Have you ever felt spiritually dry - prayer feels hollow, worship becomes noise, and God seems distant? Psalm 42 and 43 give voice to that feeling. These two chapters form one song that expresses a heart divided, a voice singing of sorrow and hope. This song teaches us what to do when our heart aches for God and we can’t seem to find Him.

Are you feeling alone, forgotten, judged or misunderstood? Maybe someone who once stood by your side isn’t around anymore and you feel abandoned? 2 Timothy 4:9-22 is a refreshingly honest picture of the apostle Paul, at the end of his life, going through all of that and more. It’s in the chaos of circumstances he can’t control that he celebrates his deepest confidence - the presence and power of Jesus. He’s been pointing us to it the entire letter but now he holds it up one last time as if to say, “Jesus is why you can stand firm.”

One expression of disciple making is to walk with someone “ONE to ONE” through part of the Bible. But where do you begin? What if you don’t know all the answers to their questions? These are just a few of the questions we discussed as we walked through a passage of scripture in real time, breaking down what it might look like to do the same with someone else. 

What motivates you to keep doing what God has called you to do? What compels you, especially when the journey is hard? 2 Timothy 4:1-8 is the apostle Paul’s final charge to his young apprentice Timothy essentially saying, “Are you ready? Are you prepared? It’s your turn now. Take the baton in your hand and keep running! Keep announcing the message about Jesus.” Paul knows he’s going to die so he shares what feels like the combination of a last will and testament and an epic battle scene speech. The result is a motivational force like no other meant to inspire and empower every follower of Jesus.

“This Time Tomorrow” highlights the intersection of faith and work in those who are a part of Local Church St. Pete. 

It’s our hope that conversations like these would encourage us to walk out our faith in Jesus Monday through Saturday, seeing our vocation (whether paid or unpaid) as one of the primary ways we image God and love others. 

We’re in the last days. “You thought times were hard before, get ready because they’re going to get even more difficult in the days ahead.” That’s essentially how 2 Timothy 3 begins. It’s a startling warning about the rise of false teachers, tricksters, imposters and people with ulterior motives who will lead many astray. It’s held in stark contrast to the steadfast way of life followers of Jesus are called to in the midst of that corruption. Not only will truth prevail, but we’ve been equipped with exactly what we need to stand firm and teach others to do the same.

Endless debates, controversies and heresies have plagued the church for generations. Teachings that swerve away from the truth about Jesus continue to wreak havoc today. It’s led to cynicism, resentment and to many abandoning the faith altogether. How should we respond? There’s a temptation to allow fear, anger, the desire to win an argument or gain the approval of others to drive us, but 2 Timothy 2:14-26 presents another way. It’s an appeal to followers of Jesus to hold out what is true without any shame and stand against what is false with a disarming kindness.

Do you need a rallying cry? Something to embolden or encourage you in the face of hardship or suffering? Maybe you need a reminder of what your aim in life is meant to be. That’s what 2 Timothy 2:1- 13 gives us, essentially saying, "You can endure whatever suffering or hardship is coming your way, but there’s a particular source you need to draw from. Don’t get distracted, don't try to take the easy way out, and don’t move away from the source.” Endurance is the call, single-mindedness is the goal, and the grace of Jesus is where strength is found.

Life can feel heavy — like you’re carrying a weight you were never meant to bear. In Matthew 11, Jesus extends a gentle invitation: “Come to Me... and I will give you rest.” The rest He offers isn’t just physical relief; it’s a deep, soul-healing renewal that reorients our hearts and brings peace in the middle of life’s pressures. Will you come and receive the rest Jesus offers?