PRAYING ALWAYS
January 9 Praying Always… 1 Chronicles 16:11
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)
We were in the mountains of North Carolina, a few years ago, with the purpose of renewal and refreshing. The past several weeks had taken its toll on me, and I was just going through the motions, with no power and enthusiasm and my prayer life was suffering. It was one of those times when I had placed everything in front of Prayer Time and was just casually engaging in prayer. Annette said, “We need some down time!” She has a God-Given ability to discern when I am about to “Burn Out!” So, to the mountains we went! We enjoyed going to various “flea markets” around the local area, and this trip was no different. In one of the stores, I spotted a pair of roller skates that you put over your shoes and I purchased them. My mind went back to those days of my youth, and I could envision me skating around the carport as soon as we returned to the house. Sure enough, I put the skates on, tightened the skates, with the key, and stood upright. Ok, all is well! So, I slowly eased off from the spot where I stood. Thoughts of my agility and my joy in skating, came rushing into my mind, and as quickly as it entered, it exited. The thoughts of my youthful skill and pleasure of skating were quickly replaced with the reality that I was falling! Sure enough, my knees met the concrete and my, not so youthful body, told my mouth to groan! As I removed the skates and tossed them into the bushes, I realized that, if I was going to enjoy skating, I would have to do it more often, maybe, even every day, in order, to receive the joy that I had remembered. As I was sitting on the cold concrete, I had a moment of clarity! If I expected my Prayer Life to be fulfilling and effective, and if I were to receive the Power to serve God and to obey His commands, then, I, like this skating, need to do it more often! If I wanted my relationship with God to be more meaningful and if I wanted to serve Him in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then I was going to have to pray “Constantly!” I got up, dug the skates from the bushes, and told myself, “I’ll skate some more tomorrow, but right now, I am going to pray!” Every time that I have sags or down times, spiritually, it is because I fail to “Seek the LORD and His Strength!” PRAISE GOD! He has shown me that the Power that I operate in; is activated, at its greatest effectiveness, when I am constantly in prayer! The more that I pray, the stronger I become!! The stronger that I become, the more I need to Pray! How about you? Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 8, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SAMANTHA CREECH
DONNA SMITH
ALLISON STATON
HAPPY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY TO:
MR. GEORGE (IN HEAVEN) & “MISS” JANE STRICKLAND
YOU ARE THINKING WHAT?
January 8 You Are Thinking What? Luke 5:22
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” (Luke 5:22)
Jesus had just healed the Leper and the religious leaders began to “reason” among themselves about who this person was and the, according to them, was speaking “blasphemies!” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked this profound question, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” Friends, it is extremely important to “bring under subjection,” what we think! You can count on the fact that what you think about and dwell on, you will, ultimately, act on these thoughts! During 2022, my thoughts were conflicted! I had thoughts of “guilt” because I perceived that I was not doing enough, and then, moments of “frustration” over the fact that I could not do things, what I perceived to be the “old” way! Thoughts of whether my “Faith” was strong enough to deal with these new and trying challenges, and the fact that “my joy” seemed diminished. There are times when I am unable to share my thoughts, even to Annette, because I truly do not want to be perceived as complaining or acknowledge any weakness. My prayer, I mean, my repeated prayer, for 2022, was for God to “cleanse” my mind and to control my thoughts and to move me into position, mind, body, and soul, to edify Him and to be what He requires me to be! The wonderful thing that has occurred, from the experiences of being a pastor, in 2022, was the realization that I can cry before my Lord and shout out that I don’t understand and to admit my fears and my shortcomings and to acknowledge that I am just plain weary! PRAISE GOD! He is ready, willing, and able to hear us and to minister to us, and to provide an outlet for our feelings of tension, anger, frustration, confusion, worry, anxieties, and to minister and alter our thoughts, and renew our Hope, and to Energize our Resolve, and to see us through, until the very end! I suspect that you have has some of the same thoughts and challenges, during 2022. Join with me in praying this simple, yet powerful, prayer, as we move into 2022: “Dear Lord, I know that sharing my thoughts and fears is the only way for me to find the strength and comfort that I need to get through the day and to serve You, with Gladness! Father God, Thank You for loving me and for Listening to me! With Gratitude and Praise, In Jesus’ Name…Amen!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 7, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
SAMANTHA HUNTER
FRANCELINE PRICE
It IS Possible!!
January 7 It IS Possible! Philippians 3:13-14
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
One of the most difficult challenges that I face, is the reality of past failures and shortcomings! Satan uses these memories to thwart my progress and to weaken my focus! The REAL Reality is that I CANNOT CHANGE WHAT HAS HAPPENED, I CAN ONLY CHANGE WHAT IS TO BE!!! Just yesterday, I heard a well-meaning individual tell his friend that “he couldn’t do a particular thing,” and the young man seemed to be devastated by the older man’s words! Do you know folks that are ready and willing to discourage you? The world is full of “Discouragers!” If we listen to these “naysayers,” we will never do anything! When God calls you to a particular purpose, He will educate you, Empower you, and He will see you through to the successful completion of this task! As Saved Believers, we are to continue to look to Him, leave the past, in the past, and press on towards the tasks that are set before us! Dr. Kelton Hinton (Missions Director – TEBA) has been proclaiming the mission for the TEBA, to “Push Back the Darkness!” That is what we are to do, as Believers! We are to forget the past, embrace God’s calling, and move forward, pushing back the darkness in the lives of all that we encounter! 2023 IS going to be a GREAT Year! Continue to hone your focus, grow in your FAITH, and keep moving towards the “Prize!” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY AND WITHOUT A DOUBT, YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS FOR JANUARY 6, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
DALE DRIVER
BRIAN BAILEY
WE HAVE A CHOICE
January 6 We Have A Choice! Joshua 24:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “If you don’t want to serve the Lord, you must choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)
There is one overriding fact: God has invited us to be a part of His Kingdom, to be “Forgiven” through Jesus Christ, to embrace His Love and Grace, to serve Him and to be saved! There is no mistake in His invitation to us! God loved us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins, and He loved us enough to ensure that our lives would be secure, through the Holy Spirit, and He has provided redemption and Grace! He is clear in what He asks of us, and His offer to us is clear! God has left the choice to us! I find it amazing that God has left the choice to us! He loves us, He has provided relief and redemption, He has offered complete salvation, yet He has left it up to us! It is incredible that He has “moved heaven and earth” for us to be in a relationship with Him, and the decision is ours to accept or reject! So much of this life is a done deal! We cannot choose how tall we are, or how large we are, or if we will have a small nose or a “honker!” Praise God! We can, and must, choose where we will spend eternity! This is a BIG choice, this is a CRITICAL decision, and He has left it up to us!
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” You make decisions every day and the only real and true and lasting and MOST IMPORTANT decision is WHO ARE YOU GOING TO SERVE! But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!!! May this be your decision for 2023!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
THROUGH THE FIREY TRIALS
January 5 Through the Fiery Trials 1 Peter 4:12-13
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
The absolute fact of living is that we will have trials and tribulations, yet we have hope (John 16:33). Have you ever met someone that seemed to be resilient and “armor coated,” as they navigate through the trials and challenges of this life? There was such a lady, in our small community, when I was a boy. Miss Ethel was the first one to respond, when needs arose, in the community and she was the first one (usually with my mother) to reach out to new people that would visit our church. She was a true example of the active, “Faith in Action” believer! Then it happened, Miss Ethel received the call that her son, a soldier, had been killed in the line of duty, in Vietnam. Before the news could settle into reality, her younger son was severely injured in a freak car accident. To compound the issues, her house burned to the ground while she was at the funeral home, planning her son’s service. Now, you would think that this would be enough to alter her attitude and crush her very soul! You would be wrong… This amazing lady, with her world crumbling around her, spoke with assurance, that her Savior had this in His hands and that she was His and He promised to take care of her! Listen to her words…they are etched into my memory: “Lord, please let me walk in Your beauty and Your Grace, not in the ugliness of despair and pain.” I witnessed His Grace fully embraced in her life. She saw the world through His eyes, and she refused to be shaken by events and circumstances. Dear friends, we have a choice in the way that we respond to adversity! This precious lady taught Sunday School for as long as I could remember, and she was active in the “outreach visitation program,” and she was always spreading joy to those around her. A few years later, I read a poem that described “Miss” Ethel completely. It is called, Let Me Rise… “Lord, in the fire of my trials, let me rise on wings of eagles to soar again. In the depths of my depression, give me the power to float upward towards the warm sun where renewal and hope are found. From the ashes of my suffering, let me find the seed of new growth, of new life. From the darkness of my despair, let me be guided homeward by the light of Your love for me” (Author Unknown). She did rise above the circumstances, and she did continue to share God’s sustaining love. Her house was rebuilt, her son that was injured in the car wreck, recovered, and the son that died in Vietnam, was honored in our community when he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal, for his bravery, in the face of enemy fire. The actions of this young man saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. Selfless actions in the face of adversity, wonder where he learned that behavior? I had the honor to be a part of “Miss” Ethel’s Celebration of Life Service, and I spoke of her witness and her dedication and her steadfast commitment to her God, her Faith, and Her Family. Remember this fact: Tough time will come, Challenges will occur! It is up to you how you will respond to the realities! It is easy to remain faithful during the “good times!” The challenge is to remain “Faithful” during the TOUGH TIMES! Commit these words to memory: “Lord, please let me walk in Your beauty and Your Grace, not in the ugliness of despair and pain.” Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
LIVING FEARLESSLY
January 4 Living Fearlessly Romans 5:3-5
** THANK -YOU to the Deacons of Baptist Tabernacle Church for stepping up to fill the gap, in my absence! To our church family, THANK YOU for the opportunity to enjoy some Family Time… 2023 IS GOING TO BE THE BEST YEAR YET!!!
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5 NET)
2022 was a year of challenges and sufferings and troubles and some Blessings. It appears that 2023 is set to offer similar opportunities to be strong and to endure. As I listen to the news of the day, and the conversations of individuals, as I go about my day, I sense a level of “Fear” that has become a part of our existence. I am excited that the challenges and sufferings are producing endurance and character and hope for my life! I choose not to “Fear,” but be “Bold” in my service for my Savior! “Fear” is the enemy, and it will weaken us and make us see trouble even when there is none. God continues to teach us that “Fear” is a sign of a weakened faith, and I am praying for greater Faith and endurance and for His Hope, in these troubling times. 2023 can be what you choose to make it! I choose to live “Fearlessly,” walking by Faith and to claim His power, provision, presence, and His Victory! “I affirm that God’s power is rising in me, renewing, and healing my mind and body, bringing power to my mind, giving me success in my work. I affirm health, energy, enthusiasm, and the Joy of Life. All of this I owe to my Jesus Christ, my Lord, and my Savior. He has given me the “Victory Principle” for which I thank Him every single day!” So, my proclamation for 2023 is: “NOT THIS YEAR SATAN, NOT THIS YEAR! GET BEHING ME AND LEAVE ME ALONE!” What God does with you in 2023 is entirely up to you! It always has and it always will! Walk in Faith, Live Fearlessly, guided by the Holy Spirit, and “hang on!” Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
The Day After Christmas
December 26, 2022.
Good morning from Ricky Watson, Deacon, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina.
I pondered and prayed about a devotion for the day after Christmas and was led to this that I found from Ron Edmondson, who at the time he wrote this, was the lead pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, KY. He has since moved on to other areas. But I loved what he had to say and thought this an appropriate devotion for us to read on this day.
“And all they that heard it wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:18
It’s the day after Christmas.
Presents are opened. Trees are coming down. Reflecting is in full force. Plans are being made for the new year.
I can imagine the “wonder” happening in Bethlehem shortly after the birth of Christ. There was great wonder in the naming of this baby. Jesus, which means “salvation of God” – it was not something someone like Joseph and Mary typically would have named their son. Talk about high hopes for your children!
With the excitement going on in the town because of the census, it is probable that few took notice of Jesus’ birth. Therefore, when the shepherds go about joyfully, almost ecstatically, proclaiming the Good News, people most likely wondered “what baby?” “I didn’t see a baby”. They were so busy with their own celebrations they had missed the birth of a Savior!
What about you? As you clean up the torn packages from yesterday, and you pack away all the new gifts – as you travel back home or prepare to head back to work – as you explore how to spend your Christmas cash – what difference has Christmas made in your life?
Did the fact a Savior was born make a difference in your life this week/this year? Are you living a life that reflects that truth? Or – are you still wondering what all the excitement is about?
Many celebrated Christmas this year. How many really understood the why behind the celebration? Was it the center of their celebration or part of a checklist or after thought.
The parties are over and the gifts are open, and many will be sad the celebration is over, but the celebration alone will never completely fill a person’s heart. Only the true gift of Christmas, the one they named Jesus, can fill the void in a heart, which often dwells at the end of a Christmas celebration.
After the dust settles from the hustle and rush of buying, wrapping, opening gifts, stuffing ourselves with holiday treats and enjoying the company of friends and family is over, perhaps you and I should pause and wonder – pause and truly reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Perhaps after Christmas is more important even than during.
A Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord! The Savior grew, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, rose again, and now intercedes between God and man on behalf of those who believe.
He wants to be a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He wants those who are weary and heavy-burdened to come to Him. He wants to bless our lives with true peace. Hope was born at Christmas.
And this part of the Christmas season – will last throughout the coming year – and throughout eternity!”
I wonder how many of us think about these things on the day after we celebrate the birth of our Savior! Is it just another day for us? Are we just glad that the busy day of Christmas Day is behind us, and we are ready to move on to other things? Are we busy watching all the college football bowl games that are on between Christmas and New Years? Or are we just glad to have some time to rest and relax after the hustle and bustle of Christmas? Whatever we do, we must continue to remember the season. It is the time after we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Take time to ponder that! Take time to ponder what we would be doing if he hadn’t been born and later persecuted for us to be saved! Think about your life and if you are living as he would want you to! And if not, pray to God for your salvation, thank him for sending his son to die for us, so that we may have everlasting life! Give thanks for his life on earth and for the wondrous gift he gave for us!
Merry Day after Christmas! Happy New Year! May your new year be filled with all the blessings of God!
December 25 Christmas Day 2022 Luke 2:1-20
** WE WILL BE HAVING A SPECIAL SEVICE TODAY, AT BTC, AT 10:00 AM. WE WILL CELEBRATE COMMUNION, WORSHIP AND CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying, and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:1-20)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES! PLEASE LET THIS BE A DAY OF REFLECTION AND RENEWAL. GOD LOVED US ENOUGH THAT HE SENT JESUS, HIS SON, TO TAKE OUR SINS AWAY! WE OUGHT TO LOVE HIM BACK! SO, JOIN WITH ME IN SAYING, “THANK YOU GOD, FOR YOUR LOVE, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!” HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS ABSOLUTELY YET TO BE!
**From our family to yours: MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND SPIRITUALLY PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!**
The HOPE of GLORY!!
December 24 The HOPE of GLORY Colossians 1:27
** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022, BTC will have a 10:00am CHRISTMAS SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
Before the wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, God was planning for the celebration of your rebirth into eternal life with Him! Praise God, that He loved us enough to give us a “second” chance! In the depths of my being, may I continue to seek His face and to follow His commands, until I stand before Him in Heaven, that He has prepared for me! May I tune my living and my very existence into reflecting His Love and Mission for humanity! This Christmas Eve, I am encouraged to know that “this mystery,” is alive and well in me! That is the fact that Christ is in me, and that He is my HOPE of GLORY! THIS IS THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS! Take time to reflect on His Love and Grace! Take time to recognize His Love and Gift of Eternal Life and Love! This Christmas Eve 2022, you have a choice to, as Colossians 3:15 says, to “let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to Peace. And Be Thankful.” MERRY CHRISTMAS! Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN MELVIN
ACCEPTING CHANGE
December 23 “Accepting Change…” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022, BTC will have a 10:00am CHRISTMAS SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
One of the most evident activities of our human existence is “Change!” This season is all about “change!” Jesus Christ was born into humble circumstances and changed into the Messiah, the Savior of this world, and people have resisted “change,” His Life Changing Love, for centuries! Amazingly, most of us do not like or accept change! Wonder why it is that we resist this simple thing called “Change?” Well, “Change” can bring a sense of “Fear.” I think that “Change,” so often, takes away our sense of security. In my own experience, I have felt a sense of self-doubt and powerlessness, as I have made changes in my life. As I reflect on the radical changes that have occurred, since March of 2020, and speculate on the changes that are ahead, I feel a sense of uncertainty and recognize that the future is unpredictable. Then, THANK GOD, I remember that God promised that He would direct us, and He would hold us, through the twists and turns of this life. As a Follower of Christ, this Guarantee, this Divine Promise, gives me Hope and Fortified Confidence! Regardless of the crazy situations and all of the erosion of basic “Common Sense,” I, through my Jesus Christ, can “Step Away” from the situations, and take a breath, maintain my focus on the “Real” and the “Truth,” then, with His Leadership and Courage I can move forward on a new path and with a renewed vision. So often, my direction is unclear and there is a sense of trepidation, as I make that first step in a new direction, but, by Faith, I am assured that as I put one foot in front of the other, my path, my direction, will ultimately, be revealed to me! As I claim His Promises and His Provision, as I WALK IN FAITH, God’s Love will continue to direct my steps and energize my walk and strengthen me as I go! Persevere, my Friends! God has great and noble things ahead…However, we MUST “CHANGE,” to accept the “Changes” ahead, Claim His Direction, Exercise Faith in His Promises, and Embrace the “CHANGE,” for without “Change,” we would Still Be Lost!! Thank you, God, for Your Love for us and the VICTORY through Your Son, Jesus! “Change” IS GOING TO HAPPEN! What you do with this “Change,” is absolutely and entirely UP TO YOU!! Embrace the ultimate change that is presented to us, by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST! If you do this, it will be a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
The GREAT LIGHT
December 22 “The GREAT LIGHT” Isaiah 9:2
** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022, BTC will have a 10:00am CHRISTMAS SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
I believe that everyone would agree that this world is a dark and desolate place, without light. People have struggled, for centuries, to provide illumination to their lives. Growing up in the country of Eastern Wayne County, when the Sun went down, it got dark! It is difficult to walk from the back door to the place where I fed our dogs, without some light. Have you ever experienced the Linville Caverns? When the lights are turned off, it gets extremely dark! Sadly, without Jesus, we are walking in the absence of LIGHT, and we are wandering aimlessly in the Dark World! Hang-on… THE LIGHT is about to make an entrance into the world! Can you imagine those who were there to hear the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus and the Fact that He IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD! The True Light, the Light of Love, provided by God, through the person of His Son, JESUS! Without JESUS, every one of us would be walking in eternal darkness! Thank God for His Love for us! Every Christmas Eve, Daddy would read the Christmas Story, usually from the Book of Luke, before we would eat or open the first present! Daddy always talked about God’s Love and His providing “LIGHT,” so that we could navigate through this life, with “Blessed Assurance!” 2022 has been another record experience, and I suspect that its influence will be felt for years to come, however, calamities, pandemics, struggles, challenges, social and political upheavals, will NEVER dim the TRUE LIGHT OF JESUS! So, walk in HIS LIGHT and FOLLOW the STAR of CHRISTMAS, and remember God’s blessings and His Promises! What a Christmas Gift!! What a Christmas Blessing … THE LIGHT OF JESUS INTO THIS DARK AND DECAYING WORLD! “Sweetly the Light is shining on Thee, Oh, once I was blind, but now I can see, The Light of the world is JESUS!” Dear Friends, there is a price that must be paid for anything worthwhile, and God loved us enough to pay the ultimate price with His Only Son! I Believe, I Receive, I Experience, I Claim, I Share… How about you? My prayer, for myself and for you, is to be a True Reflection of the LIGHT OF JESUS, into this Dark and Lost World! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). May this Christmas Eve be the Brightest and Best that you have ever enjoyed and as this world grows “Darker,” may your LIGHT grow BRIGHTER! To God be the Glory!! Merry Christmas… Stay Strong, Stay Focused… THE BEST IS YET TO BE!
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR 12/21/2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
ERMA ADKINS
CAROLYN STEVENS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:
TOMMY & ROWENA PERRY
PERSONAL COMMITMENT
December 21 Personal Commitment James 4:7-8
** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2022, BTC will have a 10:00am CHRISTMAS SERVICE. We will Celebrate Communion, Hear the CHRISTMAS STORY, and PRAY TOGETHER! You are welcome to celebrate JESUS with US! **
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)
Who is in charge, of your life? Who has your loyalty and devotion? Who do you look to for authority and guidance for your living? James is pointing out that we, want to serve God, yet, we allow the Devil to have authority over our lives. We have to choose who we will follow! Through the Blood of Jesus, our God has provided the ability to stand up against the wiles of the Devil, as he creates temptations, within our lives. Under the Redeeming Blood of Jesus, we are no longer controlled by the power of sin, nor are we helpless against Satan and his minions. Praise God! We have the power and the authority to stand up and speak with Holy Power, to Satan and his henchmen, to get away and to “Flee” from us! When we choose to draw near to God and resist the wiles of Satan, the scriptures tell us that He (God) will move closer to us! Remember, we have the Victory! We just, have, to claim it! Live it! Share it! I choose to resist Satan, Claim God’s Promises of Victory and be confident in my personal devotion and commitment, each day of my life! Christmas is a perfect time to focus on Personal Growth and Commitment, and to develop habits of honoring and promoting Jesus, in your life, and influencing the lives of others! Merry Christmas!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!