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 ...  Read More

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 th...  Read More

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 exper...  Read More

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...  Read More

2 Timothy 4We’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 t...  Read More

2 Timothy 3When 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...  Read More

2 Timothy 1When 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 co...  Read More

2 Timothy 2When 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 calle...  Read More

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.  Read More

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.  Read More