While we should be thankful for the daily blessings we see, we must also remember to express profound gratitude for the eternal foundation given to us in Jesus Christ, which sustains and strengthens us.

True evidence of our relationship with God is not just in our words, but in our actions, specifically our ability to love all people—even those with whom we disagree politically—reflecting the love of Christ.

Just as Jesus called his first disciples and sent them out after his resurrection, he calls us today to be obedient in sharing the good news with others. He can and will do that through us in our businesses, our friendships, and in our communities. 

We cannot figure out and solve all that is broken in our lives, our situations, or in the world, but when we choose to seek God’s wisdom and trust that our reverence for his power, love, and plan is better than anything we can imagine, we will find ourselves on a firm foundation.

Like Elisha’s servant and the Apostle Paul, we often face situations where we feel overwhelmed, yet God is always at work behind the scenes, surrounding us with the help and protection we need.

The story of Elijah’s wilderness experience, where ravens brought him food, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to meet our needs, no matter the situation.

In times of fatigue and struggle, we can trust that Jesus sees our challenges from afar and will always arrive in time to offer comfort, rescue, and calm the storms in our lives.

As I opened the door to receive my surprise celebration, my soon-to-be three-year-old grandson was bent over in tears saying, “Oh no…the balloon!” At this point, I looked up as the helium-filled birthday balloon slipped from his hands and flew upward toward the clouds.

In hide-and-seek, my grandchildren's joy in being found and their eager pursuit of me offers a beautiful reminder of childlike faith and how we should approach the kingdom of God—full of trust and expectation.

The Bible emphasizes that we are to pass down God's greatness to future generations, not focusing on our own achievements but on His mighty acts.

Spiritual growth requires effort—like physical health—it involves developing qualities such as self-control, knowledge, and love, which enable us to live out our faith and effectively fulfill God’s purposes for our lives.

The Bible acknowledges our fear and provides comfort, with Psalm 56 offering David’s example of placing trust in God during moments of fear and anxiety.

God’s constant presence with the Israelites was marked by a cloud by day and fire by night, symbolizing His unwavering commitment to be with His people, a presence that continues today through the Holy Spirit.

Paul reflects on the painful departure of Demas, who chose the present world over his faith, highlighting the dangers of being swayed by worldly power and the temptation to abandon Christ.

In his letters to Timothy, Paul seems to recognize his own imminent end, but also uses the term "last days" to refer to the period from Jesus' ascension to His future return, a time marked by moral decline and difficulty.

Reading Psalm 28 makes me wonder if the psalmist thought that God has a hearing problem. He has been around longer than any of us, so does our Father in heaven have to lean in to hear us when we pray?

As I grew in faith, I began to appreciate the significance of the benediction, recognizing it as a moment of invoking God’s blessings and peace.

Paul emphasizes that the "good deposit" refers to the gospel of Jesus, which Timothy must protect against false teachings and misinterpretations that were prevalent in his time.

Ultimately, Luke presents a choice: to embody light and produce good works as a reflection of true faith, or to fall into hypocrisy that tarnishes the message of the Gospel.

The message of 2 Timothy 1:7 remains vital for both young and older leaders, reminding all believers that they are not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.