BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 22, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CAITLIN SCOTT

VAN BURKS

BRENDA WHITLEY

BEVERLY IDE

Recovery Mode

February 22     Recovery Mode       1 John 4:4

** THANK YOU, Annette Brock for always having my back! I Love You! Many are not aware of the active role that Annette plays in the ministry at BTC. She does what she does, so that I can do what I do… **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC … “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  (1 John 4:4)

Since Monday evening, I have experienced a “Gut Wrenching,” and double-sided dilemma! Feeling sick to my stomach, yet must make a dash to the bathroom, and determining which option would offer the worst scenario if not successful. Absolutely drained, weak and vulnerable, this opponent, this invader had ravaged me physically, and I had no control over its ability to knock me off my feet. During this ordeal, I continued to repeat, almost a chant, that “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world!” Over and over, before, during and after each wave of nausea, each sprint to the bathroom, and the slow, wobbly walk back to the bed. Annette and I were supposed to go away for a couple of days, for some R & R, yet we determined that there was too much happening for us to go ways, so we stayed home, and were prepared to continue to serve our church family and our community. God has determined that I would get some rest … Wow, what a way to spend time in bed. Please remember, every challenge that you experience, every difficulty that you endure, every obstacle that you overcome, as a Believer, God has your steps ordered and your path set, and He has determined that all will be for your good! Annette and I still plan on breaking away, soon, however, PRAISE GOD, we will continue to serve HIM, Praise HIM, and Proclaim HIS Good News, every single day! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CAROLYN BROWN

ERIC HOUSE

CINDY JOBE

JOANN YOUNG (In Heaven)

Strength for the Battle

February 19     Strength for the Battle    2 Thessalonians 1:11

** Over the past several weeks, I have been asked why I talk so much about the struggles and challenges of life, while neglecting to speak of the happy aspects of life. Well, I am attempting to highlight the fact that we (Christians) are living in a HOSTILE Environment and that we are in a BATTLE with Satan, Every Single Day! My desire is for every Believer to be Fortified, Empowered and Armored Up to face the Challenges that WILL COME! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power…”  (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

How strong are you? In our culture, being strong is equated with being tough. Have you ever seen someone who appeared to be emotionless, stern, self-asserting? We refer to these folks as “strong!” Listen, regardless of how strong that you are or perceive that you are, the strength and resolve of the strongest will rapidly fade under the onslaught of pressures and battles that Satan is poised to bring to us and is in the middle of attacking our Spiritual wellbeing! For Followers of Christ, this is where the “Battlefield” really exists! In Ephesians 6:12, it tells us about the battles that we are, and will engage in, and none of us are strong enough to stand up under the onslaught and pressures of this kind of battle, on our own! Listen… “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Dear friends, do not fear the battles, because we have the ultimate weapon in this struggle between “Good” and “Evil!” God did not mean for us to fight this battle alone! He has promised Victory, and I choose to claim this Victory, Power, and Strength! Friends, we are the strongest when we surrender to Him and rely on His power, provision and His Glorious Promises for Complete and Total Victory over the Evil One! As Born-Again Believers, we are not alone, nor are we fighting this battle by ourselves! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the POWER of HIS MIGHT!!! (Ephesians 6:10).” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, And Prepare for the Battles… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KALEY WADDELL

DEAN ROUSE

NELL GAY

Harmony with One Another

February 18     Harmony with One Another  1 Peter 3:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Growing up in a close-knit community, it was easy to know the pleasant people and, equally as easy, to recognize the difficult ones! There was a particular individual that was “downright hateful.” He, apparently, had been difficult his entire life. Some said that he was just like his mother! How sad is that? Anyway, he was an active part of the church leadership, and he brought to the process his unique brand of difficulty. It appeared, from his behavior, that he was opposed to everything! I recall a time, when the “Youth” were going to prepare some “Goodie” baskets for the local Nursing Home Residents. You would think this was a noble undertaking, yet, not for him! He pointed out the issues with every opportunity to be negative and he always saw the worst in every situation. Truthfully, I had difficulty in “Loving” this man! I noticed that Daddy seemed to have a working relationship with this “Grumpy and Hateful Old Man!” So, I asked how that it was that Daddy seemed to be “friendly” to him, and, amazingly, he was, as best as he could, “friendly” to Daddy! Daddy answered with this, “Granted, he is a character and there are times when he is just plain hard to deal with, yet he is not an exception to the call to love our neighbor! The hurtful comments that he makes, and the insults and obstacles, that he like to present, have got to be covering up some personal tragedy or challenge, from his past.” Daddy instructed me to treat him with respect and kindness, even though he was a miserable human to be around! So, I tried it “Daddy’s Way,” and low and behold, this grumpy “Billy Goat” of a man, started treating me, a brash and irritating teenager, with some shockingly and amazing level of respect! “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult;” these words were so true in this case. I actually did some farm work for him, and I got to know him, and just as Daddy had said, he had some issues from his past that had colored his present attitude! I worked hard for the man, and finally, he actually was complimentary of the job completed. Hold on, wait a minute! Was he nice to me, on purpose?  Friends, life can beat folks down and cause them to only see the future from their own broken experiences. Our job, our responsibility, is to “LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS OURSELVES!” I knew that if I could get him at Mama’s table and have him experience her unique brand of “disarming” witness through her kitchen, I would have a shot at helping him turn away from the bitterness and to move towards the HOPE for living, found in Obedience to God’s Word. Sure enough, he finally sat down at Mama’s table and my dear Mama, in her gifted and loving way, began to witness to this “Grumpy and Hateful lump of negative,” through her cooking and her disarming charm. Keep in mind, it’s hard to be grumpy with the aroma of fried chicken and carrot cake floating through the air. There it was, spread out before him, Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, “Snaps,” Homemade biscuits, and that famous, from scratch, Carrot Cake! Wow! I witnessed this man have an “Ebenezer Scrooge” conversion. He remained difficult; however, he began to be a bit easier to take! I will tell you that, if it had not been for the “Booster Shot” of Mama’s Cake and Fried Chicken, and Mama’s Kitchen Counseling, he would have reverted to his Grumpy Old Ways! What would Jesus do? He told us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER, and He did not place any exceptions or unique circumstances to this decree! This experience, from my youth, has helped me minister to the “hateful” and the “unlovable!” Our call to action is simply … “Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SUTTON BOYETTE

CAITLYNN CREECH

SANDY TRIPPE

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

PAUL & CAROLYN BROWN

Jesus Christ: Our HOPE

February 17             Jesus Christ: Our HOPE     Psalm 146:5

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” (Psalm 146:5)

Every day, in everything, we have the opportunity and responsibility, to show this world the Love and the Hope of Almighty God, through His Son, Jesus! This is difficult for some! I was asked, just recently if God loves me, why is life so difficult? Well, all of us face tough times and all of us have challenges! We are told that we would have tribulations and trials and challenges, yet His Great Love and His (Jesus) selfless act at Calvary, and His Redeeming Grace has made it possible for us to Overcome the issues of Life! The Good News is that we WILL have dark days and challenges, and we will experience difficulties, and we will encounter people that are negative and destructive, yet HE PROMISED VICTORY for His Children! I choose to take the challenges of this life, and to use them to show others that there is Hope! Hope for tomorrow! Hope for the struggles of Life! Hope for endurance! It is through Jesus Christ, and His Love for us, that offers the opportunity for us to be a witness for Him, of His Hope and Victory for Living! Simply put… God is the Only One who can provide us with the HOPE and ultimately lead us to Victory! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay FOCUSED!!! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 16, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHRIS BATTEN

Our Words, Our Thoughts, Our Actions

February 16     Our Words, Our Thoughts, Our Actions         Psalm 19:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14)

Have you ever spoken in haste and were sorry for the words that you used? Have you ever thought about something, and dwelled upon it, until you made it become reality? Is it necessary for the Believer to control our speech and to control our thoughts? The Psalmist is asking for Divine intervention in controlling his words and his thoughts! It is, absolutely, necessary for the Believer to control and to govern the words from our mouths and we must control and govern our thoughts! This is a tough pair! What we think will ultimately come out of our mouths! God is our Father, Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit is our Strength and Our Guide! We MUST be careful what we think and what we say! Our witness for Jesus and the proclamation of His Word requires that we control our thoughts and words! In Philippians 4:8, Paul expressed a need to be in control of our thoughts and our words! He said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” What are you thinking about right this minute? What words are ready to leave your mouth? Because of your thoughts, what actions are you about to engage in?  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

OBSERVATION OF REALITY: No generation can say they are completely free from the threat of war.  Jesus spoke of the inevitability of conflict when he prophesied of the signs of his coming.  He said in the Gospel of Matthew: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8) … THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN AND IT IS NOT AS FAR OFF AS IT USED TO BE!  Now is the time to get thing right between you and our Savior, Jesus Christ!!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 15, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ROBBIE BATTEN

HOPE THOMAS

Boldness with Strength

February 15     Boldness with Strength           Psalm 138:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)

King David wrote this psalm while his enemies were surrounding him, with evil intentions. Guess What? That’s correct! Problems, challenges, threats, chaos, peril, and a host of other issues befall us in this life! Trouble is a FACT OF LIFE! Folks, I have some GOOD NEWS and some BAD NEWS! The Bad News is that as we are “Born of Woman,” we “ARE GOING TO HAVE TROUBLE!” The Good News is that we have a powerful, ever-present, promising, and loving God who is ready to do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves and is ready to guide us, to protect us and to sustain us! God told Paul that He would not remove the “Thorn in the Flesh,” that Paul was afflicted with, however, He promised that “HIS GRACE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT!” God does answer our prayers and HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR OUR TROUBLES! Remember John 16:33, as it makes a firm and eternal promise to us: “These things I have spoken to you, that in ME you may have Peace. In this world you will have Tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Friends, even in the midst of these unprecedented times, God is still guiding, teaching, sustaining and Loving US! Yes, we will have troubles and strife and chaos and evil that confronts our very core of existence, yet, we are Promised VICTORY! He said that “HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD,” so, when we are HIS, and HE dwells in us, and we walk in HIS SPIRIT, then, THAT MAKES US OVERCOMERS! SO, we are OVERCOMERS-VICTORS, what do we do now? WE LIVE LIKE OVERCOMERS! WE HONOR GOD WITH OUR LIVES AND OUR SERVICE! WE DEMONSTRATE A FAITH THAT IS STRONG AND GROWING! WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR GOD, RIGHT WHERE WE ARE! WHAT GOD DOES WITH US IS ENTIRELY UP TO US! IT ALWAYS HAS AND IT ALWAYS WILL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Be Real, Be Active and Be True! THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

STEVE BAILEY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

GREG & DANIELLE GIDDING

ROGER & MERRIE HOCUTT

“Real Love”

February 14     “Real Love”     1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”  (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)

Today is the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day. For as long as most of us can remember, February, and the 14th of February has been the month, and day to celebrate and recognize “Love!” I can remember being so excited that I would share a Valentine’s card with each one of my classmates when I was in elementary school. I think that I was most excited about the chocolate hearts that were always around. As I grew older, it became an opportunity to show that special one, just how I felt and might even get a kiss because of it! As an adult, I took on a different position. The perceived obligation to shower your significant other with expensive candy, flowers, and a meal at a “Nice” (code word for expensive) restaurant, were a bit overwhelming for me! The first Valentine’s Day that Annette and I shared, I told her, in advance, that I was not getting candy, flowers or any of that stuff. I prepared a meal at my place, and we had a simple time together, watching TV and talking. By the way, I had rather send flowers or candy on April 7th or May 11th! She would not expect them and that would become a very special moment!  I tell this to tell this… God is Love! His Love is a True and Pure and Eternal Love! His Love is not determined by time or space or circumstances or moods or attitudes or ups or downs, or any other earthly challenge! Paul called it “Charity!” We know it as “Love!” The only way to truly “Love” one another, is to embrace the Love of God, through the shed blood of Jesus and His example of Real Love! Share your love with your spouse or friend yet remember the author and creator of “Real Love,” Jesus Christ! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 13, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ANNETTE RAGAN

DIANA ADAMS

PAM DRIVER

TERESA HICKS

“Repent”

February 13     “Repent”         Luke 13:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  (Luke 13:3)

There is a story told of a little boy that applied for church membership. The Pastor asked, “Why do you want to join the church?” “Because I want to show everyone that Jesus has saved me!” “Do you feel that you are saved? Who saved you,” asked the Pastor? The little boy replied, “It is the work of Jesus Christ and me!” “What was your part in being saved” asked the Pastor? The little boy quickly responded, “I repented, and Jesus did the rest!” What is Repentance? Repentance is that change of a sinner's (Romans 3:23) mind which leads him to turn from his evil ways and live. It could be said as the little boy said – it is our part (Something that we MUST do), and then HE will do the rest! Will He do the rest if we don’t do our part? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! God is not going to save a man that does not want to be saved! As I counsel with individuals that are suffering with various challenges, I always talk about salvation and repentance and the fact that we are all sinners, and that we all fall short of the glory and majesty of almighty God, and invariably, the vast majority tell me that they are not sinners and that they are not lost and that I sound like every other pastor. (I AM QUITE PROUD THAT I SOUND LIKE A PASTOR!) Equally sad, is the individual that refuses to forgive his or her neighbor! Living under the burden of unforgiveness will always hamper your own forgiveness. Daddy used to tell me that people must “Get Lost,” before they can be saved, and that is so true! We must recognize and acknowledge that we are lost before we can be found! The very first thing that Peter said to the multitude, on the day of Pentecost, was about how to become a child of God. Acts 2:38 says, “…Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Notice that he didn’t say that to be saved you had to first join the church, or the first thing was to be baptized; no, these come after being saved. He says that the first thing that you need to do, is to “Repent!” Throughout the Bible, we read about the importance of repentance and God’s forgiveness! God is merciful enough to forgive us of our sins, if we are man enough to come to Him and ask for that forgiveness. Amazingly, for some folks, it is, the hardest thing that they could possibly do, is to ask for forgiveness! For them, asking for forgiveness is Hard! Are you willing to humble yourself and to say, “Christ, I realize I am a sinner and I realize that I cannot save myself, and I realize that if you do not have mercy on me, I am eternally lost! O God, I confess my sins, please forgive me.” HE WILL HONOR YOUR REQUEST AND HE WILL SAVE YOUR SOUL!! “…and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out!” (John 7:37) This is the answer to our earthly human struggles and issues! This is the solution to our dilemmas of life! If you missed it, let me shout it to the rooftop… “REPENT AND BE SAVED!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

GLENN BUNN

DIANA COLEY

GRADY JOHNSON

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

DONALD & DIANA ADAMS

Stand Strong

February 12     Stand Strong            2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”  (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

There are days when I want to pull the covers over my head and refuse to face the challenges of the present day! Have you ever felt that way? The Apostle Paul, in today’s scripture passage, describes the realities of ministerial life. We, as “Born Again” Believers, have a responsibility to witness and to live for Jesus, so that lost folk will see Jesus in us! I am here to tell you that, so very often, the task can be difficult! I continue to remind myself that I am only required to witness and share the Love of God, through Jesus Christ, not to “Save” folks! Jesus’ selfless act at Calvary and the Promised Holy Spirit, oversee, the “Saving” part! This evil and perverse world is absolutely opposed to the Love of God and Satan is prepared to challenge us, at every moment and about everything! Satan is so pleased when we, as representatives of the Love of God, become discouraged and weary in out righteous responsibilities. At that exact moment, Satan has his best opportunity to “Steal our Witness!” The message is short, today!! DO NOT ALLOW SATAN TO STEAL YOUR JOY, YOUR ENTHUSIAM, YOUR VISION, NOR STEAL YOUR JOY!! Paul said it and I am attempting (through the Holy Spirit) to live it… “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Remember the “Victory Principle!” “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work. 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 day!!” NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

HEATHER BARBOUR

CINDY HALES

Finding JOY

February 11     Finding JOY     Nehemiah 8:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina … “Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Have you ever heard, “Look on the Bright Side?” There is a reason that JOY is included as one of the “Fruit of the Spirit!” As I mature, I have come to realize that the ability to find JOY in this crazy chaotic life is actually a tremendous strength. I think back to the days of difficulties and challenges, when I was a boy, and I remember my parents having the ability to “Laugh” in the midst of true and extremely “Hard-Times!” The one thing that I recall, and it has sustained me through some difficult and trying personal times; is the reality of Mama’s words of instruction … “Don’t take yourself too seriously!” Folks, as True Believers, we need to be like little children and keep our heads up and look for the best in life. When we are looking up to God, the stress and despair of this earthly existence, no longer has sway over our attitude. When I notice the way that Ava handles this life, I am encouraged, and I am reminded that Jesus told us that we needed to be like the children. One of the reasons, I fully believe, is that children are good at being open-hearted and spontaneous and quick to express JOY in most situations. We need to be “Child-Like” when it comes to living in the JOY that comes from our growing relationship with the Lord. Remember, we are to grow in the Lord, and we have a promise: “For the JOY of the Lord is your strength!” So, when we are surrounded by the negative, attitude stealing challenges of this life, remember to claim the “Victory Principle!” “I affirm that God’s Power is Rising in Me, Renewing and Healing My Body, bringing Power to My Mind, Giving me Success in my Work. 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!” So, when Satan attempts to steal your JOY, boldly proclaim … “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!” I am excited and grateful to claim the Strength of the Lord and the JOY that comes by Serving HIM … Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!