“Repent”

February 12     “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 FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2025

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!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

MARIANNE TORRENCE

“SALVATION and BEYOND”

February 10     “SALVATION and BEYOND”  Philippians 1:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:6)

This one scripture tells the complete story of our “Salvation!” Our God begins the miracle work of “Salvation” with the miracle of “His Justification.” Our Justification is the forgiveness of our sins and the offering of a new life that, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, puts us in a proper and restored standing with God! “Salvation” is amazingly exciting, yet it is only the beginning! Praise God! He continues to work in us to transform us into an example of His Holiness! My Daddy cammed this process, “Sanctification!” He used to tell me that God was “all in” on this process, even when we were not! Through rebellion and temptations, our God is committed to complete what He has begun in us! Here is the fact: Our God is so committed to our “Sanctification” that He will discipline and correct us, even allowing directive and correcting problems to come our way! I am excited that God is so invested in my “Salvation,” and the completion of my complete “Sanctification!” The completion of His work in me is the fact that I am going to spend eternity, with Him, in Heaven! Here is where another word becomes real! The Biblical word is “Glorification!” This is when I will be taken up to Heaven and I will have a new body, and I will never again feel the effects of sin or any of the earthly challenges! How exciting to realize that there will be no more sorrow or pain or crying or dying, just the opportunity to “Praise God and to Worship Him in the achievement of true Holiness! I can only imagine the unspeakable joy and the Heavenly presence of Jesus forevermore! I am so very grateful for the selfless act on Calvary that has provided this opportunity for me to be with Jesus and to enjoy an eternity Praising Him and Worshipping the Father, because of the Son! Thank you, God, for your unmerited favor, and for what YOU have done, are doing, and what YOU will do! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Are you in the process of real “Sanctification?” Are you anticipating that day when you will achieve complete “Glorification?” Now is the time! BELIEVE – CONFESS (REPENT) – ASK – RECEIVE…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 9, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BRENDA LEWIS

DAVID RAGAN

LISA WILSON

MELODY C. WATKINS

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

February 9   Walking by Faith, Not by Sight                 2 Corinthians 5:7-21                                                                               Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”                           (2 Corinthians 5:7-21)

As you read these words, pray about the application of these Holy Words into your life and your words and actions! Our goal, our mission, our purpose, is to promote and to live for Jesus and his Good News of Redemption and Salvation! Politics, Social Justice, Opinions are not characteristics of the Complete Salvation through the Shed Blood of Jesus! What you think about, what you dwell on, will be the motivating factors that determine your actions and your words!  Redeemed Believers, bound by the Divine Covenant of His Grace, are to rise above the worldly deceptions and we are to be that “BRIGHT LIGHT” that is obvious to all that we encounter! Keep this in mind… Your Political Opinion, Your Social Justice Opinion, Your Thoughts and Feelings, are yours and you are entitled to your opinions, however, as a Committed Believer, the purpose, the mission is to promote Jesus and His Saving Grace and spouting your worldly and personal opinions DO NOT PROMOTE HIS GRACE AND GLORY! The words are clear… WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT! Your witness, your words, your testimony are up to you! What is your priority? Politics or God’s Presence? Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JACKIE UTLEY

DALE WEATHERS

“SALVATION and BEYOND”

February 10     “SALVATION and BEYOND”  Philippians 1:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:6)

This one scripture tells the complete story of our “Salvation!” Our God begins the miracle work of “Salvation” with the miracle of “His Justification.” Our Justification is the forgiveness of our sins and the offering of a new life that, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, puts us in a proper and restored standing with God! “Salvation” is amazingly exciting, yet it is only the beginning! Praise God! He continues to work in us to transform us into an example of His Holiness! My Daddy cammed this process, “Sanctification!” He used to tell me that God was “all in” on this process, even when we were not! Through rebellion and temptations, our God is committed to complete what He has begun in us! Here is the fact: Our God is so committed to our “Sanctification” that He will discipline and correct us, even allowing directive and correcting problems to come our way! I am excited that God is so invested in my “Salvation,” and the completion of my complete “Sanctification!” The completion of His work in me is the fact that I am going to spend eternity, with Him, in Heaven! Here is where another word becomes real! The Biblical word is “Glorification!” This is when I will be taken up to Heaven and I will have a new body, and I will never again feel the effects of sin or any of the earthly challenges! How exciting to realize that there will be no more sorrow or pain or crying or dying, just the opportunity to “Praise God and to Worship Him in the achievement of true Holiness! I can only imagine the unspeakable joy and the Heavenly presence of Jesus forevermore! I am so very grateful for the selfless act on Calvary that has provided this opportunity for me to be with Jesus and to enjoy an eternity Praising Him and Worshipping the Father, because of the Son! Thank you, God, for your unmerited favor, and for what YOU have done, are doing, and what YOU will do! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Are you in the process of real “Sanctification?” Are you anticipating that day when you will achieve complete “Glorification?” Now is the time! BELIEVE – CONFESS (REPENT) – ASK – RECEIVE…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JOY PERRY

ROBBIE HORTON

BEVERLY D. PITTMAN

“According to HIS Will…”

February 7        “According to HIS Will…”         1 John 5:14

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14)

Many believers have been deceived into thinking that God is some type of “Genie” that pops up to grant our wishes and to answer our slightest whims of the flesh that might arise, at that moment! Pay Attention! This IS NOT TRUE! Our God does hear our prayers, and He does answer our petitions that are “according to His Will!” Real Prayer does not consist of our selfish wishes and our human desires! Real Prayer is praying, “according to His Will!” This is achieved when we recognize that God wants to, and will, reveal His Will to us! The fact is that God reveals His Will to us when we are studying His Word and growing in our relationship with Him. And the most important component is to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you, and to teach you about HIS WILL! When we doubt His Will, just ask the Holy Spirit for direction and discernment! Listen, when we know the Will of God, then we can approach His Throne with confidence and boldness! When we know the Will of God, in any matter that we face, we can freely and boldly come into His Presence, and we can be assured that He will Hear us and that He will Answer us! I pray that you are walking in obedience and growing in His Grace and embracing the promise of the “Comforter,” to teach, guide, reveal and to empower our living. Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BROOKE CUSTER SANDERS

TODD LANGLEY

Daily Seeking…

February 6        Daily Seeking…                  Psalm 88:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.” (Psalm 88:9)

“I just don’t have time!” Have you ever spoken these words? Regardless of our position in this life, we are all busy, in one form or another! There was a time in my life that I was a Full-Time Manager, a Full-Time Husband, a Full-Time Daddy, a Full-Time Son, a Full-Time Deacon, a Full-Time Sunday School Director, a Full-Time President of the Bunn Elementary PTA and a Full-Time Treasurer of the Zebulon Pool Association! How was I going to find time for God? One of my mentors, Mr. S.P. Scott, shared some beautiful words of wisdom with me … “You can find time for all of these worldly things; surely, you can make time for your Savior!” These words hit me like a “ton of bricks,” falling on my head! He was absolutely correct! I could make time for all of these things that I wanted to do, yet the One that Died for me, and shed His Redeeming Blood to save me, I was neglecting! True Confession … My relationship and my commitment to God was suffering during this busy time! “I just don’t have time to pray, maybe, like I should!” Then, at that moment, I heard the words of wisdom that my Daddy had spoken to me, over and over … “Everyone gets 24 hours in a day, no one is cheated … MAKE TIME!!! Conviction fell on me, and I realized that I was neglecting the most important relationship in my life! I have always been an early riser, so, with the sweet direction of the Holy Spirit, I dedicated the best time of my day to Prayer, Bible Study, and Holy Spirit Directed Meditation! Amazingly, when I prioritized my dedications and when I let go of some of my “Distractions,” my relationship began to grow! I will add that I became more efficient at all the other commitments! Dear Friends, if you say that there is no time to pray, then realize, you ARE NOT GOING TO GROW, and YOU ARE LIMITING GOD’S BLESSINGS FOR YOUR LIFE! Please be aware that, in these trying times, prayer and commitment to our Savior is the only way to navigate through the difficulties that we WILL experience! Thank God, I pray early, because I am at my best! I am coming into the presence of my Savior in my “Prime-Time,” when I am at my best! How about you? Will you commit to prayer, to Bible Study, to communing with the Lord, when you are at your best? “HERE I AM LORD, AT MY BEST! God Gave His Very Best for Us! Are You Willing to Give Your Best? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BILLY HINNANT

DEBBIE PERRY

“Our Kitchen Table”

February 5       “Our Kitchen Table”         2 Corinthians 9:12-13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,” (2 Corinthians 9:12-13)

I had the privilege and the blessing of being brought up in a tight-knit rural environment. The community kids thought that my house was their extended home. Our kitchen table became a sort of altar, where everyone could come, get fed and share their issues and their joys. My dear Mother was the “Storybook” example of genuine southern hospitality! That kitchen table was a place of comfort and guidance and love. Mama was a great cook, and her reputation was well known. My friends could smell when she would make her famous “bread pudding!” Amazingly, I would “all of a sudden,” have all kinds of friends. Mama always made everyone feel welcome in our home. She had a way of making my friends feel comfortable and safe. I recall one event that actually defined Mama’s ministry around the “altar” of an old red and chrome kitchen table. One of my friends, I will call him Brad, was having issues in his home and in his life. His parents were continually fighting and having adult issues, and it made their home life intolerable. The issues intensified and where did Brad go? That’s right … he went to the “Kitchen Table” and he shared the issues with “Miss” Barbara. Mama, guided by the Holy Spirit, gently and confidently shared the Love of Christ, and guided my friend into an awareness of Hope. The Hope was found in Christ Jesus! Just think about it … I would come home and there would be a host of friends and even strangers gathered around our kitchen table, consuming Mama’s cakes, and cookies and, at the same time, getting a dose of her Love and Wisdom. I could expand and share many true confessions that were made around that table; yet the message of the Kitchen table was made clear and plain to me. Mama would tell me, over and over, “You must witness for Jesus right where people are!” That table has long since been gone, and Mama has made her graduation to Glory, but the witness that she lived and the message of Hope that was found around that table inspired, altered, and directed many lives. My life was one of those! By the way, Brad went on to be a productive man, with a beautiful family and he would share the story of a loving lady and the Red & Chrome Kitchen Table! Dear Friends, pay attention …. We are to witness and share Jesus and we are to make a difference, right where we are! Daddy had the “Pulpit,” but Mama had the “Kitchen Table!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KEN HUNTER

HARPER PEEBLES

Spiritual Clarity

February 4        Spiritual Clarity                 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.” – Romans 12:2

Since January 20, 2025, there has been a sad increase in animosity and visible hatred being displayed! Unfortunately, individuals that I have respected and admired are promoting concepts that I find disturbing! How is it that one man, one party, one election can change the hearts of so many? Can you just imagine, just recently, I witnessed the verbal attack by a lady, when she scolded a young man wearing a MAGA ball cap! The words and the emotion that were displayed caused me to step away and observe this unprovoked assault! The young man was flabbergasted and asked her to mind her own business! He attempted to walk away, and she followed him, continuing to spew rhetoric and hate filled words, attacking his heritage, his family and questioning his mental status! This young man displayed great restraint as he attempted to remove himself from this verbal assault! This woman, this purveyor of anger and hatred, is a respected lady around the area and I was shocked by her behavior! What motivated her behavior! She was reciting, what seemed like a playbook of political attacks and twisted ideology, and even when the young man left the store, she continued to spout the venomous words and attacks, shouting to anyone who would listen, about the “Son of Satan” that occupies the White House and condemning anyone that supported this “Fascist!” It was so intense that the manager intervened and asked her to calm down or leave the store! I understand the political division and the intensity of different standards, but this display was over the top! Wow! Standing in the makeup aisle, taking in this demonstration, I began to pray for this lady and her attitude and her willingness to destroy her witness over a political position! At that moment, I felt a bit convicted! How many times have I shared my political thoughts and promoted them as the only way to think or believe, with no thought of my real calling, to share Jesus in words and in actions? God used this moment to teach a lesson! Regardless of who occupies the White House, or controls the House or Senate, the important control is who is in control of your life! As a Believer, Saved and Transformed, my responsibility is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to promote His word in my words, actions and attitude, not a narrow, worldly political view! “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, you show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” – Titus 2:7-8… Satan is using every tool available to thwart the Cause of Christ! Don’t Judge, just live your life as an example of His Amazing Grace and Pray for those that are being used by Satan for his evil purposes! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2025

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

BONNIE PARRISH

JAMES WILSON

JEREMY EDWARDS

“Am I Alone in This?”

February 3        “Am I Alone in This?”   Hebrews 6:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” (Hebrews 6:19)

There are days when I am convinced that I must be going crazy! I have asked myself if I am the only one that feels this way and am I the only one that sees the insanity that is happening around me! We are all faced with the realities of life, whether we acknowledge it or not! The challenges that come from a “New” normal; that has been thrust upon us, and all that goes with it, creates upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of Life cause us to become disillusioned and become a bit fearful. There are times when we feel as if we are adrift in the middle of a raging storm with no “Safe Port” in sight! Dear Friends, I am here to declare that we do have “HOPE!” We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Praise God, Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST! He is Our HOPE! He is Our FUTURE! He is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all of the craziness of this present age, we must be firmly and securely attached to our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! You have heard me use this before: “In times like these you need a Savior, in times like these you need an anchor; Be very sure, be very sure, Your ANCHOR holds and grips the Solid Rock! This Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the One; This Rock is Jesus, The Only One! Be very sure, be very sure Your Anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!” In times like these, we really do need that ROCK, which is JESUS CHRIST! So, the answer to the question is clear … NO, you are not going crazy; crazy things are happening, however, when we anchor deep in the promises and provisions of Jesus, HE WILL HOLD US, SECURELY AND STEADFASTLY, UNTIL THE STORM PASSES BY! I am clinging to the Anchor, which is my Savior, and when I feel confused and when I feel like walking away, and when I experience a sense of despair, I drop to my knees and call on Jesus as I am grasping hold of the anchor rope that gives me “PEACE,” “RENEWED STRENGTH and VISION,” and “ETERNAL HOPE!” I am praying that you will “ANCHOR DEEP” and grab hold of the HOPE that only comes from a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST! If you are without HOPE, please read John3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is only found in JESUS! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 31, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

TONY STRICKLAND

NICOLE PHILLIPS