WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21, 2024
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
BEING SET APART FOR GOD’S PURPOSE
1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
As believers, we are not just ordinary people; we are a chosen generation, set apart by God to reflect His holiness and declare His praises.
This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Esther’s story in the Bible is a powerful example of someone who embraced her role as one set apart for God’s purpose.
She was placed in a position of influence not for her own benefit, but to fulfill God’s plan to save His people.
Her courage to stand out, even at great personal risk, is a profound inspiration for us to boldly live out our faith and fulfill the purposes God has for our lives.
Just as Esther was called to make a difference in her time, we too are called to be distinct, shining God’s light in a world that desperately needs it.
Are you willing to be set apart for God’s purpose?
Being set apart means living in a way that reflects God’s values, even when it goes against the grain of the world around you.
It might mean making choices that differ from those of your peers, standing firm in your convictions when it’s easier to compromise, and being a beacon of hope and truth in a dark world.
Embrace your identity as a chosen and holy child of God, knowing that He has called you for a specific purpose.
Your life has the potential to impact others for His kingdom, but it requires a commitment to live differently—to be set apart.
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for choosing me and calling me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Help me to embrace my identity in You, and give me the courage to live a life that is set apart for Your purposes. Even when it’s difficult, may I reflect Your holiness in everything I do, so that others may see You in me and be drawn to Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
This week, take time to reflect on how you can live a life that is set apart for God.
Make a list of specific areas in your life where you can make choices that reflect your faith.
Consider your relationships, your entertainment choices, how you spend your time, and the words you speak.
Look for opportunities to stand out as a follower of Christ, not to draw attention to yourself, but to point others to Him.
Think of a lighthouse standing tall in the midst of a stormy sea.
The lighthouse doesn’t blend into the darkness; it shines brightly, guiding ships safely to shore.
As Christians, we are called to be that lighthouse—set apart, standing firm, and shining God’s light in a world that can often be stormy and chaotic.
Just as the lighthouse guides ships to safety, your life, when set apart for God, can guide others to the safety and salvation found in Christ.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Lee Cronan
June Cronan’s Sister
Sandra Graham
Amy Garner’s Mom
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher