JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Satan is working overtime to pull you away—not because this church is perfect, but because God’s purpose for your life is being awakened here, and the enemy fears what will happen if you stay planted. He uses offense, busyness, weariness, and isolation to stir doubt and disconnect you from your spiritual covering, knowing that a rooted, obedient believer is dangerous to his kingdom. This isn’t just emotional or circumstantial—it’s spiritual warfare, and your breakthrough is on the other side of your decision to stay, grow, and fight for what God has entrusted to you.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE STEP THAT BREAKS THE CHAINS
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8
The most dangerous response to truth isn’t rebellion—it’s delay. You can hear sermon after sermon, feel conviction stirring deep inside, even shed a tear—but if you do nothing, the enemy has already won that round. Satan isn’t threatened by you attending church, reading devotions, or listening to truth. He’s terrified when you act on it.
God never calls us into movement without also promising His nearness. “Draw nigh to God…” That’s the invitation. “…and He will draw nigh to you.” That’s the guarantee. But the breakthrough starts with your step.
That first step—however small—is the one that breaks strongholds. It’s the step that silences shame and unmasks lies. It’s the moment heaven leans in and hell loses its grip.
Often, we wait for the perfect moment, a clearer sign, or more courage. But faith doesn’t wait—it walks. And sometimes, the chains you want God to break will only fall when you move your feet.
Don’t confuse stillness with spirituality. Some moments call for stillness. But when God calls you to respond, obedience becomes your weapon. Delay is agreement with the enemy. But action—faith-filled, Spirit-led action—is agreement with God.
Let’s make this personal. What is God asking you to do today? What’s that one area—yes, that one—where you keep feeling the nudge of the Holy Spirit?
You don’t need another sign. You already know.
Maybe it’s time to forgive. Maybe it’s time to let go. Maybe it’s time to get honest. Maybe it’s time to come forward, drop your pride, and say, “Lord, I’m ready.”
You’ve stayed stuck long enough. You’ve tiptoed around that altar long enough. And you’ve allowed fear, shame, or pride to keep you bound for far too long.
God isn’t asking you to have all the answers—He’s asking you to respond. The altar is not just for the broken; it’s for the brave. It’s for those who want freedom more than comfort. One step can shift everything. And that step is yours to take.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I don’t want to be a hearer only—I want to be a doer. I don’t want to be paralyzed by fear, pride, or hesitation. Give me the courage to take the step You’re calling me to take today. Let this be the moment strongholds break and Your presence meets me with power. I draw near to You—and I trust You to draw near to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Don’t just feel convicted—follow through. Respond. Don’t wait until you feel stronger—move while you’re weak and watch His strength carry you. This week, act immediately when God speaks. That might mean getting up early to pray. It might mean having the hard conversation. It might mean saying no to the thing you’ve been tolerating. But move.
Faith doesn’t stall—it steps.
Obedience breaks chains.
And God meets you at the moment you say yes.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Debbie Foskey – Major Heart Surgery Today – Pray Pray Pray
Doug Stephen’s Family
Jessica Headrick – Beginning Treatments And Walking In Faith
John Parillo
Sadie Almand
Linda Mays – 3 Stents
Ann Stanley – Home
Kim McClain’s Mother
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke
Mary Williams – Rehab
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher