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