, and the blessed hope of eternity with Him in Heaven! THANK YOU, GOD, for sending JESUS to provide SALVATION and REAL JOY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 26,2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MELANIE BROCK
LOU CARROLL
CHARLES PADGETT
“Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful”
July 26 “Rejoice, Pray, Be Thankful” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In the Fall of 1964, I saw the power of God demonstrated within my own little family. The year began with my mother having yet another kidney surgery and the disruption of our household, by her absence. Daddy hired a lady to come in and cook and clean and “look after me.” Sadly, this lady was a thief and a liar! She didn’t stay long! So, I went to a neighbor’s house after school and that was interesting. They were good people, just strange! Mama came home and all was right with the world, until she was forced to go back to the hospital in October of 1964. Here we go again…I can only imagine the stress and anxiety that my Daddy was going through. This time, this surgery, Mama had her right kidney removed. She finally came home, and things began to normalize. The phone rang and I answered the call and there was a Goldsboro Police Officer on the other end of the line, asking to speak to Mrs. Brock. Well, she was asleep, and I told him, and he dropped the news on me…your Daddy has been in an accident, and he is at Wayne Memorial Hospital. I immediately woke Mama, and she calmly called the Police Department for details and then she called the Hospital for details of his condition. Her first response was…we need to pray! Keep in mind, Mama had a drain tube and a glass jar as the collection sight and I was a boy and we didn’t have a vehicle to travel on, with the exception, of a tractor. After some challenges and calls, Mama was able to speak to Daddy and things improved quickly. Apparently, someone ran a light and T-Boned Daddy. He was Okay and was headed home. When he arrived home, there was such a relief and a calm, within the walls of our little home. Daddy was bruised up and had 2 broken ribs and we were now a “No” car family and Mama was recovering from major surgery, and I was a little boy! Daddy made fried bologna sandwiches for our supper, and we sat around the table, and we prayed and ate. When I reflect back, to that day, and the conditions that we experienced, I am still amazed at the attitude and actions of my parents. Daddy, Mama, and I held hands and Daddy asked blessing on the food and he gave thanks for bringing him through and he offered praise to God for protecting our little family! Amazing! I was seeing the misery and Daddy and Mama were seeing the Blessing! This visual and practical lesson has stayed with me all these years. Later, I asked Daddy how it was that they were so upbeat when their lives were in shambles, and his response was priceless… “Son, we are children of God and He promised that He would be with us and help us. He, also, told us that troubles would come our way and to look to Him for comfort and restitution!” That day, I did not fully understand, but today I do! Our Faith in God is the Key to Living! By Faith, my parents navigated through this life, and, by Faith, they taught me to “Look to God” for everything that I do… Basically… “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Please Stay Strong, Stay Focused…EVEN IN THE FACE OF GREAT CHALLENGES, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
JULY 25, 2023 BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DONNA PERRY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO GEORGE & FAYE CREECH
“LOVING not JUDGING”
July 25 “LOVING not JUDGING” 1 Peter 4:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
Recently, I have been presented with challenges that ought not be! Fellow Believers, well-meaning fellow Believers, allowing Satan to dictate their actions and words! Situations, circumstances, actions, and challenges will come to us, yet we MUST seek to live in God’s Love, and to love each other, regardless of the situations that exist! Every one of us misses the mark when it comes to being perfect! It is the LOVE OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, that makes us worthy of HIS GRACE! So often, we allow the momentary circumstances of the present to dictate our actions and responses! All of us have sinned and fallen short… Please claim the VICTORY IN JESUS, Focus on HIS GRACE, and STOP BEING SO JUDGEMENTAL towards one another! Remember, you are not responsible for the actions and words of others, you are responsible for YOUR ACTIONS and WORDS, and they SHOULD BE EDIFYING TO THE BODY OF CHRSIT! Satan gets excited when a Believer allows him the opportunity to get a foothold and create chaos and strife among other Believers! Folks, Claim God’s Love, Focus on Obedience for your own life, and STOP Judging others, and LOVE THEM, with the LOVE OF GOD! Most of the issues among God’s people, would not be issues, if we would simply mind our own business and see others through the eyes of Christ! Listen closely to this Command: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40… He said it, I believe it, and am working each day to make it a part of my life! How about you! Stay Focused, Stay Strong…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 24, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COLLIN DRIVER
Continue Learning Each Day
July 24 Continue Learning Each Day Proverbs 1:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” (Proverbs 1:5)
Have you ever heard the statement that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” I am here to tell you that God can and does teach old dog’s new tricks! It is important for believers to continue to seek His face and to continue to “dig” deep into His Holy Word, and to continue to learn and to experience His Grace and to be prepared to share and teach about His Love and His Amazing Grace! One thing that my Daddy hammered into my head, was the fact that knowing something in our minds and knowing how to apply it or, doing it, are two different things! Folks, God expects us to continue to grow in His Grace and in our Knowledge of Him, with the goal of increasing our “closeness” to Him and to enhance our relationship and to be “effective” witnesses for Him. We must be “Life-Long” Learners, and we must continue to Learn about Him and to continue to Lean on Him and continue to Grow in Him and to experience the “Abundant Living” that He has ordained for us to experience! What God does with you is up to you! It always has, and it always will! Keep Learning, Keep Loving, Keep Experiencing, Keep Sharing, Keep Enjoying His Bounty, and Never, Ever, stop Growing in Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 23, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DUSTIN HALE
KATHERINE LEWIS
MARIE SHUMAN
BRANDON WALTERS
Overcoming
July 23 Overcoming John 16:33
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
A large portion of my responsibilities, as a pastor, is to counsel and encourage others, along this journey of life. One amazing fact has become obvious, and that is that individuals still do not grasp that life is difficult and, at times, just hard to handle. A consistent thought has emerged, and that is, that Christians are, somehow, immune to the challenges and difficulties of life! Let me assure you, here and now, this is NOT TRUE!! The scriptures inform us of the challenges and adversity that we WILL FACE, as we serve HIM, and navigate through this life. Folks, we are living in a fallen and sinful world, and chaos and destruction are all about! When we become Christians, we are infused with HIS Power, HIS Grace and HIS Provision, and this empowerment provides the necessary tools to successfully challenge the destructive patterns of this world. Please be aware that Satan is ready, willing, and able to attack you, taunt you, challenge you, annoy you, and hurt you! Stay Focused on HIS POWER, PROVISION AND PRESENCE, and be prepared to handle the challenges that YOU WILL FACE! Psalm 91:1 offers a powerful promise… “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Life is hard! Life is Challenging! My God is ALL POWERFUL, and as HIS Child, I am Powerful, because of HIS Love, Grace, and Provision!! I encounter the same challenges that you face, and I affirm the power of God in my life, and I am continually praying for renewal, healing, and protection. I affirm HIS anointing for the POWER FOR LIVING in this dark and sinful world! Remember, HE is working in you, on your behalf, and we need to “rest in the shadow of the Almighty!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 22, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JERRY NARRON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
GRADY & BETTIE ANNE JOHNSON
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!)