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

LET GOD START WITH YOU 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23

One of Satan’s oldest and most effective strategies is to keep you so focused on what others are doing wrong that you completely overlook what God wants to do in you. Whether it’s a friend, family member, co-worker, or leader—when you constantly assess their flaws, you become blind to the transformation God is trying to bring about in your own heart.

Yes, they may have hurt you. They may have been unfair, unkind, or inattentive. But the danger lies in this: the moment your attention is locked on their faults, your spirit becomes closed to His correction. The Holy Spirit doesn’t reveal truth by dragging others into the spotlight—He works gently, personally, and precisely within your own soul.

You can’t change another person’s heart. But you can surrender your own. God isn’t asking for your analysis of someone else—He’s asking for your availability. When you stop praying, “Lord, fix them,” and start praying, “Lord, search me,” everything begins to shift. That is where healing takes root, and growth begins.

Every time you find yourself thinking, “They need to get it together,” pause and pray, “Lord, what are You trying to show me?” That posture isn’t weakness—it’s spiritual maturity. The goal is never to be more “right” than someone else, but to be more right with God. It’s about being humble enough to say, “Even if no one else changes, I will.”

Revival always starts in one heart before it spreads to others. And that heart could be yours. When you let God begin with you, He begins to soften the environment around you. You stop fueling tension and start carrying peace. You stop judging and start interceding. You stop reacting and start responding with grace.

Remember: pride focuses outward—humility looks inward. And when you choose humility, you invite heaven to work on your behalf. So let the cry of your heart today be, “Search me, O God… start with me.”

Prayer: Lord, I confess that it’s easier to notice the faults of others than to face my own. Forgive me for the times I’ve pointed fingers instead of opening my heart. Search me. Change me. Start with me. Make me more like Jesus—not defensive, but discerning; not proud, but purified. I give You full access to every part of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Today, ask the Lord to reveal one area in your own heart where He wants to work—and don’t resist. Write it down. Pray about it. Surrender it. And then walk in humility, regardless of whether others change or not. Let God begin something new in you.

THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Sadie Almand – Home

Linda Mays – Piedmont Atlanta

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

Scot 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