APRIL – Resurrection Power: Living the RISEN Life
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
COMPLETE SURRENDER, UNLEASHING DAILY POWER
There is a sacred call that resonates in every heart—a call to lay aside our own ambitions, fears, and uncertainties, and to embrace a life wholly dedicated to God’s purpose. Scripture powerfully declares, “And he said to all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). This passage is not just a historic injunction; it is a stirring invitation to experience the liberating power that comes from complete surrender.
To surrender is to trust in a power far greater than our own. It means releasing the grip on the illusion of control and allowing God’s perfect wisdom and strength to guide our every step. It is in the act of surrender that we find true freedom—a freedom not bound by the limitations of our fears or the relentless pursuit of self-reliance. When we let go, we open ourselves to a daily renewal of spirit, ignited by God’s transformative power.
Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23 call us to a radical reorientation of our lives. By choosing to deny ourselves, we are not rejecting life’s joys or aspirations, but rather discarding the shackles of selfishness that hinder the flow of divine grace. It is a call to embrace humility and to walk in the light of God’s truth, knowing that our willingness to bear our own cross paves the way to spiritual victory and daily empowerment.
Consider the life of the apostle Peter—a man of profound passion, great faith, and, yes, deep failures. Peter’s journey is a testament to the miraculous nature of surrender. In moments of trembling faith, he stepped boldly forward to follow Jesus, proclaiming his loyalty without reservation. Yet, in his human frailty, he faltered and denied Christ in a moment of overwhelming fear. Even in his failure, Peter’s story does not end in despair; rather, it is redeemed by God’s infinite mercy. Restored and renewed, Peter went on to become a pillar of the early church, his life a vivid illustration of how surrendering our imperfect selves to God can transform our shortcomings into strengths.
Surrender is not a sign of weakness—it is the ultimate act of trust and courage. It is when we release our desperate need to control every detail of our lives that we make space for God’s extraordinary power to work through us. This act of surrender is a daily decision—a conscious moment where we choose faith over fear, trust over anxiety, and hope over despair. In that moment of letting go, we embody the truth that our strength is perfected in our vulnerability.
How do we live a life of complete surrender each day? Start with small, deliberate actions:
- Morning Offering: Begin each day with a prayer that releases your anxieties and ambitions to God. Ask for His guidance in every decision and every challenge that lies ahead.
- Mindful Presence: Throughout your day, periodically remind yourself that God is in control. In moments of stress or uncertainty, take a brief pause to reconnect with this truth.
- Evening Reflection: End your day by reflecting on the ways in which surrender has allowed God’s light to shine through your actions. Offer gratitude for the strength that comes not from your own efforts, but from His unfailing grace.
Imagine a sailboat poised at the harbor, weighed down by ballast that is meant to stabilize yet, if clung to too rigidly, prevents it from catching the wind. The moment the sailor releases that ballast, the vessel is unburdened and able to harness the power of the wind, gliding gracefully toward its destination. In our lives, holding tightly to our own plans and fears can weigh us down. Yet when we surrender—to let go, to trust, to allow God to fill us with His power—we too are set free to navigate the vast, dynamic currents of life with renewed purpose and grace.
A Prayer of Surrender
Dear Lord, I come before You with a humble heart, ready to let go of my own plans and uncertainties. I surrender my ambitions and fears, trusting in Your perfect wisdom to guide me. As I take up my cross and follow Your example, may Your mighty power be evident in my every weakness, transforming me into a vessel of Your love and grace. Strengthen my faith, renew my spirit, and enable me to live each day in complete surrender to Your divine purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This message is a powerful reminder that surrendering is not about losing control—it is about gaining the strength to live freely under God’s loving guidance. Every day offers a new opportunity to release our burdens and allow His profound, life-transforming power to unleash within us. Embrace this surrender, and step into the fullness of life that comes from trusting wholly in Him.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Marynell Ford – Surgery Successful
Debbie Foskey
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners – Much Better
Ann Stanley
Danny Jarrard
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle 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
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
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher