THANK YOU FROM NORTH CAROLINA
Dear Friends,
Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for your prayers, supplies, and assistance after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene here in Hendersonville. The damage left behind was beyond anything we could have imagined—trees were uprooted, homes flooded, roads were washed out, and entire neighborhoods were left unrecognizable. Our community has faced unimaginable challenges, but through it all, your support and love have shone like a beacon of hope.
The supplies you sent have not only met physical needs but have also lifted our spirits, reminding us that we are not alone in this battle. Your prayers have been felt deeply, bringing comfort and strength when we needed it most. In this horrific time, your generosity has ministered to us in ways words simply cannot describe.
Our faith in God has sustained us through it all, and we trust in His goodness every step of the way. Please, please don’t stop praying for us daily—we still need those prayers more than ever. We praise God for you and for Samaritan’s Purse, whose help has been a true blessing in our recovery.
With all our hearts,
Lillian & Cleveland
Residents of Hendersonville NC
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
BREAKING FREE FROM LEGALISM
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time believed that their strict adherence to the law earned them favor with God.
They followed every rule and regulation to the letter, convinced that their righteousness came from their works.
However, Jesus rebuked them, saying, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:27).
Their outward obedience masked hearts that were far from God’s grace.
Jesus reminded them that true righteousness comes not from following rules but from a heart transformed by God’s grace.
Many of us fall into the same trap as the Pharisees.
We may know about grace, but we live as if we still have to prove ourselves to God.
We strive to do more, thinking that if we pray harder, serve more, or sin less, then God will love us more.
But the truth is, grace means God’s love is not earned by what we do.
It’s a free gift given through Jesus Christ.
Our worth isn’t tied to our performance, and we don’t have to exhaust ourselves trying to win God’s favor.
Christ’s finished work on the cross is enough.
Imagine carrying a heavy backpack up a steep mountain.
With each step, your legs tremble under the strain, and your body aches from the burden.
Halfway up the mountain, someone comes along and offers to carry the load for you, but you refuse, thinking you have to do it alone.
That’s what legalism feels like—it’s like refusing help and carrying a weight you were never meant to bear.
God never intended for us to earn His love or grace by our own strength.
Instead, He calls us to rest in the work Christ has already accomplished for us.
PRAYER
Father, I surrender my need to strive for Your approval. I confess that sometimes I live like a Pharisee, trying to earn Your love through my actions. Teach me to rest in Your grace and to trust that Christ’s work on the cross is enough. Help me to release the burden of trying to prove myself and live in the freedom that grace provides. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Today, think about something in your life that you’ve been trying to control through your own efforts.
It could be a situation, a relationship, or even your spiritual life.
Take time to pray, asking God to give you peace and to help you trust in His grace instead of your striving.
Write it down as a reminder to let go and allow God to take over.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
James Parker
Jeff Brown
June Davis
Kim McClain
Linda Hodge
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Matt Barron’s Mother
Melba Torbich’s Family
Victims Of Storm And Chemical Fire
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
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
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher