BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 26, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NEAL BATTEN
TOM VAUGHAN
JORDAN LILES
JOEY PITTMAN
Our Daily Strength
October 26 Our Daily Strength Isaiah 33:2
** Please Pray for the Families of the Shooting Victims in the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting! **
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” (Isaiah 33:2)
“I’m just tired!” It seems to me that this is a common response from so many people, today! COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing aftereffects, have produced a common result, at least for me, and that is Fatigue! As I look at the situations that we are dealing with, and the challenges that we are called upon to handle, no wonder that we feel exhausted! Think about it… The Economy is struggling (Inflation, shortages, employment issues), and it seems that we are having to work more just to keep up, and our society appears to be getting sicker and more perverse, and each one of us are facing personal and family dynamics that challenge us every day, and our “Fast Paced” technology driven culture leaves us “Tired” and there is that “Ever-Present” Daily News, that always provides the “Doom & Gloom” of our world! Wow! Just thinking about all that is happening make me tired! No wonder we are exhausted! In Psalm 29:11, the psalmist tells us that “The Lord will give strength to His people,” and I am claiming that provision and I am expecting His Amazing Grace to comfort me and to strengthen me, every single day! In this time of exhaustion and fatigue and weariness, God has promised that He would be our strength EVERY MORNING! I am grateful that I have the privilege and the blessing to go into His Word, every morning, and He Refreshes Me, Restores Me, Empowers Me, and Prepares Me for the Challenges Ahead! Regardless of the issues of this day, allow God’s Power and His Promises, to Encourage you, Protect you, Guide You, Sustain you, and to be your Comfort in times of exhaustion and challenges! He Promised – I Believe, and I am CLAIMING His Strength for the Challenges Ahead! How About You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Our "FAITH" Walk
October 25 Our “FAITH” Walk 2 Corinthians 5:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
The more difficult and the more complex our lives become, the easier it is to lose our direction and our perspective. “God, is this the way I am supposed to live?” We often think, while going through the promised trials and tribulations of this life; that we are not living right! Well, that is when “FAITH” come into play. God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, has provided the empowered ability to face the challenges and to overcome the difficulties, through HIS SUSTAINING POWER FOR LIVING! That Power is OUR FAITH! FAITH IN HIS WORD AND FAITH IN THE FACT THAT HE SAID IT AND WE BELIEVE IT! “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” This world, right now, today, offers a dismal and dark picture and the activities of this world are a far cry from the glory and presence of God, yet, even in the midst of the depravity and sin, HE STILL LOVES US! When I wake up, each day, and look into the mirror, and listen to the “News” of the day, and review the activities of my day, I can be very depressed! The next thing in my morning routine, is time with my God … through His Word, through Prayer Time and Meditation, and that is when I clearly see the ability to navigate through the challenges of the day, with renewed Hope and with Empowered Vision! I pray that God will provide each of us the FAITH to see HIS HAND in everything that we do and the SUSTAINING and EDIFYING POWER to provide AMAZING AND ABUNDANT FAITH TO NAQVIGATE THROUGH THE CIRCUMSYANCES WITH THE ASSURANCE OF FAITH AND HIS GLORIOUS PROMISES! I also claim the fact that, although our FAITH may have started out the size of a mustard seed, that it is in an active state of expansion until it becomes a “Mighty Oak Tree” of FAITH! Folks, we really do “Walk by Faith, not by Sight!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
WHY ME LORD?
October 24 Why Me Lord? Revelation 1:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
No one is immune to troubles and trials! When we find ourselves in the midst of trying and difficult times, what do we do? Just recently, I was asked to counsel with an individual that has had some serious challenges, some created by his behaviors and some that are the results of others, and his question to me was, “Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Why do these things happen to me?” This young man was so fixated on the challenges that he would not see the blessings! I realize that, in our human perspective, that situations and the struggles that we experience are perceived as “All these is,” however, as Redeemed Followers of Jesus Christ, we are promised the power to overcome and the ability to be strong in the middle of any and every challenge! As Born-Again” Believers, we have a solid assurance that our GOD IS, WAS, AND IS TO COME!! Listen, God spoke our world into reality and the blessed assurance is, knowing that HE has ordained our existence, and HE has promised that HE will KEEP US in HIS POWER AND LOVE! There is a Glorious FACT that is so exciting! The Reality of our existence is a cause for rejoicing! Why do things happen to me? Whether we recognize it or not, GOD, in HIS infinite Wisdom, Love, and Grace has determined them to be! Remember John 16:33…. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Difficulties, Challenges, Pain, Hurts, Deceptions, Tribulations are a sad reality of our Human Existence, however, PRAISE GOD, through HIS LOVE and GRACE, we are OVERCOMERS! So, why do these things happen to me? It is the way that it is in this life, so, grab hold of HIS AMAZING GRACE and PRAISE GOD for HIS SUSTAINING POWER and CLAIM HIS ETERNAL POWER TO KEEP US, SUSTAIN US, and TO BLESS US! This young man had the idea that he had been singled out for the misery and challenges, and when I told him that everyone experienced the trials and issues of life, and that there is HOPE to OVERCOME! I am happy to report that, not only did he surrender his life, his challenges, and his burdens to Jesus Christ, he is now, proclaiming this AMAZING GRACE to anyone that will slow down enough to hear his testify! I am praying that God’s Love and Sustaining Power will shine through the trials and issues of this day and that our lives, our words, our actions will reflect His Eternal Sustaining Power and His Promises of HOPE, HELP and HARMONY, even in the midst of the Storms of this Life! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
TRUST IN THE LORD
October 23 Trust in the Lord Proverbs 16:20
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” (Proverbs 16:20)
Many years ago, Daddy preacher a sermon using a story about a man on a bus, and I came across it several weeks ago and I would like to share the message with you today! “I boarded the bus, headed for home, and when I sat down, I noticed a bright-eyed man getting on the bus, behind me. As soon as he sat down, he began talking in a loud voice. He said, “Hello my friends, how are we all doing this evening? Happy, I am for sure!” “Outstanding!” he said, “You know that God wants us all to be happy!” My thoughts were clear… “Oh no, not another nut!” I began to look up and down the bus and I saw a group of tired and gloomy folks. He continued… “I know that you all have had a hard day, but I can change that! I don’t have a lot of time, so let’s start by first of all, being thankful. Yes; thankful that we are all strong and well enough to move our bodies onto this bus, and thankful that we are going home or to a special place.” There was a lady, reading her paper and he said to her, “I suspect that you are headed home to fix supper, aren’t you?” Boy, she glared back at him! “Well, don’t let it be a chore tonight! Make that supper a love offering to the family that you love!” As these words penetrated this lady’s ears, her face began to soften. Is she showing some interest in this possible nut? “And you,” addressing a gruff young man in a Pea Coat. “Go home and call somebody, just call them and say that you love them.” The young fellow smiled. I guessed that he was sensing his stop was getting closer, he began to talk faster! “My stop is coming soon, so quickly now, take my advice. Get out of yourselves! Do for someone else. That’s a sure way to be happy!” The bus stopped and the doors folded open… “One more thing,” he shouted. “Look up Proverbs 16:20!” He did an interesting little jig dance and bounced onto the sidewalk. His little performance took less than 3 minutes. I thought, “was he really a nut?” The doors closed and the bus pulled off and we were speeding towards my stop, and I looked up and down the bus, at my fellow passengers. They were, every one of them were smiling! Folks, let us never be afraid to speak the Word of God and Live it, before our fellowmen, and never be slow to hear His Word! “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, Happy is he!” Stay Strong, Stay focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNOUNCEMENT:
ANNOUNCEMENT: Annette & I will be away until Wednesday, celebrating 40 years of marriage, so I am posting the morning devotions, in advance! Thank you to our House sitters for making this possible! (Pastor Glen & Annette)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRSS. STELLA BOYKIN
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
LUCAS & HEATHER LANE
Joyful Direction
October 22 Joyful Direction Psalm 35:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
I believe that everyone would agree that this life is full of ups, and downs, and bumps and twists. It has been said, and I may have said it, “Life is like a Roller Coaster!” If you have been to Disney World and have ridden Space Mountain, you have experienced the twists and turns and the ups and downs of the car as it zooms along the tracks. It is dark, and the next turn or drop or climb sneaks up on you and you must hang on and ride it out. Life is like that! Some hills and valleys and curves that we face are small and we barely notice the movement, and others are huge and create anxiety and dread and fear and hurt and anger. Sadly, when we face these monumental challenges, we react to our feelings, at that moment! Praise God, as a Follower of Christ, we have another option! We can go through life, drifting and aimless in our experience or we can connect with God, through His Son, Jesus, and experience the Life Changing Relationship with Jesus Christ! Keep in mind, our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, does not free us from troubles and difficulties and challenges of life, the Good News is that, because of Jesus’ Love, we experience the Peace and Joy that only God can provide. I know that claiming His Provision is better than riding the ups and downs of my emotions and feelings! HE is Steady and I, in my humanity, am not! Please do not place your trust in your feelings! Feelings change like the wind… Trust God and Ask Him for Guidance and His Peace and Strength and Protection and His Joy! As we experience greater and greater challenges to our Faith and beliefs, we MUST claim His Power and Seek His Will and Trust His Word and not our “FEELINGS!” My “feelings” will fail me; God’s Grace and Peace and True Joy will NEVER FAIL!! What God does with us is up to us…Always has, and Always WILL!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Proclaiming Our Lord
October 21 Proclaiming Our Lord Isaiah 61:1-3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
This passage is so powerful and prophetic! It is the proclamation of the coming of our Messiah, Jesus Christ! Isaiah, under the power and direction, of the Holy Spirit, tells us of the coming “servant” of the Lord, who will be the ultimate “Preacher” of all time, and he declares the ministry that He will be proclaim. Do you remember the wristbands that had “WWJD” embossed on them? “What Would Jesus Do?” We are told that He will “Preach” the Good Tidings to the Poor, He will heal the brokenhearted, He will proclaim liberty to the captives, and He will open the prison doors for the prisoners. THAT IS TRULY “GOOD NEWS!” When individuals are without Jesus, they are imprisoned in their sin and their hope for freedom is found in the “Preacher” that we call Jesus! Because of God’s Love for humanity, Jesus came to take on our sins, and He, at the Cross, insured our freedom, and allowed us the privilege and responsibility to live, so as, to, honor God, and reflect the Love of Jesus! Folks, as Redeemed Believers, we are to be “Like Jesus,” and that means that we are to be about sharing the Good News and we are to set the captives free and to help the brokenhearted and we are to be about the Father’s Business! Our priorities should and must be about serving God! Paul said, in Romans 1:6 that he is “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!” We must share the Good News! We must live it out before men! This world is hearing the “Bad” news, how about we share some “Good News!” Let’s commit to “PUSH BACK THE DARKNESS,” as we serve God and look for the day when we will see Him, face to face! Let Your Light Shine!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 20, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CHARLENE PRICE
VICKIE VAUGHAN
LANCE WHEELER
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TOM & VICKIE VAUGHAN
“FISHERS OF MEN”
October 20 “FISHERS OF MEN” Matthew 4:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)
When I was a boy, one of my favorite things to do with my daddy was to go fishing. Generally, it was on a pond bank, or the riverbank, however, many times it was at the coast, and we would fish from the pier. Daddy was a simple man, with simple tastes and desires, yet he truly enjoyed our time together fishing. He would use the time to talk about life issues and he would ask me questions about my life and how I was navigating through the challenges. I believe this is when I understood “Multitasking!” We would prepare the lines, bait the hook, and cast our rig and wait for the natural process to play out! Daddy would always use this scripture from Matthew 4:19, to describe the task and responsibility of every believer! We are to share God’s Good News about the Love of Jesus, and we are to be actively “Fishing” for others to come to Him! On one such occasion, we were fishing at the Oceanana Pier, at Atlantic Beach, and a “Weather-worn” young man was seated next to us, and he had been listening to every word that Daddy spoke, and he interrupted our conversation to ask Daddy a beautiful and amazing question. He asked, “Would you tell me more about Jesus?” Well, nothing was more exciting to Linwood Brock, than an opportunity to talk about Jesus. For the next hour, Daddy, and this man, talked non-stop until Daddy asked the question! “Do you want to be saved?” “I Do,” was the response from this “Weather worn,” rough looking fisherman! With the skill of a highly trained surgeon, Daddy led this new believer to a “Saving Relationship with Jesus Christ!” By this time, others had started to gather around us, and when Daddy began to pray, there were as many as 15 people, bunched up around our bench, listening to Daddy “Preach” & “Pray!” Daddy has gone on to be with Jesus, yet his example, his instructions, and his unwavering commitment to his Savior, continue to be “Instructional” for this young believer! After that night, we would encounter many that were there the night that “Jimbo” gave his heart to Jesus! We never saw “Jimbo” again. The word was, that he had been in an accident, and had died as a result of his injuries! From that moment on, when we would fish at the Pier, we would begin each fishing session with prayer! Friend, I admit that I was a little embarrassed, but I learned a valuable lesson! Daddy said that we were to share Jesus, right where we are, and that everyone, whether they know it, or not, needs Jesus Christ! I believe that I became a “Real” and “True” Fisher of Men that night, on the Oceanana Pier, at Atlantic Beach! When you have “Life Saving” information, why would you keep it to yourself? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 19, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BILL HINNANT
“HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”
October 19 “HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU” Psalm 138:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7)
Wouldn’t it be great if we never had any troubles or challenges in this life? What id God promised that we would never have troubles in our lives? You know, because He loves us and as His children, He would allow us to navigate through life easily and carefree! Well, Adam and Eve messed that though completely up! All is not lost! We do have something to look forward to and that is eternal life with our Savior, in Heaven, but as for this life, trouble-free is not happening! Do not lose heart, God has promised that He would walk beside us, sustain us, and empower us in our troubles! He said that He would NEVER leave us! Hebrews 13:5 declares the promise, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In recent days, I have had to cling to this promise, and I have had to exercise His unshakeable promise of Power and Endurance! When tough times come your way, and they will, remember this promise! God promised that HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AND HE WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 18, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SHELLEY ALLEN
VICKIE RENFROW
GERALD JOHNSON (In Heaven)
GOD IS RELIABLE
October 18 GOD IS RELIABLE Deuteronomy 7:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
“You can count on God to do what He said He would do!” My dear mother shared this fact with me, every time that I faced a challenge, or my faith was waning! Today, decades later, this fact and the words of my mother are as relevant and important as they were way back then! I thank mama for reminding me that God’s reliability is never in question, however, my commitment to follow His leading and to claim His promises and to be reliable, is another story! When I stumble, and I will, He is always there! When I fail to represent Him in the way that He expects, He is ready, willing, and able to forgive me and to continue to show me the way that He wants me to go! I suspect that you have witnessed the reliability of God, in your own life! Maybe He has answered a prayer or provided a moment of clarity and wisdom to face a particular challenge or simply provided comfort to overcome a struggle! THE FACT IS THAT OUR GOD IS DEPENDABLE! What He has said, He will do! There is very little, in this world, that we can depend on, in our present day! Political, Social, Cultural, Economic and Religious Upheaval create an atmosphere of unrest and uncertainty, yet we can always trust God’s Holy Word, and we can Depend on Him to DO WHAT HE PROMISED! When this old world is getting me down, I go to My Rock, My Safe Place, My Stronghold, and that is JESUS! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 17, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TRACEY HUDSON
SUE HENLEY
LIVING FOR JESUS
October 17 Living For Jesus Titus 1:16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus 1:16)
“You are a hypocrite! You preach about Love, yet you are intolerant of others and their struggles!” This statement was made about me, to me, just over a year ago, and I responded with the reality of truth! I said, “To you, I suspect that it is true! You have a concept of Christianity, although, you are not living it, but expect others to conform to “Your” standards and expectations!” The reality is clear! Every believer has the potential to be accused of hypocrisy, especially if we are talking a talk without walking the walk! Satan, and his servants are looking for opportunities to defame God’s Word and to deny the glory of His Grace! Sadly, I witness, every day, the fact that we all mess up, from time to time, and we are certainly not perfect! Praise God! Every believer is on a journey to ultimate perfection, unfortunately, we will never achieve perfection in this human body! When we come to Jesus, we begin the process of sanctification, and we will make mistakes and we will “mess up,” but Praise God, His Grace is powerful, His Grace covers our stumbles, and His Grace provides our continued strength to overcome! BOTTOM LINE BELIEVER: BE WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE AND DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO DO! LIVE YOUR LIFE AS A REFLECTION OF THE LOVE AND GRACE OF YOUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!