JANUARY “It’s Time to Go Deeper”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Deeper Surrender
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” — Romans 12:1
Abraham’s readiness to offer Isaac in Genesis 22 epitomizes total surrender. Faced with a command that seemed to threaten the very promise God had given him—a promise of numerous descendants through his son—Abraham’s heart remained yielded. This act of obedience was not merely about following a directive; it was about trusting God completely, even when His instructions defied human understanding and threatened personal blessings.
True surrender involves more than passive acceptance; it requires an active decision to let go of our plans and desires, trusting that God’s wisdom surpasses our own. Abraham didn’t hesitate or question God’s intent; instead, he demonstrated unwavering faith that God could and would provide what was best, even in the most challenging circumstances.
In our lives, surrendering to God means relinquishing control over areas where we cling too tightly. Whether it’s our finances, relationships, career aspirations, or personal goals, true surrender invites God to take the lead, assuring us that His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory.
Practical Application
OPEN HANDS:
Action: Whenever you pray about a particular issue, physically open your hands as a symbol of releasing control to God.
Purpose: This tangible gesture serves as a reminder to let go of your grip on the situation, signifying your trust in God’s sovereignty and provision.
DAILY CHECK-IN:
Action: Each morning, ask God, “Lord, is there any area of my life I need to yield to You today?”
Purpose: This daily practice cultivates a heart of surrender, making it a continual part of your life rather than a one-time decision.
JOURNALING YOUR SURRENDER:
Action: Keep a journal where you write down areas of your life you struggle to surrender. Document your prayers and any steps you take toward letting go.
Purpose: Tracking your journey can provide encouragement and visible evidence of God’s faithfulness as you grow in surrender.
ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER:
Action: Find a trusted friend or mentor to share your surrender journey with. Regularly discuss your progress and challenges.
Purpose: Having someone to encourage and hold you accountable can strengthen your commitment to surrendering fully to God.
Illustration
Picture a Clenched Fist:
Imagine holding a worn-out toy tightly in a clenched fist, refusing to let go despite a loving parent offering a far better gift. The child remains fixated on the old toy, missing out on the new and improved blessing. Similarly, God often has blessings in store for us that we miss because we’re too attached to the familiar or the things we believe we need.
God’s Loving Hand:
Just as the parent patiently waits for the child to release the old toy, God lovingly invites us to surrender our burdens and attachments. When we let go, we make room for His abundant blessings and better plans, trusting that He knows what’s best for us.
Prayer – “Lord, show me the areas of my life that I’m gripping too tightly. Help me surrender my will to Yours, believing that what You have for me is always better. Teach me to trust You completely, even when Your plans are unclear or challenging. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Assignment – IDENTIFY A HARD-TO-SURRENDER AREA:
Action: Reflect on your life and pinpoint one specific aspect (e.g., finances, a relationship, a future plan) that you find hardest to surrender.
Purpose: Recognizing the area is the first step toward true surrender.
WRITE IT DOWN:
Action: Document this aspect in a journal or a dedicated notebook.
Purpose: Writing it down externalizes the issue, making it easier to address and pray over.
PRAY OVER IT:
Action: Spend dedicated time in prayer, entrusting this aspect to God’s hands.
Purpose: Prayer transforms your heart, aligning your desires with God’s will.
TAKE ACTION:
Action: Actively choose to release control in this area throughout the week. This might involve delegating responsibilities, seeking God’s guidance before making decisions, or letting go of specific plans.
Purpose: Practical steps reinforce your commitment to surrender, demonstrating faith in God’s provision.
Additional Insights
UNDERSTANDING SURRENDER:
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up or resigning yourself to circumstances. Instead, it’s about yielding your life and plans to God, trusting that He will work all things together for good. It’s an ongoing process of aligning your will with His.
BENEFITS OF SURRENDER:
When you surrender to God, you experience greater peace, freedom from anxiety, and a deeper relationship with Him. It allows God to work in and through you more effectively, bringing about transformation in your life and the lives of others.
CHALLENGES OF SURRENDER:
Surrender can be difficult because it requires vulnerability and the willingness to let go of control. It often involves stepping into the unknown, which can be intimidating. However, the rewards of obedience and the blessings that follow far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Encouragement
Remember, surrendering to God is a journey, not a one-time event. Each step you take in surrender builds your faith and deepens your trust in God. Like Abraham and Noah, your willingness to let go and trust God can lead to extraordinary outcomes that glorify Him and bless those around you.
Be Thou My Vision
May God open our eyes to His future for us—a future filled with purpose, marked by faithful involvement in missions, and overflowing with His blessings. Let us advance together in faith, unity, and obedience to His plan, fully surrendering our lives to Him.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mae Jackson – In Hospital but improving
Paula Ferus
Ann Stanley
Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires
Rebecca Smith
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