Join Us on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 10:30 AM
As we welcome the new year, I warmly invite you to start 2025 in God’s presence. Attending church as the new year begins shows that the Lord is at the center of your life and plans. Each service offers uplifting fellowship, providing a supportive community where you can connect and grow in faith together.
Regular attendance helps you grow spiritually, stay accountable, and maintain a Christ-centered outlook, giving you strength and purpose for the year ahead. Remember, not everyone can sing solos or preach sermons, but everyone can be faithful. Make it your intention to be faithful throughout the new year, contributing in your unique way to our church family.
Starting the year at church brings gratitude and joy, shifting our focus from challenges to celebrating God’s blessings. This commitment to trust in His guidance can lead to deeper faith, stronger relationships, and renewed devotion to Him. Let’s begin this new year together in God’s house, surrounded by His people, studying His Word, and seeking His presence.
Join us on Sunday, January 5 at 10:30 AM, and center your year around God’s love and wisdom. May 2025 bring you closer to God, enrich your relationships, and inspire a renewed passion for His purpose in your life.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE CHILD WITH THE PENNY
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
In the story of a child whose hand is stuck in a valuable vase because she refuses to release a penny, we witness the profound danger of stubbornly clinging to something insignificant.
This scenario vividly illustrates how tightly we can hold onto sins, fears, or even small comforts that hinder us from fully experiencing the abundant blessings of God’s presence.
Letting go may feel risky, especially when what we hold onto provides temporary satisfaction or security.
However, God’s reward always far exceeds whatever we’ve been gripping.
The act of surrender begins with recognizing how trivial our “pennies” are compared to God’s infinite riches.
Each time we release one worldly attachment—whether it’s a harmful habit, lingering fear, or an unhealthy relationship—we make room for a deeper and more meaningful experience of His presence.
True freedom comes when we open our hands and trust in the loving God who delights in giving good gifts to His children.
Consider the image of rescuing a bird caught in wire fencing.
Initially, the bird struggles and holds still out of fear, trying to free itself, only to become more entangled.
It’s only when the rescuer gently untangles its wings that the bird can finally fly free.
This powerful illustration parallels our spiritual journey.
When we hold on too tightly to our “pennies”—those minor issues or attachments—we trap ourselves in a cycle of struggle and inability to fully embrace God’s deliverance.
Just as the bird must trust the rescuer to be untangled, we must trust God to help us release our attachments.
Letting go may require vulnerability and a willingness to face our fears, but it is through this surrender that we find true liberation.
By releasing our grasp on what binds us, we allow God’s grace to flow freely into our lives, bringing us the peace and freedom that only He can provide.
To apply this lesson in your life, begin by asking yourself what “penny” you might be clinging to—a relationship, a habit, or a mindset that’s keeping you from growing deeper in God.
Once identified, surrender it to Him by praying specifically for the courage to let go.
Reflect on areas where you may be holding onto minor comforts or desires that distract you from seeking God wholeheartedly.
Seek God’s help to value eternal things above immediate desires, ensuring that your choices reflect His priorities and lead to lasting spiritual growth.
Additionally, consider developing new, positive habits that align with your faith, such as regular prayer, Bible study, and engaging in fellowship with other believers.
These practices will help reinforce your commitment to letting go of what hinders your spiritual enrichment.
Prayer – “Father, teach me to let go of anything that hinders my walk with You. Give me discernment to recognize what’s truly valuable. Thank You for the freedom and abundant life that follow surrender, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Assignment – Reflect: Spend time meditating on the story of the child with the penny. Write down any areas in your life where you know you’re holding on to something insignificant that’s preventing you from growing deeper in God.
Memorize Scripture: Choose a verse that reinforces the importance of prioritizing eternal values, such as Matthew 6:33, and commit it to memory. Let it serve as a reminder to keep an eternal perspective in your daily decisions.
Action Plan: Develop a plan to address these areas. This could include setting specific goals to let go of certain habits, seeking accountability from a trusted individual, or dedicating time each day to prayer and Scripture study to support your journey.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Brody Fuller – Jackson Byrd’s Roommate at College
Carol Angel in passing of her husband, Don
Carol Lawhead
Daisy Almand
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
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
Jessica Headrick
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
Kim McClain’s Sister
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Liz Knight
Lonzo Christian
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
Mike Bryan
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher