“Sharpening One Another”

November 6    “Sharpening One Another”    Proverbs 27:17

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

There have been so many “Sharpeners” along my journey of life! Individuals that have become friends and have built relationships that provided the opportunity for encouragement, correction and have been examples of discipline and behavior! When I ponder the entirety of this statement, I am encouraged and blessed to have so many “Sharpeners” in my life! Fellow Travelers on this Spiritual Journey, who are willing to be a Guide and a True Friend! Wow! When I think of those who have, and are, Sharpeners for my life, I wonder who I have been a Sharpener for, in their lives! God’s Holy Word instructs us to Love one another and to encourage one another and to Lift one another up to the Father! For the Genuine Believer, being an Encourager is a Natural process and I continue to Pray that God will allow me the opportunity to be that “Iron” for those that are walking on this Spiritual Pathway with me. How about you? TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CARRIE SELLERS

ANITRA PEARCE

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

RANDY & ASHELYN BRIGGERMAN

Watch Your Mouth

November 5    Watch Your Mouth           Proverbs 6:2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.”  (Proverbs 6:2)

One of the most “chilling” commands that came from the mouth of my dear mother, were the words, “Watch Your Mouth!” From an early age, I was taught that your words are an expression of your attitude and your character! Amazingly, this lesson, and the benefits of obedience to this simple rule, have become less important to an entire generation! If you listen to many of the popular music sources, you will hear some awful and “dirty” language! Let’s go a bit closer to home; you can hear “fowl” language right in the church! Just recently, I had to take on the role of my mother and admonish a young man to “watch his mouth!” Friends, the way in which we express ourselves, and the words that we choose to employ, and the way that we share our communications, are an indication of the condition of our hearts and an indication of our attitude! The scriptures inform us to not let corrupt communications to pass over your lips, and that your words should be edifying to God and to lift people up, not tear them down! Proverbs 6:2: “You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth.”  Let your words be positive and edifying and a reflection of your “new” nature! Remember, our words are important! Every miracle that Jesus performed, He spoke it into existence before it happened! Our Words, Our Attitude, Our Communications, must be in line with edifying God and expressing His Amazing Grace! So, the message for today is simple: WATCH YOUR MOUTH! Think about what you say, how you say it and refrain from any words, communication, that is not edifying to God, to You, and to the Cause of Christ! Again, simply put… “WATCH YOUR MOUTH!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting because of a conversation that I overheard between two church members recently. If it is not edifying to Christ and to you, DON’T SAY IT!)

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ISAAC WORLEY

Do You Want to Know God?

November 4   Do You Want to Know God?  Romans 10:9

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Do you yearn to experience the Lord’s comforting presence, power, and wisdom? That’s good, because God loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you forever.

The problem is . . . one thing separates you from a relationship with God—sin. You and I sin whenever we fail to live by the Lord’s holy standard. In fact, Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Furthermore, Romans 6:23 explains that the penalty for sin is death—separation from God in hell forever. No matter how hard we try, we cannot save ourselves or get rid of our sins. We can’t earn our way to heaven by being good, going to church, or being baptized (Eph. 2:8-9). Understanding how helpless we are because of our sins, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us. Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom. 5:8). Three days later, He rose from the dead—showing that He had triumphed over sin and death once and for all.                        So how can you know God?
It all starts with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ provides a relationship with the Father and eternal life through His death on the cross and resurrection (Rom. 5:10).                                                                                              How do you accept Jesus as your Savior?
Romans 10:9 promises, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” If you have not yet begun your personal relationship with God, understand that the One who created you and loves you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. He wants you to experience the profound depth of His care. Therefore, tell God that you are willing to trust Him for salvation. You can tell Him in your own words or use this simple prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive my sins and save me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relationship with my heavenly Father. Through faith in You, I have eternal life. Thank You also for hearing my prayers and loving me unconditionally. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to walk in the center of Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer—congratulations! You have received Christ as your Savior and have made the best decision you will ever make—one that will change your life forever!

Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

(Source - Harvest Family Church website)

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KAITLIN GLOVER

TAMMY PRUDEN

RICKY WATSON

ELLIE LATIMER

LAUREN PARKER

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

GLEN & CELIA HORTON

Continue Learning

November 3    Continue Learning            Proverbs 1:5

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” (Proverbs 1:5)

Have you ever heard the statement that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”  I am here to tell you that God can and does teach old dog’s new tricks! It is important for believers to continue to seek His face and to continue to “dig” deep into His Holy Word, and to continue to learn and to experience His Grace and to be prepared to share and teach about His Love and His Amazing Grace! One thing that my Daddy hammered into my head was the fact that knowing something in our minds and knowing how to apply it or, doing it, are two different things! Folks, God expects us to continue to grow in His Grace and in our Knowledge of Him, with the goal of increasing our “closeness” to Him and to enhance our relationship and to be “effective” witnesses for Him. We must be “Life-Long” Learners, and we must continue to Learn about Him and to continue to Lean on Him and continue to Grow in Him and to experience the “Abundant Living” that He has ordained for us to experience! What God does with you is up to you! It always has, and it always will! Keep Learning, Keep Loving, Keep Experiencing, Keep Sharing, Keep Enjoying His Bounty, and Never, Ever, stop Growing in Him! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

Post Script: Politics truly does create come strange “Bedfellows!” In my 68 years of living, I believe that this politic season has been the worst for Hatred, lies, innuendos, half-truths and the distortion of reality to create an atmosphere of division and unrest! Yesterday, I was confronted by one of our Fall Fest patrons with some interesting and “odd” comments. I was asked if BTC would still be a polling place on Tuesday, and I responded, absolutely! This “gentleman” decided that he needed to “politic” with me, so he expounded on the reasons why I should vote for Pro-Abortion, Anti-American, Tax & Spend politicians, and when I simply asked one question, he stormed out with the declaration that he would never be back! Keep in mind, this individual is an active Deacon in a local church, and he represents the message of Jesus Christ, and he was more interested in his politics than in the promotion of God’s Holy Word. Sadly, ever so Sadly, there are so many individuals that prioritize their politics over the Good News! Agree or disagree, if you are a “Born Again, Blood Bought Believer,” and you support the anti-Christian positions of today’s political thought, then, in my opinion, you need to spend some serious time on your knees before God, for an attitude correction and a priority shift! As for me as my house, we choose to Serve the Lord!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ANTHONY HILL

DARA EDWARDS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

CARL & ANNA CREECH

“Your Will be Done!”

November 2    “Your Will be Done!”                Matthew 26:42       

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)

Prayer is a beautiful privilege! Do you love to pray? Is communicating with our God easy for you? Do you struggle to find time to talk with God? Whether you are comfortable and a natural at the praying opportunity or find it difficult, all of us can learn to pray and communicate better by actually doing it! We must cultivate an Eternal Prospective, a vision of His Greatness and Glory, as we come to realize that our earthly life is short, and that we are created for something that is much greater and more enduring than what we see with our human eyes! When I pray, I have come to understand what Jesus prayed on that faithful night! “Not My will Father, but Yours be done!” Are you ready to pray that God’s Will be Done in Your Life? It is a bit scary to consider the reality! Surrendering control of your life, letting go of your desires and turning them over to God, relinquishing control of our thoughts and actions – can feel as if we are in a free-fall with no safety net! Praise God, He Has Us and he Promised that He would Not Drop Us! His Control, His Provision, His Grace, His Power to sustain us, and to Grip us Firmly provides such assurance and comfort! When I see the earthly “Short Picture,” He is there to provide the “Big Picture” Plan and I am excited that he has ordained that I can participate in His Eternal Plan, through the selfless act of Jesus at Calvary! There is freedom and joy in releasing our lives to Jesus and to be controlled by the Holy Spirit! Thank You God for Your Grace and Glory for my human existence! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JANE STRICKLAND

COLIN CREECH

ABIGAIL JONES BEVINS

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

GENE & JENNY BUTLER

“Thank You!”

November 1    “Thank You!”   1 Thessalonians 5:18

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”         (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

We have so much to be thankful for!  We are living in the greatest country in history (regardless of what some may say), and we enjoy the blessings of bounty, freedom, and opportunity for personal prosperity, yet there are so many that are ungrateful and grumpy about their situations.  The world and all that it offers, encourages ingratitude, and blame for others and when someone comes along and appears to be grateful for life and the simple things around them, there is an immediate offense by those who choose to be miserable and thankless!  Mama used to teach me that I needed to be thankful for each new day and she would find something, in each new day, to be thankful to God, and express that gratitude in her praise and worship.  I observe this ungrateful and hate-filled world, and I am sad for the despair that exists.  What can I do?  The answer is simple!  I can live my life with gratitude, and I can share the GOOD NEWS of Hope and Grace and Gratitude, and by being an example of HIS GRACE, I can show this lost and dying world that Hope is available, and attainable, and that Gratitude is possible!  Take your eyes off your situation and place your eyes on the Cross!  Embrace His Love, His Life and His Promises, and you will have much to be Grateful for!!!  May this Thanksgiving time be a time of renewal and re-commitment to witnessing and expressing gratitude for His Amazing Grace!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JONI FAULKNER

HIS Life-Changing LOVE

October 31       HIS Life-Changing LOVE            Luke 10:36-37

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “So, which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)

One of my favorite parables, is the parable of the “Good Samaritan!” I love the lesson that it teaches and the way in which we should deal with others, regardless of their position in life! Many people passed by this man in need, and because of their own bias and prejudices, walked past him, on the far side of the road. Wow! I must be careful that this doesn’t describe me and my actions! Only one individual showed care and concern, and he went the “extra mile,” to take care of the needs of this poor soul. What is the difference between this one man and the others that passed by? The real and lasting difference is “LOVE!” Friends, we are faced with similar choices today! Are we going to be a Strong and Loving Witness for God, in this divided and segmented society, or are we going to demonstrate our own human prejudices and forget the Grace of God and the Blessings of our own Salvation? I truly believe that, as “Born-Again, Blood Bought, Children of God, we must demonstrate intentional and radical LOVE! Over the past several months, I have been talking and teaching about witnessing and sharing Jesus with everyone that we meet, yet if we are not demonstrating this Good News, in our actions and habits, then our words will fall short of the intended purpose! There are desperate needs among our fellow travelers, and there are hurting, and needy people that we meet, every day. How will we respond to the needs? Is it true, that everyone needs Jesus? Can we recognize the need, and then work to meet that need? Please Lord, place me in the pathway of those who are in need! The question for today is simple: Will you walk past the needy, or will you stop; help and demonstrate His Real and Radical LOVE? The Bible teaches, my experience proves, that LOVE CHANGES THINGS! This world needs God’s LOVE! This world needs the example of RADICAL LOVE, demonstrated before them, in words and in actions! Let’s be the “Good Samaritan” for this needy world! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

ANNIVERSARIES FOR OCTOBER 30, 2024

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO DANNY & JEAN HOCUTT

Do Not Be Troubled!

October 30           Do Not Be Troubled!   John 14:1

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

Bill Gaither wrote a beautiful song that declares a truth! The song is, “Jesus Is Coming Soon!” The lyrics are inspiring; when it says, “Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear. Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake! Humbling your hearts to God, saves from the chastening rod. Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake!” Troubles and trials are here among us! Fear is the weapon of Satan, as he moves about, attempting to destroy our hope and our faith! I am here to tell you that we have nothing to fear! Jesus told His disciples that He would be leaving them, and He left these words of Hope and Comfort! “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” I encourage you to claim the promises of 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” We need to Humble, Pray, Seek, Turn, and He will Hear, Forgive, and Heal! In the face of these worldly challenges, “Let not your heart be troubled!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

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