GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY DEAR WIFE FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME FOR 56 YEARS!
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S PLANS FOR OUR LIVES
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
This verse reassures us that God has plans for our peace and well-being.
He has a purpose for each of us, and His plans are always for our good.
Despite our circumstances, God’s thoughts toward us are of peace, aiming to give us hope and a future.
Trusting in God’s plans involves surrendering our own ideas of what our lives should look like and embracing His will.
It means believing that His plans, even when they differ from ours, are ultimately for our best.
This trust requires faith, especially when we face unexpected changes or challenges.
When my Mae and I went through a difficult season of financial hardship, we were unsure how we would make ends meet.
Despite our best efforts, things seemed to get worse.
In our desperation, we turned to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and provision.
Through His Word and the counsel of godly friends, we felt led to make some significant changes in our lives.
These changes were not part of our original plan and required a great deal of faith.
However, as we followed God’s leading, we saw His provision in ways we never expected.
Not only were our needs met, but we also experienced a deeper sense of peace and trust in God.
This journey taught us that God’s plans are always for our good, even when they lead us down unexpected paths.
ASSIGNMENT
Take time to pray and ask God to reveal His plans for your life.
Write down any thoughts or feelings that come to mind, and trust that He is guiding you toward His purpose.
Reflect on how His plans have unfolded in your life so far, and thank Him for His guidance and provision.
HYMN SUGGESTION: “Trust and Obey”
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with open hearts, seeking to understand and embrace Your plans for our lives. Thank You for the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that Your thoughts toward us are of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope. We are grateful that You have a purpose and plan for each of us, and we trust that Your plans are always for our good.
Lord, help us to surrender our own ideas and desires and fully embrace Your will. Give us the faith to trust that Your plans, even when they differ from ours, are ultimately for our best. Strengthen us to follow Your guidance, especially when we face unexpected changes or challenges. Help us to see Your hand at work in every situation and to rest in the assurance that You are in control.
Father, we ask for Your divine revelation in our lives. Show us the path You have prepared for us, and give us the courage to walk in it. As we pray and seek Your direction, may we be sensitive to Your voice and obedient to Your leading. Help us to remember that Your ways are higher than our ways and that You are always working for our good. May we continually seek Your wisdom and trust in Your timing, knowing that You see the bigger picture.
We thank You, Lord, for the times in our lives when You have led us in unexpected directions and for the blessings that have come from following Your plans. May we continue to grow in our faith and trust in You, knowing that You are guiding us every step of the way. Thank You for Your unfailing love and the hope we have in You.
In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sandera Graham – Much Prayer Needed
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
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher