HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF FUND thru Samaritan’s Purse $11,700
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
LIVING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 8:9, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
As Christians, we are no longer bound by the desires and weaknesses of our flesh.
This powerful verse reminds us that, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have access to the strength, wisdom, and guidance of God Himself.
Living in the power of the Spirit means we are no longer struggling under our own strength but are empowered by God to live according to His will.
This promise of the Spirit is not just a theological concept—it is a living reality for every believer.
One of the clearest demonstrations of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit can be seen in Acts 1:8.
Before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
This was not just a promise of power for the apostles, but for all believers.
When the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost, these ordinary men were transformed into bold and fearless ambassadors of Christ.
Before Pentecost, Peter, one of the most outspoken disciples, had denied Jesus out of fear.
But after receiving the Holy Spirit, he stood up and preached with such power that 3,000 people were saved in one day (Acts 2:41).
This same Holy Spirit is available to each of us today, giving us the strength, courage, and wisdom to live for God and share His truth with the world.
Living in the power of the Holy Spirit means recognizing that we cannot live the Christian life on our own.
The Spirit empowers us to resist sin, overcome temptation, and live in a way that glorifies God.
Are you trying to rely on your own strength to fight temptation, manage your struggles, or make difficult decisions?
The Holy Spirit has been given to us for that very purpose—to guide us, to strengthen us, and to help us live a life that reflects the love and holiness of God.
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are not just getting through life, we are living victoriously.
Each day, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, especially in areas where you feel weak or uncertain.
In moments of decision-making, pause and invite the Spirit to speak to your heart and guide your path.
When facing temptation, lean on the Spirit to give you the strength to resist.
Living by the Spirit requires surrender, but in that surrender, we find the true strength that comes from God.
Imagine a sailboat floating on the water with no wind.
Despite the fact that the boat has everything it needs to move forward—sails, a rudder, and a destination—it remains motionless without wind to fill its sails.
No matter how well-designed the boat is, it cannot move on its own.
The moment the wind begins to blow and fills the sails, the boat comes alive, moving forward with speed and purpose, carried by the power of the wind.
In the same way, our Christian lives without the Holy Spirit are like that motionless sailboat.
We may know what God has called us to do, we may have the tools and knowledge, but without the Holy Spirit propelling us, we will remain stagnant.
The Holy Spirit is the wind in our sails, enabling us to live with purpose, power, and direction.
When we allow the Spirit to fill us, we are no longer striving in our own strength—we are being carried forward by the power of God.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power today. Help me to live not by my own strength, but by Yours. Guide me in every decision I make, in every thought I have, and in every action I take. May Your presence in my life be evident as I seek to follow You and glorify You in all I do. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
This week, set aside time each morning to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout your day.
Be intentional in asking for the Spirit’s direction in your decisions, interactions, and actions.
Keep a journal where you write down moments when you felt the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
It could be a moment of clarity in decision-making, a time when you were able to resist temptation, or a sense of peace in a difficult situation.
At the end of the week, reflect on how the Spirit has been working in your life, and let that reflection deepen your reliance on Him.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
VICTIMS OF STORM AND CHEMICAL FIRE
Carol Lawhead
Melba Torbich – Lives in Heaven Now
Matt Barron’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher