“Do You TRUST GOD?”

June 29 “Do You TRUST GOD?” Philippians 4:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack, is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy! Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy? As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life. I am excited for the future! God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I must do; is to be Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED! The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack. God said that He would supply my every need and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises? How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity. Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you? How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH? Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHYDAYS FOR JUJNE 28, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DALE MATTHEWS

“LET IT GO!”

June 28 “LET IT GO!” Isaiah 41:13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13)

“You have to let it go Son!” I can hear my mother saying those words to me, and she did it to teach me that there are times when you simply must let it go! My nature is to “Fix” folk, but the reality is, that I cannot “fix” some folks and their issues and behaviors can only be “fixed” by the Lord God Almighty! When I encounter this situation, I must “Let it go!” When I am faced with the insanity and the inconsistencies of this life, and the behaviors and actions of “Professing” fellow believers that do not match their words, and they attempt to force their unbalanced beliefs of me, I must “Let it go!” Praise God, as I release more and more of these things into the direct care of my Savior, and I pray that He will remove any thoughts of “taking them back,” and continue to empower me to live to honor and glorify Him! My security is found in the promise of His Forever Love, and His Ability to be with me, forever! Regardless of the insanity, inconsistencies and the twisted actions of others, He has Promised that His Presence IS with me, and that “He will help me!” No circumstance, no situation, no one person can shake that Security! As I release more and more into the care of my Savior, I am free to embrace His Grace and Grow in His Love! So, as Mama would say, “LET IT GO!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 27, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

PAM BATTEN

DAVID GAY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

GARY & JOANN HOCUTT

Interceding for Me…

June 27 Interceding for Me… Hebrews 7:25

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

As a Believer, I can be assured that, regardless of the present struggles, God’s presence is with me, guiding me, empowering me, and allowing me to have victory in the face of adversity! His call for all of us that labor and are heavy laden, to come unto Him, is a promise of victory over the trials and challenges of life! Praise God, He goes before me, behind me, beside of me and He is my solid foundation! Even when I am unable to recognize His great power, and even when I fail in my commitment to him, He has promised that He is making “Intercession” for me! So, my responsibility is to Trust Him, believe Him, and to Claim His Promise by actively seeking Him, trusting Him and Serving Him! Walk with the Lord, daily! Continue to Grow in Your Faith and experience the intercession that He has promised! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

PRAYER REQUEST

BTC PRAYER PARTNERS: Please Pray for ANNA MARTIN! Having Surgery at UNC today! Complete Success - Rapid Recovery!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 26, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CAROL BAILEY

DAVID HUGHES

KAYLYNN GIDDING

ISAAC ANDERSON

TREY GORDON

DAVID GAY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

BRANDON & CRYSTAL BAKER

Our Focus…

June 26 Our Focus… Romans 12:2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Do not conform to the pattern of this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

On June 5, 2021, I read a posting on Facebook, and I saved it to share with our BTC Devotion Family, later, and today is that date. Please pay attention to the message and the lesson! ** A man went to the Pastor of his church and said, “I won’t be attending Church anymore.” The Pastor said, “May I ask why?” He said, I see people on their cell phones texting and typing during the service, some are gossiping, some just aren’t living right, some are sleeping, some are staring at me, they are all just hypocrites.” The Pastor was silent. Then he said, “Can I ask you to do something for me before you make your final decision?” He said, “Sure, what’s that?” He said, “Take a glass of water and walk around the church two times and don’t let any water fall out of the glass.” He said, “Yes, I can do that!” He went and got the glass of water and walked around the church two times. He came back and said proudly, “It’s done.” The Pastor asked him these questions; “Did you see anybody on the phone? Did you see anybody gossiping? Was anybody living wrong?; Did you see anyone sleeping?” He said, “I didn’t see anything because I was focused on this glass, so the water wouldn’t spill out!” He told him, “When you come to church, you should be just that focused on God, so that you don’t fall. That’s why Jesus said, “Follow Me,’ He did not say Follow Them!” Don’t let your relationship with God be determined by how others relate with God! Let it be determined by how focused you are with God…AMEN! ** Since April of 2020, I have been encouraging each of us to Stay Focused…Focused on God’s Word. Stay Focused on our growing relationship with our God, through the Blood of Jesus and the directing and empowering of the Holy Spirit! How focused are you? Who is directing your life, your witness, your relationship with Jesus? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!! (Re-Posted with a Purpose)

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 24, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHRISTOPHER BROWN

DAVID DRIVER

PATTY PERRY

ALISSA PRIVETTE

KENDELL WHITLEY

GEOUFREY ANDERSON

Live Humbly Before God

June 24 Live Humbly Before God 1 Peter 5:6-7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

When things go wrong, and they will surely go wrong, just accept the situation and do not give into the feelings of remorse and regret. Dwelling on regret can create opportunities for resentment and hostilities. Remember that our God is sovereign over every one of our circumstances and situations and WHEN we HUMBLE ourselves before HIM and allow HIS MIGHTY HAND to control the situation, then we can Rejoice in the difficulties, and we can live above the circumstances! One of the most challenging realities of my Christian Walk has been to embrace the fact that God has everything that I need, and I do not need to “handle” everything on my own! He has everything that we need to live and to navigate through this life! Situations and circumstances should not shatter our thinking and we should embrace the promises of God and focus our eyes, thoughts and actions on HIS AMAZING GRACE! I get excited when I remember and quote out loud the promise and the power of John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” When our God an His Promises of Victory over this Life and the circumstances of our living are central in our thinking and our perspective, then we will have Victory and we can “Live Above the Circumstances!” As a Believer, I Must embrace this Promise! As a Pastor, I must Embrace this Promise and Live this Promise and be Ready to Share, Teach and be this Promise! Are you allowing the “petty” issues and the “trivial” to dominate your thoughts and actions? Stop it! Focus on Jesus and His Love and live Humbly before God! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 23, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

LANCE RICE

JUNE LANIER

Stay Alert, Be Ready…

June 23 Stay Alert, Be Ready… 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

My dear friend and long-time Prayer Partner, Reverend Ricky Anderson, has told me of his experiences of standing on the hillside and looking over into the most famous battlefield that exists, the Valley of Jezreel. It is more commonly known as the Valley of Armageddon! As a student of history, I know that the first recorded battle took place there, and the exciting news is that the Last Battle fought on this earth will happen right there! This is a famous battlefield, yet the most common and most used battlefield is in our hearts and minds! The Apostle Paul gives clear instructions to cover ourselves with the breastplate of Faith and Love, and to protect our minds with the helmet of Salvation! Listen, the instructions from Paul are applicable to our lives today! Faith ushers into our lives, the righteousness of Christ, and this Love allows us to share it with others! This Hope of Salvation, that Paul speaks about, protects our minds and is a true source of encouragement! Listen Closely!!! Every single day, Satan is actively engaged in the battle for your thoughts and your very heart! He is seeking control, so that he can cause others to doubt and to stumble along in this life! THE ONLY WAY TO ENSURE VICTORY AND TO SERVE GOD, IS TO REMAIN ALERT AND TO BE READY FOR THE BATTLE! There is no doubt, WE ARE IN A BATTLE FOR THE VERY SOUL OF MAN! Get Ready, Be Ready and “Armor Up!” “NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay Ready…The Battle is at hand! Victory is ours, through the Blood of Jesus! REMEMBER: THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 22, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SUE CLINE

SALLY POSCH

“How to Defeat Satan”

June 22 “How to Defeat Satan” James 4:7

**Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” (James 4:7)**

“Don’t even think about it!” Have you ever heard these words? My mother had an amazing ability to know when I was thinking up a way, to get into trouble and to “aggravate the stew” out of her (at least, that was the way that she described it). “Get it out of your mind,” was another one of her statements that would cause great concern for me. How does she know what I am thinking and how does she know what I am about to do? If my earthly mother, with her human flaws and shortcomings, could anticipate my actions and know my thoughts and motivations, just imagine what my Heavenly Father knows! God tells us, in His Word, that we should “Think on the good, just, noble, edifying, faith-filled and divine expectations.” Mama used to tell me that I must protect what goes in my mind through my eyes and ears. Basically, she demanded and expected that I control what I saw, and I heard, the way I spoke, what I spoke and my actions, both public and private! “Mama, can I go with ‘So in So’ to the party?” “NO!” “WHY?” Here was her standard answer, “Because it doesn’t look good!” My dear Friends, I am asking and pleading with you to surrender your hearts, your minds, your words, your actions, and your ALL to Jesus and walk in the assurance of His Love, His Promises and His Eternal Provision! REMEMBER: IF IT IS NOT EDIFYING TO GOD, LEAVE IT ALONE!! What God does with you, depends upon what you do! It Always has; It Always will!! Be Sure, be Productive and Continue to Share the Love of God with Others…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 21, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TRISTAN COOKE

MARGARET DENTON

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

DAVID & ANNETTE RAGAN

Triumph

June 21 Triumph 2 Corinthians 2:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Many years ago, I played on a softball team that started out, well, the worst team in the entire softball league (we lost every game the entire season). The next year, we had a new coach, and he taught us to “have a good time and enjoy the game!” For the next 3 years, we won every game, and the folks began to expect a win from us. The last game of the season had arrived, and we were ready to play ball. After the dust settled, we lost a hard-fought game by 1 run. As we were walking off the field, I heard a lady say, “What a way to end the season… what a waste!!” A bit later, at the Pizza Party, for the team, I heard this same woman say that “Winning is not just the most important thing, it is the only thing!” We had won 35 straight games, yet she was saying that that was not enough. Guess What? Life is like a Game. We have victories and defeats and ups and downs. I think of Ole Solomon. He was one of the biggest winners of all time, yet it was not enough. Think about the “Rich Young Ruler” that approached Christ with the question of his future. He seemed to have it all, but his soul was empty and bankrupt, and the answer that Jesus gave him, made him sad. He had great riches, and, apparently, to him, Jesus was not enough. Daddy used to say that “Folks will always be restless and dissatisfied, until they “Rest in Him!” Our Triumph, Our Joy, Our Happiness will always depend on our Relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Reflecting on the current social and political situations that exist, I remind you that, whether in victory or defeat, our Hope is found in the Love of God, and not in and of this world! The world will never be satisfied because it is empty and void of any real and lasting Hope! Our Hope is found in HIM! When we “Rest in Him,” we are VICTORIOUS! As Followers of Christ, WE ARE TRIUMPHANT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted with a Purpose)

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 20, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BJ SMITH

TRACY HOWARD

“Think the Right Thoughts”

June 20 “Think the Right Thoughts” Philippians 4:8

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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.” (Philippians 4:8)

How you think is how you will act! What thoughts that you dwell on will be the actions that you are involved with in the future! The Apostle informed us about attitude and actions and that each should reflect the true nature of our Amazing and Loving Lord! It comes down to the fact that we are what we think! Is your thinking edifying to Christ? Or are you participating in what my dear mother called, “Stinking Thinking?” The scripture says, “Finally…” In the final analysis, we are to act and think the way that God intends and when we are participating in His plan, then we will be edifying to HIM! The concept is so simple yet extremely difficult! Make sure that you are “filling” your mind with the “Good” stuff and leaving the “Trash” alone! Dwell on this verse, let it penetrate your mind, and repeat it on a regular basis! “It is your attitude, not your aptitude, that will determine your altitude!” God has provided the WAY, and it is up to us to embrace it, claim it, and to Live it! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE 19, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

HAYDEN HUGHES

BECKY IVES

Love Like Jesus

June 19 Love Like Jesus John 13:34

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Setting standards and establishing acceptable behaviors can be challenging to parents. From the time that Kayla was old enough to understand, we have taught her to be aware of her surroundings and to know who, is around her, always. It happened that one day, Annette had bent down to pull a pot from the cabinet and Kayla, at the same time, had pulled the drawer out; that just happened to be above where Annette was bent down to retrieve the pot. Annette stood up and banged her head on the drawer that was still pulled out. Annette shouted, “Kayla, REALLY!” Kayla’s response was priceless, “Mama, Daddy says that you need to be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you, at all times!” Obviously, Annette was still challenged, yet she affirmed Daddy’s words and moved on. Annette and I, both, resisted the urge to say, “Do what I say, not what I do!” There were times that it would have been so appropriate, however, it wasn’t right when I heard it, as a youth, and it is not right today! Mama had a standard that she lived by, and she expected me to follow her example. My dear Mother was committed to treating others the way that she expected to be treated. That is exactly what Jesus did! His motto was, “Do as I say AND as I do!” In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the Apostle Paul spoke of unconditional love, and I recognize these words as a description of the way that Jesus loves us! “Love is patient, Love is Kind. It does not Envy, it does not Boast, it is not Proud. It does not Dishonor others, it is not Self-seeking, it is not easily Angered, it keeps no record of Wrongs. Love does not Delight in Evil; but Rejoices in the Truth. It Always Protects, Always Trust, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres. Love Never Fails. But where there are Prophecies, they will cease; where there are Tongues, they will be Stilled; where there is Knowledge, it will pass away.” Think about this: If we are to be “Christ-Like,” and, if we are to “Reflect the Love of Jesus,” then we must do as HE SAYS, AND WHAT HE DID!! I wonder what our human relationships would be if we were to be patient with others, and not judge others, and if we were less prideful and stubborn and were forgiving of others. Paul is telling us to, “LOVE LIKE JESUS!” Are we living by this standard? Are we demonstrating the Love of Christ, to our fellow travelers, through this journey of life? When we are all about growing in our relationship with Jesus, then, we will, naturally, increase our capacity to LOVE OTHERS! When we are confronted with a challenging “Love-Challenge,” what are we to do? In every challenge and in every opportunity, I ask myself, “What would Mama do?” Immediately, I shift gears and go to the eternal solution, for all the “Ills” of humanity… “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO AND HOW WOULD HE LOVE, IN THE SITUATION?” Folks, this is not a suggestion, for the believer! This is a COMMANDMENT!! “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!