AUGUST THEME – “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The Bible describes us as sheep not to flatter us, but to remind us of our weakness—we are fragile, easily misled, and unable to survive without a shepherd’s care. Yet the hope of the gospel is this: we are not left on our own. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” In His presence, empty souls are filled, frightened hearts find refuge, and the weary discover rest. He knows our needs before we feel them, sees the valleys before we enter them, and confronts the enemy before we recognize the threat. When we trip, He reaches to steady us; when we collapse, He gathers us into His arms. The strength of our faith is not measured by how tightly we cling to Him, but by how securely He holds us. Our Shepherd provides, leads, guards, and restores—until the day we walk with Him forever in His house.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Shepherd Guides Us Through Others
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14
A wise shepherd seldom worked alone. He often had help from family members, servants, and even trained sheepdogs to keep the flock safe. In the same way, God has designed His people to live and walk together, not in isolation. The Shepherd Himself remains the ultimate guide, but He often uses other voices—faithful friends, wise pastors, parents, and godly mentors—as extensions of His care.
Scripture gives us clear examples: Paul leaned on Barnabas when the early church questioned his calling. Timothy leaned on Paul as a spiritual father for encouragement and instruction. Even Apollos, a gifted preacher, needed Aquila and Priscilla to gently correct his teaching so that his ministry could flourish (Acts 18:26). God’s pattern is clear—He uses people to sharpen, guide, and encourage one another.
Yet pride whispers, “I don’t need anyone. I can figure this out myself.” But humility recognizes that safety lies in counsel, and wisdom grows best in community. To resist godly counsel is to walk into danger alone. To receive it is to walk in the safety of the fold, where the Shepherd’s voice often echoes through others He has placed in our lives.
Think of it this way: a sheep that strays too far from the flock is the most vulnerable to wolves. But a sheep that stays within earshot of the shepherd and close to the flock enjoys safety, guidance, and peace. The Christian life is no different. God uses His people as guardrails to protect us, as signposts to direct us, and as encouragers to lift us when we stumble. Wise counsel can save us from years of regret. Loving correction can spare us from wandering too far. A trusted mentor can speak truth we were too blind to see. A praying friend can hold us up when our strength is gone. And together, the flock is always safer than the sheep who tries to go it alone.
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble enough to listen when You speak through others. Guard me from isolation and let me walk in the safety of godly counsel. Surround me with voices that point me to You, and give me discernment to know when You are guiding me through their words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Identify one person you know God has used to speak into your life. Reach out this week and thank them. Let them know how their words or example helped you walk closer with Christ.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley
Carol Lawhead – Park Place Rehab in Monroe
Danny Jarrard – Knee Surgery Soon
Debbie Foskey
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Linda Mays
Sheila Simmons
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
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