JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

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

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

CHECK THE MIRROR BEFORE THE MICROSCOPE

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” — Matthew 7:3

We live in a world that trains us to be critics. We scroll, we judge, we diagnose. We notice others’ attitudes, mistakes, tone, and timing. It’s almost second nature to say, “They shouldn’t have done that,” or “I would never act like that.” But Jesus doesn’t hand us a magnifying glass—He hands us a mirror.

Before we deal with what’s wrong in someone else, He tells us to deal with what’s wrong in us. And often, what feels like righteous concern is really a form of spiritual superiority. That “tiny speck” in their life becomes our obsession, while the “beam” in our own eye goes unchecked.

You don’t need spiritual vision to spot flaws—you need humility to face your own. This isn’t about ignoring problems or excusing bad behavior. It’s about letting God begin His refining work in the one person you can actually change: you.

Whether it’s a spouse, child, coworker, or church member—before you point, pause. Ask yourself, “Have I brought my own heart before the Lord first?” Sometimes, the conflict around us is God’s invitation to deal with something within us. And when we lead with repentance instead of reaction, we make room for healing to happen on both sides.

So today, before you reach for the microscope, reach for the mirror. Not to shame yourself, but to open your heart in surrender. The Spirit of God always starts His best work right there.

Prayer:  Father, I confess that I’ve been quicker to spot faults in others than to surrender the hidden issues in my own heart. Teach me to walk in humility, not pride. Start with me, Lord—reshape my thoughts, my tone, my attitude. Make me a vessel of peace, not pressure. Whether at home, at church, or in the workplace, let Your love flow through me because I’ve first allowed You to work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge: Before you correct, comment, or confront someone today, take 60 seconds to ask the Holy Spirit:  “Is there anything in me that You want to change first?”  Let your first reaction be reflection, and let that posture lead every word and action. Then, write down what He shows you—even if it’s small.  Let today be a turning point where growth starts with you, not just those around you.

FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Sadie Almand – Home

Linda Mays – complications

Ann Stanley – Home

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts

Doug Stephens

Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke

Mary Williams – Rehab

Scotty Nix

Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Danny Jarrard 

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

Jessica Headrick 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda

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

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter

Tom Witcher