January 5, 2025

10:30 AM

“IT’S TIME TO GO DEEPER”

A call for spiritual depth, intimacy with God, and transformation as we begin a new year.

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

Throughout our reflections on biblical stories—like Pharaoh’s plague of frogs, Esau’s bowl of stew, the child clutching a penny in a vase, and Pilate’s wavering over Jesus—a common theme emerges: we often cling to what is trivial or short-lived at the expense of our freedom and fellowship with God. These narratives warn that pride, fear, worldly pressure, or the lure of temporary pleasures can blind us to the surpassing value of God’s presence. Instead of responding to His call with urgency, we delay—holding onto “frogs,” pennies, or momentary indulgences. Meanwhile, Scripture shows us that God’s power and love are freely offered, waiting for our willing surrender. From Pharaoh’s hardened heart to Demas’s worldly pull, the Bible illustrates how resistance or compromise inevitably leads to regret, while immediate obedience opens the door to God’s peace, protection, and joy.

Conversely, accounts such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lions’ den, and Paul and Silas in prison show the riches of God’s presence when we steadfastly trust Him above all else. Their mindset—unflinching faith in the face of danger—demonstrates that God’s nearness outshines any earthly comfort or security. When we choose worship over despair and obedience over self-preservation, He meets us with miraculous intervention, profound peace, and unshakeable joy. Ultimately, these stories compel us to reflect on what we might be holding back or placing above God. In each of these stories, God’s presence is the turning point that transforms defeat into victory. They show that a heart set on God is never truly forsaken, no matter how dire the circumstances appear. When we cast aside fleeting distractions, we discover the unshakeable joy that only He can give. This is the heart of the gospel: a divine invitation to trade our frailty for His everlasting strength.

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

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

“ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS”

“And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word…” (Exodus 8:10)

Pharaoh’s plague of frogs is a powerful illustration of how pride and stubbornness can make us resist God’s rescue, even when relief is within reach.

God, through Moses, offered Pharaoh immediate deliverance from the frogs overrunning the land of Egypt.

Yet, instead of choosing to end the plague right away, Pharaoh responded with “tomorrow,” effectively choosing one more night of discomfort for himself, his household, and his entire nation.

This delay stemmed from his unwillingness to yield fully to God’s authority.

In our own lives, we often find ourselves mimicking Pharaoh—clinging to old patterns, destructive habits, or sins, believing we can put off meaningful change “just one more day.”

That procrastination might feel harmless at first, but it gradually robs us of the peace, hope, and freedom that God stands ready to provide.

The longer we wait, the heavier the burden becomes—not just for us, but also for those around us who feel the impact of our decisions.

Ultimately, refusing to surrender keeps us enslaved to what God wants to remove from our lives.

Each day we postpone the choice to trust Him is another day spent enduring unnecessary hardship.

But the moment we accept His invitation, He can begin a transforming work in our hearts, granting both immediate relief and fresh vision for the future.

Imagine living in a house where a piercing fire alarm rings day and night.

Instead of finding the source of the smoke or flames, you cover your ears, hoping the alarm will somehow stop on its own.

Meanwhile, smoke continues to fill the rooms, quietly causing damage and spreading danger.

This is the spiritual equivalent of “one more night with the frogs”—hearing the warning yet delaying the response, all while the threat grows more serious around you.

Reflect on Areas of Delay: Ask God to reveal any patterns, relationships, or habits where you’ve been saying “tomorrow” to His call for change or obedience.

Seek Forgiveness: Humbly confess these areas of procrastination, trusting in God’s mercy to cleanse and restore you.

Take Immediate Action: Don’t wait another day.

If it’s an addiction, reach out for help; if it’s a broken relationship, make the phone call or plan a conversation; if it’s a personal discipline, set up a routine that starts now, not later.

Prayer:  “Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me the dangers of delaying obedience. I confess that at times, I’ve chosen comfort or pride over immediate surrender. Please forgive me for postponing the changes You want to bring about in my life. Help me to embrace Your grace and act with boldness today. May I never choose to spend another night with the ‘frogs,’ but instead step into the freedom You offer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

ASSIGNMENT: 

Name One Stalling Point: Write down a single area where you’ve been procrastinating change or obedience.

Take One Concrete Step: Before the day ends, do something practical to move forward—schedule an appointment, send a message, throw away a toxic item, etc.

Share for Accountability: Talk to a trusted friend about your goal so they can pray for you and support you in making a lasting change.

MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Greg Schriener

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Ben Bruce

Brody Fuller – Jackson Byrd’s Roommate at College 

Carol Angel in passing of her husband, Don

Carol Lawhead

Daisy Almand 

Danny Jarrard  

Darlene Wiggins

David Newby

Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother 

Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Ellen Boyd

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Faith Burnette

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gail Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

George Calhoon

James Burnette

James Parker

Jessica Headrick

Joanie/Jeanie Mom

Jodi Bateman 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Kim McClain’s Sister

Krista Hilscher 

Larry Barker 

Lee Cronan

Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah 

Linda Hodges’ Sister 

Linda Lanier

Liz Knight

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary William’s Granddaughter

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Marynell Ford 

Matt Barron’s Mother

Maureen Brown 

Michael Stanley 

Mike Bryan

Nora Allison

Pastor Driskell 

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Sandra Roach Mitchell 

Sarah Parker

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Tom Witcher