As a church, we don’t begin the year casually — we begin it intentionally.
That’s why every January, Zeal City steps into 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Not because fasting is trendy or extreme, but because some things in life won’t change through prayer alone.

Jesus said it plainly:
“This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting.”
(Matthew 17:21)

There are things you can’t just pray away.
You have to fast your way through them.

What Fasting Really Is
At its core, fasting is simple:
Fasting is physical obedience with a spiritual result.
You abstain, typically from food, for a spiritual purpose. When you remove what normally sustains you physically, you intentionally turn to God for spiritual sustenance instead.

Where you would normally reach for comfort, distraction, or habit, you reach for God’s Word.
When we empty ourselves, God fills us.
Over and over again, Scripture shows us that when God is put first, everything else finds its proper place. Many people experience breakthrough months later because of a decision made in January. Fasting reorders our priorities and reminds us who we depend on.

When Willpower Isn’t Enough
In Luke 6, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue when He notices a man with a withered right hand.
“On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue.”
(Luke 6:6)

Notice something important:
This man is in church, in the presence of Jesus, and yet he still has a withered place in his life.
That should encourage us.
You can love God, worship faithfully, show up consistently — and still carry areas of pain, dysfunction, or powerlessness. A withered hand represents something that once worked, once moved, once had strength… but no longer does.

Loss happened. Pain happened. Disappointment happened. And now that area feels stuck.
And yet — the man kept coming to church.

If that’s you, that’s courage.

Step One: “I Can’t”
The first step toward healing is naming the truth:
I can’t.

Some of us are exhausted because we keep trying to control what we simply cannot control. We cope in ways that make us look functional, food, scrolling, work, anger, control, distraction — while quietly dying inside.

It’s possible to be impressive and powerless at the same time.
There is freedom in finally admitting, “I don’t have this.”

Scripture is full of people who said, “But I…”
But I’m too old.
But I’m not qualified.
But I already tried.

Yet God consistently responds with a greater truth:
But God.

Step Two: “He Can”
When we replace “but I” with “but God,” everything shifts.
I can’t control this, but God can
I can’t break this cycle, but God can
I can’t heal this wound, but God can

The man in Luke 6 is asked to do something uncomfortable: stand up and expose the very thing that isn’t working. And when he does, Jesus restores his hand completely.

Healing didn’t come through hiding.
It came through surrender.

Step Three: “I Think I’ll Let Him”
This is the hardest step.
Many of us admit we can’t.
We even believe God can.
But the real question is: will we let Him?

There’s a difference between willfulness and willingness.
Willfulness says, “I’ve got this.”
Willingness says, “I don’t.”

Willfulness grips tightly.
Willingness opens hands.

When we surrender control, God doesn’t lead us into harm, He leads us into freedom. Not always comfort, but always transformation.

Fasting helps break our grip. It confronts our self-reliance and teaches us dependence. It reminds us that grit isn’t God — and willpower alone was never meant to carry us.

Why We Fast

We fast because:
Some breakthroughs require surrender, not strength
Some strongholds don’t fall through effort, but obedience
Some areas only heal when exposed to the light

This fast isn’t about proving discipline.
It’s about declaring dependence.

As a church, we are saying together:
I can’t.
He can.
And I think I’ll let Him.

That’s where freedom begins.

As we step into a new year, there’s a natural pull to evaluate our lives. We think about where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and where we hope to go next. New years invite reflection, and often, ambition.

But here’s an uncomfortable truth: not every ladder is worth climbing.
Some ladders look impressive. They come with applause, promotions, recognition, and validation. Yet when Paul writes the book of Philippians — while imprisoned — he strips life down to what actually matters. And in doing so, he reveals something freeing and challenging all at once:
Some ladders don’t matter at all.

Philippians is a short letter tucked between Ephesians and Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul around AD 60 while he was under house arrest in Rome. Instead of despair, frustration, or bitterness, the letter overflows with joy, gratitude, and clarity.

Paul wasn’t writing to fix a broken church or rebuke division. He was writing a thank-you letter to the church in Philippi - a church that consistently supported him and partnered with him in spreading the gospel.

The Philippian church was special. It was the first Christian church in Europe, planted in modern-day Greece along a major Roman road, strategically positioned for the expansion of the gospel. It began with unlikely people and miraculous moments - women praying by a river, a businesswoman named Lydia opening her home, prisoners worshiping in the dark, chains falling off, and entire households coming to faith.

This church didn’t just start strong. It stayed strong. So when Paul writes to them, he doesn’t give them a checklist. He gives them a way of life, a centered, settled, joyful life... regardless of what’s happening around them.

The First Ladder: Status
Paul opens his letter with words we might normally skim past:
“This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:1)

Paul doesn’t lead with his credentials, authority, or accomplishments (and he had plenty.) He doesn’t flex. He doesn’t introduce himself as “Apostle Paul.” Instead, he chooses one word: servant.

Why? Because status doesn’t matter.

Real leadership doesn’t start with how you’re introduced, it starts with who you serve. Titles can bring clarity, but when identity rests on a name tag instead of a servant’s heart, something is out of alignment.

Jesus modeled this upside-down kingdom clearly:
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
(Matthew 20:26)

In the Kingdom of God, there isn’t a race to the top... there’s a race to the bottom. If the ladder you’re climbing requires you to stop serving, or keeps you too busy to serve, it may be leaning against the wrong wall.

The Second Ladder: Performance
Later, Paul writes:
“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”
(Philippians 1:6)

Paul’s confidence isn’t rooted in their performance, it’s rooted in God’s faithfulness.
We’re often tempted to measure our spiritual progress by output, talent, comparison, or visible success. But Paul reminds us that we are works in progress, and the work isn’t dependent on how impressive we are.

You may not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you were. You’ve survived things that should have broken you, and that wasn’t luck. That was God at work.
If you’re breathing, God isn’t done with you.

Pain isn’t wasted. Struggle isn’t proof of failure. And unfinished doesn’t mean abandoned. God has not quit on you, so don’t quit on yourself.

The Third Ladder: Image
Paul prays something powerful over the Philippian church:
“I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives.”
(Philippians 1:10)

The word pure here means “tested by sunlight.”

In ancient times, dishonest pottery makers would hide cracks with wax. The pot looked perfect - until it was held up to the light. The word sincere literally meant without wax.
Paul is calling believers to lives that can be held up to the light.

There’s nothing wrong with caring about appearance. But when image becomes more important than integrity, when our outward presentation doesn’t match our inward reality, cracks begin to form.

Image asks: “How do I look?”
Purity asks: “Can this stand the light?”
What’s hidden eventually leaks. But what’s exposed gets healed.

Paul isn’t calling us to perfection, he’s calling us to integrity. A life that doesn’t need filters. A faith that doesn’t require wax.

Step Off the Ladders
As we begin this year, the invitation isn’t to climb higher, it’s to step off the ladders that don’t matter.

Step off the ladder of status
Step off the ladder of performance
Step off the ladder of image

Lean into the Lord. Live a life that can stand in the light. Because ladders don’t last, but integrity does.

And that kind of life?
That’s what truly matters.

Christmas can be a season of joy and celebration, but for many, it’s also a time that highlights absence - sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends who are no longer here. The grief we carry can feel overwhelming, yet the Lord gently reminds us that hope is always within reach.

I was moved to share the story of David from the Old Testament, a man after God’s own heart, who experienced profound loss. In 2 Samuel 12:15-25, we read about David’s child dying despite his prayers and fasting. In his grief, David demonstrates something powerful: even when our faith feels stretched and our love is tested, hope remains.

Hope in the Midst of Loss
David’s story reminds us that faith often starts a journey, but hope carries us through when life feels unbearable. After the death of his child, David rose, washed, ate, and worshiped the Lord. Hope gave birth to a new beginning—Solomon. Sometimes, it’s not faith or love that renews us... it’s hope.

As 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us:
“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”
While faith and love are vital, hope is the anchor in the middle of life’s storms. Hope connects us to the future, giving stability to our soul, emotions, and decisions, even when the past is painful.

Anchored in Hope
Hope is like the anchor of a boat: it stabilizes us in the waves and keeps us steady. Hebrews 6:19 says:
“Hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”
Hope is forward-looking, it stretches our minds toward the expectation of God’s promises. When grief and loss threaten to overwhelm, hope allows us to move forward, to live fully, and to trust that God is working even in the shadows.

The Light of Christmas
Jesus was born into darkness, and that darkness underscores why He is the light of the world (John 8:12). In our grief, we sometimes focus on what we’ve lost or what has gone wrong. Christmas reminds us to focus on the Light that cannot be extinguished, the hope that comes through Christ.

Just like David, we can face our pain, rise, and engage with life, anchoring ourselves in hope. Grief doesn’t disappear, but our capacity to carry it grows when hope is present. The world may shake around us, but hope in Christ keeps us steady.

Hope That Transcends Death
For those who have lost loved ones, hope gives the promise of reunion. The Bible assures us that our loved ones who trusted in Jesus are safe in His presence. Romans 15:4 reminds us:
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”
Hope allows us to look beyond the graveyard of our past and into a future where the best is yet to come. It’s a reminder that even when someone we love cannot come to us, one day we will go to them.

Living With Hope
Hope is not a passive feeling; it’s an active anchor for our lives. It shapes our thoughts, guides our emotions, and informs our decisions. When hope is lost, despair fills the gaps. When hope is present, even in the midst of mourning, life carries meaning.

This Christmas, let hope guide you. Light a candle, remember your loved ones, and let that light remind you that hope is alive. Let it be a spark in the darkness—a reminder that Jesus came to bring life and hope to a weary world.

Our Mission
We are called to share this hope with others. Just as we honor those who have gone before us, we also step out to reach the lost, inviting them to experience the life-changing hope of Jesus. Your small acts, an invite, a conversation, a gesture of care, can be the light that guides someone toward Him.

There’s been a phrase stirring in my heart this year: Tear down the idols.
Not statues. Not golden calves.
But the everyday battles we face in our desires, decisions, and habits. the things that quietly try to take God’s place in our lives.

One of our middle schoolers said something a few weeks ago that was so honest and so true: “Being a Christian is hard.”

And she’s right. Because every single day, things compete for your trust, your affection, your security, and your focus.

That’s all an idol is: Anything that starts to do the job only God can do.

Maybe it’s the thing you run to after a brutal day:
“I can’t deal right now—so I’m going to ____.”
The gym.
TV.
Food.
Online shopping.
Your phone.
Idols can be good things placed in the wrong position.

A Thing — money, comfort, control
A Person — a partner, boss, influencer, friend
A Habit — staying busy, checking out, escaping
A Desire — approval, power, pleasure

So here’s the question we all have to ask:
When life heats up… where do you go first?
If the honest answer isn’t “Jesus”… it might be an idol.

The Battle for Power

In Matthew 4, before Jesus launches His public ministry, He spends 40 days in the wilderness fasting. Satan tempts Him three times, and the final temptation is the one we’re focusing on:
“All the kingdoms of the world… I will give you, if you bow down and worship me.”
— Matthew 4:8–10

Here’s what’s wild:
Satan offered Jesus a shortcut to something He already came for.
And this isn’t a new tactic.

Go back to Genesis:
God already gave Adam and Eve authority.
But the serpent convinced Eve she was missing something.
It’s the same strategy he uses today.

Satan always offers a counterfeit version of something God already promised.
His path to power always involves a shortcut through sin.
And every shortcut disappoints.

“Power” Isn’t Always About Power
Maybe you hear all this and think, “Well… I’m not power hungry.”

But power wears a lot of masks:
Approval: “As long as they like me, I’m okay.”
Image: “I just want to look put together.”
Control: “If I don’t manage everything, everything will fall apart.”
Escape: “If I can numb out, I won’t have to feel this.”

Sometimes power looks like productivity.
Sometimes it looks like peace.
Sometimes it looks like relationships.

Most idols don’t look evil, they look helpful.

Where This Gets Personal
One of the clearest places we see this is in relationships.
Growing up, one of our pastors shared that he tried to protect his little sister from unhealthy relationships. What started as love slowly turned into control.
He said:
“I masked love with control.”

And that’s what idols do… they turn good intentions into harmful actions.

When we chase power, we lose what we wanted most: love.
God’s way is different.
He doesn’t manipulate you.
He doesn’t control you.
He doesn’t force you.

He invites you.
He empowers you.
He loves you.

If you’ve ever hesitated to follow God because you thought He just wants to control you—hear this:
“God is love.” — 1 John 4:8

He doesn’t want robotic obedience.
He wants relationship.
He wants your heart.
He waits for your response.
And even when you reject Him, He keeps loving you.

Which Path Will You Choose?
At the end of the day, we all submit to something.

Will it be the enemy, who steals, kills, and destroys?
Who promises shortcuts but delivers bondage?

Or will it be God, whose plans are always good, kind, and full of life?

Jesus chose obedience, even when it hurt.
Even when it cost Him everything.
And because of that, we have freedom today.

So how do we live this out?

Three Ways to Tear Down Idols & Choose God’s Way
1. Worship
Where your worship goes, your heart follows.

2. Serve
“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” — Mark 10:45
Serving breaks the grip of selfishness and control.

3. Pray
“Pray about everything…” — Philippians 4:6
Prayer re-centers our lives on Jesus rather than on our own strength.

Let’s Be a Church That Doesn’t Chase Power
Let’s be a people who choose the long road - the road of faith, worship, obedience, and surrender.

No shortcuts.
No idols.
Just Jesus.

Tear them down, and watch the freedom that rises in their place.

2 Timothy 4

We’ve made it to the final chapter of Paul’s final letter — his last recorded words before stepping into eternity. If this moment were a movie, the camera would be slowly zooming in as Paul takes a heavy breath, knowing his time on earth is nearly over. And with these last lines, he gives Timothy (and us) something deeply personal and incredibly practical.

Last week we talked about the two types of people Paul warned Timothy about: Drainers and Developers. But here in chapter 4, Paul shifts. He shows Timothy what to do when good people — people you trusted, loved, and built with — end up hurting you.

Church planting has taught myself and Brittany the same truth:
Some people stay.
Some people leave.
Some grow.
Some don’t.
Some will surprise you.
Some will disappoint you.

And ultimately, you can’t control what other people do. You can’t control when someone misunderstand you, or lies about you, or walks away from you, or disappoints you.

Paul knew that. And he’s going to finish with these words. You can’t control how other
people live their lives. But… you CAN control how YOU run.

So church, that’s the message today. Run YOUR race, not theirs.

What Makes a Good Pastor?

Before Paul gives any final warnings, he tells Timothy what spiritual leadership should look like. Not based on opinions, trends, or preferences, but based on God’s Word.
“Preach the word of God… Correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

According to Scripture, a good pastor will:
1. Preach the Word of God. Not opinions. Not culture. Not trends. The Word.
2. Correct you. Not to shame you, but to bring clarity when you’ve drifted.
3. Rebuke you. Not to embarrass you,  but to protect you from choices that lead to destruction.
4. Encourage you. Not with empty compliments, but with reminders of God’s truth, His presence, and His power at work in you.

At Zeal City, our goal isn’t to entertain you... it’s to equip you, guard you, guide you, and help you run your race well.

Everyone needs a pastor. The question is:
Will you let yourself be pastored?

Paul ends his letter by mentioning three people — and each of them teaches us something about how to keep running well.

1. Demas — The One Who Walked Away
“Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life…”
2 Timothy 4:10

Demas wasn’t a random acquaintance. He had served with Paul. Traveled with him. Done ministry with him. He was a friend.
And yet… somewhere along the way, he drifted.
He loved the world more than the mission, and he walked away.

Here’s what Paul is teaching Timothy: Don’t let someone else’s quitting become your reason to stop running.
Some of your greatest heartbreak won’t come from strangers, it’ll come from people who once ran beside you.

But their quitting doesn’t cancel your calling.

2. Alexander — The One Who Hurt You
“Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm… Be careful of him.”
2 Timothy 4:14–15

Unlike Demas, Alexander didn’t just leave, he actively caused damage. Some believe he may have sabotaged Paul’s legal defense and helped lead to his death sentence.
And still… Paul chooses freedom.

He doesn’t deny the wound.
He doesn’t pretend it didn’t happen.
But he refuses to carry bitterness into the finish line.

Unforgiveness is like running with ankle weights.
You can’t run well while replaying every hurt.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean it was “fine.”
It means you’re releasing it to God and refusing to let it define your pace.

Give your Alexanders to God.

3. Luke and Mark — The Ones Who Stayed (and the One Who Returned)
“Only Luke is with me… Bring Mark with you, for he is helpful to me.”
2 Timothy 4:11

Luke stayed. He didn’t run when things got dark.
Everyone needs a Luke.

And Mark?
The same Mark who disappointed Paul years earlier?
The one Paul said he wouldn’t travel with?

He grew.
He changed.
He returned.

People can change. People can come back. Redemption is real.

Don’t overlook the people who stayed.
Don’t underestimate the people who return.

This is why community matters.
This is why serving matters.
This is why CityGroups matter.

We don’t run alone, we run with developers.

As Paul closes his final letter, he asks us a question:
Whose race are you running?

Are you weighed down by someone who left?
Are you limping from someone who hurt you?
Are you ignoring the people God placed to support you?
Are you resisting the leaders God placed over you?
Are you forgetting the God who never left you?

Run your race.
Finish strong.
Stay faithful.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
2 Timothy 4:7

That same victory is possible for you.

2 Timothy 3

When we were living in Texas, one thing became obvious fast: Texans are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet… but they live in a constant state of high alert. Everything is a warning.

In Colorado, you end a conversation with, “Alright, see you later!” But in Texas, every goodbye sounds like a threat: “Alright… BE CAREFUL.”

Be careful of what, Brenda?! The iced tea? The humidity? The emotional damage from accidentally saying “soda” instead of “Coke”?

And don’t bother asking a Texan what you should be careful of because the highways will tell you.

Texas is the only place where the road signs look like they were designed by someone who survived the book of Revelation.
WATCH FOR GATORS.
WATCH FOR RATTLESNAKES.
WATCH FOR FIRE ANTS.
WATCH FOR FLOODING.
WATCH FOR WIND.
WATCH FOR… what appears to be a large bird carrying a small dog??

I’m just trying to watch the road, and Texas is like:
“Good luck. Everything here bites, stings, floods, or flies.”

And yet, Texans are so friendly while doing it:
“Y’all take care now! Watch out for the pythons!”
“Have a blessed day, and don’t let the tarantulas get ya!”
That’s the vibe.

And honestly?
That’s exactly the kind of energy Paul brings into 2 Timothy 3.

Before he signs off for the very last time, he basically tells Timothy:
“Son… be careful.”

Paul, writing from a cold Roman prison cell, gives Timothy one final warning before his death. Not a political warning. Not an economic warning. Not a military warning.

Paul warns Timothy about something far more personal:
People.

Not all people, but a specific kind of person whose heart posture will make the last days “very difficult.”

This reminder isn’t just for Timothy. It’s God’s warning to us.

Let’s explore the two types of people Paul describes, and why it matters for your spiritual health.

1. Drainers — People Who Pull You Away From God

Paul begins the chapter with a sobering list - 22 traits that define people who will drain your faith, your peace, your time, your energy, and your purpose.

“People will love only themselves and their money… prideful, ungrateful… unloving, unforgiving… lovers of pleasure instead of lovers of God… having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
— 2 Timothy 3:1–5

These are people who consistently pull you away from God and toward confusion.

Drainers:
• Love themselves and their money
• Reject correction
• Gossip and slander
• Act religious but resist transformation
• Are prideful, reckless, unforgiving
• Betray friends
• Love pleasure more than God
• Have a counterfeit faith

And Paul’s instruction is surprisingly direct:
“Stay away from people like that!”
— 2 Timothy 3:5

This isn’t about avoiding unbelievers, skeptics, or people struggling with sin, Jesus pursued all of those people with love.

Paul is warning Timothy about people who hate what is good, refuse to repent, and actively drag others away from the truth.

Love them. Pray for them. Help them.
But don’t hand them your influence.
This isn’t coldness. It’s spiritual wisdom.

Jesus modeled this perfectly with the woman caught in adultery in John 8. He offered grace, mercy, and compassion, but He didn’t invite her into His inner circle. He blessed her, then released her:
“Neither do I condemn you… go and sin no more.”

Boundaries honor God because they protect the calling God has placed on your life.

2. Developers — People Who Strengthen Your Faith
Paul doesn’t just warn Timothy about the wrong voices—he points him toward the right ones.
“But you, Timothy, know what I teach, how I live, and what my purpose in life is… You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.”
— 2 Timothy 3:10

Developers are people who help your faith grow.
They don’t deplete your soul—they disciple it.

Developers:
• Teach truth
• Live with consistency
• Model endurance
• Expose you to Scripture
• Strengthen your faith through their example

Paul reminds Timothy that his life has been shaped by teachers, mentors, and spiritual fathers, from Paul himself to Timothy’s mother and grandmother.

Your growth is deeply connected to who you follow.
Your future is shaped by who you spend time with.
If you surround yourself with drainers, you drift.
If you surround yourself with developers, you grow.
This is why being part of a church family matters.
This is why CityGroups matter.
This is why spiritual mentors matter.
This is why the Dream Team matters.

Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through proximity, consistency, and community.

How Do You Make Sense of It All?

Our world is confusing. People are complicated.
Discernment is essential.

And Paul ends this chapter by pointing Timothy to the one thing that will anchor him when everything around him feels unstable:
“All Scripture is inspired by God… It teaches, corrects, and equips.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16–17

You cannot navigate people, or life, without the Word of God.
You can fake spirituality for a season, but you cannot fake fruit.
Fruit only grows when the Word is planted deep inside your soul.

If you want clarity: get into Scripture.
If you want direction: open your Bible.
If you want discernment: stay anchored in truth.

Three Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Who are the drainers you need to set boundaries with?
You don’t have to hate them, just stop giving them influence.

2. Who are the developers you need to lean into?
Join a CityGroup. Seek out mentorship. Build godly friendships.

3. Where do you need to return to God’s Word?
Not for information… but for transformation.

2 Timothy 1

When you open the book of 2 Timothy, you’re reading something sacred. These are the final recorded words of the Apostle Paul—his last letter, his final encouragement, and the legacy he wanted to leave behind. He writes not to a church at large this time, but to one man: his spiritual son, Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus navigating intense pressure, persecution, and fear.

And from a cold, dark Roman prison cell—with the fires of Rome still fresh in memory—Paul pens a powerful challenge that echoes into our lives today:
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (ESV)
Paul knew Timothy’s calling. He knew Timothy’s potential.
But he also knew his weakness.
Timothy was gifted, but timid. Called, but overwhelmed. Anointed, but unsure of himself.
And Paul refuses to let him shrink back.

This message isn’t just for Timothy. It’s for every believer today who wonders:
Does God still want to use me? Do I really have something to offer?
Paul’s answer is simple: Fan the flame.

Here are three takeaways from this powerful passage.
1. You Have a Gift—Keep It Stoked
Paul starts with identity before assignment. Before telling Timothy what to do, he reminds him who he is.
You have a gift.
Not only a natural talent, but a spiritual deposit placed in you by the Holy Spirit when you gave your life to Jesus.
Scripture repeats this truth over and over:
“We are God’s handiwork… created to do good works.” — Ephesians 2:10
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another.” — 1 Peter 4:10
“Having gifts… let us use them.” — Romans 12:6

Two things are always true:
You have a gift.
You’re meant to use it.

But gifts can grow weak through neglect. Pastor Joshua shared a story about recovering from knee surgery, how his leg muscles hadn’t disappeared, but they had grown weak from lack of use. The same thing happens spiritually. Our gifts can experience atrophy when we don’t put them into practice.

Your gift doesn’t disappear. It just gets cold.

And Paul is calling us—not just to discover our gift—but to develop it.
So how do you keep it stoked?
Hebrews gives us a practical step:
“Stir up one another to love and good works… not neglecting meeting together.”
— Hebrews 10:24–25

Community fuels calling.
Gathering strengthens gifting.
Serving grows the fire inside you.
If you want to know where to start: show up and do something. Take a step of faith. Use what you have. You’ll never fan a flame you refuse to touch.

2. Don’t Let Fear Extinguish Your Fire
Paul follows the command with the “why”:
“God gave us a spirit not of fear…”
— 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is one of the greatest threats to the call of God on our lives. It questions everything God already affirmed. It paralyzes us with what ifs:
What if I’m not ready? What if I fail? What if I’m not enough?

But spiritually speaking, fear has no authority in your life because it doesn’t come from God.
Fear is not a valid excuse to sit out your calling.

You won’t stand before Jesus one day and say, “I didn’t use what You gave me because I was afraid,” and have that excuse hold up. God’s response is already written:
“I did not give you a spirit of fear.”

And one of the ways God shows grace is by sparing us the overwhelming details of our future. He knows what’s coming—and He knows that if He revealed everything ahead of time, fear would paralyze us long before the trial ever came. So He simply says:
“Trust Me. I’ve got the hard part. You just obey.”

Fear will try to blow out the flame God put in you. But fear doesn’t get the final word.

3. You Have Everything You Need for Everything You’re Assigned
Paul doesn’t just tell Timothy what God didn’t give him, he tells him what God did give him:
Power. Love. Self-control.
— 2 Timothy 1:7

Everything your calling requires, God has already supplied.

Do you feel weak?
He’s given you power.

Do you feel overwhelmed?
He’s given you love.

Do you feel undisciplined or unsteady?
He’s given you self-control.

You’re not lacking what you need, you’re only learning to use what you already have.

Paul later continues:
“God saved us and called us… not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan.”
— 2 Timothy 1:9

In other words:
If God called you, God equipped you.
And if God equipped you, God intends to use you.

Paul closes this section with a charge:
“…carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”
— 2 Timothy 1:14

Guard the flame.
Guard your calling.
Guard your faith.
Let nothing—fear, doubt, insecurity, or circumstance—blow it out.

Final Encouragement
Here’s the message of 2 Timothy 1 in three simple truths:
You have a gift.
Don’t let fear extinguish your fire.
And you already have everything you need to accomplish everything you’re assigned.

So today, let’s take Paul’s words personally.
Let’s decide, together, that we will:
? Fan the flame
? Live unashamed
? Carry the truth forward
? Guard what God has entrusted to us

Paul’s final words weren’t just for Timothy. They’re for us. And they’re for right now.

2 Timothy 2

When you open 2 Timothy, you’re reading the very last words the Apostle Paul ever wrote. This letter is his final encouragement, his final instruction, and his final charge to his spiritual son, Timothy, a young pastor trying to lead faithfully in an overwhelming season.

Last week, Pastor Joshua shared a powerful reminder that every believer carries a God-given gift, and that we’re called not just to recognize it, but to actively develop it. As we move into 2 Timothy 2 this week, we continue that thought by turning our attention to one central theme woven throughout the entire chapter: grace.

But not grace as something soft, passive, or merely comforting.
This is grace that strengthens.
Grace that shapes.
Grace that sends you out with purpose.

Let’s dive in.

The Richness of Grace
While on vacation recently, I found myself enjoying… chocolate cake. The rich, decadent, “take a bite and repent a little bit” kind. And it reminded me of this chapter—layered, full, and the more you savor it, the more you find.
Paul begins:
“Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.”
— 2 Timothy 2:1

Grace isn’t the side item.
It’s the main ingredient.
Grace is unearned.
Grace is undeserved.
Grace is God giving you what you could never earn.

And Paul knew Timothy needed this reminder, because Timothy struggled with timidity. Anytime opposition rose, he wanted to shrink back. Paul writes to strengthen him—and us—with this powerful truth:
Grace isn’t opposed to effort.
Grace is opposed to earning.

1. Sit in Grace.
Imagine your favorite chair, or maybe your grandpa's lazy boy... simple, sturdy, inviting.
That’s grace.

Grace is where we rest.
Grace is where we remember who we are:
Loved.
Accepted.
Forgiven.
Not hustling for approval.
Not striving to earn God’s smile.

Some of us have never really sat in that chair. We’re still trying to earn what God has already freely given. But you can’t live the life God has for you until you first receive the grace He’s extending.
Sit in it.
Breathe it in.
Let grace reshape how you see God and how you see yourself.

2. Stand in Strength
Grace doesn’t leave you in the chair.
Grace stands you up.
Paul gives us three pictures: a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer.

A Soldier
Strong. Focused. Resilient.
Not entangled in distractions.

An Athlete
Disciplined. Committed to the race.
Clear on the goal.

A Farmer
Faithful. Hidden. Hardworking.
Doing the unseen work that produces a future harvest.

Farmers don’t get applause. You probably can’t name a single famous farmer, yet they feed the world. In the same way, some of your greatest spiritual victories will come through quiet, unseen obedience.

Grace doesn’t make you lazy. Grace makes you strong enough to get up and do the work God has called you to do.

Paul echoes this throughout his letters:
“We are God’s handiwork… created to do good works.”
— Ephesians 2:10

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
— Colossians 3:23

“Don’t get tired of doing what is good.”
— Galatians 6:9

Grace fuels effort.
Effort does not earn grace.

3. Serve with Zeal
Paul uses another illustration next:
Some utensils are gold and silver. Some are wood and clay.
— 2 Timothy 2:20–21

He isn’t talking about salvation here.
Every believer is loved equally.
Every believer is forgiven equally.
He’s talking about usefulness.

God determines your calling—
but you determine your usefulness.

God won’t call you to influence people you refuse to love.
He won’t place you over people you won’t forgive.
He won’t elevate you in rooms where pride rules your heart.
He won’t entrust you with honor you aren’t ready to carry.
This isn’t about God withholding.
It’s about God protecting.

When your heart is pure and your life is surrendered, God can reach for you like a valuable vessel, ready for every good work.

Sit. Stand. Serve.
These are the movements of the Christian life:
Sit in Grace — receive your identity.
Stand in Strength — live empowered by God.
Serve with Zeal — build His Kingdom with joy and purpose.

So ask yourself:

• Have I truly sat in God’s grace?
• Am I sitting, but not yet standing in strength?
• Am I standing, but not serving with zeal?

God’s invitation is open.
The Kingdom is advancing.
And your usefulness grows every time you say yes.

Let’s talk about something we often avoid: evangelism.
And before you scroll past thinking this isn't for me, hear us out. This isn’t about standing on a street corner with a megaphone. This is about realizing that following Jesus was never meant to be a private, quiet thing.

Because when it comes to sharing our faith, it’s not weird... It’s war.

Evangelism Isn’t for “Someone Else”
If you’ve ever thought, “Telling people about Jesus? That’s not really my thing…” you’re not alone. We’ve convinced ourselves it’s the job of the pastors, missionaries, or bold personalities. But Scripture says otherwise:

“Do the work of an evangelist…” — 2 Timothy 4:5
It’s not about a title or a stage, it’s about obedience. If you’ve received the hope of Jesus, you’re called to share it.

In Paul’s final letter to Timothy, written from prison and with his execution looming, his message was urgent and clear: Preach the Word. Stay ready. Share the Gospel. Finish the race.

Why We Don’t Share the Gospel
Let’s be real. Most of us don’t evangelize regularly—and here’s why:

Maybe we don’t actually know Jesus.
You can’t share what you haven’t experienced. If your faith feels more like a tradition than a relationship, it starts here.

Maybe we’ve grown apathetic.
We’ve forgotten what it means to be lost. But Jesus didn’t. His heart broke for the crowds. He wept for cities. And He reminded us: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9)

Maybe we’re uncomfortable.
Let’s just call it out: sharing your faith can feel awkward. But the enemy wants us to believe we’ll look weird. That we’ll mess it up. That we’ll offend. The truth? Evangelism is not weird... it’s war. A spiritual war for souls.

Maybe we feel untrained.
You don’t need a seminary degree to start. There are all kinds of ways to share Jesus, and you don’t have to fit someone else’s mold.


Find Your Style: 8 Ways to Evangelize
You were made on purpose, with a personality and style that God can use. Here are 8 ways to share your faith:

Invitational Evangelism – Invite someone to church. Let them experience God’s presence with you.
Direct Evangelism – Boldly share the gospel message.
Relational Evangelism – Think Drip Irrigation. You build long-term friendships and show Jesus through consistency.
Testimonial Evangelism – Tell your story. It’s powerful!
Servant Evangelism – Meet needs practically.
Intellectual Evangelism – Engage through logic and reason (apologetics).
Supernatural Evangelism – Use spiritual gifts to reveal the reality of God.
Discernment Evangelism – Sense where someone is at, and speak into it with love.
No matter your gift or comfort level, there’s a way for you to live evangelistically every day.

So What Now?
Here’s the question: Since you got saved, who have you led to Jesus?

That’s not a question to shame you. It’s a question to stir you. Because one year from now, your answer should be different. God is giving you opportunities... people in your family, your workplace, your neighborhood. They don’t need perfect words. They just need someone to care enough to speak.

Evangelism Is a Lifestyle, Not a Moment
It’s not about being loud, it’s about being compassionate, intentional, and Spirit-led. It’s about understanding that eternity is real, and someone else’s forever could change because you said yes.

You don’t need to be weird.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to be willing.

Because it’s not weird, it’s war.
And you were born for this.

Mother’s Day reminds us of the strength, love, and resilience that so many women carry. It’s a day to honor every kind of mother—those raising little ones, those with grown children, those who’ve lost a child, and those who long to become one. We also celebrate the spiritual moms, the grandmas, foster moms, and women who have stepped into the lives of children with open hearts. Your love leaves an eternal impact.

But even in the middle of celebration, many carry something else quietly: anxiety.

When Concern Turns Into Something More
I still remember my first car... It was a white Toyota Camry. It had great gas mileage, it was new, and it symbolized freedom. But for me, freedom felt like fear. I avoided highways, worried about getting gas alone, and feared the worst every time I turned the key. Then, just months later, I totaled that car. That crash wasn’t just physical; it shook my confidence. Suddenly, driving wasn’t just a task—it triggered anxiety.

And maybe you can relate. Maybe it’s not driving, but your health. Or your child. Or your finances. Anxiety doesn’t need a reason, it just needs a moment to speak loudly.

Concern. Worry. Anxiety. There’s a difference between the three:

Concern is caring.
Worry is uncertainty.
Anxiety is worry on overdrive—it’s when fear takes up residence in your mind, body, and soul.
And if we don’t deal with it, anxiety doesn’t just mess with our thoughts, it starts messing with everything. It wears down your body, steals your peace, and keeps you from walking in the purpose God has for you.

You Were Never Meant to Carry It
The truth is, you are not created to carry what you were meant to cast.

1 Peter 5:7 reminds us:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

But what does casting actually look like? Sometimes, we don’t cast—we cuddle our anxiety. We identify with it. We let it define us.

Other times, we cast partway—giving it to God but keeping the control.

And far too often, we reel it back in—we surrender in worship but snatch it back in the parking lot.

Even worse, we cast it onto people who were never meant to carry it—our spouse, our friends, our therapist. They can help, but only God can heal.

Cast It Like You Mean It
In the original Greek, the word “cast” in 1 Peter 5:7 means to hurl violently. Not to hand off quietly. It’s an intentional, forceful throw—because anxiety doesn’t let go unless we do.

We don’t get the peace of verse 7 without the humility of verse 6:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”

We want the anxiety to end, but we resist letting go of our pride, our control, our timelines.

But faith requires trust. And trust requires surrender.

Strength in the Struggle
God often strengthens us in the waiting. Like lifting weights, the discomfort builds the muscle. What you’re resenting might actually be the very thing God is using to prepare you.

And here’s a truth I’ve learned: I don’t control every outcome, but I do control who I become. In the fight against anxiety, our most powerful weapon isn’t willpower... it’s the Word of God, worship, and the community around us.

5 Keys to Sober-Minded Living
Prayer, Worship, and God’s Word – There’s no substitute for time with God.
Prioritize Church Community – You weren’t meant to fight alone.
Diet and Exercise – What you feed your body affects your mind.
Sleep and Rest – When you rest, God goes to work.
Control Your Thoughts + Give Thanks – Lead your thoughts, don’t let them lead you.

A Final Thought
You are not your diagnosis. You are not your fear. You are not your shame. You are a child of God—created, known, and loved.

So today, Pray. Pause. Praise.

And when anxiety comes knocking, remind it that you were never meant to carry it—you were always meant to cast it.

May 11th, 2025