Praise the Lord for Lee Bryan, Alyssa Yang, and Natalie Garner, who publicly declared their faith through baptism today!
The Christian life is more than a single decision—it’s a lifelong journey that begins with salvation, where we experience the joy of being made new and forgiven through Christ’s love and sacrifice. This first step opens the door to a path illuminated by God’s grace, filled with opportunities for growth, transformation, and purpose. As we move forward, each stage builds upon the last, strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to Him. Early growth is a season of learning and trust, where we develop spiritual roots through God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship. As challenges arise, trials refine our faith, teaching us perseverance and dependence on His wisdom. Each step is vital because if we become stagnant, we risk complacency, discouragement, and emptiness. God calls us to press forward, trusting Him to equip us for what lies ahead. With every step, we find ourselves better prepared to navigate life’s complexities and reflect His love to the world.
As we mature, we align our lives with God’s purposes, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in obedience, service, and compassion for others. This leads to a season of fruitfulness, where our lives overflow with the joy and love of the Spirit, sharing His grace with those around us. We become lights to those still beginning their own journeys, showing them the abundant life found in Christ. The final stretch of the journey is marked by perseverance and reflection on God’s faithfulness, carrying us through trials with hope fixed on eternity. Finally, the journey ends in Heaven, where faith becomes sight, and we are united with Christ in a place of perfect peace and joy. Each step of this journey transforms us into His likeness, preparing us for an eternal home filled with His glory and love. The Christian life is a journey of grace, growth, and purpose, leading us closer to God until we are finally home in His presence forever.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
FINDING PEACE IN GOD’S PRESENCE
Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
The disciples’ fear during the storm on the Sea of Galilee offers a profound illustration of God’s peace.
As the winds howled and the waves threatened to overwhelm the boat, Jesus remained asleep, calm and undisturbed, a testament to His divine authority and confidence in God’s control (Mark 4:35-41).
Overcome with fear, the disciples woke Him with cries of desperation, questioning if He cared about their peril.
Jesus rose, rebuked the wind, and spoke to the sea, “Peace, be still.”
Instantly, the storm ceased, and a profound calm settled over the waters.
His words not only brought physical peace to the raging storm but also unveiled a spiritual truth: no storm is beyond the reach of God’s power.
Jesus’ presence reminded the disciples that peace is not the absence of the storm but the assurance of God’s control in the midst of it.
His calming of the sea revealed that when they place their trust in Him, peace is always within reach, even during life’s most turbulent challenges.
How often do we, like the disciples, find ourselves overwhelmed by the storms of life?
We see the crashing waves—our fears, uncertainties, and struggles—and forget that God is in the boat with us.
Instead of focusing on Him, we fixate on the storm, allowing anxiety to take hold.
But Isaiah 26:3 reminds us of the key to peace: keeping our minds “stayed on” God.
This means intentionally directing our thoughts to His promises, His faithfulness, and His love.
Trusting Him doesn’t remove the storm, but it shifts our perspective, allowing us to rest in His presence and experience the peace He offers.
Imagine a lighthouse standing firm on a rocky shore as a storm rages around it.
The waves crash, the wind howls, and the sky is dark.
Yet, through it all, the lighthouse shines steadily, providing guidance and hope for those at sea.
God’s peace is like that lighthouse.
It remains constant, lighting our way through life’s storms, reminding us of His presence, and leading us safely to shore.
Just as sailors trust the lighthouse to guide them, we can trust God’s peace to sustain us in our darkest moments.
PRAYER: Lord, in the midst of life’s storms, teach me to focus on You. Help me to remember that You are always with me, guiding me and offering peace that the world cannot give. When my heart is troubled, remind me of Your promises and fill me with the calm assurance that comes from trusting You. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Set aside five minutes today to sit in silence before God. Bring your worries and fears to Him, and meditate on a promise from His Word, such as Isaiah 26:3 or John 14:27. Let His peace settle into your heart and mind, and carry that peace with you throughout the day. Share this peace with someone else by offering a kind word or prayer for them.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Linda Lanier
Amy Garner’s Parents
Angela Bryan’s Sisters
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Riverside in Covington David Newby
Darlene Wiggins
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
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
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
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
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher