AUGUST THEME – “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Sunday’s message reminded us that in life’s most painful moments—when marriage wounds us or the enemy surrounds us—God is still our refuge, not as a distant idea but as a real and personal shelter. His healing presence becomes our breakthrough when we surrender fully and become more aware of Him than of our fears, failures, or past. The altar call wasn’t emotional hype, but a holy invitation for souls to find refuge in the One who restores, redeems, and resurrects. No matter what has broken you, this is not your ending—it’s the beginning of healing and holy restoration under the wings of your Redeemer.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
SHELTER FROM THE STORM OF ACCUSATION
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
—Psalm 31:20
Criticism and misunderstanding can wound deeper than physical blows. Words spoken in judgment—especially by those closest to us—can echo in the mind long after they’re said. The enemy uses these moments of accusation to stir up shame, fuel insecurity, and convince us that we’re not worthy of love, trust, or restoration. He is called “the accuser of the brethren” for a reason (Revelation 12:10), and he thrives on using the voices of others to replay old lies you thought you had already silenced.
But God offers something the world cannot: a secret place in His presence where your identity is untouchable, your worth unquestioned, and your name held sacred. You don’t have to defend yourself before man when God has already spoken for you. He knows your heart. He sees beyond the rumor, the spin, and the tone in which something was said. In His presence, you are not defined by what others say about you—you are defined by what He says over you.
You don’t have to spend energy proving your purity, arguing your intent, or retaliating with clever comebacks. When you’re hidden in Him, you can respond with grace instead of reaction, and stand in peace instead of panic. His pavilion—His divine covering—is stronger than any weapon formed against your reputation. When you remain anchored in truth, the strife of tongues cannot uproot your calling or diminish your worth.
So if the storm around you sounds like gossip, criticism, or judgment, take refuge. Let the Lord be your hiding place. Let Him remind you who you really are—not in the eyes of people, but in the heart of your Father.
Prayer: Lord, You know my heart. You see what others don’t. When I’m misrepresented, judged, or falsely accused, be my defense. Help me resist the need to explain myself and instead retreat into Your presence. Let me hear Your voice louder than theirs. Guard my mind, steady my emotions, and shelter me in the secret place of Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: If you feel wrongly judged or misunderstood today, don’t let the enemy pull you into a war of words. Instead of defending yourself to others, defend your peace by going to God. Let Him cover you. Write down what He says about you in Scripture—and believe it more than what’s been said about you by man.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
The Sigmon Family in passing of their 12 year old daughter, Bria
Jessica Headrick – Surgery Tomorrow
Sheila Simmons
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Linda Mays – Rehab
Debbie Foskey – Home
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Home
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
Jason Parker
John McClain’s Mother
John Parillo
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 Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sadie Almand
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher