Praise the Lord! We’ve been blessed to see someone come to salvation every week for the past six weeks. Sunday, Natalie Garner came forward to place her trust in Christ as her personal Savior, leaving behind years of relying on a false profession.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
🌟 Thank You for Voting! 🌟
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in yesterday’s election by casting your vote. In doing so, you embraced an important responsibility, and your voice contributes to shaping the future we all share. Every vote is a statement of hope, belief, and commitment to a better tomorrow, and it’s inspiring to see so many stepping up to fulfill this civic duty. As we look ahead, let us join together in prayer for our leaders—both those who are stepping down and those who are stepping into new roles. May God grant them the wisdom, humility, and guidance they need to lead with integrity and compassion. Let’s pray that they will have hearts to serve and minds open to making decisions that honor Him and benefit all people. If everyone you voted for didn’t win, I encourage you to bring any disappointment to God. Trust Him to take those feelings and fill you with His peace and strength. Let’s pray for those who were elected, that God will guide them, and let’s look to Him to fill us with hope and purpose as we move forward together. In these times, we are reminded of the deep divisions in our nation. Let’s earnestly pray for healing in areas that divide us, asking God to soften hearts, open minds, and restore relationships. May He break down walls of misunderstanding, hurt, and anger, and replace them with bridges of understanding, kindness, and respect. And may each of us, in our words and actions, become instruments of His peace. Let us remember that beyond our differences, we are united as one people under God, striving for a nation that reflects His love and truth. Thank you again for being part of this journey and for the role each of you plays in seeking a future marked by unity, grace, and purpose. May God bless you, our leaders, and our nation!
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
SURRENDERING CONTROL TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Galatians 5:16, – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, & ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Paul’s life is a powerful example of surrender to the Holy Spirit.
Once driven by his own ambitions & zeal, Paul encountered Christ & experienced a complete transformation.
In Galatians 2:20, he says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
He laid down his personal goals & allowed God’s Spirit to guide his actions, words, & direction, yielding a life that impacted generations.
Paul’s surrender empowered him to accomplish far more in God’s strength than he ever could have on his own.
This transformation illustrates the power that comes from releasing control to God’s Spirit, who shapes our lives according to His will & purpose.
In our own lives, we often find ourselves striving to hold onto control, trying to orchestrate our circumstances according to our understanding.
Yet, the Holy Spirit invites us to let go & trust in His direction.
When we surrender, life changes.
We experience a peace that isn’t rooted in our circumstances but in God’s strength working within us.
Instead of feeling the constant pressure to perform, we find joy in simply following where He leads.
Surrender allows us to be filled with love, patience, & peace—qualities that go beyond our natural abilities.
By giving up control, we make room for God’s power to work through us, guiding our steps with purpose & wisdom
Imagine a sailor struggling to row against a strong headwind, exhausting himself with little progress.
But when he lifts the sails, he’s no longer relying on his own strength.
Instead, he moves forward smoothly, carried by the power of the wind.
This is what it’s like to surrender to the Holy Spirit.
When we lift our “sails” & let the Spirit lead, we experience a life moved by God’s strength instead of our own efforts.
Just as the wind carries the boat forward, the Holy Spirit propels us, empowering us to move with purpose & ease, even in life’s storms.
Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means choosing to trust God’s way over our own.
When we let the Spirit lead, our lives align with God’s plan, opening us to His wisdom, His peace, & His love in ways we never could have imagined.
PRAYER
Lord, I release my need for control. Help me to walk in step with Your Spirit, trusting in Your strength & guidance. I know that Your plans are greater than my own, & I want to live in Your peace & purpose. Guide me, Lord, as I let go of my own desires & place my life in Your hands. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Identify one area of your life where U’re struggling to control the outcome.
Pray specifically for the courage to surrender this to God, asking the Holy Spirit to lead U in this area.
Consider journaling about any fears or hesitations, & invite God to replace them with His peace & assurance.
Remind yourself daily to let go, trusting that He knows what’s best.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Danny Jarrard – Riverside In Covington
Dale Lake
David Newby
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Darlene Wiggins
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
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
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
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
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher