JULY THEME – “Seeing Ebenezer- “Hitherto Hath The Lord Helped Us” From God’s Perspective”
Join us in prayer and celebration as Belmont Baptist Church celebrates our Year of Jubilee, marking fifty years of God’s amazing faithfulness and looking forward with grateful hearts to all He has yet to do.
BEATS FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART
HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE
John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Few verses capture the heart of the Christian life more completely than these six words: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” They are far more than John the Baptist’s personal testimony; they are God’s pattern for every believer. The Christian life is not about becoming more successful, more admired, or more influential. It is about Christ becoming increasingly visible while self gradually fades into the background. Every day presents the same question: Who will be seen—me or Jesus?
A Ministry That Pointed Beyond Itself
John the Baptist spoke these words when many believed his ministry was declining. The crowds that once followed him were now following Jesus. His own disciples viewed it as a loss, but John saw it as the fulfillment of his calling. He understood that he had never been the destination—he was only the signpost. His purpose was never to build a following for himself but to point people to the Lamb of God. Without jealousy, insecurity, or resentment, John simply declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” His joy was never found in being recognized but in seeing Christ exalted. His identity was not rooted in his ministry but in his Master.
The Daily Battle for the Throne
The same battle lives within every believer. Our flesh craves recognition, appreciation, and significance. It quietly seeks attention, even in our service for God. Pride is remarkably subtle. It can disguise itself as humility and even use ministry as a platform for self. Every day two voices compete for the throne of our hearts. One says, “Notice me.” The other says, “Look to Jesus.” One seeks the applause of people; the other desires only the glory of God. The Christian life is lived by choosing, moment by moment, to let Christ occupy the place that self so desperately wants to hold.
The Life Christ Desires to Live
God’s purpose has never been simply to improve us. He came to replace our self-life with the life of His Son. Paul expressed this beautifully: “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” As Christ increases within us, our pride gives way to humility, our fear to faith, our selfishness to love, and our striving to His sufficiency. The more we abide in Christ, the less people notice us and the more they encounter Him. Christianity is not self-improvement; it is Christ’s life being revealed through surrendered people.
The moon has no light of its own. Every bit of its beauty comes from reflecting the light of the sun. When the sun shines fully upon it, the moon brilliantly lights the night sky—not because of what it is, but because of what it reflects. In the same way, we possess no spiritual light apart from Christ. Our calling is not to shine for ourselves but to reflect the glory of the One who is the Light of the World. The brighter Christ shines through us, the less attention is drawn to us and the more glory is given to Him.
The greatest compliment anyone could ever give us is not, “What a wonderful Christian,” but, “I saw Jesus.” May that become the daily desire of our hearts: “Lord, increase in me. Let my pride decrease, my ambitions decrease, my fear decrease, and my desire for recognition decrease until Your life is the only life others see.” For when Christ increases, everything else finds its proper place.
Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that my flesh continually seeks recognition, comfort, and control. Forgive me for every moment I have desired my glory more than Yours. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, crucify my pride and teach me to joyfully surrender every area of my life to Christ. Let the Lord Jesus increase in my thoughts, my words, my attitudes, my home, my ministry, and my relationships. May people see less of me and more of Him. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Daily Challenge
Before speaking, serving, posting, making a decision, or responding today, quietly ask yourself, “Will this cause Christ to increase, or will it draw attention to me?” Then choose the path that magnifies Jesus. When He increases, you become the person God created you to be.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER NEEDS
Rob Davis – cancer
Mary Williams – Rehab for Broken Hip
Kim McClain’s Mother