BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 29, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
BETTY SHIRLEY
PAM MAYNOR
SAMANTHA JONES
AUBREY ANDERSON
CARLY BURKS
Happy 41st Anniversary
October 29 Happy 41st Anniversary Genesis 2:24
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
Forty-one years ago today, Annette and I stood at the altar at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Youngsville, NC, and publicly proclaimed our love and commitment to and for one another! Four decades later, that love that was demonstrated on October 29, 1983, is still growing, and progressing (Thank You God). There have been good times and tough times, yet the constant has been our love for one another! Each one of us has matured and mellowed and have become “one,” just as the scriptures say that we should be. Reflecting on this expanding and maturing relationship, I think about our relationship with our God, through the Shed Blood of Jesus. We come to Christ in Faith, and we commit ourselves to growing and nurturing that relationship. The more we commit, the more that we grow, the more that we mature, the more that we become “one” with Him, we become more obedient and more effective in our witness for Jesus. Keep in mind, I am truly blessed that Annette finally relented and said, “I DO!” The FOUR most important days of my life are when I accepted the sacrifice for my sins and claimed Jesus as Savior and the evening that Annette and I proclaimed to the world, “WE DO,” and the birth of our daughter, Kayla, and the Blessing of being Ava’s Nanny & Papa! For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5:30–31). When a man and woman are married, they become one flesh. Regarding Christ and the Church, we are all members of Christ’s body. In neither situation, is Paul meaning one physical body, but just a husband is now “joined to his wife,” we are also joined to Christ. We are all one in Christ, just as a husband and wife are one. Take your commitment seriously! Keep growing together! To borrow and adapt a phrase from the US Army: “Be All That You Can Be!”
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ANNETTE! I LOVE AND ADORE YOU AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU SAID, “I DO,” SO MANY YEARS AGO! I AM STILL SAYING, “I DO,” EVERYDAY AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SAY IT UNTIL GOD RAPTURES THE CHURCH OR HE CALLS ME HOME! (4)
Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 28, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
VANCE ADKINS
JODY WALL
Affirming God’s Power
October 28 Affirming God’s Power Psalm 25:5
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:5)
When you are representing the Truth of Jesus and you are Standing Strong for the Good News of His Redeeming Love and you are Living that Good News before this depraved world, Satan is going to employ every tactic and opportunity to cause you to Stumble and Fall! I am not immune to this satanic onslaught! Every day, without fail, I speak these words out loud, and I claim them and live them, and I am armored up, prayed up, read up and ready to take on the attacks from Satan himself! “I am the Son of the King, who is not moved by this world. For my God is with me, and He goes before me, and I do not fear, because I AM HIS! 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, and I affirm Health, Energy, Enthusiasm, and the Joy of Life! All of this I owe to my redeemer, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior! Praise God, He has given me the “VICTORY PRINCIPLE” for which I Thank Him, every single day! NOT TODAY SATAN, NOT TODAY! Be Strong, Be Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. The More I am Focused on Jesus Christ, sharing His Good News, and “Walking in His Will,” Satan’s attacks are stronger, more targeted at my weaknesses, so BE CAREFUL and KEEP PRAYING, READING, MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE, and SERVING HIM!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 27, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WANDA GREEN
“Do Not Be Conformed to this WORLD”
October 27 “Do Not Be Conformed to this WORLD” Romans 12:2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
How can a “Born-Again Believer” participate in the depravity of the Politics of the Day, and support positions that are contrary to the Word of God, and participate in the condemnation of fellow confessing believers for opposing their positions and opinions that do not edify God, but the opposite, as they are supporting actions that are contrary to the instructions of God’s Holy Word? This Conflict among professing believers has always baffled me! Amazingly, while the World is exploding and Hate rages on every continent, our nation, our people, our leaders seem to be focused on one single issue (and that means that they think that is what you prioritize), and that is the issue of Abortion! Some refer to it as “Women’s Health,” or “A Right to Choose,” or “Reproductive Rights,” but the reality is amazingly clear! When a people, an educated and intelligent people, focus on one single issue that will determine leadership and the course of a nation, and the leaders chosen to direct the welfare of its people, are guided by the issue of Abortion, then that nation is headed for destruction!! If you are offended and you take a moment to reflect on what is right and noble and just and edifying to God, then it is, absolutely, worth it! Titus 2:12 declares the position that we should embrace: “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…” YOU CANNOT SERVE SATAN AND SERVE GOD AT THE SAME TIME! James 1:8 clearly expresses a FACT: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Be Real, Be Genuine, Be Strong in the Face of Worldly Pressures, DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH!!!!!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 26, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
NEAL BATTEN
TOM VAUGHAN
JORDAN LILES
JOEY PITTMAN
FAYE GAY
TRUE PEACE
October 26 TRUE PEACE 1 Corinthians 2:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Wow! As I witness the ravages of war, played out on the television screen, every day, I am fully aware of the deep darkness and hatred and centuries-old evil that has overtaken an entire population. When you listen to the politicians, world leaders, supposedly, people in educated positions of influence, speak of “Peace,” yet there is “NO Peace,” and there will not be “Peace,” as long as Hearts are full of Hate, and Cultures are determined to eradicate one another, and centuries old bias and prejudices continue to exist and flourish! Satan has deafened the ears of individuals, and He has continued to fuel the fires of hatred, division, and chaos! Darkness is upon humanity, and we are attempting to navigate in this darkness without a light strong enough and bright enough to cut through the darkness, and we cannot do it on our own! When individuals shout “PEACE,” they are missing the Key Ingredient for True and Everlasting “Peace” to exist, and that is the Grace of Almighty God, through the “Light Producing and Redeeming Power” of our Savior, Jesus Christ! The only way to “Peace,” is the Life-Changing Power of God’s Holy Spirit, that brings “Bright Light” into this dark and blind world! What can change Hate into Love, Misery into Joy, Darkness into Light? The Love of God through Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! Satan’s sinful grip, and darkness producing blindness on humanity will be defeated by the Bright Light of God’s Love! God fills our hearts with His unlimited Love that shines brightly into this evil and dark world! When we participate in the life Changing experience of God’s Amazing Grace, then our souls are ignited in the wondrous light of Hope, and the assurance that He will accomplish great and mighty things for we who have claimed His Redeeming Love and Power! This world, regardless of those who would deny, is filled with Darkness, Evil, Depravity and a condition of Hopelessness! Our choice is clear; we can live in the directionless darkness of Sin and Hopelessness, or we can Claim God’s Love, and live in the Brightness of His Grace, the Joy of His Love and Live our lives as a Radiant Light into this Dark and Dismal World! What a wonderful fact of Life, when we are redeemed (Saved) through the Grace of God, our eyes are opened to the evil, our hearts are prepared to walk in the fullness of His Power, and we are ready to be the BRIGHT LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD! When God unleashes His GRACE, POWER, LIGHT-PRODUCING LOVE, and His SUSTAINING POWER and GUIDANCE, we will, truly, begin to LIVE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…. THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 25, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
VONDELL BADGER
TONY CREECH
“Our Daily Strength”
October 25 “Our Daily Strength” Isaiah 33:2
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! Post COVID-19, and the ongoing aftereffects, Politics and the ugliness of its reality, 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, open boarders, corruption at the highest levels of government), 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!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 24, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROL HIMMEL
SAVANNAH COOKE
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! (Re-Posting)
Post Script: Once Again, It appears that the only issue in the political process is the destruction of unborn babies and the argument associated with it! It is sad that the fact that the Cost of Living has skyrocketed, the Price of Goods and Services are at record highs, China, Russia, North Korea are joining together to present a united front to spread the evil of Communism and the totalitarian realities, and the Israel Hating Individuals, apparently, are having dominance among America’s College Campuses, and what seems to be the dominate issue among the political elites, Abortion! In my opinion, this is a sad commentary on the spiritual condition of this nation! Agree or disagree, vote your convictions!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 22, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. STELLA BOYKIN
DAVID BUNN
DAVID BULLOCK (In Heaven)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
LUCAS & HEATHER LANE
Our “FAITH” Walk
October 22 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 have the opportunity to 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 NAVIGATE THROUGH THE CIRCUMSTANCES 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!
SIDE NOTE: Over the past several months, I have been participating in an activity that I heard about from an older and respected fellow pastor! I am engaged in a “PRAYER WALK” for BAPTIST TABERNACLE CHURCH! I walk around the perimeter of our property, and I am praying for each member, each visitor, and the physical property. In addition, I am praying that God will not allow Satan, or his influences to have any place in or around BTC! So, if you ride by and see the “Pillsbury Doughboy Pastor” walking around the church grounds, you can be assured that you are being lifted up in prayer!
BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 21, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RANDY PACE
Limited by Our Minds
October 21 Limited by Our Minds Colossians 3:1-2
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
Have you ever used these words, “If only I had…?” I have a dear member of my extended family that lived her life in the area of “What if,” and “If only!” She was one of the saddest and sullen folks that has ever existed! She was constantly bemoaning what she didn’t have and always comparing herself to others, especially those who appeared to be more successful or more prosperous, in worldly measures. She was constantly saying, “If only” I had married better, “If only” I had gone to college, “If only” I had more money and “If only” I had made better decisions! Sadly, she never recognized just how blessed she was! She spent so much time living in the “If only” that she failed to see the beauty and blessings of her life and the actual beauty of herself and the beauty that she added to our lives! Remember, where our thoughts go, we go! God’s word clearly instructs us to “set our minds on things above, not on the things of earth!” Think positive and you will be positive …Think blessings and you will be blessed! God’s power is ready to be released in you and He has prepared you to receive the blessings that He has promised. Stop being an “IF ONLY,” and be Focused on the blessings of your redemption and your eternal Home! What God does with you IS ENTIRELY up to you! It always has and it always will! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
** Once again, from Television Political Advertisements, we get a clear indication of the priorities of the present political culture! In my observation, TV Ad after TV Ad promoting the freedom to destroy unborn babies… This sad commentary on our culture is being described as “Reproductive Rights,” “The Right to Choose,” “Women’s Health,” and a host of other euphemisms to describe the act of killing an unborn baby! Believe what you will, do what you believe is right, but “Born-Again, Blood Bought Christians” should have some difficulty supporting this sad and destructive behavior. I understand the culture is moving towards the idea that wrong is right, and right is wrong, but I DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE! Amazingly, You have the “Right” to Choose who you will serve! **
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 20, 2024
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!