JANUARY – “It’s Time To Go Deeper”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
This sermon series, “It’s Time to Go Deeper,” calls us to pursue a more intimate relationship with God as we enter 2025. Through daily prayer, Bible reading, acts of service, and an openness to the Holy Spirit’s work, we can deepen our faith, resist complacency, and discover the true power, presence, and transformation that only God provides. Rather than relying on our own efforts, we’re encouraged to let the Lord guide us step by step—filling our lives with His love, wisdom, and purpose.
Drawing on biblical examples like Moses, Peter, and the early church, the message warns against lukewarm faith and stagnation, urging bold obedience and heartfelt devotion instead. It also includes a reflection from my heart as pastor after serving nearly fifty years—rejoicing over changed lives, shared sorrows, and the heartfelt hope of seeing every believer spiritually thriving. With the promise of God’s ever-new mercies, we’re reminded that each day can bring fresh zeal if we surrender our hearts, stay rooted in Christ, and walk forward with expectant faith. Additionally, a 21-day prayer program was introduced to unify the congregation in focused intercession for deeper spiritual maturity and outreach. By praying intentionally each day, believers open themselves to divine opportunities and strengthen their commitment to Christ. The sermon also emphasized practical steps of surrender—from letting go of distractions to devoting more energy to spiritual growth than personal comforts. In doing so, each one is invited to press on with confidence in God’s sustaining grace, knowing that He is faithful to renew and empower His people.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
DEEPER IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
As we embark on this New Year’s Challenge, let us begin by examining the depth of our relationship with God.
Jeremiah 29:13 emphasizes the importance of seeking Him wholeheartedly—not merely as a casual interest, but as a passionate and dedicated pursuit of His presence in our lives.
Think back to those moments when you sensed God’s nearness—when your heart burned with a desire to know Him more and to live in total surrender.
Those experiences weren’t random; they were invitations for you to let God deepen His work, transforming your heart and guiding your every step.
In these encounters, God reveals a glimpse of His boundless love and purpose for your life.
He gently invites you to entrust each fear and uncertainty into His care, reminding you that He walks every step beside you.
When you choose to seek Him wholeheartedly, your spirit resonates with a renewed sense of joy and divine peace.
Christ-centered devotion won’t eliminate life’s challenges, but it will transform how you face them as you rest in His enduring faithfulness.
Above all, remember that this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistently turning your heart toward the One who fully satisfies your deepest longings.
God longs for a genuine, intimate connection with each of us—one that goes beyond routine activities and religious obligations, and instead embraces a fervent love for Him.
Seeking God with your whole heart involves placing Him above all else, letting His love fill every aspect of your being, and allowing Him to shape your thoughts, actions, and desires.
As you deepen your love for Jesus, you’ll discover His presence as a constant source of strength and guidance, illuminating your path with clarity and stirring a greater passion in your pursuit of His will.
Consider David, who penned many of the Psalms out of an intense desire to draw near to God.
Despite his human flaws and failures, David’s heart consistently returned to the Lord in honest confession and wholehearted worship.
His life demonstrates that when we seek God earnestly, we find renewed hope, mercy, and the abiding presence of the One who knows us best and loves us most.
PRACTICAL STEPS
Carve Out “God Time” – Set aside a specific part of your day—morning or evening—to read the Bible and pray. Give God your undivided attention, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes at first.
Ask for Fresh Desire – Pray for a deeper hunger for God’s Word and a keener awareness of the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Make Worship a Habit – Worship isn’t confined to Sunday services. Incorporate worship music, journaling, or simply quiet reflection throughout the week to keep your heart attuned to His presence.
Think of a tall tree with deep roots that tap into underground water.
Even when storms come or droughts strike, the tree remains strong because its roots reach down to a reliable source.
In the same way, when you dig deeper into your relationship with God, you become spiritually anchored.
External hardships may come, but your soul remains steady because it’s rooted in the Living Water.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, ignite a deeper passion within my heart to seek You earnestly. Help me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else, making You the center of my life and decisions. Transform my heart and guide my steps as I pursue a closer walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Personal Evaluation: Write down two or three areas in your life where you feel distant from God. Then, list one practical way you can invite Him into each area this week—whether it’s through intentional prayer, seeking biblical wisdom, or asking a spiritual mentor for guidance.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mrs. Franklin – Joanie & Jeanie’s Mom – Vision Problems
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