“EMPOWER ME, LORD”

November 17    “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!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 16, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

SHELLEY MORRIS

DORIS PEARCE

Life is not Fair

November 16 Life is not Fair! Colossians 3:13

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”  (Colossians 3:13)

“LIFE IS NOT FAIR!” Wow! This is a concept that is difficult to grasp! We have the idea that we should be treated fairly and justly, yet nothing in this evil and decaying world suggests that we will be afforded this privilege! DO NOT EXPECT to be TREATED FAIRLY, in this Life! People will say and do things that are hurtful and will create issues that you do not deserve to be a part of! One of the most difficult things for Christians to do, is to FORGIVE! REMEMBER, there will always be individuals that are going to hurt you, so we MUST continue to FOCUS on our GROWING RELATIONSHIP with CHRIST and our ABILITY to FORGIVE (Armor-up)! As we concentrate on our relationship with our Savior, we are assured that HE is covering us in His Righteousness and Holiness, and we are POSITIONED to FORGIVE! Jesus Christ came to earth, with the sole mission, to Save Humanity, and HE WAS SUCCESSFUL! HE was TREATED UNFAIRLY, and HE WAS BEATEN, BRUISED and DIED on a RUGGED CROSS, for us… THAT WAS NOT FAIR! I am excited that, under the Redeeming Blood of Jesus, I have something that is so much better than FAIR, I have HIM (Jesus Christ)! Praise God, His ways lead to PEACE and LOVE and the ABILITY to FORGIVE! Just as HE FORGIVES, We MUST FORGIVE EACH OTHER! Ephesians 1:7-8 provides the promise… “In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the FORGIVENESS of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding…” HE FORGIVES, and WE MUST ALSO, FORGIVE!!!!!   YOU ARE NOT AN EXCEPTION – REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION, ISSUES or CHALLENGES, WE ARE COMMANDED TO FORGIVE! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE! 

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

HANNAH NORWOOD

CELIA HORTON

JESICA HILL

TOMMY RICHARDSON

HUNTER RICHAARDSON

Confident & Complete

November 14  Confident & Complete   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 beautiful verse outlines the entire story of our salvation and provides confidence that HE will complete the job that HE started! When we recognize our sinfulness, and we, by Faith, come to HIM, in repentance and humility, and we ask HIM to forgive us, and to save us, and HIS Grace, immediately provides “Justification,” and our SALVATION process begins! When we confess, repent, and ask HIM to Save us, our conversion is instantaneous! Our journey begins right here! The scriptures inform us that we are new creations, the old is past and the new is before us!  Praise God, our journey doesn’t end at the beginning! We are to continue to grow and seek Him, and we are to embrace the “Newness” of His Living! Amazingly, even when we stumble and even when we are “hard-headed” and “stubborn,” HE promised that HE would complete the work in us! Completeness is when we enter Heaven, and we are eternally with HIM! When I think about this amazing fact, I am better prepared to endure the challenges of the day! His “Glorification” for me, that is, when I am taken up to Heaven, and I have a new body, and I am no longer affected by the earthly challenges and I am blessed to enjoy the “unspeakable” joy of His Presence, and I get to enjoy it forever! I Thank God for His Love, and I Praise His Name for the Promise that HE WILL COMPLETE HIS WORK IN ME! This one Fact should be enough for you to Praise HIM, and FOLLOW HIM, and EMBRACE HIS SALVATION! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DAVID WHEATON

ASHLEY BAILEY

DENNY IDE

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

MIKE & SUSIE PEOPLES

LEON & SAMANTHA JONES

“I Called, HE Answered!”

November 13  “I Called, HE Answered!”         Psalm 138:3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.”  (Psalm 138:3)

King David’s enemies were surrounding him, and he was troubled on every side, and he wrote this psalm. He was probably about to be forced out of Jerusalem and would have to evacuate to a safer place. King David had a problem! Guess What? Problems have been with mankind since Adam discovered that he had a real problem! He was naked! Ever since that day, “Man” born of a “Woman,” have had troubles! Wait! The Good News is that we have an “Ever-Present,” “Powerful,” and “Loving” God that has promised us that His Grace would be sufficient for our every need! Do you recall that Paul had a “Thorn in the Flesh,” and that Paul asked for it to be removed, and God said, No! This was a reminder to Paul that God’s Grace is sufficient for every human need! David said, “In the day when I cried out, You answered me!”  Praise God! We serve an on-time, right this minute God, who is ready, willing and able to handle our needs. Did you notice that God didn’t take away David’s problems, he “made him bold with strength in his soul.”  God provides us with the boldness to face the issues and to grow our faith and to be overcomers, regardless of the challenges that we face! I choose to walk with God and to Praise His Name and to be grateful for His Provision for me! His Grace is sufficient for me, HOW ABOUT YOU? I cry out to God, and He answers me with what He knows that I need! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

KENNETH DRIVER

JAMES FERRELL

CAROLINE NORWOOD

“Do You TRUST GOD?”

November 12  “Do You TRUST GOD?”  Philippians 4:19

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

I assume that taking an inventory of what we have and what we lack, is a natural part of our human existence. I listen to family and friends talking about what they don’t have and what they desire yet, they seem to forget the blessings that they already enjoy!  Are we spending valuable time worrying about lack, when we should be rejoicing, for what we actually have to enjoy?  As I reflect on my own life, I am blessed, and I am living a Full Life.  I am excited for the future!  God has promised that there would be great and mighty blessing ahead, and all that I must do; is to be Faithful and ask for His Provision and He would provide for my every need… Considering all that is in my life, I AM TRULY BLESSED!  The older that I become and the Stronger and more mature I become, spiritually, I am excited that I am focusing on what I have, and not what I perceive that I lack.  God said that He would supply my every need, and He said that He would provide Wisdom and Strength and Courage, so, what do I need beyond His Promises?  How about embracing the blessings and living for Him, in such a way that others would recognize His Grace, Power, Provision and Promise and that they too, would become more focused on Praise versus Pity.  Think about this question: How would the Lord God of all that is, want to bless you?  How about blessing you, HEART, MIND, SOUL AND WITH HIS STRENGTH?  Matthew 6:33 says it best:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  Seek God first and watch Him supply your needs beyond your grandest imagination…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted with a Purpose)

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 11, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

FRANKLIN FINCH

The Truth Shall Set You Free

November 11  The Truth Shall Set You Free  Philippians 4:8

** We recognize all Veterans today! Thank you for your service and for your willingness to support and defend our freedoms! HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY 2024! **

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  (Philippians 4:8)

The message is simple and direct for today! The way that you think, the subjects that you dwell on, and the actions that are brought to reality, because of what you think, is entirely up to you! God has provided the opportunity, the power, and the presence, to live for Him, focused on Him, empowered by Him, through the Blood of Jesus Christ! I continue to repeat the message of hope, and that is, Jesus Christ, His shed blood, and God’s Love for Humanity! Satan would have you dwell on your “Happiness,” and the seeking of human pleasures, and this is a fatal trap! DO NOT ALLOW SATAN TO CONFUSE YOU BETWEEN HAPPINESS AND JOY!!! Our earthly journey, in order to, please God, requires FOCUS, DEDICATION, and DETERMINATION! PLEASE DON’T LET SATAN DECIEVE YOU INTO BELIEVING THAT YOUR EARTHLY “HAPPINESS’ IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT YOUR FAITHFUL SERVICE TO YOUR SAVIOR! Be careful What You Think! Decide who you will serve! Your actions, Your words, Your Desires will indicate who and what you choose to serve! THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE, AND WHERE YOU NEED TO GO, AND WHERE WILL YOU BE, WHEN THE FLESHLY DESIRES FAIL, AND YOU ARE LEFT WITH A BROKE LIFE AND YOUR HAPPINESS IS GONE! Dear Friends, God Loves us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins, and He is as close as a call! I suggest that you STOP the INSANITY, and REPENT, and CALL on HIS NAME, for RESTORATION, RENEWAL, and RECOVERY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAT TO:

CATHY FARRIS

SCARLETTE O’NEAL

SAVANNAH JONES

“STAND FAST”

November 10  “STAND FAST”         1 Peter 5:8

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…                                            “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”         (1 Peter 5:8)

Every Day in Every Way, Satan challenges me as I engage in honoring the calling upon my life and as I share the “Good News” with everyone that I encounter. Unfortunately, Satan is skilled at using the unsuspecting and any means possible to tempt, deflect, obstruct and to shut down the message of Hope, through the Grace of Jesus Christ! It appears to me that the Evil One, has intensified his game with me and is using individuals to establish a path of difficulties and pitfalls, with the end goal of stifling the Message of Hope! NOT TODAY SATAN, NOR ANY OTHER DAY! Do not be alarmed when trouble comes your way! Do not be discouraged when difficulties present! Be Aware of the Wiles of Satan and, using the old cliches, “Armor-up,” be “Prayed-up,” and Stand Fast when Satan Attacks! Galatians 5:1 speaks to our victory over Satan, when it instructs us to, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Recognize the reality of evil and the sources of that evil and DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the EVIL! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 9, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

RJ SELLERS

ALLIE ANN SELLERS

PAM EARP

GREG GIDDING

Is He Satisfied with Me?

November 9    Is He Satisfied with Me?      Psalm 119:6

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Then I shall not be ashamed when I look upon all Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:6)

Recently, a dear lady shared with me a thought that has inspired me to look at my life, my calling, my witness, and my service! She was discussing an upcoming message, and she said, “and I hope that you don’t disappoint me!” Well, the reality is that I did not disappoint, but the thought made me consider just how disappointed our God is with us, when we fail to embrace His commandments and to live in His Love. When we allow our worldly emotions, and desires, and attitudes to dictate our interpersonal relationships, and we allow our human prejudices and attitudes to drive our communications, and when others are offended, we are offended by their offense, and we retreat into “victimhood,” and embrace the hurt!  Each side feeling justified in their position, and each side embracing the misery! Let me state clearly and directly, this is the time when the pastor is called upon to act as a mediator or referee, and this is a situation that is difficult and taxing! I go back to the statement from my dear friend, “and I hope that you don’t disappoint me!” I am absolutely sure that God is disappointed in our behaviors, our attitudes, and our words! Amazingly, I cannot “fix” these situations, however, I can and do commit each situation to targeted and direct prayer! Ponder the words of an old song, written by Grace B. Maxwell: Is He Satisfied with Me?

 “I am satisfied with Jesus, but a question comes to me, As I ponder o’er His goodness: Is He satisfied with me? Is my Master satisfied, Is He satisfied with me? I am satisfied with Jesus; Is He satisfied with me? Am I kind in words, and tender? Am I all I ought to be? Am I always His defender? — Is He satisfied with me? Do I tell the blessed story Of the Christ on Calvary, Doing all for His own glory? — Is He satisfied with me? “

In our actions, attitudes, motivations, interpersonal communications, are we living with the assurance that God is satisfied with us? Remember John 15:7-12: 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. His Love is our example, and His Commandments are our guide, so, if you are not keeping His commandments and you are not demonstrating His Love and Grace, and you are creating issues that ought not be issues, then consider the question: Is God disappointed with me? I pray that we will follow His Lead, embrace His Words, Demonstrate His Love and exercise God inspired Tolerance, and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDYS FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CELESTE WILLIAMS

JASON HOUSE

Living Faithfully

November 8    Living Faithfully       Romans 6:1-2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (Romans 6:1-2)

Over the past several weeks, I have been presented with a number of opportunities to counsel, guide, and assist fellow travelers, along this journey of life. Amazingly, one reality stands out as a sad and disturbing fact! Every single one of the individuals were not interested in change or repentance or atonement, they were seeking approval for their sinful activities and had no thoughts of remorse. Sadly, when I would not offer some sort of approval or “absolution,” they ended our communications, and were angry when they departed. Wow! If you recall, when Jesus told the prostitute that He did not condemn her, he closed His statement with clear instructions. He told her to “Go and Sin No More!” Pay close attention, REPENTANCE is NOT Repeating the same sin, over and over, with the idea that condemnation is not going to be a part of the equation! We are to repent of our sins, forsake the sinful activities, and return to the healthy spiritual relationship with God, made possible by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ! You are with Him, or you are not! It is really simple! If you claim it, then live it, and let Him shine through you! Wake up and realize what you are doing and how you are living and take ownership of your actions and make the decision to change your ways, or you have already decided to deny, to lie, and refuse to walk in God’s Grace and Power! Make sure to be aware that your actions have consequences, so decide right now, how you will live! Don’t complain and moan about how “hard your bed is” because you have made it!! Recognize your Sin, Repent of your Sin, Ask God to Forgive you and to Cleanse you, and then, Leave that Sin alone, and Focus on what is eternal, versus what makes you, in your flesh, “Feel” good! GOD IS NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR FEELINGS, ONLY YOUR FAITHFULNESS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

PAT COLEY

DIANNE HAIRR

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

RANDY & DALE DRIVER

FRED & CAROL FLOWERS

PAT PETTIT & CONNIE BECHDOLT

Ruminate on HIS WORD

November 7    Ruminate on HIS WORD         Psalm 119:15-16

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I will meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” (Psalm 119:15-16)

King David pledged that he would “Meditate, Contemplate, Focus On, and Allow God’s Holy Word to Consume His Thoughts. We can understand that the scriptures refer to David (twice) as a man after God’s Own Heart! Keep in mind, David was a sinner! He was guilty of lying, cheating, adultery, and murder! When David was under the protection of the umbrella of God’s Grace, and he was focusing and feasting on God’s Word, he was walking in the Victory that is assured through the power and presence of God! When David removed himself from that protective covering, he made some serious mistakes and got into much trouble! The lesson for today is simple! When we Meditate, Contemplate and Think about the Scriptures, so that the Word of God Dominates our Lives, then we are going to be “Walking in His Will,” and we are going to be “Praying, Sharing, Focusing, and Claiming God’s Amazing Grace! I commit myself, through the Holy Spirit, to Meditate and Contemplate and Focus on God’s Word, Every Day, Each Day, until God calls be Home or He Raptures the Church! HOW ABOUT YOU? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 6, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JAMY WHEELER

BRITTANY MACK

BRENDA BUNN

GREG BATTEN

RONNIE RICHARDSON

MIRANDA BATTEN

MORGAN ADAMS