BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 26, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ANNETTE BROCK
DUSTY ANDERSSON
DONALD RAGAN
NOAH JUSTICE
RAY FAULKNER
KIM EATMON
BRUCE JOHNSON
“Be Strong”
November 26 “Be Strong” Joshua 1:9
HAPPY 67th BIRTHDAY TO MY BRIDE, MY BEST FRIEND AND MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE! ANNETTE, I LOVE YOU to the Moon and back… (FOUR-ever)!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of Good Courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” (Joshua 1:9)
Circumstances change, opportunities come and go, situations are fluid, however, the Love of God and His Promises for us, and His instructions to us, are eternal and consistent! I think about the situation with Joshua. Moses, the amazingly great leader, deliverer, and interceder for the Hebrew people, was dead, yet GOD WAS NOT! There was ole Joshua, Moses’ successor. What was he to do? Joshua could not dwell on the past, nor live in the past! He had to look to the future and to keep moving forward. God wants us to learn from the past, as we look to the future, as we live in the present! In the light of our present situation, I am excited to claim His Promises, to be STRONG and to BE OF GOOD COURAGE and not be FEARFUL or CONFUSED! Praise God, our LORD is with us wherever we go! A SOLID PROMISE FOR A POSITION SHIFTING WORLD! As we travel through these uncertain times, claim His Promises, and keep looking to the future with hope and confidence and with the assurance of His Grace and His Mercies and His Power! Remember, when we walk in God’s Presence, we have HIS POWER, PEACE, PROVISION, and HIS BLESSINGS! As we face shifting values and priorities and the, seemingly, insane actions and reactions of others,” Don’t overreact, Don’t Panic; Don’t be Afraid; Don’t look back…With the Promise of His Overcoming Power, Seize the moment, Keep Moving Forward! GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH US YET!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LILLE SCOTT
SCOTT STEWART
RYAN HARGREAVES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RAY & DANA HOCUTT
RON & JAN DIEHL (In Heaven)
“BE BLESSED”
November 25 “BE BLESSED” Numbers 6:24-26
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Trusting in the “Goodness” of God and the Promises of His Grace, I am praying that you are Growing and Maturing in the Love of God, Through Jesus Christ and that You are Praising God every day and that You are making a difference in this dark and evil world! It is my desire for you, to be blessed, to enjoy the presence of God and His Blessings and to embrace His Peace. Please encourage others to “Be Blessed,” to Embrace His Love and to Live “Under the Blood” of our SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! A dear lady, Mrs. Peggy Wilder, that I respected greatly, had a “saying,” that inspired me every time that I read one on her posts, on Facebook. She ended her words with, “Feeling blessed, more blessed & blessed again!” The message for today is simple: BE WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AND LIVE ABOVE THE EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES AND RECOGNIZE THE POWER THAT WE HAVE TO BE OVERCOMERS. ENCOURAGE OTHERS, TEACH OTHERS, BE AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS, FORGIVE OTHERS, LOVE OTHERS AND FULFILL YOUR PART IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD! As Miss Peggy said, “Feeling blessed more blessed & blessed again!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
SIDE NOTE: February 24, 2008, I became the Pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle Church and little did I know, that I was about to be blessed beyond my broadest imagination. This unique gathering of like-minded believers, each with specific talents and energies, blending together to worship and to share the “Good News” and to Enhance the Blessings of God together! Almost 17 years later, the Blessings continue to expand to include new believers and the mission of sharing Jesus with this world continues! What a blessing it is to be a part of the BTC family and to be actively engaged in the Cause of Christ, right here, right now! Miss Peggy was correct: “I am Blessed, More Blessed & Blessed Again!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LIN CREECH
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
RICKY & PAT NARRON
Eyes on Jesus
November 24 Eyes on Jesus Ephesians 1:18
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “May He enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope His call holds for you.” (Ephesians 1:18)
WWJD…Do you remember the bracelets that were popular a few years ago? WWJD… “What Would Jesus Do?” We are told and I continue to preach, that we are to be like Jesus. What does it mean to be “like Jesus?” Think about it…This old world has never known a man like Jesus. His heart was pure, and his lifestyle and character were without fault or blemish. He was in tune with the Father, and He heard every whisper of the Father God. Jesus brought to mankind His mercy, that was powerfully capable of forgiving our sins. He reached out to great and small, and He was engaged in the lives of those who were in need. This man called Jesus, endured the suffering and shame and pain and ridicule, yet He never quit, and He was determined to fulfill His mission for Humanity. Jesus is the ultimate model for humanity, and we are to embrace His mission, His Grace and His Mercy and emulate Him in every area of our lives! To Be Christ-Like, is to emulate Jesus Christ! We must focus on Jesus and, we must embrace His example for living and we must make Jesus the center of our existence! Christmas is a great time to reflect and inspect and adjust our priorities and become more “Christ-Like” in all that we do! We have the EXAMPLE, now let’s BE WHAT HE WANTS US TO BE! In His Love…Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE….
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
TIM DAVIS
DEBBIE CHRISTIE
TIM CONGLETON
VICTOR MASSEY
MRS. LINDA PRICE
Rising Above the Circumstances
November 23 Rising Above the Circumstances Isaiah 26:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
There is an uneasiness of minds, in our land, that creates troubling thoughts that permeate our lives. As I observe the issues of the day, with a human perspective, I am forced to recognize the Hand of Satan at work, in this world. When you look at the raw numbers, am I to believe that over half of the population of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, are in favor of less freedom and more government control, lawlessness, and chaos? Then it hit me…Not everyone, even if they claim some religious affiliation, think like me, or believe like me or feel a sense of commitment to their, supposed, convictions. John 14:27 tells us that, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The reality is clear; there is no peace, in this world, except that which comes from God! Before Jesus went to Calvary and would later ascend back to the Father, He told His Disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus knew their hearts; He knew they were deeply troubled about His coming death and then His leaving them. The trouble is many people trust their “feelings” over trusting God. What you feel may or may not be true, but that which Jesus says, is always TRUE! Isaiah writes that God will keep them in perfect peace, but it is conditional; this peace is for those whose minds are stayed on God. They have peace because they trust in Him. We already trust in a lot of things, every day that give us peace of mind, so we know that we can trust Him and His Word more than our feelings. Circumstances change; politicians come and go; however, the WORD OF GOD IS CONSTANT AND UNCHANGING!! So, what are we to do in this evil loving, hate driven, anti-God environment? We are to trust in God, Claim His Promises and Stay Faithful to Him, in Prayer, Witnessing, Studying, and in ATTITUDE! Believer, my Daddy used to preach a sermon called, “ANCHOR DEEP,” and that is the instruction for today’s environment: ANCHOR DEEP in HIS WORD! Things are going to change, Things are going to become challenging, Situations are going to defy Common Sense Reasoning, and the Environment of Chaos is only going to get worse, so ANCHOR DEEP because, whether you recognize it or not, THE STORMS ARE COMING!!!! You want PEACE? Again, John 14:27 tells us that, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
P.S. Thank You for the prayers this past week. I am, finally, feeling better and I apologize for not being able to fulfill my duties this past week. Thank you to Ashelyn Briggerman, Lou Carroll and our amazing Church Family! I am a Blessed Man! TO GOD BE THE GLORY! (Pastor Glen)
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR NOVEMBER 22, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
LUCAS LANE
ELIZABETH FULLER HORNE
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
WAYNE & KELLY CURRIE
Do Not Be Troubled!
November 22 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 sone 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 NOVEMBER 21, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DANNY HOCUTT
JOAN WATSON
MEGAN ALLEN
The “Fishin” Spot
November 21 The “Fishin” Spot 2 Corinthians 11:3
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Wow! Listening to the news of the day and having experienced the issues of human deceptions and conflicts, I sit and reflect on the Reason that Jesus came to earth! God loves us enough that He sent Jesus to be the One True and Last Sacrifice for our sins! Keep in mind, not everyone recognizes His Love, His Mission, and His Atoning Grace! I would like to share a story, from my youth, that illustrates the necessity and the reality of staying true to your mission and to be faithful, regardless of the challenges that occur! When I was a boy, I “LOVED” to fish! There was a particular spot, along the banks of the Neuse River that was my favorite place to fish. It was called, “Spring Bank!” It seemed that this special place was where the fish would congregate, and I fished at this special spot, as often as I could. From early spring, until early winter, I was there, at least 3 times a week. I would grab my fishing poles, let Mama know where I was headed, or at least in the general direction, and away I would go! Oh yeah, I failed to tell you why the fishing was so good! This Special Place, My Place, where the fishing was great, was, also, the same spot that the snakes, thought was a special place for them. No one else would fish in the spot because of the snakes! Now, let me paint the picture for you! I would sit in my wallowed-out spot on the bank, against a big Water Oak Tree, and I had my cane pole, for fishing, and my shorter cane pole for “snaking!” Imagine me sitting on the bank, with my line in the water, and I am watching the cork and watching for snakes. (Did I mention that the snakes were on the bank and in the trees and in the water… they were everywhere! I remember counting 31 snakes on one fishing trip…) With my shorter cane pole, I would hit the snakes while pulling in the fish. Keep in mind, this type of fishing was not for the weak of heart or one that might have a fear of the obstacles (snakes). July and August, the snakes were more aggressive, and it required more concentration to not be a victim. Why this story today? I truly believe that we are, in the midst, of Satanic deceptions, just like Eve experienced, in the Garden of Eden and we must be aware and prepared for the deceptions. Evil exists on every side and Satan wants to keep us from “Fishing!” That is, he wants us to fail as “Fishers of Men!” When I was a boy, Daddy would warn me about playing in the tall weeds and grass! “Watch out for the snakes!” Notice that he didn’t say, “Watch out, there MAY be snakes!” The fact is that snakes are in the grass and snakes are everywhere that we step! Dear Friends, we are living in “Snake-Filled” times, with obstacles and deceptions at every turn, so, I am asking you to recognize the environment and prepare for the challenge and armor up for the on-going battle! WE MUST be AWARE of the SNAKES and be prepared to deal with them and to NEVER let them STOP us from our MISSION to be TRUE and EFFECTIVE “FISHERS OF MEN!” By the Way… we ate lots and lots of fresh fish! We must remain committed; we must remain faithful… His Blessings and His Bounty are ours, when we are obedient, and faithful! Stay focused on the Love of God and be Grateful for HIS LOVE, through JESUS CHRIST! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posted with Purpose)
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
RON DIEHL ( In Heaven)
JOHN BUTLER
RICKY MURRAY
Watch Out for “Twisted Thinking!”
November 20 Watch Out for “Twisted Thinking!” Proverbs 12:5-8
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand. 8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.” (Proverbs 12:5-8)
On November 5, 2024, America spoke loudly about the Twisted Thinking that has permeated our culture, over the past several years! Amazingly, I have been shocked at the reactions of so many! On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Annette and I were at a local Greenhouse, and the extremely nice and helpful attendant began to volunteer her thoughts and feelings about the election. She continued to regurgitate every talking point that had been promoted by the Liberal Leftist media and their politicians. I just listened until she declared that this “Convicted Felon” was going to destroy America and was going to set the Freedoms that we enjoy back hundreds of years. She went on to say that he was going to take away our Social Security and Medicare and that he was going to be the death of the American that we know! I responded with, “He can’t do that.” “Our system of government has checks and balances, and the Congress would never approve this!” Immediately, she turned on a dime, and exclaimed, “You don’t know this man!” At this point, I thought that silence was the best way to conclude our conversation. She continued her lecture on “Twisted” reality, and then she asked that famous question, “What do you do for a living?” When I responded, “I’m a Pastor!” Then she really did “take off!” “Aren’t you afraid that your freedom of religion is going to be taken away?” “No ma’am, I’m not! I am not sure what you have been listening to and supporting, but regardless of the political climate, or the party in control, and regardless of the person in the White House, I will continue to love and support the One that provides the ability to overcome and to flourish, regardless of the worldly situation, and that source is JESUS CHRIST! Would you like to hear about Him?” Immediately she went silent, and the last words that she spoke were, “Have a nice day!” Since the election, individuals that have No Solid Foundation for Living are responding in some amazing ways! Liberal Professors, Leftist Colleges are cancelling classes, offering counseling for distraught students, having “circle” encounters in order that those participating can find their way, and a host of “unbelievable” antics that clearly demonstrates the Twisted and debase thinking that exists among the supposed “Elites and, in my opinion, the “Pin Heads” that are indoctrinating our children! This “Twisted” Thinking exists and you will be called upon to support and defend this insanity, but “Fear Not,” as long as you remain Faithful to your calling and continue to reflect Jesus, then you will, not only Survive, but you will also Thrive! My ramblings are to reassure you that God has this situation (and every situation) and He has promised that, when we remain faithful, He will take care of us, regardless of the earthly political environment! I am profoundly saddened by the reactions and the Satanic driven lies and distortions that are being promoted by those in our country that are supposed to be sharing “Truth,” yet have decided to share “Lies!” Last thought: When I was a young man, and if I had come to my daddy and told him that I couldn’t go to school because the election didn’t go my way, and that I thought that I needed some counseling to overcome my grief and sadness, I can assure you that I would have received some “counseling!” I can hear him now… “Boy, you have 5 minutes to get up, get ready, and get with it, or you are going to need more that counseling!” Praise God that I was taught to have faith in my Savior and to “Live Above the Circumstances!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 19, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SHARON HOCUTT
STEVE BROWN
CHERYL BERGERON
“A Certain Future”
November 19 “A Certain Future” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For we walk by faith, not by sight:” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
As I grow in HIS Grace and Knowledge, I do not fear the future! I am excited about what is ahead! My future, my security, my life, is planned out before me, because I have claimed and received the Gift of God, through Jesus Christ! This world is changing all around me, and I am witnessing the moving and progression of God’s plan for humanity unfolding before my eyes, and I am excited to be a part of this divine plan! Even though, momentarily, I might stumble and lose focus, I am assured that You are guiding me and loving me and teaching me and holding me secure in Your Arms! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Thank you for allowing me to live my life, consumed by Your Presence and completed by Your Love! Please Lord, continue to allow me the privilege to say “Thank-You,” for Your Love, Grace, Guidance, and Your Sustaining Power for My Living! May I continue to Live with GRATITUDE! May I continue to Serve in the Beauty of Your Holiness! Friends, He has Promised us… What choices will you make? As for me and my house, we are going to SERVE the LORD! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
PS… DON’T FORGET TO BE GRATEFUL!
BIRTHDAYS FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2024
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
CHERYL WHITLEY
GINGER MATTHEWS
Harmony!
November 18 Harmony! 1 Corinthians 16:14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Many years ago, a wise older man shared some wonderful words of wisdom with this young, inexperienced, and slightly arrogant “whippersnapper!” He told me that I was required to work together with others, and that I should make every effort to do it with harmony and with love! Wow! How difficult is that? Working together with people that are difficult, moody, opinionated, arrogant, and all together unpleasant. When I inquired about the secret to this miracle that he expected, he simply spoke one word, and it made me stop in my tracks! He said, “JESUS!” He went on to explain that life with others, especially in the church, is like an automobile engine. There are many different parts, different parts, that are not alike yet work together to seemingly create the impossible. Every part, working together, to achieve the desired goal, an engine that runs! Like this engine, the church is a finely tuned product that should operate in harmony with others, to achieve the ultimate goal of sharing Jesus Christ with a lost world, and to promote harmony among the brethren! It is our responsibility to create an atmosphere of harmony and friendship and love among fellow believers, and to create a witness that will promote and encourage non-believers to desire a Life-Changing relationship with Jesus Christ! Remember, when you greet others with friendship and an attitude of HIS Love, then they will, in most cases, respond in kind! Let us commit to being friendly, courteous, kind and diligently work to keep our focus on Jesus, and not on the petty issues of the day! I fully believe that we should commit to being “Witnesses of Kindness and Love,” created and promoted by the Author of Love, Jesus Christ! Try smiling today! Try speaking to others with His Love! Embrace the fact of His Grace and share the Good News! “YOU ARE TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!