October Theme – “Crucified with Christ: Dying to Self, Living to God”
Praise The Lord For Benjamine Hunn’s Salvation On Sunday
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Unmasking the Self-Life reminds us that the biggest battle of faith isn’t with the devil around us but with the self within us that refuses to yield. Many believers long for the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10, yet remain weary and restless because self still occupies the throne. Paul confessed in Romans 7 that though he desired to do right, his flesh continually pulled him the other way. The self-life wants control—it can serve, pray, and even appear spiritual, but it resists surrender. Real victory doesn’t come from trying harder; it comes from dying deeper. Galatians 2:20 unveils the secret: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” The Christian life isn’t about polishing the old self—it’s about yielding to Christ so completely that His life becomes ours. Each day, we must quiet the voice that insists, “Do it your way,” and listen instead to the Spirit who whispers, “Let Me.” When we release control, grace takes over, peace returns, and the life of Christ begins to flow freely through us—because the throne of our heart finally belongs to Him.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Power of Daily Surrender
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
The Morning Decision
Every day begins with a quiet war between surrender and self. Before your feet even hit the floor, self starts making plans—mapping out how you will fix problems, control outcomes, and protect your peace. But Jesus stands at the door of your heart each morning, gently asking for the keys. He doesn’t force His way in; He invites you to trust His direction. True surrender isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s saying, “Lord, I don’t know what today holds, but You do.” The moment you hand Him the keys, the day changes. Worry loosens its grip, peace takes the wheel, and instead of striving to make everything work, you begin following the One who already knows the way.
The Midday Checkpoint
As the hours pass, life always gives you opportunities to reclaim control. The phone call that frustrates you, the task that overwhelms you, or the words that sting—each becomes a checkpoint of surrender. In those moments, the flesh wants to rise up and react, to take the wheel again. But the Spirit whispers, “Stop. Breathe. Let Me lead.” When you pause to pray instead of push, something shifts. The burden you were never meant to carry begins to lift. Surrender doesn’t make you passive—it makes you powerful, because now your strength flows from the Spirit, not self. Each time you realign with Him in the middle of the day, you trade chaos for calm and self-reliance for supernatural grace.
The Evening Exchange
When the day winds down, surrender takes on a softer tone—it becomes rest. The evening is when you hand God the results, the unfinished to-do list, and the things you wish had gone differently. You release the need to fix, explain, or control what’s beyond your reach. In that sacred exchange, He gives peace in return. The cross, once a symbol of death, becomes a place of quiet freedom—a reminder that you don’t have to carry tomorrow’s burdens. Surrender at night means saying, “Lord, I did what I could, now I trust what You will.” As you lay your head down, His presence settles over you like a blanket of grace, assuring your heart that when you rest, He still reigns.
Prayer: Jesus, today I give You control—of my words, my plans, and even my reactions. Teach me to let go when I want to hold on, and to trust You in every moment. Lead me one step at a time until Your will becomes my way.
Challenge: Begin and end your day with this prayer: “Lord, I give You the keys again.” Each time you sense control or anxiety rising, whisper it once more—and watch peace return to the driver’s seat.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mike Bryan
Mike Hollinghead
Nancy Brown – Rehab
Allysa Elliott
Amy Garner’s Dad
Annette Ford
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley
Carol Lawhead – Park Place Rehab in Monroe
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Debbie Foskey
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Mays
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Sheila Simmons
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher