AUGUST THEME – “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY  

The Bible’s picture of us as sheep is not meant as a compliment but as a sobering reminder. Sheep are vulnerable creatures—easily distracted, quick to wander, and powerless against danger without a shepherd. Left to ourselves, we lose our way. But the good news of the gospel is that we are never left to ourselves: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” In His care, hungry hearts are fed, trembling souls are sheltered, and weary bodies find rest. He sees the danger long before it reaches us, prepares the path long before we step onto it, and meets the enemy long before we even know we’re in a battle. When we stumble, His hand steadies us. When we fall flat, His arms scoop us up and carry us close to His heart. Our confidence is not in the strength of our grip on Him, but in the certainty of His grip on us. He provides when we lack, guides when we wander, protects when we’re threatened, and restores when we’re broken. And one day, His leading will not stop at green pastures or quiet waters, but will carry us all the way home—to dwell with Him forever in His house.

GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

THE SHEPHERD GUIDES US FOR HIS GLORY

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Cor. 10:31

His Reputation, Not Ours

Sheep may think the path is about them—their green pasture, their still waters, their rest. But the Shepherd leads with a greater purpose in mind. “For His name’s sake” means His reputation is tied to the way He guides and guards His flock. When the nations looked at Israel wandering in the wilderness, God reminded them that their preservation was not because they were mighty, but because His name was at stake (Ezekiel 20:9). In the same way, your life becomes a testimony of the Shepherd’s faithfulness. The way He carries you through trials is not just for your comfort—it is so others will look at your life and say, “Truly, their God is good.”

My Story, His Glory

When David declared in Psalm 23, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake,” he was acknowledging that even his victories were not about him. Every battle won, every valley passed through, every provision received was meant to magnify the glory of God. The same is true for us—our stories aren’t written for applause or recognition, but as living evidence that the Shepherd is faithful. Think about your journey—moments you survived that you should not have, blessings you received that you could not have earned. Each of those moments whispers a greater truth: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory” (Psalm 115:1).

Glory in the Ordinary

We tend to think God’s glory only shines in great miracles, but Paul reminds us it also glimmers in the ordinary: eating, drinking, working, parenting, serving. When the smallest choices are surrendered to Him, they become bright torches that illuminate His name. It means that even mundane obedience—telling the truth when it would be easier to lie, forgiving when it hurts, showing kindness when no one notices—becomes an act of worship. A watching world sees Christ more clearly not just in our mountaintop miracles but in our daily faithfulness. The Shepherd guides us not only through the dramatic valleys, but also through the quiet decisions that add up to a life that reflects His glory.

Prayer: Father, may my life never be about me but always about You. Lead me not for my comfort alone, but for the sake of Your name. In every choice, in every word, in every step, let others see Your faithfulness shining through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge: Live today with this mindset: “What I do reflects my Shepherd.” Before you make a choice—big or small—pause and ask, “Will this bring glory to His name?” Then walk the path that honors Him.

FRIDAY’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