BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 17, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SONNY TRIPPE

JOYCE BARNES

Pray, Pray, Pray…

July 17   Pray, Pray, Pray…   James 4:7-8

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and He will come near to you.”  (James 4:7-8)

Notice that the scripture passage is the same as yesterday. Yesterday, the message was a call for “Personal Commitment,” and, today, the message is “HOW” to “Grow Your Personal Commitment!” My Prayer Closet is, literally, a closet (an area with minimal distractions).  I go into the closet, and I come near to God through prayer.  When I am weary and worn, from ministry and obedience to His Call, I come close to God through prayer.  When I am excited and upbeat and feeling blessed, I come close to God in Prayer!  Are you sensing a pattern?  Prayer is the absolute Key to success as a Christian and for our walk in Obedience.  Prayer time is a special time and I covet my time alone with my Lord and Savior.  Amazingly, I have expanded my Prayer Closet to include our front porch, my car and my lawnmower.  “Praying always…,” that is what He expects!  Jesus was human, yet Divine.  This concept is difficult for us to absorb; however, He WAS a man, and He IS the Son of God.  Jesus prayed to the Father for guidance and strength and for comfort and for the completion of His Divine Mission!  If Jesus prayed and recognized the necessity for prayer, and was dedicated to the communication with His Father, don’t you think that we should do the same?  How do we submit ourselves to God?  WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! WE ARE TO RESIST THE DEVIL!!  Again, WE ARE TO PRAY, PRAY, PRAY…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 16, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KATRINE HAYNES

JAMIE JEFFREYS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

JERRY & PAIGE RICHARDSON

“BE STILL …”

July 16      “BE STILL …”    Psalm 46:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)

This past week has provided an amazing worship experience. I had the privilege to get out of bed and experience the sunrise, each morning! Watching the Sun come up over the Lake and to see the “Light Show” that ensued, was a blessing and a reminder of the majesty and splendor of our Creator God! I began each new day, surrounded by the beauty that is His Creation, while I prayed for each one of you! Generally, I forget to “Be Still!” The opportunity to “Re-Charge,” “Re-Focus,” and to concentrate on the reality of His Amazing Grace, I recommend it for every Believer! Slow Down, Be Still, Meditate on His Holy Word and spend some Time in Quiet, Focused, and Dedicated Prayer! This experience has confirmed the need for me to take more time to “Re-Charge,” and to “Re-Focus,” so that I can continue to serve our God with Energy, Creativity, and Dedication! Thank You BTC Family for allowing us to experience this Worship Time away! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Courage Comes from Within

July 15    Courage Comes from Within   Psalm 31:24

“He’s Back!” Thank You to the Deacons that stepped up and posted Devotions during my absence! Thank You Church Family for allowing Annette and I to have some “Down Time!” We Love and Appreciate Every One of You!

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)

My mother used to read a story to me, from an old Indian folklore book, and one of those stories dealt with courage.  When we were at the lake, last week, every morning, just about daybreak, I observed the birds and the way that they dealt with the bigger birds that were attempting to get their piece of bread that was provided by the big round thing that was in the swing (that was me).  This big bird came in, all big and bad, and the smaller birds scrambled, except for one smaller bird.  This bird was “in the face” of the big bird and he would chase the larger bird away.  Amazingly, the other smaller birds would return to eating the bread.  As I witnessed this interaction, I recalled that story, from long ago, that spoke of courage and where to find courage.  The story went like this: “There was a mouse that was afraid of cats, so the magician agreed to turn the mouse into a cat.  The fear of cats disappeared.  Well, the newly transformed cat met a dog, and the fear was back, so the magician turned the cat into a dog.  Are you keeping up?  Alright, the mouse turned cat turned dog was happy until he met a tiger, and, once again, the magician turned him into the thing that he feared, a tiger.  Well, the tiger came to the magician and was complaining that he had met a hunter!  Shock of all shocks…the magician would not help!  He told the tiger that he would change him back into a mouse, just because you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse.”  Listen, we can build up a gruff and imposing exterior and still tremble with fear on the inside!  Courage is an outgrowth of who we are and who we serve.  We can face our fears with force, and we can construct mighty exteriors, and we can hoard wealth and can seek fame and fortune, but do these things work to bring us courage?  Exterior supports are temporary, but only our inward character and relationship creates courage! “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

A Way of Life

July 11 A Way of Life

Good morning from Ricky Watson, Deacon, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina. 

The Bible calls us to a lifestyle of constant prayer.  We are commanded to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  And because we have the Holy Spirit living in us and He knows what we should pray for (Romans 8:26-27), we can be purposefully praying at all times, in every place.  When it comes to praying continually, here are a few time-honored suggestions: 

·       Start where you are.  Even prayers of just a few minutes are great.  The key is making it a habit.

·       Start with your priorities.  Pray for your spiritual growth, then your wife and family, and outward from there.

·       Start with a prayer list.  Jot down prayer requests on three-by-five cards so you can remember them and lift them up throughout the day.

Lord, to be able to talk with You anytime- all the time!-is such a privilege.  Help me take advantage of this tremendous opportunity and grow in my relationship with You.  Amen

Remember, in the words of Pastor Glen, “Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!”

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Good morning from Vice Chairman of Deacons, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, NC

Thank you, Pastor Glen, for trusting us deacons to fill in with devotions this week while you are away.

Ephesians 4:22-24: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Does legalism keep people out of church and/or out of Heaven?

This topic may not affect many of our regular readers and the ones who could benefit from it probably won't read it, so if you know someone who could benefit, please pass it along.

I have 2 points and an invitation:

POINT 1: Whatever the reason if you haven't trusted Jesus Christ as your savior, please give Him a chance. In your mind you may think, "When I die, I want to go to Heaven, but I need to clean my life up before coming to church or coming to Jesus", or "I need to stop this bad habit", or "I need to end this relationship". PLEASE DON'T BELIEVE THAT LIE! No person has the power to clean their life up enough to enter Heaven.

POINT 2: If you have given your life to Jesus Christ, but are having a difficult time with lingering addictions, or bad habits, you can ask Jesus, who is all powerful, to help you control your desires. Then renew your mind in His Holy Word as we are instructed to do in Ephesians 4:22-24 and Romans 12:2

INVITATION: Join us tonight at 6:30, as I attempt to address these questions and more:

* Can a Christian play the lottery or gamble?

* Can a Christian go to an "R" rated movie?

* Can a Christian enjoy a glass of wine or a beer?

* Can a Christian plow his tobacco crop on Sunday?

Baptist Tabernacle Church Wendell

1599 Hwy 231

Wendell, NC 27591

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 7, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BETTIE ANNE JOHNSON

SARA PEEBLES

WALTER DAVIS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

BILLY & ROSE GODWIN

“I Will Give You Rest…”

July 7       “I Will Give You Rest…”      Matthew 11:28-29

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”                  (Matthew 11:28-29)

One of the issues that fellow pastors are experiencing, is something called “Burnout.” Many pastors that I have known, have succumb to this challenging reality. Our present-day circumstances require great effort and absolute commitment, and, often times, in the process of “doing our Job,” we fail to re-focus, re-fuel, and to re-evaluate our own abilities and needs. Sadly, I have seen it happening, over and over, to some truly gifted and talented individuals. Possibly, a better description would be “Drained-Out.” Think about the requirements! Pastors are on 24-7-365 call, with little notice and great expectations from their flock. Just recently, a young pastor called to ask for advice on a special matter, and when I told him to take a moment, assess the real issues, pray specifically for the situation, ask God to provide the solution to the matter, but foremost, for the young pastor to be careful not to be drawn into a situation that was not “fixable,” and would leave him wounded, broken and “Drained!” One of the most important realities of ministerial life is the difficult fact that pastors need time to regroup, refocus, and to Rest in Him! Although, I may not demonstrate this reality, I am aware of my limitations, and I am getting better at “taking Time off,” to recharge my spiritual batteries! Do you ever feel drained? Do you feel weary in doing well? TAKE TIME TO REST, REFLECT AND TO ALLOW GOD’S RESTORING POWER TO ENERGIZE YOU! Everyone needs time to allow God to restore us, retool us and to energize us! The scripture passage for today is so powerful… “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Annette and I are truly blessed with a loving church family that recognizes the need for R&R, and actively encourages it! Thank You, BTC FAMILY! Remember this verse from the Old Testament… “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14) Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!  

NOTE of GRATITUDE: THANK YOU BTC FAMILY for allowing Annette and I to take some “Down Time,” to Re-Boot and Re-Tool! I am so grateful to an amazing Deacon Board that is willing and able to step in and step up to cover the ministerial needs of our church family! The Deacons will be posting the Morning Devotions through July 14, 2024! How Blessed I am to be the Shepherd of such an amazing Flock! Love You All! Pastor Glen & Annette            

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 4, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JESSICA MCDOWELL

DAWN BLACKLEY

LYNWOOD O’NEAL

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

BILL & PAULA TERRELL

Liberty

July 4          Galatians 5:13

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”  (Galatians 5:13)

Today, we celebrate the 248th Anniversary of the establishment of our great Republic. Two- and one-half centuries ago, our Founding Fathers began an experiment that has survived great challenges and amazing difficulties yet is still the greatest country to have ever existed! We are not perfect, but our system of governance has been designed to flex and to improve over time. I am so very thankful to be living in the USA. We still enjoy the freedom to worship our God and we continue to enjoy the right to assemble for the purpose of worshipping our God. Our Founding Fathers recognized the importance of acknowledging their dependence on Almighty God, and the desire for those who chose to follow Christ, would be free to pursue that goal. Thomas Jefferson, in the beginning words of the Declaration of Independence, concluded with these words that have inspired me, ever since I read them, many years ago…  “— And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”  The Constitution of the United States is our human governing document for the well-being of our peoples. For the Christian, our Guiding Document is the Holy Bible! Within the pages of this Living Word, are found the freedoms and responsibilities that we must conform to and act upon. Our Document of Freedom is God’s Holy Word! I celebrate the Liberty and independence that we enjoy as citizens of the United States, but I embrace and Praise God for the “Dependence” that I have through His Holy Word and His Shed Blood for me! God’s Holy Word and my claiming God’s Love and Grace for my life, is my Declaration of DEPENDENCE on Him! Thank you, God for the USA! Thank you, God for Jesus! Thank you, God for Your sustaining Love! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! HAPPY INDEPENCENCE DAY AMERICA! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

This Document and what it represents is under attack from those who would have us be subjected to the tyranny that is the emotional and tyrannical whims of those who would seek to destroy the very foundations of our individual freedoms and replace them with dictatorial powers to control our very existence. Please Pray for our Country, Her People, and Each Other!

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT: Pastor Glen will be on vacation from July 7 (after church) until July 15, 2024. Mr. Clint Andrews will be preaching on July 14, 2024. The ROBINWOOD service on July 14, 2024 will be handled by Sonny Trippe & "Ole Time Spirit" Quartet. The Deacons will be supporting the immediate needs of the Church Family and Rev. Ricky Anderson will be their backup. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be away and to “refresh” and “Renew!” In His Love, Pastor Glen (Thank you to those who have volunteered to house-sit and animals while we are away!)

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JULY 2, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CAROL FLOWERS

JOANN HOCUTT

JACOB MORRIS

MARC SCOTT

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

HORACE & BETTY SHIRLEY

“Controlling Busyness”

July 2        “Controlling Busyness”   Hebrews 4:10

Good afternoon from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:10)

 Ever find yourself in a constant state of “Busyness?” Have you ever thought that you might need to take a break? Take a week off, sleep in one morning, change your routine, but nothing seems to make a difference? Amazingly, I have always been a “Busy” person, and I have always “had things to do,” but over the years, I have sought some “Peace” in the middle of all the “Busyness.” Wow! Guess what? I can seek all of the “Peace” that I desire, but is I am not seeking His Power, His Presence, His “Rest,” then I will fail at my attempts to “take it easy!” In the middle of my hectic schedule and late nights, and early mornings, and the phone calls at 2am, and the “please don’t tell anyone” Stories and the challenges of preparing, sharing and living His sermons and His lessons, I have found that “Peace” can be attained! Matthew 6:33 tells us that we are to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Do you want rest? Seek Him first! Do you want peace? Seek Him First! Do you want a sense of control and trust? Seek Him First! Think about it… He is the one that created REST, and He is the one that first taught that we should “REST!” The very first experience that we see is found in Genesis, when God created the heavens and the earth, and all that is in it, and HE rested on the Seventh day! I have a tendency to feel a bit “guilty” when I take a moment to rest and refresh and renew, but my God has set the example and I need to follow that example, and so do you! I continue to pray that God would teach me to rest in Him! To continue to show me how to claim His authority in my life and to stop worrying about what I have not done and concentrate on doing the best at what I do! I am continuing to ask for forgiveness when I attempt to take control of what He has promised that He will Control! Does this sound like you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

NOTICE:

Pastor Glen will be on vacation from July 7 (after church) until July 15, 2024. Mr. Clint Andrews will be preaching on July 14, 2024. The Deacons will be supporting the immediate needs of the Church Family and Rev. Ricky Anderson will be their backup. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be away and to “refresh” and “Renew!” In His Love, Pastor Glen (Thank you to those who have volunteered to house-sit and animals while we are away!)

BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 1, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

PAULA TERRELL

ELI SHIPMAN

DAVID “MOTEA” MURRAY

LINDA DRIVER

“Our Commission”

July 1            “Our Commission”        John 20:21

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”  (John 20:21)

Picture the scene, Jesus has been crucified and the Disciples were afraid that the same mob that falsely accused and beat Him and crucified Him, would be coming for them.  They quickly gathered in one room, behind a securely bolted door.  Amazingly and miraculously, their entire situation was about to change: “Jesus came and stood in the midst. (v19) … Can you imagine?  Their fear was replaced with shock and amazement.  The first words that Jesus spoke to these fearful followers were so appropriate: “PEACE BE WITH YOU!”  Jesus came to fulfill His mission for humankind and the Holy Scriptures clearly tells us that God, the Father, sent Jesus, His Son, into this sinful world, in order, to make it possible for we, as sinful man, to be forgiven and to re-establish our relationship with God, the Father.  It is here and now, that Jesus commissions His Disciples to go into this sinful world, with the mission of telling others about the Love of God and the miraculous power of Jesus to have conquered Death and Sin and through His Grace, that they, too, could be saved.  Jesus prepared His Disciples for the struggle and task ahead.  He breathed upon them, and He gave them a taste of the Power that would be coming at Pentecost: THE HOLY SPIRIT!  Folks, God’s Love, and the sacrifice of Jesus is for us, even today!  Just as Jesus commissioned His Disciples to go into the world and share Jesus, we too, have that same commission, right now, right here, today!  He promised that we would not be “Comfortless,” that is, we would not be “Powerless!”  The Holy Spirit provides the guidance and the Power and the Presence to carry out this “GREAT COMMISSION!”  Sharing Jesus IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PREACHER; IT IS FOR EVERY BELIEVER!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 30, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ETTA ROUSE

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

WILLIAM & VICKIE HOCUTT

JIMMIE & TAMMY NARRON

BJ & MICHELLE SMITH

STACY & LORI BUNN

MATT & BROOKE DILLON

Bringing Light into the Darkness

June 30     Bringing Light into the Darkness   Isaiah 41:10

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

There are so many opportunities to “Fear,” yet, God tells us, “Not to Fear!”  approximately 2 years ago, I overheard a conversation between two mothers, and they were expressing the “Fear” for the safety of their children, as they experience the “In-Person” learning at their local school.  Both, of these ladies were genuinely concerned about the COVID-19 virus and its threat to their children and their families.  As I think about the implications of this virus and the seriousness of its effects and the lives lost and the issues that are evolving, I can only imagine what some are feeling, that are not followers of Jesus.  “Fear” is a debilitating factor, even for the Believer!  Sadly, many professing Believers are spending so much time, walking in the darkness and the shadows that exist, in this world.  Please, turn the “Light” of God on!  Light chases away the Darkness and we must be “People of the Light!”  Keep in mind, “fear” is a normal part of life, however, we are not to be consumed and controlled be the “Fear!”  God promises that He will, “Single-handedly,” take care of us… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Even though, COVID-19 is real, and the effects are real and far-reaching, and the results are real and the need to be aware and the need to be prudent in our behaviors is real and the recognition of our need to be diligent in our service and attitude is real!  Folks, do you remember the individuals that were quarantined because of this virus (plague) that exists. On the backside of this pandemic, we see that there was an overreaction on the part of so many, and the results of these actions, was the creation of a level of FEAR that permeated our land. Unfortunately, it still exists!  PLEASE DO NOT FEAR; BUT RECOGNIZE THAT GOD HAS PROVIDED THE COMMON SENSE TO BE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF THIS WORLD AND HAS PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE ABILITY TO AVOID THE CHALLENGE AND TO BE PRACTICAL IN OUR LIVING!  I recall, having heard about a group of individuals, many years ago, that practiced “Taking Up the Serpent,” as evidence of their faith.  Amazingly, there were many pictures of individuals, that were hanging on the walls and the question was asked, “Who are these People?”  The answer was shocking and, sadly, revealing!  “These are pictures of those who ‘Took Up the Serpent’ and then, lost their faith!”  Don’t tempt God…Use the Common Sense that He has Blessed You with! I do not fear, nor am I going to succumb to Satan’s manipulation, in order, to challenge my witness for my Christ!  Recognize the dangers of Life; Avoid the pitfalls of the challenges, exercise your Faith in God, and claim the promises of God, and “DO NOT FEAR!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-posting)

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE 29, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DEBBIE RICHARDSON

GINNY GAY

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

STEVE & CAROL BAILEY

RICKY & PAM TURNER