BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SETH CREECH
MRS. JEAN O’NEAL
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
OSCAR & SHIRLEY LANE
JON & SUSAN BENNETT
“How to Defeat Satan”
September 6 “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!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
JOHN COOKE
GENE BUTLER
McKINLEY JOHNSON
RONNIE DALE FAULKNER (In Heaven)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
MONTE & CAROLINE DIEHL
RONNIE & JENNENE FAULKNER (In Heaven)
Single-Minded Focus
September 5 Single-Minded Focus James 1:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8)
The longer that I live, the more that I am amazed at the inconsistent attitudes and actions of those who profess to be Born Again Believers, and I am constantly reminded of the necessity of remaining focused on what is real and just and edifying to my Savior. A few years ago, the Texas Legislature passed a restrictive bill, limiting the timeline on abortions. Fascinatingly, many professing believers found a “Soap-box,” in order to decry the violation of one’s rights, restated, the right to end the life of an unborn baby. In the summer of 2020, I discovered, personally, that my Faith and Worldly Politics, could not and must not mix. My Faith and My Commitment to Christ is the standard for my living and the Worldly influences must not take priority (It requires all of my concentration and the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve this). How can we participate and support anything that is in direct conflict with the Holy Scriptures and still have a growing and dynamic relationship with God? How can we promote, by word and deeds, concepts that are absolutely opposed to the teaching of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST? You absolutely cannot serve two Masters!! What is more important? Our limited and temporal existence, here on earth, or our eternal citizenship? James 3:10 tells us, “Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” BOTTOM LINE: You are either for God and all that is associated with Him, or you are not! I am committed to living, as much as possible, “peacefully” with everyone, even the hard to love, however, I draw the line when it violates the eternal and divine relationship with my Savior. We, as believers, must make God, and His Ways, our ways and we must present ourselves as growing and forgiven witnesses of His Great Love and we must not be entangles in the issues of the world that tatter and destroy our witness! We must be what He expects us to be! 1 Corinthians 14:8 tells us, clearly, “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” Is your “Trumpet” playing an uncertain sound? Are you living with one foot in the world and one in the presence of God? Remember---“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways!” The world will be offended by your commitment, your lifestyle, and your witness! Please take inventory of your life and determine who you will serve and how you will live! Matthew 5:10-14 tells us “How’ and why’s” of serving Him… “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Be Real, Be Consistent, Be HIS Light in this dark and evil world… Remember, Your Political and Social Opinions Really Don’t Matter; It is the Fact of HIS WORD, and the Implementation of That Word, into Our Lives that really matters!!Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PS… Thank you to all of you who have been so encouraging, and prayerfully supportive, over these past years, and please know that I appreciate each one of you and consider it a privilege to serve our God together! Regardless of what the future holds, always remember that you are loved and genuinely appreciated! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
HARMON GLASCO
RAY “PAPA” HALE
PAYTON McDOWELL
Unending Blessings
September 4 Unending Blessings Psalm 21:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
Unending, eternal and glorious blessings are ahead for every believer! Wow! Joy, Happiness, Blessings, and Spiritual Prosperity are ahead forever! That is what is just on the horizon for each one of us who are under the Blood of Jesus! When times get hard, and the way is truly dark and unclear, and the decisions are difficult, and the issues are overwhelming, then it is time to shift our thinking and to focus on the Promises of God! Think about it… what we experience here on earth, is not our final existence! Praise God! Difficulties will happen, and dark times will occur, but remember that this is just for a season. Eternity is going to be absolutely awesome! A dear brother in Christ, Pastor Shannon Scott once said that “for the lost person, this is as good as it gets, but for the believer, this is the worst that it gets!” Dear friends, we must be “Eternity Minded,” and we must recognize that the Truth will always be sufficient to help us move from the darkness into the Light! I am excited that this world is not my home, I am simply passing through! I pray that each of us will embrace God’s power, Joy, and Prosperity and live each day here to the fulliest, praising Him, sharing the Good News and preparing for the day when we arrive in our “Eternal” home! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Side Observation: It appears to me that “Truth” is a rare commodity in Life & Politics in 2024. Hatred, Prejudice, Tradition, and some motivations that defy explanation are driving the political process! Left, Right, Blue, Red, it doesn’t matter. Truth is the Truth, always has been, and always will be! I was brought up with the idea that I was to work, provide for myself, and my family, and that I was to help others and to be a productive citizen in the greatest country in the history of mankind. Agree, disagree, protest, remain silent, it is entirely up to you, but I feel compelled to point out that we are at yet another crossroads in our country and in our social & Political lives. One side offers a traditional idea of patriotism, love of country and the idea of hard work will lead to prosperity, and that the individual knows what is best for themselves and their families and the exercise of this principle will make every life better. One the other side, is offered the idea that we are not capable of taking care of ourselves, therefore the government must step in to make life’s decisions for us, to dictate the way we work, and to control our every aspect of living. It has become apparent, at least in my opinion, that the majority of those who embrace this idea are also less patriotic, more hostile to Free Speech, angry and unsettled, and seem to be opposed to certain religions, especially Christianity. I have asked myself why! It dawned on me recently that Christianity has a moral foundation, based on the Truths of Almighty God, and when you are operating towards a communist, anti-God way of government, moral standards of right and wrong complicate the transition to full government control of every area of human existence. Communism, Totalitarian Controls, Socialism have been tried and each time it ultimately fails. Weak, imperfect, flawed and often confused in my journey of life, but the one fact is always center stage for me… I CHOOSE TO SERVE MY GOD, WALK IN HIS WILL, AND I AM GOING TO SPEAK OUT, SHARE HIS GOOD NEWS AND I WILL CONTINUE TO OPPOSE ANY ATTEMPT TO STIFFLE HIS AMAZING GRACE! How About You?
“WATCH YOUR MOUTH”
September 2 “WATCH YOUR MOUTH” Proverbs 13:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)
We have all said things that we wish that we had not spoken, and as soon as the words left our mouths, we regretted it. Speaking before Thinking is a universal problem, and some have perfected it to an art form! Unfortunately, my mouth works faster than my brain! My dear mother used to warn me to “Watch my mouth!” Her warning was her way of teaching me to filter my words and to control my conversations! Mama would add to her instructions by telling me to always “Tell the Truth!” As life has progressed, and I am now the instructor, I still cling to the truth of Mama’s words, to “Watch my Mouth!” Luke 6:45 speaks the truth when it instructs with these words: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” We are to be “Christ-Like” in our actions, words and deeds! Think about this truth… When Jesus spoke to individuals and groups, His words were designed to encourage and to teach and to empower and to heal the listeners. His example of communication has set a high standard for us to follow, and we need to be praying, studying His Word, and intent on controlling our tongues, so that we can be what God intends for us to be! Remember Mama’s Warning: “Watch Your Mouth!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. What motivates your voting decisions (for that matter, all decisions that you make)? Are you controlled by traditions, family, prejudices, habits? This is a simple reminder for the Believer! Your Life, Your Living, Your Actions, Your Attitude, Your Very Existence is, or should be, dictated by Your Faith and Commitment to Almighty God, through His Gift of Grace in Jesus Christ! How can a “Born-Again” Believer promote, participate, and support individuals that are absolutely opposed to the very foundations of your declared Faith and Beliefs? Before anyone “climbs to the top of their offended ladder,” I am simply stating an observation of current activities. Yesterday, I overheard a young man expressing his displeasure in one of the candidates for office, and his apparent driving decision maker was his stance on specific social issues. Oh, I left out that he was wearing a cap that said, “Jesus is the Answer!” Read Matthew 13:24-30, about “The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares!” Decide who you will follow and do it quickly! Jesus said, “If you love Me, Keep My Commandments!”
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
MRS. ALICE HARRIS
Fix Our Eyes on Him
September 1 Fix Our Eyes on Him 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Troubles are present in every area of living! Difficulties, misunderstandings, conflicts, prejudices, hatred, and a host of other issues are a constant in our human existence! How are we to navigate through this insanity and how are we to tolerate the challenges that we are faced with? When I ponder this issue, and I pray to God for clarity and guidance, I am presented with a beautiful reality! I can hear my God expressing that I should see all of these things from His perspective. He is telling me to let the Light of His Presence fill my mind with His view of this world, and to realize that when things don’t go my way, that He is there to make things right! Can you hear Him speaking to you through His Holy Word? I can hear Him saying, “Don’t let the petty issues of the day, caused my others that have no clue, to dictate your hope, your attitude and your response to the insanity!” If we are to truly walk in the newness of life that He provides through His Shed Blood, then we have to recognize the “Life-Changing” reality of His Atonement for our sins and begin to see the world through His Eyes! Please do not waste your precious energies on the petty problems of this present age, and do not allow others, and their misguided words and behaviors, to determine your joy, your attitude, and your obedience! I love what Paul says, “all of these troubles are light and momentary, compared to the eternal glory that is ours!” When I catch myself being consumed by the troubles of the day, and I am presented with issues that should not be issues among “Grown” people, I stop, drop, and pray! I admit that at times, the sheer volume of issues can be overwhelming, but, again, I stop, drop, and PRAY! Isn’t it a blessing to know that these temporary irritations and issues are just that, TEMPORARY! Please trust God and do not let others steal your attitude and joy! Remember, this world is not our home, we are just passing through! Stay Strong, Stay Focused …THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 31, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO;
CONNIE O’NEAL
“Am I Alone in This?”
August 31 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 satisfied 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 craziness and insanity that is going on! 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, create upheaval and descent in our thoughts and actions. Dealing with the insanity and the “Storms” of life causes 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. Folks, I am here to declare that WE DO have HOPE! We need to ANCHOR DEEP! Our ANCHOR is JESUS CHRIST, and HE IS OUR HOPE!! HE is firm and strong and secure and, if we are to navigate through all 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 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 a sense of despair, I grip that anchor rope that gives me peace and strength and ETERNAL HOPE! I pray that you will “ANCHOR DEEP,” and grab hold of the HOPE, read John 3:16 and embrace the HOPE that is found, only in Jesus! Remember – You Are Not Alone!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
P.S. It appears to me that there is one single issue in this 2024 election that is driving the voting decisions of so many, and it is the saddest of realities, and that is the issue of Abortion. Amazingly, the cost of living is skyrocketing, our military personal is dwindling to record lows, crime is rampant throughout our inner cities, foreign gangs terrorizing neighborhoods, mental health concerns are rising, yet with all of these life altering issues, the one issue that is the deciding factor for so many is the “Right” to destroy an unborn baby. I guess that I should be shocked, but I am not! God’s Holy Word tells us of the depravity and evil that will overtake this world and that this mentality, and this attitude will prevail until HE returns. Unfortunately, many professing believers are proponents of this idea, and do not see any connection to their Faith or Spiritual Walk. No Judgement, Just an Observation! Christians, please pray for our Nation, for our State, for our County, for our city and for Each Other!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 30, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CAROLINE CREECH
JOYCE CREECH
KATIE MOORE
AMBER P. SLOAN
RICKY ANDERSON
DONNA JOHNSON
KIM HOLMQUIST
“HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU”
August 30 “HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU” Psalm 138:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7)
Wouldn’t it be great if we never had any troubles or challenges in this life? What if God promised that we would never have troubles in our lives? You know, because He loves us and as His children, He would allow us to navigate through life easily and carefree! Well, Adam and Eve messed that though completely up! All is not lost! We do have something to look forward to and that is eternal life with our Savior, in Heaven, but as for this life, trouble-free is not happening! Do not lose heart, God has promised that He would walk beside us, sustain us, and empower us in our troubles! He said that He would NEVER leave us! Hebrews 13:5 declares the promise, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In recent days, I have had to cling to this promise, and I have had to exercise His unshakeable promise of Power and Endurance! When tough times come your way, and they will, remember this promise! God promised that HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU AND HE WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 29, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DENNIS BADGER
BETTY HARRIS
HORACE SHIRLEY
JOY WHICHARD
DALLAS PEARCE
Holy Spirit Praying…
August 29 Holy Spirit Praying… Romans 8:26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Our God is amazing! He has provided the opportunity and the means to have continual prayer, even in our weakness and infirmities. There are times when I feel as if I am a baby, and I simply do not have the developed language skills necessary to pray effectively. God has promised that He will provide continual prayer and communication, and the Holy Spirit is the method that He has employed. When we are in a growing relationship with God, through the Blood of Jesus, and the “Indwelling” of the Holy Spirit, even when we are sick or dying, we can still pray! In September of 1999, after two rounds of antibiotics, I had a severe reaction to one of the antibiotics and to make a long and serious story short, I went 10 days without sleep and the treatments for the reaction were nearly lethal. Unable to keep a conscious thought in my head, I could not even think long enough to pray! I would close my eyes and repeat, “Please Lord,” over and over. That was the moment that I understood these words and this promise! In my infirmities, I was unable to pray, yet, because of my Spiritual and Divine Prayer Partner, He was praying for me and interceding for me before the Father God. The Holy Spirit was praying with and through me and I could feel the Power of His Presence and I had a “Peace” that came over me and I knew that I was going to be great! That experience has solidified the need and the desire to “Live and to Walk in the Spirit,” and to be in a constant state of “Growing!” Listen, as a Believer, we have the assurance that God is hearing our petitions and prayers and that the Holy Spirit “has our backs!” “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!” Continue to grow in His Grace and His Love and be in constant communication with the Father, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit! I love the declaration found in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” In my weakness, there is assurance of His Love! In my weakness, there is Hope! In my weakness, there is His Promise, His Grace, and His Power! Praise God, that in my weakness, the HOLY SPIRIT has my back!! I truly pray that you have the same assurance and the same experience of the Indwelling of the Comforter and Guide, in the person of the Holy Spirit! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR AUGUST 28, 2024
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
DONALD & LORRIE GAY
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
August 28 The Way, the Truth, and the Life John 14:1-6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:1-6)
The message, for today, is short and simple! Regardless of what you hear, and regardless of what you see, there is ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN, AND THAT IS THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST! No amount of “good deeds” will qualify you for Heaven! You cannot be “politically, socially, worldly, earthly,” correct and enter into Heaven! No amount of money, no amount of good intentions, no amount of worldly influence will get you one step closer to Heaven! If you are focusing on anything, other that the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, and surrendering your life, washed in His Saving Blood, and staying focused on the selfless redeeming act at Calvary, you are missing the mark! Simply put: Jesus made it crystal clear to Thomas, and it is crystal clear to us, right now, right here, today, when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Confused about the situations and issues of this world, the get Jesus in your heart, allow Him to provide His clarity! He will provide the “WAY” that you must go, and He will reveal the TRUTH that will sustain you, and He will provide the real and eternal LIFE that we must have in order to enter into Heaven! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! HIS WAY, HIS TRUTH AND HIS LIFE is ours for the asking (through FAITH, BELIEVING and RECEIVING… John 3:16)!!!!!
BIRTHDAYS FOR AUGUST 27, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
GINA LANIER
DESIREE JONES