“Feeling Empty…”

January 22       “Feeling Empty…”   Acts 3:19-20

** Due to Inclement Weather, the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting & other BTC Activities are Cancelled for tonight! Please Stay Safe! **

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before…” (Acts 3:19-20)

Have you ever felt “jaded,” or “empty?” I was in a conversation with a pastor friend, and he was sharing that he was going through the motions, and that he was feeling isolated and alone! He continued to share that he was still preaching and visiting and doing those things that were required, yet he didn’t have the energy or enthusiasm that he once enjoyed. With tears in his eyes, he asked me how I did it! My response was quick… “Do What?” He said that he observed me interacting with others and always smiling and always with a quick word and an encouraging thought, and I stopped him, and I informed him that I have times of feeling empty and alone and isolated and weary and challenged and “down-right tired,” but when these times come, I know that I need some “ALONE TIME” with my Lord! Many years ago, my parents would play host to a traveling evangelist, and Mama would “spoil” him with all of her amazing ways! He would have the best sheets on the bed, and our best pillows, and she would put out the thickest towels, washcloths and she would make his stay with us as comfortable and refreshing as she could! I recall one young man, in particular, that told my folks that he felt so comfortable and blessed and refreshed! You can imagine that Mama was beaming her beautiful smile! The last morning that he was with us, he confessed that he came into our home, empty, weary, and borderline discouraged, and that he felt a bit guilty when he wasn’t “Doing” something for the Lord, however, he had been blessed to have been pampered and to have experienced the “Brock” warmhearted hospitality, and an opportunity for some “Down-Time! (Some Guilt-Free, Refreshing Down Time) … Friends, we all get weary in our daily service, and we get challenged and we have a sense of emptiness, yet we have a solution to this human condition! When I begin to feel this emptiness and weariness, I know that it is time to go into the presence of God and spend time with my Lord! I am talking about being with my Lord, even more than my normal prayer and study time. I am talking about some Alone Time, just me and Him, praying and listening and reading His word and blocking out all the distractions of this world, and allow Him to refresh me, empower me, and allow me to grow, and stay in His Presence as long as it takes to be refreshed! Dear Friends, when you feel empty, and you will, COME into the presence of the Lord, and spend time with Him, and allow Him to touch you and heal you and lift you up, then you will leave “FILLED!” THANK YOU, GOD FOR YOUR SALVATION AND YOUR SUSTAINING AND REFRESHING POWER! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 21, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

ANNE BADGER

ELISABETH CLINTON

Be Positive in Everything!

January 21             Be Positive in Everything!          Proverbs 6:2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”  (Proverbs 6:2)

This world is a negative place, and we are products of this environment! Think about this… “I ain’t got, but one,” or “I only have one.” We have a tendency, in our words and actions, to have a default position of negativity. Recently, I was reading a book about our patterns of speech and the way in which we interact with others. It has prompted me to be aware of my own speech patterns and my choice of words. Dear friends, we have a responsibility to represent the Good News, in a positive and clear fashion, and we need to pay attention to the way that we speak. I will tell you that I have been amazed at the way that I express myself. I have always been a positive, “Glass Half Full” type of person, yet I have come to realize that I speak from a position that is “negative!” I believe that Jesus recognized this human issue, and He spoke to “renewing of our minds,” as a way of moving us from a “negative world view,” into a positive, “Holy Spirit Guided” eternal viewpoint. In Philippians 4:8, we are instructed to control our thoughts, (through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment) therefore, our words and actions… “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.” What we think and how we think, will determine how we speak! Our Savior wants our words to be true and revealing and positive and edifying to Him. Attitude, Aptitude, Abilities, Action…We are called to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE – We are called to STUDY to PREPARE OURSELVES for the TASK – We are called to UTILIZE every RESOURCE available to us, to HONOR OUR CALLING – We are called to put our ATTITUDE, Our APTITUDE, Our ABILITIES into POSITIVE ACTION for HIM! As I continue the call to EVANGELISM, and as I grow in His Grace, I am becoming aware of areas in my own life that I need to surrender to Him. True and effective Evangelism is Personal and Life-style Evangelism…Sharing Your Own Experiences with our Savior and allowing others to see themselves experiencing the same amazing results! I am praying that my words will be positive, and my actions will match my words, and my attitude will reflect His Love and my dedication to being the best that I can be, through the Holy Spirit, that I can be! How about you? Be Positive, Be Strong, Be Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 20, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

STACEY RICHARDSON

Armor Up!

January 20       Armor Up!       Ephesians 6:10-18

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—" (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Sensitivity, Awareness, Tolerance… Words that have broad applications, for our thoughts and behaviors. In 2024, there were individuals that assumed some pseudo-leadership role in dictating what is acceptable and proper behavior, have completely ignored the standards of morality and standards of decency that are found in God’s Holy Word. Everyone seems to be so sensitive about everything! Being offended appears to be the emotion of choice! I was, recently, informed that I needed to be more tolerant of others and their behaviors, regardless of my own convictions and standards for living. Ironically, when I expressed my standards for living, that were in direct opposition to the behaviors of this individual, amazingly, the message of tolerance and sensitivity and inclusion were not even considered in his response to me. It is interesting, that acceptability is only a consideration, if it agrees with the standardless, godless, humanistic view of life! By the way, this standard is based on emotions and flexible standards of acceptability that validate “if it feels good” standards of behavior! What has happened to “Common Sense?” Oh, that’s right… Common Sense implies a standard and therefore Common Sense has been described as “racist,” “sexist,” “homophobic,” discriminating and opposed to the “if it feels good do it” mentality! Believers, God’s Word IS OUR STANDARD FOR LIVING AND HIS PROMISES ARE BASED ON FACT, NOT FEELINGS!! This world and the evil one, Satan, are excited about the sad state of affairs that exists in this world, today! You see, when there are no standards, no moral absolutes, no Common Sense, and then everything becomes acceptable, except standards of Common Sense, God’s Word and Patriotism and the Rule of Law! So, this is the World that we live in! Are you truly committed to living for Christ and practicing the standards for living; that are defined in His Word? Remember, we are commanded to “Love our Neighbors,” now, that does not mean that we must condone or validate their behaviors! My Mama taught me to mind my own business, and I try, as best as I can, to do just that! I try to live “peaceably” with everyone; however, I refuse to compromise my standards of living, in order to validate behaviors that are opposed to my own standards and beliefs! Folks, we are faced with serious challenges, and we are called to be prepared for the “Battle,” the Struggle, the Conflict between “Good” and “Evil!” To survive, we must put on the “WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD,” and Prepare for the fact that there is a Struggle Ahead! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 19, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

WANDA BATTEN

SHERI WEATHERS

ANGELA CURTMAN

ANNA CROWDER

PAT HARE

I am an “OVERCOMER”

January 19       I am an “OVERCOMER”  Galatians 2:20

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The Holy Scriptures inform us that there WILL be trials, tribulations, conflicts, chaos, and twisted and perverse thoughts and actions by those that oppose the message of Hope and Freedom, that comes from the selfless act on Calvary, by God’s Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, and sadly, we are witnessing the effects of decades of Satanic influences and a concerted effort to oppose anything that has standards of behavior, based upon Judo-Christian ethics. We are experiencing the results of generations of “if it feels good, then it is okay” attitudes and morals, and when there are not standards of behavior established, then we must rely on “feelings,” and these standards change, based upon emotion and prejudices, and this type of pattern of behavior cannot be sustained! Chaos, Anger, Arrogance, and Twisted Behaviors become the Norm, and those that claim Jesus Christ, and are living by the standards of civil behavior, will continue to find it difficult to navigate through this evil and perverse world! My dear mother told me that there would be challenges and trials that I would experience, in this life! Every one of us experience challenges, and the ever-changing dynamic of 21st century life in America, every single day! PRAISE GOD! Guess what? I experience trials every day (so do you) – In this World and in my own heart! Jesus told us that “In this world, I would have tribulation, but He instructed me that I was to be of ‘Good Cheer,’ for He had overcome the World, and as His child, I, too, am an overcomer (John 16:33)!! Isn’t it exciting to know that “Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)!” PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! TO GOD BE THE GLORY, FOREVER AND EVER…AMEN! He has promised Victory in Jesus, and we can count on His Grace and His Power and His Provision for our living! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE! (Re-Posting)

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 18, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

DANA HOCUTT

CLARICE PETERSON

JASON STEVENS

SHELLEY BUNN

KEVIN MCNAMARA

Controlling Desire!

January 18       Controlling Desire!           Psalm 27:4

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

I love the words of the psalmist when he declares that “One thing I have desired…!” The reality is that Desire is not the issue! Every one of us have more than enough “desire,” however, the challenge is to control “desire,” and continue to grow and mature into an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ! Think about it! There are so many things that compete with our “desire!” Our daily activities, our to-do-lists, and a host of other distractions, take us away from our main goal, to Edify and Praise God! We are constantly being pulled in so many different directions, and we tend to be consumed by activities and life, and, as Christians, not everything is bad, however, when we allow activities to take the place of our one, main goal (Praising and Serving God), then we allow the activities to take the place of true and growing worship! We MUST be COMPLETELY DEPENDENT on GOD, and We MUST allow HIS GRACE to SUSTAIN US! Be Careful not to allow activities to replace your devoted service to the Father, through the Son! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 17, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

BROOKE B. ZEPEDA

SHEILA STANCIL

DAWN GRIFFIN

CHERYL HOCUTT

Renewal, Restoration, Reality

January 17   Renewal, Restoration, Reality   Romans 12:2

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Satan takes joy in attacking believers and he enjoys the chaos and disruption that is associated with his attacks! 2024 brought amazing victories and measurable spiritual growth among the fellowship at BTC! The Evil One cannot stand for God’s Word to be preached, and for people to respond to the Good News! What is so amazing is the fact that professing Christians have been used to promote the actions of Satan! Regardless of the challenges, we are to “Press On!” Regardless of the disruptions, we are to “Keep On!” Regardless of the satanic attacks from ALL directions, we are to “REMAIN FAITHFUL!” Please claim the protection of the Holy Spirit, and follow the instructions from Paul, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Please do not allow your life to be a witness for Satan! It does not matter “how you feel,” or “what you think,” what matters is your obedience to God’s call and that will require that you submit yourself to the will of God and not your own! The longer that I live, the more I understand the words of Jesus when He prophesied and taught these words, “Depart from me you workers of iniquity!” Folks that have a “look” of righteousness, but never come to the power and the real thing, God’s Grace! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 16, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

CHRISTIN HUNTER

DR. JONATHAN HAIRR

Disappointment’s Cure!

January 16       Disappointment’s Cure!           Jeremiah 32:27

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

Over the past several months, I have had the privilege to counsel and encourage a number of individuals that are struggling with the realities of life. The common theme, among the majority, is the idea of “Bailing Out,” and how they can do it with minimum disruption to their lives. Keep in mind, these folks that I have been talking with are professing Christians. I continue to trumpet the fact that God is STILL in CONTROL! We are not promised an easy road with zero challenges or disruptions! We need to continue to hear that HE is In Control and that HE promised to provide the means to Overcome! Difficulties, challenges, tragedies, mishaps, hurt feelings, conflicts are going to occur! I love what Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes into a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out?” Absolutely not! You stay put and trust that God is honoring His Promises to You! Praise God! The Holy Spirit is the engineer of my train, and He WILL see me through to the Light! How to deal with disappointment is found within the pages of God’s Holy Word and when we acknowledge that we are not the first person to cry or be hurt or to experience grief, and we are not the first person to need help, we can claim His provision, power and presence in our time of disappointment, grief and struggle. Just to reassure you, even the preacher needs to be reminded that God is in control! Daily, I submit myself to Him and claim His provision and power for my calling! LOOK UP! KEEP BELIEVING! God is not finished with us! Stay Strong, Stay Focused, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

SIDE NOTE: THANK -YOU to the BTC Family for your continued encouragement and prayerful support! Together, we are serving our God and making a difference in the lives of so many! Last year, we had 41 new members and 10 baptisms, and this year we are poised to exceed these numbers. February 2, 2025, we will experience 7 baptisms, and the BEST IS YET TO BE! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR JANUARY 15, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JAMIE WILSON BUNN

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

DANNY & JOY PERRY

Deliverance

January 15       Deliverance               Galatians 1:3-4

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” (Galatians 1:3-4)

Life in the 21st Century is busy! No one can deny that we are, as a society, so much busier than we were just a couple of decades ago. There is so much more going on that there doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything accomplished. The World and all its distractions and activities, tend to take us away from being the True Christian that we should be! If we aren’t careful, we will allow the “World’s Standards and Expectations” to dictate our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors! So, the question is, how do we “separate” lives while living in this EVIL and DEPRAVED world? Fellow Believers, we have some precious promised truths in today’s scripture passage. The first truth is that Jesus is our answer to the question of how we navigate through this Evil World! He has provided deliverance from bondage of this world’s temptations and has provided instructions to follow to make it through this age, while walking in obedience and achieving VICTORY over this Evil World! The next truth is profound!! Through the shed blood of JESUS CHRIST and the LOVE OF GOD, for us, HE has, indeed, brought deliverance from sin and He has provided guidance and leadership in the ability to lead righteous and godly lives, regardless of this world’s negative and destructive influences. It is God’s will for us to live Holy and Righteous lives and He has provided the necessary tools to do just that! We are His workmanship, and we are His Hands and Feet in this world, and we are to be about the Father’s Business! It is our responsibility to be what God has ordained for us to be! It is our decision to be strong and effective servants for Christ! It is our duty, our calling, our Hope, to be the best witness for Christ that we can be! Regardless of the negative and depraved influences of SATAN and this World, we are to BOLDLY CLAIM HIS PROMISES AND LIVE HOLY LIVES, WITH THE FIRM ASSURANCE THAT HE HAS BROUGHT TO US…HIS GRACE AND HIS COMFORTING PEACE!! What God does with you, IS UP TO YOU! It ALWAYS has been, it ALWAYS will be! Please stay in God’s Word; Stay of your Knees in Prayer and continue to Share the Good News of Jesus Christ, in Word and in Actions! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 14, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

RICKIE DRIVER

DYLAN MELVIN

CREWS BAKER

MARY LOU RICHARDSON

“SECURITY”

January 14       “SECURITY”                         Matthew 28:20

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  (Matthew 28:20)

David, the man that was described as “the man after God’s own Heart,” said that he wanted God to live in his house as long as he lived! I agree with David! I want God to dwell with me forever! There is this idea that God exists in the physical structures that we describe as “churches!” God does not live in four walls and a roof structure (although, He could, if He chose)! Acts 17:24 tells the truth, when it says, “Our Lord does not live in temples built by human hands!” Amazingly, David desired to be in the presence of God, continually! In Psalm 23, David said that he would live in the house of the Lord forever! He wasn’t trying to be an isolationist, he simply wanted to be in the presence of the Lord, whenever and wherever he was! ME TOO! I want to be with Jesus always! I am excited that He lives in me and that He promised the Holy Spirit, that will empower, guide, teach and direct me, that wherever I go, He goes too! Whatever I do, He is present! Dear Friends, that is a “Secure Feeling” and a “Secure Place” to be! How about you? Are you engaged in activities and thoughts that you wouldn’t want Jesus along? He promised… “I will be with you always!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 13, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

EARLEAN STRICKLAND

PAT TURNER

GINA TEMPLE

“Getting Along…”

January 13       “Getting Along…”             Psalm 133:1

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Several years ago, we went on a bus trip and the inevitable happened! There was one lady that complained about everything. Her seat was uncomfortable, her seat mate was too large for the seat, the bus was too noisy. She was generally disagreeable and made the trip unpleasant for everyone. Finally, I pulled her to the side and asked her to stop being so disagreeable. I explained that she was creating an atmosphere that was not good! Wow! She was shocked that I had spoken to her in this manner. She really didn’t realize that she was such a “Negative Nelly!” We continued our journey, and she did stop being so negative, or at least, didn’t verbalize her displeasure. As I thought about this experience, I understood the call for unity. How miserable it is when one is disagreeable, and how pleasant it is when one is enjoyable and agreeable! Folks, God expects us to live in unity with our fellow believers. Keep in mind, we are not expected to be “Cookie Cutter” Christians who agree on everything! Reality Check: There is a huge difference between UNITY and UNIFORMITY! My Daddy used to say that you could tie two Tom cat’s tails together and have UNION, but you would not have UNITY! Every believer has unique talents, opinions, thoughts, and actions, yet we, under the Blood of Jesus, are to be “Like-Minded” as we serve our Savior! Our politics, our preferences, our dislikes, our desires, must take second place to our commitment to Christ! Our lives should reflect HIS Love, and our ACTIONS should echo HIS Words, and Our behaviors must edify HIM! God loves it when His children “dwell together in unity!” We are to function the way that God intends, and we must be ready and willing to yield our rights and opinions, on occasion, and be quick to give and to receive forgiveness and, then we can “Dwell in Unity! It is so easy to get tangled up in the thoughts of this world, however, as children of God, we must remain “Heart – Centered” on God and forget our petty human irritations and focus on HIM! I am counting on HIS UNCHANGING AND MATCHLESS GRACE to sustain me and guide me and to teach me how to “Dwell in Unity!”  Stay Strong, STAY FOCUSED…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!

Reflection: Over the course of a year, I have received overwhelming encouragement and support from a majority of our readers, yet there are one or two that believe that it is their responsibility to point out my “shortcomings!” Just so that you are informed, I, apparently, am painting a grim portrait of living, and that I am creating a picture of a negative and hostile living environment. Well, this is true! I am pointing out that, for the Born-Again Believer, this World, this Society, this Humanistic System IS AGAINST GOD and ALL THAT BELIEVE IN THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST! DO NOT BE FOOLED! This World is a Hostile Environment for a Christian, and we are called to “Armor -up,” to face the battles that are ahead, and that we are to “Love” our neighbors, and we are to “Live Peaceably” with all peoples, as much as we can! I will continue to point out the challenges and pitfalls, in order that we may be prepared to serve our Savior, even in the “Minefields” of our human existence! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 12, 2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

WES PRIVETTE

GLENN STRICKLAND

JON BENNETT

VIRGINIA HOCUTT

HEDY CREECH

SUE HOCUTT