GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
HURRICAN RELIF FUND THROUGH SAMARITAN’S PURSE $10,200
Due to the county’s mandatory shelter-in-place order from 7 PM to 7 AM, we are unfortunately canceling
tonight’s church service.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE CALL TO TOTAL SURRENDER
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by many, encountered Jesus in a life-changing moment.
Zacchaeus had spent years accumulating wealth through dishonest means, a life focused on greed and self-interest.
But when Jesus called him by name, something radical occurred.
Zacchaeus didn’t just listen—he responded with a heart completely transformed.
Without hesitation, he repented, vowing to give half of his wealth to the poor and to repay anyone he had defrauded four times over.
His immediate and public declaration of change demonstrated the power of total surrender.
Zacchaeus understood that following Jesus required not just words but a complete letting go of his old life.
Total surrender to Christ is not a one-time decision; it’s an ongoing process that affects every part of our lives.
It means letting go of old habits, behaviors, mindsets, and even relationships that pull us away from God’s purpose.
Surrender is not just about giving up overtly sinful actions but also about releasing control and trusting God’s will over our own.
A crucial aspect of total surrender is yielding control to the Holy Spirit.
Surrendering control to the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to guide your decisions, change your desires, and empower you to live a life that honors Christ.
The Holy Spirit provides the strength and wisdom to overcome the things we cannot conquer on our own.
When we try to hold on to control, we often stumble, but when we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He moves us forward in God’s purpose.
Take time to evaluate areas where self-centeredness, personal ambitions, or the desire to control outcomes still take precedence.
It might be pride, the desire for recognition, or the pursuit of success at the cost of integrity.
True surrender comes when we acknowledge that we cannot hold on to these things and still follow Jesus completely.
Zacchaeus didn’t just give lip service; he radically altered his life.
That’s the level of commitment Christ calls us to.
Imagine a ship anchored to the harbor, tethered tightly to the ground below.
The crew might try to sail, but as long as the anchor is lodged, the ship cannot move forward.
Even if they adjust the sails and steer, the anchor will keep them locked in place.
In the same way, we often try to move forward in our faith while still holding on to things that anchor us to our old life—whether it’s a hidden sin, past hurt, or reliance on worldly things for comfort.
Until we let go of these things and fully surrender them to God and the Holy Spirit, we cannot move forward in our spiritual journey.
Like the ship, we need to lift the anchor and release ourselves fully into the hands of God’s Spirit to guide us.
PRAYER
Jesus, I acknowledge that surrendering to You means letting go of every part of my old life—my past, my sins, and even my self-centered desires. I confess that there are areas in my life where I am still holding on, afraid to fully trust You. Lord, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to take control. Help me surrender not just my actions, but my thoughts, desires, and the direction of my life to Your Spirit’s leading. Teach me to walk in the newness of life You offer, free from the old things that no longer define me. I trust You with my whole heart, knowing that Your plans for me are greater than anything I could imagine. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
This week, take an intentional step toward total surrender.
Identify one specific area of your life that you’ve been holding onto—whether it’s a habit, a fear, or a desire to control certain outcomes.
Pray about that area and make a commitment to fully surrender it to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Seek out a trusted Christian friend or mentor for accountability.
Share with them your decision to let go, and ask them to pray with you and check in on your progress throughout the week.
Remember, surrendering control to the Holy Spirit is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward living in the freedom and fullness of Christ.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
VICTIMS OF STORM AND CHEMICAL FIRE
Matt Barron’s Mother
Carol Lawhead
Melba Torbich
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
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
James Parker
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
Lee Cronan
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’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher