September Theme – The Mind of Christ: Breaking Free From Earthly Thinking to Embrace Christ’s Mind
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
When life presses us down, it feels as though the weight of sorrow, failure, and fear will crush us completely. Our prayers seem to vanish into the air, our efforts appear useless, and our hearts whisper, “I can’t go on.” Yet it is in those moments of exhaustion and collapse that God bends low to meet us. He is the unseen shield deflecting the enemy’s lies, the steady hand that lifts our face when shame pulls it to the ground, the strong tower that raises us above the flood of anxieties. The gospel is not about proving our strength but resting in His: Christ holds us when we cannot hold ourselves, carries us when our steps falter, and surrounds us with unfailing love until we find ourselves standing again in hope.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
When Arrows Rain Like Fire
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” — Isaiah 54:17
Picture yourself in an open field—no shelter, no armor, no defense of your own making. The sky darkens, the wind shifts, and suddenly the enemy’s assault begins. Arrows rain down like fire, whistling through the air with the fury of demons. Each one is carved with venomous lies: “Failure.” “Shame.” “Unworthy.” “Unloved.” They pierce the ground around you, close enough to hear their hiss, close enough to feel the heat. Fear whispers in your ear, “You can’t survive this. You will fall under the weight of these accusations.” And in your weakness, you begin to believe it.
But just as despair presses in, the Shepherd steps into the battlefield. His presence shifts everything. He places Himself between you and the storm, lifting scarred hands in your defense. The arrows that should have pierced your soul now strike Him instead. They split, shatter, and fall harmlessly to the earth. The accusations lose their power in His presence. The names meant to define you are silenced by the name above every name. He does not simply shield you—He absorbs the blow. He bears the pain so you can stand unbroken.
When the dust settles and silence falls, you realize the truth: your survival was never about the strength of your shield, but about the sacrifice of your Savior. It was never about how well you defended yourself, but how completely He defended you. The cross was the place where every arrow meant for you found its end. Now, clothed in His righteousness, you can stand in the open field without fear. The enemy may form weapons, but they will not prosper—not because you are strong, but because Christ is.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping into my battlefield and becoming my defense. Thank You for taking the arrows of accusation, shame, and fear so I could stand free. Help me remember that every lie the enemy forms must fall powerless at Your feet. In Your name I stand, amen.
Challenge: The next time accusing thoughts hit, don’t stay silent. Declare aloud:
“Christ stands between me and every arrow. I am covered by His victory.”
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
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