V I C T O R Y
God has provided once again for our needs. The funds came in to purchase our van. Thank You for your generous obedience!!.
Don’t forget that we are repairing our parking lot this week. If the driveway is blocked, please park at the road and walk up the hill.
For much of my Christian journey, I believed in the promise of God’s presence but often lived as if I were navigating life alone. My faith acknowledged His nearness, but my daily reality often lacked an awareness of it. This all changed dramatically in 2021 during one of the most challenging moments of my life. As I lay on the edge of death due to COVID, I encountered God’s presence in a way that words can scarcely describe. On the very night doctors said I wouldn’t survive, I felt wrapped in His love, peace, and power, transforming my hospital room into holy ground. In that sacred space, fear, chaos, and pain were utterly absent. Instead, I was filled with perfect peace and the assurance of His nearness. This profound encounter taught me that God’s presence isn’t reserved for moments of desperation or crisis. It’s a reality we can access daily if we are willing to stop, surrender, and intentionally step into it.
The transformation continued after my recovery, especially on my first Sunday back at church. Weak and still recovering, I was helped to a bench by my family, but my spirit was alive in a way I had never experienced before. The joy, freedom, and lightness I carried were evident to everyone around me, a testament to the time I had spent in the secret place of His presence. Yet, I’ve also learned how fragile this awareness can be. It’s easy to lose sight of God’s presence when negativity, fear, or a critical attitude creeps in. Living with a continual awareness of Emmanuel—God with us—requires intentionality. It means cultivating intimacy through prayer, worship, and scripture, choosing to focus on His promises rather than the distractions of life. When we embrace this reality, everything changes. Like the Israelites guided by the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness, His presence lifts our burdens, provides direction, and fills us with strength. Emmanuel isn’t just a name or a concept; it’s the truth that God is here, with us now, transforming every moment and circumstance with His love. This awareness brings peace in the storm, strength in weakness, and the confidence to live with joy and hope, knowing that His presence truly changes everything.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
LIVING IN THE AWARENESS OF HIS PRESENCE
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, they were never without God’s presence.
He guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
These visible signs reminded them that God was faithfully providing direction, protection, and assurance.
Yet, when they faced challenges like hunger, thirst, or enemies, they often focused on their lack and allowed fear to overshadow God’s promises.
We often do the same.
When life becomes overwhelming, it’s easy to fixate on what we lack or fear instead of trusting in God’s constant presence.
But His presence is always with us, even when we can’t see or feel it.
Living in the awareness of this truth requires intentionality—a daily choice to turn our hearts toward Him.
Starting the day with prayer, taking moments to meditate on Scripture, and ending the day reflecting on His faithfulness can realign our hearts to Him.
Worship music or writing down our gratitude for His provision are also powerful ways to refocus and remember His faithfulness.
Living in the awareness of God’s presence doesn’t make our problems disappear, but it changes how we face them.
His nearness replaces fear with faith and strengthens us to keep going.
When we embrace the truth of Isaiah 41:10, we are reminded that God’s presence is all we need—our source of peace, strength, and hope.
Imagine walking through a dense fog.
Without a clear view of what lies ahead, every step feels uncertain, and fear begins to take hold.
But then, a light pierces through the fog, illuminating the path and replacing fear with confidence.
God’s presence is that light.
No matter how unclear or overwhelming life seems, His presence guides us, strengthens us, and gives us the courage to move forward.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being my ever-present help and strength. I confess that I often lose sight of Your nearness when I’m overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Teach me to trust You more, to live in constant awareness of Your presence, and to seek You in every moment. Remind me that You are my light in the fog, my strength in weakness, and my peace in the storm. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Set aside three specific times today to stop and acknowledge God’s presence. During these moments, thank Him for His nearness, reflect on His promises, and invite Him into your current situation. Notice how this awareness changes your perspective and brings peace to your heart. Write down any thoughts or moments where you sense His presence, and reflect on how this practice deepens your trust in Him.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Carol Angel in passing of her husband, Don
Kim McClain’s Sister
Theresa Bain
Mike Bryan
Liz Knight
Jessica Headrick
Linda Lanier
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
David Newby
Darlene Wiggins
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
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 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
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher