BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 12, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GEORGE CREECH
PAT HORTON
JACKIE HUNTER (In Heaven)
SAM MORRIS
KATELYN KIRBY
CINDY HAUER
“Remind me Lord”
August 12 “Remind me Lord” Psalm 39:4-12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.” (Psalm 39:4-12)
A few days ago, a very good friend asked me if I was aware of the events and issues that are happening in this world. I believe that he was shocked when I told him that I am fully aware and that I can do nothing to change the progression of God’s eternal plan for this world and all that is going on in it! I am aware of the “shortages” that exist, and I am aware of the “anti-Christian” and “anti-Law & Order” attitudes that have become acceptable in the politics and the behaviors of our land. I am aware of the “Hyper-Sensitivity” of individuals and the tendency of folks to be offended by anything that doesn’t validate their chosen behaviors! Clearly, this world does not want the “rock solid” truth of God’s word to be the standard for thought or behavior. You see, when there are no absolutes, then, one can act and do anything and justify the behavior, because there are no standards! Keep this one fact in your mind: As a Believer, your responsibility is to share the “Good News” with this dark and lost world, and to navigate others into a “Personal Relationship” with Jesus Christ! Again, we are, in the midst, of the eternal plan of God, and we are to prioritize our thoughts and behaviors to edify His will and purpose for our limited, earthly existence. My friend wanted to engage in a conversation that would highlight the evil and active demonstrations of hatred and the lack of moral and civil behavior that is now a part of our culture, and he asked me a question that I was amazed that he asked. “Glen, where is our Hope?” Really? Psalm 39:7 states it clearly… “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you! Dear friends, we have Hope in our Lord, and we have Victory over the attitudes and behaviors of this present day! Let go of the trash that is this world and dedicate yourself to helping others come to Jesus in His Grace and “Saving” power. “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my physical body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work for Him. 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 single day!” I am claiming His Victory Principle, and I am affirming His Power for my Living, and I am affirming that I am the son of the King, who is not moved by this world. My God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS!!! Folks, please be aware that I am fully aware of the issues of the day and the politics and depravity that exists! I refuse to surrender my attitude and my life to the temporal issues of this present moment! My job, my calling, my responsibility is to live for Jesus and to be an example of His Love, Forgiveness and Grace! Every time that I am tempted to speak of the issues of the day, and to allow it to alter my focus, I am shouting to the rooftop: NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Please recognize your role and your place in the plan of God and work for Him until He comes again! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting with a Purpose)
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 11, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LANDON BAILEY
MELISSA WORLEY
BROOKE HARGREAVES
ETHAN PEARCE (18th)
HIS Power
August 11 HIS Power Isaiah 40:29
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
There are days when I am “Wide Open” busy and attempting to get from one need to another, and to do it with compassion and care and to be available when I am needed. Those days require all of the human concentration, that I possess. On those days, I find myself focusing on the activities, and not on what is the most important factor. It is on these amazing days that I seem to be the most grumpy and short-tempered and fussy, and I feel like a clothes dryer, set on medium, instead of “HOT!” Listen, when I take time to think about the issues, I find that slowing down and bowing on my knees and praying to God for peace and strength and guidance, my energy level increases, and my attitude improves, and my overall disposition becomes tolerable to others! It is in these quiet moments of total surrender to my God, that I am able, to focus on and tune in HIS Power of Comfort and Strength and Direct, for my life! Once my spirit is restored and my mind clear, then I can embrace His Power that I need to keep on serving and honoring His Calling! “Be still, and know, that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:10-11). In the face of this evil world and all that it has, in the way of distractions, Stay Strong, Stay Focused, and “Be Still and Know that He is GOD!” Remember… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 10, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GREG JOHNSON
BURRELL BROCK
ANABELLE WILSON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
THOMAS & VIKKI BROCK
Mama’s Instructions
August 10 Mama’s Instructions Ephesians 5:15-16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Today is my mother’s birthday (in Heaven), and as I reflect on her life and legacy, I am aware of her influence and example, each day! Mama went through some extremely difficult times, poverty, physical illness, depression, and she overcame every challenge because of her faith in her God and the confidence in His power to transform her into what He would want! She would say to me, each challenge, along the way, “Rest in His Healing, and allow Him to transform you!” Amazingly, Mama would instruct me to focus on Him, and to spend time with Him! One of her favorite instructions was so simple, yet so true! “When you trust in God, and focus on Him, your fears and worry will automatically go down!” What a wonderful message for us, right now, today! Time is so precious, and we need not waste a single moment, in worry and stress! Focus on what is true, important, and eternally valuable! The fact of the matter is clear, when we walk close to God, claiming the redemption of Jesus, and the promise of empowerment through the Holy Spirit, consuming ourselves in His word, then we are ready to claim His promise, in Psalm 119:105: “Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a light for my path!!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! **HAPPY BIRTHDAY (in Heaven) MAMA! Thank You for your guidance, wisdom, and example!
“OUR HOPE for TOMORROW”
August 9 “OUR HOPE for TOMORROW” Isaiah 5:20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
On this day, August 9, 2023, we awaken to a world that is troubled and decaying, and an entitlement attitude and expectation levels that are unsustainable. Evil is rampant and attitudes and morals (basic standards of behavior and civility) are rapidly becoming unrecognizable to anyone with a secure moral foundation that is a product of a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ! That which is “Right,” is deemed “Wrong,” and that which is Truth, is declared a “Lie,” and the Evil continues to grow! Men declaring that they are women, women claiming to be men, political corruption, twisted attitudes of justice and morality, children being exposed to perverted displays of depravity and society battling to make it acceptable and commonplace behavior, and there are those who speculate on what has gone wrong. “Let not your hearts be troubled!!!” This is the Divine Plan of God, as He prepares to fulfill His Promises and His Plans for Humanity! This kind of attitude and behaviors will continue, and grow worse, until Jesus returns to claim His Church! Get Ready, Be Prepared, Seek Jesus, Claim His Grace and Love, and Armor-up for the battle (we are engaged in a battle, daily), and get your Spiritual House in order! It will not be long, and Jesus is coming again! Let me repeat this: JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!!! I have HOPE for TOMORROW, not because of this World, but because of HIS LOVE and HIS AMAZING and SAVING GRACE! I have POWER to LIVE, SHARE, and OVERCOME the INSANITY of this present AGE, and THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, and so do you!!! Share HIS Love with others and continue to Serve Him!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 8, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CHRISSY HUNTER
CHRIS WOOD
"GO AHEAD!"
August 8 “Go Ahead!” Exodus 4:12
**Happy Birthday (In Heaven) Aunt Becky Johnson Ragan**
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12)
Have you ever been required to speak in front of a large crowd? Have you ever been fearful of talking in front of a group? If you have, then you are in the top ten of the most fearful things to do in the United States. I think back to the days when I was petrified to speak in public. My earliest recollections of the fear of speaking in front of a crowd was the time that Mrs. Carter, my Sunday School Teacher, had we children, recite a Bible Verse, before the entire congregation, on a Sunday Morning! I remember clearly my response when I learned of her intent. “Miss Carter, I can’t do this!” She was always ready for a teachable moment, and she took advantage of this moment to share a story of another fellow that said that “he couldn’t!” She told me of the struggle that Moses faced and the promise from God! She made me look up and read this scripture to her. “Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” She told me that God would be with me and provide what I needed to say when I needed to say it. I did recite the scripture and I was nervous, and I was “shaking in my boots,” but Miss Carter’s words and her faith in me, provided the “kick” that I needed to claim God’s provision and power and to “Stand up and Go Ahead!” That event was over 60 years ago, yet I still am a bit anxious when I speak before a crowd, and I am a bit anxious when I share Jesus with an individual. When you speak up for Jesus, will you be nervous? In all likelihood, the answer is yes! Remember, ask God to replace your fears and concerns for the focus on Him and His words that you should say. The Bottom Line: Replace your Fears with Faith! So, I leave you with the admonition from Mrs. Estelle Carter… “Go Ahead!” With the exception of my parents, this precious lady had the greatest influence on my early Spiritual Life and Actions! As Believers, we are required and expected to share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, with everyone that we encounter! So, just “GO AHEAD!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Post)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 7,2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
PEGGY ALLMON RUSSELL
BRIAN TANNER
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DENNIS & ANN BADGER
“Being Forgiven, Living in Forgiveness
August 7 “Being Forgiven, Living in Forgiveness Psalm 32:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)
The scriptures are crystal clear about our sin! Romans 3:23 tells us that ALL of us have Sinned and Fallen Short of the Glory of God! When we tell ourselves, and others, that we haven’t sinned, the Bible tells us that we are deceiving ourselves! Having established the fact that we are all sinners, how do we handle this thing called sin? How do we break free from the guilt and shame and heartache of our sin? Psalm 32 tells of David’s experience in dealing with his sin. Like John 1:9, where John strongly informs us that we are to acknowledge our sin, confess our sin to God, in order to receive Forgiveness and Restoration! David suffered when he didn’t confess his sins to God, then he finally proclaimed his sin, acknowledged his transgressions, and was blessed in the fact that God forgave him! Pay Attention! All of us sin, have sinned, and will sin again! God loved us enough that he assigned Jesus the task of being our “Forgiveness” vehicle, and when we Believe, Confess, and Receive this beautiful blessing called JESUS, then and only then, will we begin to feel the sense of Peace and wholeness that comes from a humble and repentant heart, thus enjoying a clear conscience, in our relationship with the Father, through the Son! When you fall short of God’s Glory, and you wander from His Promises, and you make mistakes, just stop, drop and tell Him that you are sorry and ask Him to cleanse you, restore you, refresh you and allow His Grace to Grow in You and Around You and continue to “walk in the newness of Life, provided by His Glorious Love! REMEMBER! All have sinned, Let Him Cleanse You! He promised that He would “Cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9)… Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 6, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
AL DRIVER
BRANDON BAKER
TAMMY EDWARDS
GAYLE HAINES
JIMMY FAISON
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
SEAN & SUZA BANNON
HIS Guiding Light
August 6 HIS Guiding Light 2 Peter 1:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
When the power goes off, at my house, the first thing that we do is to open all of the curtains and the doors, to allow the natural light to come in. Although the natural light is usually minimal, we can continue to operate, awaiting the power to be restored. Amazingly, in the Christian life, we experience a momentary loss of power. Think about it… When the Doctor reveals a serious health issue, or you receive a message that your loved one is in trouble, or you experience the death of a dear friend, or you experience a financial reversal, or the unexpected revelation of wrongs by a dear friend… These are the moments in our lives when we need to run to the Light! I thank God that He has provided infinite and dynamic power to keep our world operating along and it is bursting with energy. This same Divine Power provides strength, vision, endurance, and guidance when we face the seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles of life! PRAISE GOD! It is through HIS Power that we are able to face the present-day challenges and are prepared to deal with the issues of the future, with Divine Confidence and HIS Power! We have what we need, when we are walking with HIM, PRAISING HIM, and actively SERVING HIM, even when we are experiencing a momentary power outage in our lives. There are days when I am overwhelmed with the challenges and issues of the day, and I “feel” that the light has dimmed, and at times, has gone out, but, in those times, I slow down, walk deliberately, Call out to God, and Claim His Power for Restoration, Recovery, Direction, and HIS GUIDING LIGHT! Everyone of us experience times of “low light,” but HE is ready, willing, and able to BRIGHTEN our Way, and Illuminate our Path! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, LOOK TO HIS LIGHT WHEN LIFE GETS DARK!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 5, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TONYA BAILEY
WHITT GARNER
LANDON MACK
JIMMIE NARRON - “60th”
CAROLYN PRIVETTE
BOBBY STEVENS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TONY & ALLYSON CREECH
“I'm Gonna Take a Trip”
August 5 “I'm Gonna Take a Trip” 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
The message for today is from a beautiful old song, by Iris DeMent, called “The Old Gospel Ship!” As you read the words of this amazing song, think about your life, your attitude, your service, and your readiness to “Take the Ultimate Trip!”
“I have good new to bring
And that is why I sing,
All my joys with you I will save.
Well I'm gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship
And go sailing through the air.
Well I'm gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship;
I'm going far beyond the sky.
Well I'm gonna shout and sing,
Until heavens bring,
That's I'm bidding this world goodbye.
Oh I can scarcely wait,
I know I'll not be late.
For I'll spend all my time in prayer
And when my ship comes in,
I will leave this world of sin
And go sailing through the air.
Well I'm gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship;
I'm going far beyond the sky.
Well I'm gonna shout and sing,
Until heavens bring,
As I'm bidding this world goodbye. If you are ashamed of me,
You've got no cause to be
What we've got, I ain't?
It's too much fault you find,
You'll sure be left behind,
I'll go sailing through the air.
Well I'm gonna take a trip
On the old gospel ship;
I'm going far beyond the sky.
Well I'm gonna shout and sing,
Until heavens bring,
As I'm bidding this world goodbye.
As I'm bidding this world goodbye.”
May each one of us be prepared to “Take This Trip!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…PRAISE GOD, THE BEST IS YET TO BE AND CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 4, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LAUREN O’NEAL
PAM RICE
LAURA JONES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TONY & PHYLLIS ALFORD
Sing Praises!
August 4 Sing Praises! Psalm 147:1
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” (Psalm 147:1)
There was always music in our house when I was a child. Music was an important part of our living. My Mother loved Southern Gospel Music, and she adored the Happy Goodman Family! Vestal Goodman was her all-time favorite! Mama would sing Vestal Goodman favorites in church, and always at home. She would crank up the stereo and away she would clean and iron and every homemaker task. Our house was filled with music! Now, Daddy would preach the virtues of music, of singing and “making a joyful noise” to the Lord! Daddy’s favorite group was the Chuckwagon Gang! Daddy, to my knowledge, sang only one song, in public, and that was the “Great Speckled Bird!” My parents felt that music was an anchor in times of distress, and a blessing is times of prosperity! It boils down to attitude! I believe that music helps us to focus on God’s Amazing Grace and to live out His intentions for us! On my Daddy’s office wall was a framed statement from a man that also loved music and incorporated it into everything that he attempted to accomplish, for our Lord! This man was St. Francis of Assisi. The framed writing said this: “Make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. Where there is darkness, light.” Believers, what do you say we sing a little more, sow a little more, love a little more, and be an instrument of His purpose? Isn’t it amazing, that when we are serving, loving, sowing, and living His Holy Word, we, simply do not have time to be judgmental, hateful or contrary with one another! Once again, sing a little more, sow a little more, love a little more, and be an instrument of His purpose TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)
(Regardless of what may come, keep singing, keep believing and never, ever dwell in the past!!)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 3, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CODY HAMILTON
JASON CURRIE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BRANDON & JULIE CARROLL
In Times Like These…
August 3 In Times Like These… 2 Timothy 3:1
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 Timothy 3:1)
So, what are we to do when “Perilous” times actually happen? I truly and fully believe that we are living in the last days before Jesus returns and I want to encourage you with a song that says it all… In Times Like These…
In times like these, you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
In times like these you need the Bible
In times like these o be not idle
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
In times like these, I have a Savior
In times like these, I have an anchor
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one
This Rock is Jesus, The only One
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock
Satan is having a “Field Day,” attacking, destroying, and altering the lives of so many, especially believers! PLEASE Anchor deep and hold on…Stay close to God, Pray about Everything, Read His Word DAILY, Share His Grace and Keep Looking to the Eastern Sky for His Sudden and Miraculous Appearing! HE IS COMING AGAIN! PLEASE BE READY! Are you packed and ready to fly? I choose to be Prayed up, Armored up, Read up, and Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT! How about YOU? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…SURELY, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!