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As the holiday season approaches, many of us eagerly prepare to give gifts—wrapped treasures like toys, electronics, or clothing. While these presents may bring temporary joy, they often fade in significance, are quickly broken, or even forgotten. In contrast, the gift of Jesus Christ offers a timeless and enduring blessing that transforms lives not only for today but for all eternity. He is the ultimate “gift that keeps on giving,” bringing the promise of eternal life and daily guidance, comfort, and purpose. The wonder of this gift lies in its ability to meet every longing of the human heart, offering hope where there was despair and light where there was darkness.
Receiving Jesus into our lives changes everything. Unlike material gifts, which lose their luster, Jesus’ presence fills every void with peace, hope, and love. His promises are unshakable, and through Him, we find a purpose that transforms even the mundane into something meaningful. Each aspect of His gift—promise, purpose, peace, provision, power, and presence—meets the deepest needs of the human heart. Sharing Jesus with others this Christmas means offering more than a fleeting solution—it’s giving the enduring joy of salvation, a transformed life, and the assurance of God’s faithful love. His gift is personal, meant to fill hearts with the certainty that they are loved, valued, and never alone. The miracle of Christmas is found in both receiving and sharing the gift of Jesus, whose love truly changes everything, forever.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE GIFT OF PEACE
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and His disciples faced a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee.
As the waves rose and the boat filled with water, the disciples were overcome with fear, believing they were on the brink of disaster.
In desperation, they woke Jesus, crying out, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
Jesus, undisturbed by the chaos around Him, arose, rebuked the wind, and commanded the sea, “Peace, be still.”
The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
This miracle revealed not only Jesus’ authority over creation but also His power to bring peace in the midst of chaos.
It serves as a reminder that no storm is too great for Him to calm, and His presence offers a refuge even in the fiercest trials.
Life can often resemble that storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Challenges, uncertainties, and fears threaten to capsize us, leaving us anxious and overwhelmed.
Like the disciples, we may find ourselves questioning if Jesus is aware of our struggles.
Yet, His invitation remains: to bring our worries and fears to Him.
When we surrender our burdens in prayer, we allow His peace—one that surpasses human understanding—to guard our hearts and minds.
This peace doesn’t always remove the storm but gives us the strength to endure it, reminding us that Jesus is with us, steadying our hearts with His calming presence.
Picture a ship anchored in the midst of a storm.
The waves crash violently, and the wind roars, yet the anchor holds the ship firmly in place, preventing it from drifting into danger.
Jesus’ peace is like that anchor, providing stability and security when everything around us feels unstable.
No matter how fierce the storm, His peace keeps us grounded, assuring us that we are safe in His care.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being my peace in the midst of life’s storms. Help me to trust You when I feel overwhelmed and to rest in the calm You provide. Teach me to surrender my fears to You daily. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify one situation in your life that is causing you stress or anxiety. Write it down and take it to Jesus in prayer, asking Him to fill your heart with His peace.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Theresa Bain
Mike Bryan
Liz Knight
Jessica Headrick
Linda Lanier
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Riverside in Covington Dale Lake
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