2026 THEME — “SEEING LIFE FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE”
January – PRAYER from God’s Perspective
Unless the weather hinders us from meeting on Sunday, we will gather with a clear understanding that what God has been showing us is not meant to stay within the walls of a service. The call before us is to let what we’ve learned about prayer shape how we walk through ordinary moments—guiding our choices, steadying our hearts, and keeping us consciously aware of God’s presence as we live each day aligned with Him.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Prayer draws its strength from relationship, not language—its power comes from a settled confidence in who God is when circumstances feel uncertain. In His presence, our need to manage outcomes fades, and we are quietly reshaped as trust replaces fear and obedience rises from knowing Him, not proving ourselves.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Throne Never Moves
“The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice.” — Psalm 97:1
Chaos can be loud, but it is not king. News headlines, family crises, medical reports, and uncertain seasons can make life feel unstable—but the throne of God has never trembled. God reigns with unchallenged authority. He is never surprised, never threatened, never outpaced by what overwhelms you. Worship becomes natural when you remember who sits on the throne. Anxiety shrinks when sovereignty grows in your view. The world may feel like it is spinning, but it is spinning under a God who rules. When you say, “God reigns,” you are not quoting a phrase—you are reclaiming peace.
Sovereignty Is Not Seasonal
God’s reign does not rise and fall with circumstances. He does not reign more in peaceful times and less in chaotic ones. The throne of heaven does not respond to markets, elections, diagnoses, or opinions. Scripture never says God will reign when things improve—it declares that He reigns now. Much of our unrest comes from silently believing that something has slipped outside of God’s control. But nothing ever has. What shakes us has never shaken Him. The same God who ruled in calm moments rules in storms with the same authority, wisdom, and purpose. Rejoicing, then, is not denial—it is alignment. When the soul agrees with heaven’s reality, fear loses its footing.
Anxiety Grows Where Sovereignty Shrinks
Fear is not just an emotional response; it is often a misplaced focus. When problems become larger than God in our thinking, anxiety naturally takes over. But when God’s sovereignty is brought back into view, fear is exposed as unnecessary noise. The enemy works hard to make chaos feel final and permanent. God answers by reminding us that nothing is ultimate except His reign. Even what feels unresolved is still under authority. Even what feels delayed is still governed by purpose. Peace does not come from understanding outcomes—it comes from trusting governance. You may not know what God will do next, but you can know who He is right now.
Worship Re-centers the Soul
Worship is not escape; it is recalibration. When you declare God’s reign aloud, you are training your heart to live from truth rather than pressure. Worship lifts your gaze from what is happening around you to who is ruling over it. The throne never moves, but our attention often does. Worship brings it back. It reminds us that God has not abdicated responsibility for the world or for your life. He reigns personally, intentionally, and lovingly. Every time you return to that truth, you anchor your soul again.
Challenge — Reclaim the Throne Today: At the first moment you feel rushed, pressured, or unsettled, pause where you are and turn the moment into worship. Ask yourself honestly: “Who is reigning right now—my fear or my Father?” Then say aloud: “Father, You are still on the throne.” Inhale slowly and whisper: “The LORD reigneth.” Exhale gently and whisper: “I will not fear.” Repeat this three times, unhurried. Finish by declaring Psalm 93:1 as an act of faith, not feeling: “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength… the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.” Let this be more than a moment—let it be a daily practice that re-centers your heart under the unshakable throne of God.
Prayer: Father, enlarge my view of Your throne until my fear loses its voice. Rule over my thoughts, my emotions, and my reactions today. Teach my heart to rest in Your reign and rejoice in Your authority. In Jesus’ name, amen.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner’s Dad
Aston Savage
Bentley Smith – Broken Leg
Brian Gray’s Uncle – Surgery Went Well
Carol Lawhead – Riverside in Conyers
Joni Oberhage
Linda Mays
Mandy Martin
Myles Elliott
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Brando Echarte
Debbie Foskey
Don Franklin’s Daughter, Darlene, Son, David
Ed Adkins – Friend of Brian Edwards
Gloria Young
Jake Jenkins
Jenkins son-in-law
June Cronan
Jean Partee’s Sister
Kim McClain’s Daughter, Amanda
Deon Lotter
Doris Loyd
Nancy Brown
Annette Ford
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sisters
Ann Stanley
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
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
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher