Joyful Direction
September 17 Joyful Direction Psalm 35:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
I believe that everyone would agree that this life is full of ups, and downs, and bumps and twists. It has been said, and I may have said it, “Life is like a Roller Coaster!” If you have been to Disney World and have ridden Space Mountain, you have experienced the twists and turns and the ups and downs of the car as it zooms along the tracks. It is dark, and the next turn or drop or climb sneaks up on you and you must hang on and ride it out. Life is like that! Some hills and valleys and curves that we face are small and we barely notice the movement, and others are huge and create anxiety and dread and fear and hurt and anger. Sadly, when we face these monumental challenges, we react to our feelings, at that moment! Praise God, as a Follower of Christ, we have another option! We can go through life, drifting and aimless in our experience or we can connect with God, through His Son, Jesus, and experience the Life Changing Relationship with Jesus Christ! Keep in mind, our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, does not free us from troubles and difficulties and challenges of life, the Good News is that, because of Jesus’ Love, we experience the Peace and Joy that only God can provide. I know that claiming His Provision is better than riding the ups and downs of my emotions and feelings! HE is Steady and I, in my humanity, am not! Please do not place your trust in your feelings! Feelings change like the wind… Trust God and Ask Him for Guidance and His Peace and Strength and Protection and His Joy! As we experience greater and greater challenges to our Faith and beliefs, we MUST claim His Power and Seek His Will and Trust His Word and not our “FEELINGS!” My “feelings” will fail me; God’s Grace and Peace and True Joy will NEVER FAIL!! What God does with us is up to us…Always has, and Always WILL!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ROSS CARROLL
WAYNE CURRIE
HIS Peace
September 16 HIS Peace John 14:27
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Shortly before Jesus left, He spoke these amazing and powerful words to His Disciples! Fully aware that their world was about to be turned bottoms up, and that they would be consumed with fear and anxiety about their future. Jesus encouraged them, even before the tumult of His ascension, to not be afraid and to embrace His Peace and Confidence! Jesus still, today, provides every one of us, the opportunity to abide in His Peace, when we come to Him, in Confession, Repentance, and Claiming His Grace for our Lives! Remember, one of the names for Jesus, found in His Holy Word, is the “Prince of Peace!” Through the struggles, chaos, insanity, difficulties and the challenges of life, He promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20)! Praise God! He is constantly with us, and He promised that He would provide His Peace! Simply ask, and He will give His Peace to you! HE PROMISED, I BELIEVE, AND I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PS… (I apologize for breaking my own stated policy, but the climate in our country disturbs me, and I feel the need to express my biased opinion on the subject) PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY, OUR LEADERS, AND THE FUTURE LEADERS! Our Priorities are twisted! The life of an unborn baby and the elimination of this life seems to be the most important issue facing our nation (Political Ads prove the Point). Dwindling military staff, inflation rising, the cost-of-living skyrocketing, violence in our cities unchecked, international threats to our homeland, and gross displays of hatred and intolerance, seem to take a backseat to the issue of unrestricted abortion. Political candidates can be completely ignorant of political, business, international affairs, and lack any experience as an executive, or leader, however, if that candidate is for the destruction of unborn babies (often called “Pro-Choice”), at any point in the pregnancy, then they are absolutely qualified for the office! Sad, but True! Over the course of my lifetime, I continue to be amazed at the limited, one-issue driven political rhetoric and the sad truth that America has developed some twisted priorities and motivations! The one and only solution to this evil is the Redeeming and Life-Changing Atonement of the Blood of Jesus! Recognize your sinfulness, Confess your sins, Repent, and Ask Jesus Christ into your Heart to Save Your Soul! (2 Chronicles 7:14)
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
KAMERON DANNELLY
MARNY PERRY
AMY B. WATSON
“EMPOWER ME, LORD”
September 15 “EMPOWER ME, LORD” Isaiah 58:8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)
Amazingly and miraculously, my physical body is in a continuous state of change. Every cell is constantly changing, rejuvenating, and restoring. When I think of the age-related aches and pains, and the level of activity that I subject my body to, on any given day, I am amazed at the Divine Design of my human body! There is always new life that is expanding within me, and I know that my body is renewing and restoring, even though I may not recognize it. As I grow in HIS Grace and Knowledge, I am aware of the Blessing of God’s Divine Touch upon our bodies and our need to recognize HIS Power, Presence, and sustaining Love. I heard a dear lady say something that triggered my desire to recognize the Good and dismiss the Bad. She said, “When I am feeling a bit less that whole, and things feel wrong, I quickly remember that which is right about me and count my blessings and refuse to accept the wrong!” Wow! What a beautiful sermon! God’s Grace, God’s Sustaining Power, God’s Divine Providence is constantly renewing me and restoring me and strengthening me, and He is actively engaged in our well-being, so that we can continue to be BOLD and EFFECTIVE WITNESSES for HIS GRACE and LOVE! I am claiming the Promise…. “Your Light shall break forth like the dawn, and Your healing shall spring up quickly!” Focus on the BLESSINGS, not the BURDENS! May Your ATTITUDE be one of GRATITUDE, not GRUMBLING! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Promises Kept
September 14 Promises Kept Joshua 21:45
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.” (Joshua 21:45)
God does not lie, will not lie and is not going to lie, under any circumstances! He does not fail, will not fail, under any circumstances! When God promises, He delivers! The Bible is full of the Promises of God, and it is our job, our privilege and our hope, to read, study and to learn of the Promises of God towards His Holy People! I am excited to know that when God speaks a Promise, I can count on His fulfilling that Promise! How many Promises to you know that God has provided? Dig deep into his Holy Word and embrace His Promises for His People and enjoy the assurance of His Word! It would be outstanding if we were committed to keeping our word to our Savior, Jesus Christ! “Let not your heart be troubled…,” “I will never leave you or forsake you…,” “For God so Loved the world…,” are just a few of the amazing promises found in the Holy Scriptures, written, spoken and designed to encourage, empower and to redeem a “Special” people, God’s People! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST OS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
WAYNE CREECH
SHANNON BARBER
ASHELYN BRIGGERMAN
PAM TURNER
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
LEAMON & LENORE STRICKLAND
“My Hope, My Anchor”
September 13 “My Hope, My Anchor” 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,”
Regardless of your status or position in this life, times are difficult to navigate! Violence, Moral Decay, Twisted Thoughts of Right and Wrong, and a host of evil issues that we are not even aware of, combine to create an atmosphere of difficulty and despair! As Christians, we have THE ANSWER to all of Life’s Problems and Challenges! Our Heavenly Father has provided the opportunity and the power to maintain and to overcome the challenges of Life, through His expression of Love and Grace, by offering JESUS CHRIST, as our ultimate sacrifice for our sins! I am fully aware of the difficulties of living in this evil and sinful world, and I am deeply into God’s word, as my anchor, when times seem so overwhelming, and the darkness of this life closes in around me! Many years ago, I heard George Beverly Shea sing a beautiful song, written by Ruth Caye Jones, and it has become my standard and my reminder of HIS power, and strength! When time get hard (and they do), and the challenges seem to overwhelm, I begin to sing this beautiful song, and I am reminded of God’s Grace and Redemption! It is called, “In Times Like These…”
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 you need the Bible
In times like these, O be not idle
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 I have a Savior
In times like these I have an anchor
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My 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!
Please Focus on the Power, Presence, Provision, and the Grace of God, through Jesus Christ, and face each day with the assurance that because of His Love, His Grace, His Power, and His Might, we are survivors and overcomers! Nothing that comes against us will survive because of His Anchor in Times Like These!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!
Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
AMY HEYWARD
JORDAN ASHLEY
JUSTIN RICHARDSON
KIM RAY
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
KEN & CHRISSY HUNTER
Be a Planter of Hope & Peace
September 12 Be a Planter of Hope & Peace Hosea 10:12
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12)
Would you like to witness a miracle? Would you like to make a difference in the life of an individual? Well, try this: Plant a word of encouragement and love into that person’s life. Continue to nurture and cultivate it with a friendly smile and a committed prayer life, and watch what happens, before your eyes! Our culture has a habit of sowing negative and “hate-filled” rhetoric and the atmosphere of 21st century America is replete with divisions and chaos and unhealthy decisions and sadness and despair. Let’s be the purveyor of “Positive and Uplifting” words of Hope and Goodness! Try it… compliment your neighbor, send flowers to your spouse, visit a widow, be grateful to a waitress, speak a kind word to a stranger! Sowing seeds of His Love and His Peace is like sowing seeds! You do not know the mechanics of how it works; you just know that it does! Seeds of Kindness will produce kindness and the more we sow, the stronger we become and the greater the opportunity to “Share Jesus!” Random acts of Love and Kindness will always produce positive, lifechanging results! Keep Sowing, Keep Nurturing, Keep Believing and Continue to “Push Back the Darkness” in the lives of everyone that you encounter! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
Post Script: I find it amazing, that when I preach God’s Word, and it offends the world, that the world responds with the idea that I am “hate-filled,” and that I should be tolerant of others, and their attempt to discredit me and my beliefs, yet they are spouting intolerance and “hate-filled” rhetoric towards me, and doing it with the approval of those who are opposed to any rules and regulations that govern behavior, unless it is their twisted and perverse actions! Satan and his minions are ready, willing, and able to discredit, defame, and lie about every attempt to promote the Love of God and His Forgiveness! Remember, we are told that the world and all of the satanic evil that exists, will be against us and that we are to continue to “Push Back the Darkness,” and continue to serve Him with all that is within us!
“Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.”
September 11 “Call Upon Me, I Will Listen.” Jeremiah 29:12
**Today is the anniversary of a tragic time in our American History. On this day, in September 2001, extreme hatred and blatant disregard for human life, was tragically and vividly displayed for all the world to see! Since that day, Hatred, and the disregard for Human life, has continued to grow and examples of this attitude are evident, every day! Living, in the midst, of this prevailing and sad attitude, we must double down on our PRAYER TIME and OUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROMISES AND PROVISION! Stop for a moment today, and honor the memory of those who, were living their lives as usual, and went to their daily activities, and because of the hatred of our way of life, these innocent individuals, paid the ultimate price! HATRED, IN ANY FORM, WILL ALWAYS BE DESTRUCTIVE AND HAS NO PLACE IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY! ACROSS THE WORLD, PROTESTS ARE OCCURRING, CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THE HATRED FOR AMERICA, ISRAEL AND ANYONE SUPPORTING THEM. IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE! JESUS CHRIST is the ANSWER to HATRED, to the INSANITY that is happening! Those individuals that perpetrated those cowardly acts on 9-11 were driven by Hatred and were fulfilling their twisted Religious Called to Martyr themselves for their Cause, and that Cause is Driven by HATRED! JESUS CHRIST teaches LOVE, NOT HATE! JESUS IS LOVE, and that is the Defining Difference between this Evil and the Transforming Power of the Love of God through Jesus Christ!!**
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Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
All of the greatest moments of my life have been experienced, in prayer and the results of prayer! The scripture passage for today, follows a promise that God made, to provide a future and to offer hope! I feel blessed and privileged to be able to call on my God, and to know that He has promised a “Divinely Guided Future” and His “Blessed Hope” for my Life! You see, prayer, sincere and faith-filled prayer, is the conduit by which we enter His presence and talk with Him and position ourselves to claim His Divine Promises for our Lives! I get excited, each time that I enter the presence of the “UNLIMITED GOD,” especially, when I recognize my “LIMITED” capacity! PRAISE GOD! Because of His “UNLIMITED” provisions, I can live “LIMITLESS!” Folks, the privilege of prayer is a blessing! We can talk to God, and He will listen and answer our prayers! He listens to my “whining” and my “complaining” and still Loves me and has promised that He would provide His Grace for my every shortcoming (Boy oh boy, there are many)! So, given the promise, and believing His Word, and recognizing His “UNLIMITED” capacity and power, with intensity and with clear focus, call on the Lord, in Faith, and share your burdens and struggles and needs and desires, and leave them at His feet! Every day, in faithful prayer, share your ups and downs and LEAVE THEM WITH HIM! Pray for each other and lift up our leaders and our friends and neighbors and LEAVE IT THERE! Bring all your burdens to the Lord, put them at His Feet and LEAVE THEM THERE! Guess What? Your Husband or Wife, Your Friends, Your Co-Workers, even Your Pastor may not always listen to you, yet we have a friend, a friend that is closer than a brother, that will listen, hear, and respond to our prayers! What a privilege that we have in Holy and UNLIMITED PRAYER! Daddy used to describe his prayer time, with intensity, when he called it his “Bent Knee” Praying! We MUST Exercise the Privilege and Pour Out Your Heart to God and Expect His Blessings, Corrections, and His Provisions! Be involved in so “Bent Knee” Praying… HE WILL LISTEN TO YOU!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
BOBBY & RIXIE STEVENS
BIRTHDAYS FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TONY ALFORD
KIM CREECH
TERRY WRIGHT
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
September 10 “Two is Better than One” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Henry Ward Beecher, a pastor that lived in the 1800’s, said, “Climbers of the Alps fasten themselves together with a rope for safety.” What amazingly wise words for us, in our world conditions for today. The Words of Solomon, also referred to as, the “Preacher,” instructs us that, two are, absolutely, better than one! Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to fellowship and to support and to lift one another up. That is part of God’s plan for us to be “Givers!” Giving of our time and our talents and our blessings and our financial resources and our words of encouragement! Romans 12:1 instructs us to “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Many of us have excuses for why we can’t or don’t give, of ourselves as encouragement and comfort to others. I want you to “THINK THIS OVER!”
God made the Sun…It Gives.
God made the Moon…It Gives.
God made the Stars…They Give.
God made the Air…It Gives.
God made the Clouds…They Give.
God made the Earth…It Gives.
God made the Trees…They Give.
God made the Flowers…They Give.
God made the Birds…They Give.
God made the PLAN…HE GIVES.
God made Man…He ?
Serving God requires that we GIVE! It means that we give of our Time, Talent, Resources, Blessings, and Our All! During this difficult time of uncertainty, please exercise your blessings, by reaching out to others, and be a blessing to them. God provided the example with His Son, Jesus and He expects us to honor His gift to us, by being a blessing to others! Serving Jesus is the best way that I know, to be a “GIVER!” We have our “CALL TO ACTION!” Believers, step up and shout the “Good News” of encouragement to everyone around you and fulfill your calling and responsibility, through the Blood of Jesus! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR NATION, OUR LEADERS, AND EACH OTHER!