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.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
The apostle Paul’s life is a powerful testimony to the resilience and dedication needed to press forward.
Despite facing imprisonment, beatings, and constant persecution, he never lost sight of his calling in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Paul’s unwavering focus wasn’t on his sufferings or his past mistakes; instead, he fixed his eyes on the goal—serving Christ and sharing the gospel.
His life reminds us that true purpose in Christ is not about the obstacles we face or the regrets we carry, but about our commitment to pursue God’s will.
Victory in Christ doesn’t depend on avoiding failure or escaping hardship.
It’s about moving forward with a clear focus on God’s calling.
Sometimes we allow past mistakes or present fears to slow us down, but Jesus calls us to keep our gaze on Him, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory.
Each day is a fresh opportunity to press forward, letting go of the weights that hold us back and running with renewed purpose.
Imagine a runner in a race who continually looks back over their shoulder, distracted by what’s behind.
Each glance backward slows their pace and diverts their energy from the finish line.
But when the runner fixes their eyes ahead, they run with renewed strength and purpose.
In the same way, when we keep our focus on Jesus and our calling in Him, we are empowered to move forward, unburdened by past mistakes and fully engaged in His purpose for our lives.
Pressing forward in Christ is a daily decision, a choice to release the past and step into His grace for each new moment.
It’s an intentional act of faith to trust that God has covered what lies behind and holds everything in our future.
When we let go of what weighs us down, we experience the freedom to walk boldly into the opportunities He has for us today.
Remember, you are not defined by where you’ve been, but by where God is leading you.
Embrace His calling, run your race, and let His strength carry you forward into the fullness of His plan.
PRAYER Lord, help me to release the burdens of past failures and fears. Give me the strength to press forward with confidence, keeping my focus on Your calling. May my life reflect the purpose You’ve placed in my heart as I trust in Your victory. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT Identify one specific fear or past mistake that holds you back.
Bring it to God in prayer, asking Him for the strength to release it and to help you focus on His purpose for your life today.
Each time this fear or memory arises, remind yourself of God’s promises and His plan for you.
FRIDAY’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