AUGUST THEME – “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Scripture calls us sheep not as a compliment but as a reality check—we are vulnerable, dependent, and prone to stray if left on our own. Yet the good news is that we are never abandoned: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” In Him, the hungry are fed, the fearful find safety, and the weary are restored. He sees the pasture long before we hunger, the valley before we tremble, and the enemy before we even notice the danger. When we stumble, His hand steadies us; when strength runs out, His arms carry us close. The Christian life does not rest on our ability to hold tightly to Him, but on His unfailing grip on us. Our Shepherd supplies every need, guides every step, protects every moment, and secures every tomorrow until, at last, we dwell in His house forever.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Shepherd Guides by Peace, Not Pressure
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” — Colossians 3:15
Sheep are easily frightened by sudden noises, harsh voices, or the press of a crowd. They are not meant to be driven by fear but gently led by the familiar voice of the shepherd. In the same way, God does not push His children forward by panic or anxiety. He leads us with peace, because peace is the atmosphere of His presence. When the Spirit is guiding, there may be challenges ahead, but His peace steadies the heart.
Elijah learned this truth on Mount Horeb. After the storm, the earthquake, and the fire, he realized the Lord was not in the noise, but in the still small voice (1 Kings 19:11–12). Many times, we look for God in the dramatic signs, but His direction is most often confirmed in quiet assurance. If you feel driven, rushed, or pressed, it is usually not the Shepherd’s leading—it is the enemy or your own anxious heart. The Shepherd’s voice brings calm, clarity, and confidence.
Think of the difference: Pressure makes you feel like time is running out, but peace reminds you that God holds all time in His hand. Pressure demands quick answers, but peace allows you to rest until God makes the way clear. Pressure makes you fearful of missing out, but peace assures you that nothing can rob you of God’s plan.
We are called to let peace “rule” in our hearts—literally, to act as the umpire in our decisions. If peace is absent, it is a sign to stop, pray, and wait. The Shepherd does not rush His sheep into chaos; He leads them beside still waters (Psalm 23:2). Following His peace keeps you from wandering into places He never meant for you to go.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that Your Spirit leads not by panic, but by peace. Quiet every competing voice in my heart, silence every fear that drives me, and teach me to recognize the still small voice of my Shepherd. When I am tempted to run ahead or forced by pressure, remind me to pause and wait for Your calm assurance. May Your peace rule and guard my heart in every decision, so that I walk in step with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: In your next decision, don’t rush forward under pressure. Stop and ask: “Do I sense God’s peace here?” If peace is present, move forward in faith. If peace is absent, wait on the Shepherd—His calm leading is always worth the patience.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley – Surgery Went Well
Carol Lawhead – Park Place Rehab in Monroe
Sheila Simmons – Surgery Went Well
James Parker
Kim McClain’s Mother
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Debbie Foskey – Home
Jessica Headrick
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Linda Mays – 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
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