JANUARY “It’s Time to Go Deeper”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
This month, we’ve journeyed through five key steps toward developing an unshakable faith: Deeper Trust, Deeper Prayer, Deeper Worship, Deeper in the Word, and Deeper Surrender. By exploring biblical examples—like Peter casting his nets again at Jesus’ word, Hannah fervently praying for a son, David wholeheartedly worshiping before the Ark, the Bereans diligently studying Scripture, and Abraham obeying God’s unimaginable request—we’ve seen how each step draws us into a richer, more authentic relationship with God. These stories remind us that when we truly grasp the majestic greatness of our Creator, our hearts naturally incline toward trusting Him in uncertainty, seeking Him through heartfelt prayer, offering Him our whole selves in worship, digging deeply into His Word for guidance, and surrendering our plans so He can work mightily on our behalf.
Whether you need to trust God more fully, engage in deeper prayer, worship Him with abandon, immerse yourself in His Word, or surrender control of a specific area of life, now is the time to respond. As you focus on who He is rather than the magnitude of your challenges, you will experience His transforming power and unshakable peace. Make one concrete commitment this week to deepen your walk with God in one of these areas. Then watch as your faith grows resilient and steadfast, anchored in the limitless power and love of the One who holds every moment and every circumstance in His hands.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
DEEPER TRUST
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Abraham’s example in Genesis 22 is one of the most striking demonstrations of trust recorded in Scripture. God commanded him to do what seemed unthinkable: offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. This request defied reason, challenged Abraham’s emotions, and appeared to contradict God’s earlier promise that Isaac would be his heir. Yet Abraham obeyed, confident that God would still fulfill every word He had spoken. His trust was not anchored in perfect circumstances or clear explanations; it was anchored in the unfailing character of the faithful, omnipotent God.
Real trust in the Lord means refusing to let our current trials or emotional upheavals dictate our choices. Instead, we place our full weight on God’s promises and His ability to accomplish what He wills—even if it goes beyond our understanding. Proverbs 3:5–6 urges us to trust Him wholeheartedly, without leaning on our own limited perspective. When we do, He promises to “direct our paths,” guiding us in ways far better and wiser than anything we could map out for ourselves.
Pause and Pray: Before you make a move on a difficult decision—whether it’s about your career, relationships, or finances—pause long enough to say, “Lord, I trust You with this. Please guide me.” This simple step acknowledges His sovereignty and prevents knee-jerk reactions based on fear or haste.
Faith Over Feelings: Feelings can be powerful indicators of our internal states, but they are not always reliable guides for our actions. If doubt threatens to overshadow your faith, deliberately remember a time God came through for you—perhaps it was financial provision, physical healing, or unexpected encouragement at just the right moment. Let that testimony remind you He is the same God today.
Picture a small child standing on the edge of a pool, heart racing as they stare at the water. The parent below extends loving arms, calling out, “Jump! I’ll catch you!” The child’s leap is an act of pure trust—not in their ability to swim, but in the parent’s ability to keep them safe. So it is with us and God. We aren’t asked to understand every detail before taking a step. We’re asked to trust the One who never fails.
Prayer “Heavenly Father, help me to trust You fully, especially when circumstances defy my understanding. Remind me of Your goodness, Your track record of faithfulness, and Your unchanging love. Teach me to lean on You rather than my own limited perspective, and guide my steps as I walk by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Assignment Identify Your Struggle: Write down one area of your life where you frequently wrestle with doubt or control—maybe it’s your finances, a relationship, or a big decision looming ahead.
Pray Daily: Commit to bringing this specific need before the Lord every day for the next week. Ask Him to strengthen your confidence in His plan and help you release any fear that hinders you from trusting Him completely.
Document God’s Hand: Keep a brief journal of any Scripture, peace, or clarity God provides regarding this issue, so you can look back and see how He is working in your life.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley
Lamar Knight’s Family In CA Fires
Rebecca Smith – Surgery Today
Ann & Robby Stanley
Mrs. Franklin
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
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
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher