MARCH – Strong Families, Strong Faith – Building Homes By God’s Blueprint
JOASH OFFERING THUS FAR $16,916.86
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
ELIMINATING NEGATIVITY
“Let all things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable… be the things you think on.” — Phil 4:8
This verse reminds us to filter our thoughts, choosing to dwell on virtues that uplift our spirit rather than those that drag us down.
Negativity can seep into our lives in many forms—through discouraging news, toxic conversations, or even the remnants of past disappointments. Consider negativity like clutter in your home. Just as unwanted items take up space and hinder the flow of energy, negative thoughts and influences can block the path to spiritual renewal. Replacing these with God’s truth is a transformative act. By filling our minds and hearts with positive, scripturally grounded ideas, we open ourselves to a more joyful and peace-filled existence.
King David provides a powerful model in his Psalms. In moments of despair, he shifted his focus from his hardships to the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. His life demonstrates that by recalling God’s past deeds and promises, sorrow can be turned into hope. David’s transformation—from weeping to rejoicing—reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God’s light is available to lead us into joy.
Imagine walking into a room cluttered with old, dusty furniture. The space feels heavy, and its energy is stifled by the remnants of the past. Now, envision clearing out this furniture to reveal a bright, airy room ready for fresh decor. In a similar way, when we remove negative influences from our hearts and homes, we create room for God’s truth and love to flourish. The process may require effort—like cleaning out the clutter—but the reward is a renewed, vibrant spirit that can fully embrace the beauty of God’s promises.
Prayer
Lord, we come before You, asking for Your cleansing power in our lives. Remove the negativity that weighs us down and fill our hearts with Your unchanging truth. Teach us to focus on what is pure, lovely, and admirable, so that our lives may reflect Your love and light. Amen.
Application
- Examine Your Environment: Take time to assess your surroundings. Identify areas—both physical and digital—that may be sources of discouragement or negative influence.
- Make Room for Positivity: Replace toxic influences with uplifting content, such as encouraging books, inspiring music, and conversations that build you up.
- Reflect on God’s Promises: Regularly revisit scriptures like Philippians 4:8 and the Psalms to remind yourself of the hope and strength found in God’s word.
- Digital Detox: Evaluate your social media feeds, news sources, and other online engagements. Unfollow or limit exposure to those that foster negativity and instead subscribe to platforms that promote spiritual growth and positive encouragement.
By taking these practical steps, you invite God’s refreshing presence into every aspect of your life. Allow His truth to redefine your perspective, replacing the old with the new—a renewed mind and heart prepared to live in the fullness of His grace. If you need to declutter your home, I will rent Mae out to help you. She is the best. Just order a dumpster and give her a few hours and I promise she will get rid of everything you think you need but don’t ever use. LOL There are many things I haven’t been able to find in years because she straightened my office.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners
Richard Blount – Back Surgery
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
Greg Schriener
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
Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Robbie Edwards
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher