Praying for Open Doors

Eric Thompson •
July 24, 2026

2 Minute Read

Focus Verse: Colossians 4:3

"At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."

Even the apostle Paul asked others to pray that God would open doors for the gospel. He did not rely solely on his own boldness, his theological training, or his remarkable story. He recognized that the opportunities to speak about Jesus are ultimately God-given, and that prayer is how a believer positions himself or herself to see them. This is an enormous relief. You do not have to manufacture conversations or engineer moments. You simply have to be willing and watchful.

The sermon closes with a practical challenge: pray each morning for an open door and then ask God for the eyes to see it when it appears. That second part matters enormously. Doors open all around you every day - a colleague mentioning that they are struggling, a neighbor who seems unusually discouraged, a family member who brings up something they are afraid of. These are invitations. Prayer trains your attention so that you recognize them as the gifts they are rather than letting them pass by unnoticed. One person, one conversation, one act of visible hope can change a life. Begin with prayer, and then stay alert.

Today's Challenge: Pray a simple, specific prayer this morning: "Lord, give me one opportunity today to show your love to someone, and give me the eyes to see it when you do."

Prayer: Father, I do not want to miss the doors you are already opening around me. Train my eyes to see the people you have placed in my path today. Give me courage to walk through the door when it appears, and remind me that you are with me always, to the very end.

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From this Tag: Discipleship
August 12, 2026 • 8 Minute Read
Kids Discipleship
Honestly, even as a pastor, I struggled to disciple my kids because discipling from toddler to adult requires a different Bible for every new season of growth. So the question is, what is the best Bible for them at that stage, and there are so many choices? Then there is what you teach and what approach or method you use at each stage of life. Throughout the years, I have researched these questions many times. A few times I found things that were helpful; most of the time I became frustrated. Frustrated because there were so many choices and no clear answers or pathways I could follow. So I would put it aside and end up coming back to it again and again without ever really starting discipleship training with my kids. Yes, I overthink things. Yes, I do better with a clear plan laid out. Yes, I'm a pastor, and yes, I have struggled with this. Maybe you are facing the same challenges as me along with the same frustrations. You love your kids. You want them to grow up and learn to love God and love others. You want them to live for Jesus, experience His love, mercy, and grace, and ultimately spend eternity with Him. But you don’t know what Bible to buy, and you don’t know where to start. You don’t know what to teach or even what should be taught at the different stages of growth. So you put it off, and you put it off, and before you know it, they have grown up. But we can change things starting today because God designed the home to be the first and most powerful classroom of faith. I am working to put together a family resource of Bibles and catechism materials, articles, etc. In the meantime, here are a few resources that I hope you will find helpful. ✝️ Catechism 0–5 Years Old (Early Childhood & Preschool) At this stage, catechism focuses on foundational concepts of God’s love, creation, and grace through simple Q&A, songs, and storybooks rather than heavy memory work. The Kid's Catechism(Holy Joys / Wesleyan Tradition) Focus: Simplified Questions & Answers for ages 2–5. Highlights: Designed specifically as the entry level for young toddlers, answering essential questions about God, creation, and Jesus in short, memorable sentences (e.g., "Who made you? God made me."). Our Faith for Little Ones / Nazarene Early Childhood Discipleship Focus: Pre-K foundational truths of grace and God's love. Highlights: Uses story-based lessons and basic catechism questions emphasizing prevenient grace—the idea that God loves and pursues us even before we know Him. 6–9 Years Old (Early Elementary) In this age range, children are ready for structured Q&A formats that introduce core doctrines, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and Wesleyan understandings of grace. The Young Disciples' Catechism(Holy Joys / Arminian-Wesleyan) Focus: 81 Questions & Weekly Memory Verses for ages 6–12. Highlights: Specifically crafted from a Wesleyan-Arminian framework. It structures catechism questions around God's character, salvation, holy living, and joyful obedience, making it ideal for family devotions or Sunday school. My Faith: A Catechism for Kids (Foundry Publishing / Church of the Nazarene) Focus: Interactive Student Workbook & Catechism Guide. Highlights: Covers essential Christian doctrines and the 16 Articles of Faith through engaging activity sheets, Q&A memory work, and age-appropriate discussions on sanctification and Christian living. Garden of Grace Curriculum (The KidMin Creatives) Focus: 16-Week Catechetical Teaching on the Articles of Faith. Highlights: Breaks down core Wesleyan beliefs (grace, repentance, holiness, the sacraments) using child-friendly illustrations, games, and weekly memory prompts. 7–12 Years Old (Older Elementary & Preteens) Preteens can handle deeper theological concepts, historical creeds, confirmation prep, and understanding the means of grace (prayer, Scripture, communion, baptism). A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine(Seedbed / Global Methodist Church) Focus: 77 Questions and Answers on Historic & Wesleyan Beliefs. Highlights: Concise and robust catechism published by Seedbed.Designed for upper elementary, youth, and family grounding in the Apostles' Creed, Means of Grace, Articles of Religion, and the Lord's Prayer. Confirm / Wesleyan Confirmation & Catechism (Cokesbury / United Methodist / Global Methodist) Focus: Preteen Confirmation & Catechesis (Ages 10–12+). Highlights: A complete curriculum guiding preteens through the story of Scripture, Christian doctrine, Wesleyan history (John Wesley’s rule of life), and personal commitment to Christ. A Wesleyan Catechism (Ten Commandments, Articles of Religion, Lord's Prayer) Focus: Classical Wesleyan Q&A based on John Wesley's writings. Highlights: Focuses on the primary texts Wesley emphasized: the Ten Commandments (duty to God and neighbor), the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. High-level preteens (ages 10–12) can study these alongside parent/teacher guides. 13+ Years Old (Teens & Young Adults) A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine(Seedbed / Global Methodist / Wesleyan) Focus: 77 Questions and Answers on Core & Wesleyan Doctrine Highlights: Concise yet doctrinally rich, this guide works exceptionally well for teens. It covers the Apostles' Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Wesleyan understanding of grace (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying). Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way (Seedbed - Phil Tallon & Justus Hunter) Focus: Interactive Teen & Student Catechism Course Highlights: Designed specifically for youth and young adults, this small-group and individual guide uses videos, short readings, and Q&A formats to break down core Christian beliefs through a distinctly Wesleyan lens. The Class Meeting / Small Group Discipleship Guides (Kevin M. Watson) Focus: Wesleyan Small Group Discipleship & Accountability Highlights: Moves beyond simple Q&A head-knowledge into heart transformation. Grounded in John Wesley's classic "class meetings," it helps teens learn how to watch over one another in love and track where God is working in their daily lives. 📖 Recommended Bibles 0–5 Years Old (Early Childhood & Preschool) At this stage, children benefit most from storybook and devotional Bibles that present essential themes through clear visuals and short, simple narratives. My First Hands-On Bible(NLT) Format: Storybook / Activity Bible Highlights: Designed specifically for ages 3–6, this book uses simplified NLT text alongside interactive prompts (hand motions, questions, simple crafts) that engage energetic toddlers and preschoolers during reading. The Jesus Storybook Bible(Storybook) Format: Illustrated Storybook Bible Highlights: While not a word-for-word translation, it is published alongside standard NIV/NLT resources as a primary recommendation for preschoolers. It focuses on how every story throughout the Old and New Testaments points to Jesus. NIV Little Kids' Big Story Bible(NIV) Format: Storybook Bible Highlights: Features short, simple retellings of 30+ key stories using easy-to-understand language and vibrant artwork crafted specifically to keep young attention spans engaged. 6–9 Years Old (Early Elementary & Early Readers) Children in this group are transitioning into independent reading and can begin moving from storybooks to full-text Bibles with engaging supplemental features. Hands-On Bible(NLT) Format: Full-Text Activity Bible Highlights: Uses the full NLT text packed with graphics, fun facts, "do-it" activities, science experiments, and crafts that help kinesthetic learners understand and apply biblical concepts. NIV Adventure Bible(NIV) (One of my favorites) Format: Full-Text Study Bible Highlights: Widely considered the gold standard for elementary-aged readers. It includes full-color feature pages like Life in Bible Times, Words to Treasure (for verse memory), and People in Bible Times profiles. NIV Boys/Girls Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible(NIV) Format: Devotional / Full-Text Bible Highlights: Combines the complete NIV Scripture text with short daily devotions and prayer prompts that help early readers begin developing a daily Bible-reading habit. 7–12 Years Old (Older Elementary & Preteens) Preteens benefit from study tools that answer deeper questions, provide historical context, and foster personal reflection. NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible(NIV) Format: Illustrated Study Bible Highlights: Ideal for visual learners, this full-text NIV Bible is loaded with over 700 infographics, photos, maps, and study notes directly alongside the verses. NLT Student Life Application Study Bible(NLT) Format: Full-Text Study Bible Highlights: A great bridge for upper-elementary kids and preteens (ages 10+) stepping into deeper study. It provides application notes, character profiles, and real-world Q&As grounded in the accessible NLT text. NIV Investigator's Holy Bible(NIV) Format: Full-Text Interactive Study Bible Highlights: Uses a detective-and-discovery theme with "evidence files," Q&As, and background context to help preteens explore the historical truth of the Bible for themselves. Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls (NIV, Leathersoft, Teal) Focus: Creative Engagement & Scripture Memorization through Visual Art for Preteens (Ages 8–12). Highlights: Combines the full NIV text with over 500 ready-to-color verse illustrations, thick white paper, and wide margins, encouraging girls to reflect on and memorize God's Word through art. 13+ Years Old (Teens & Young Adults) NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible(NLT) Format: Full-Text Teen Study Bible Highlights: Widely recognized as one of the best life-application Bibles for teenagers. It dives deep into real-world issues (mental health, peer pressure, identity, relationships) while offering clear verse-by-verse commentary grounded in the accessible NLT translation. NIV Student Bible(NIV) Format: Full-Text Guided Study Bible Highlights: Edited by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford, this Bible includes the 3-Track Reading Plan, book introductions, "Highlights" that explain tricky passages, and historical backgrounds designed to build independent, lifelong study habits. The Jesus Bible(NIV) Format: Theological / Devotional Study Bible Highlights: Excellent for high schoolers and college students looking for deep narrative study. It features extensive essays, study notes, and journaling margins that reveal how Christ is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Article with Graphic for Each Age Group Practical Ways to Teach Your Children about God at Every Age,” Woman of Noble Character, May 1, 2019. Download the article here.

Eric Thompson

July 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Weekly Update for July 26
Welcome to the July 26th weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. Sunday, July 26th 11:00 am Worship Service - Join us for Sunday service in person or online. 11:00 am - Family Day - Check Facebook for pictures and a video Kids Ministry - Age-specific programming during the service. Monday, July 27th Prayer Gathering - 5:30 pm Thursday, July 30th Praise and Worship Practice - 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary Upcoming Events Partnership Dinner - Sunday, August 2, 5:30-7:00 PM in the Kid’s Room Women’s Painting Party - August 8th from 12-2 at the church Kid’s Back to School Swim Party - August 9th from 4-6 PM at 116 Shadowood Court, Seneca, SC 29678New here? We'd love to connect. Last Week's Message "Marriage is a Covenant Relationship" Pastor Eric | Ephesians 5:22-33 A Christian marriage is fundamentally different than the prevailing culture’s understanding of marriage. You can have a great marriage. But it starts with understanding that marriage symbolizes the covenant relationship between God and His people. Just as Christ sacrificially gave His life for the Church, a husband is called to love his wife; and just as the Church honors Christ, a wife is called to respect her husband. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Community Prayer We carry each other through the spiritual practice of prayer. Here's what our community is lifting up this week: 🙏 Partnership Dinner - That the vision is delivered with clarity and conviction. That new connections will be made and new partnerships established. 🙏 Our City – For renewal and revival across our communities. Submit your own prayer request .here Giving Your generosity makes our work in our community possible. We’re so grateful for you. New to our community? No pressure. Today, just be our guest.Give Now Here Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on , Instagram, and .YouTube 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 11:00 AM 3210 Blue Ridge Blvd., West Union, SC 29696 See you soon ☀️

Eric Thompson

Currently Reading
July 24, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Praying for Open Doors
Focus Verse: Colossians 4:3 "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." Even the apostle Paul asked others to pray that God would open doors for the gospel. He did not rely solely on his own boldness, his theological training, or his remarkable story. He recognized that the opportunities to speak about Jesus are ultimately God-given, and that prayer is how a believer positions himself or herself to see them. This is an enormous relief. You do not have to manufacture conversations or engineer moments. You simply have to be willing and watchful. The sermon closes with a practical challenge: pray each morning for an open door and then ask God for the eyes to see it when it appears. That second part matters enormously. Doors open all around you every day - a colleague mentioning that they are struggling, a neighbor who seems unusually discouraged, a family member who brings up something they are afraid of. These are invitations. Prayer trains your attention so that you recognize them as the gifts they are rather than letting them pass by unnoticed. One person, one conversation, one act of visible hope can change a life. Begin with prayer, and then stay alert. Today's Challenge: Pray a simple, specific prayer this morning: "Lord, give me one opportunity today to show your love to someone, and give me the eyes to see it when you do." Prayer: Father, I do not want to miss the doors you are already opening around me. Train my eyes to see the people you have placed in my path today. Give me courage to walk through the door when it appears, and remind me that you are with me always, to the very end.

Eric Thompson

July 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Gentleness Changes Everything
Focus Verse: Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." The sermon makes a point that is easy to miss: the way you share the message is just as important as the message itself. If you win the argument but lose the person, you have lost. That is a hard truth for anyone who cares deeply about biblical truth, because it means that being right is not enough. The posture you bring into a conversation - whether you arrive to score points or to genuinely love the person in front of you - shapes everything that follows. Think about a time when someone confronted you with a truth you needed to hear but did it harshly. Chances are good that you walked away focused on the delivery rather than the content. The same dynamic is at work when you share your faith. Gentleness is not weakness, and respect is not compromise. They are the vehicles that carry truth into a heart that is actually listening. When you lay down the need to win and pick up a genuine desire to serve the person across from you, you become far more persuasive than any argument could make you. Today's Challenge: In your next difficult conversation today - whether about faith or anything else - pause before responding and ask yourself whether your tone reflects gentleness and respect, then adjust before you speak. Prayer: Father, I want to be someone who speaks truth without using it as a weapon. Soften my tone and my heart. Remind me today that the person I am talking to is someone you love deeply, and let that reality shape every word I say.

Eric Thompson

July 22, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Your Two-Minute Story
Focus Verse: Revelation 12:11 "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." Your personal story is one of the most powerful tools God has placed in your hands, and yet many followers of Christ have never stopped to organize it. The sermon invites you to think through three simple questions that form the backbone of your testimony. What was your life like before you understood Christ's love for you? What happened - where was the moment you began to trust him? And what difference has he made since then? These three movements are your story, and your story belongs to you alone. Nobody can argue with it. You do not need to be an expert in apologetics to share what you have personally experienced. Think of it this way: if a doctor healed an illness you had carried for years, you would not need a medical degree to tell someone about it at dinner. You would simply tell them what happened and what changed. Your testimony works the same way. The goal is not to impress anyone with theological language but to speak plainly and honestly about a real transformation that took place in a real life - yours. Today's Challenge: Set a timer for two minutes and practice speaking your testimony aloud, using the three-part framework: life before Christ, the moment of trust, and the difference he has made. Prayer: Father, I thank you that my story is worth telling because it is your story written in my life. Help me to know it clearly, speak it simply, and share it without embarrassment. Use my testimony to open doors I would never have opened on my own.

Eric Thompson

July 21, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Christ as Lord, Not Just Savior
Focus Verse: Philippians 2:10-11 "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." There is a difference between knowing Jesus as the one who saved you and actually submitting to him as Lord of every corner of your life. The word "Lord" carries weight. It means that he is not a consultant you call when life gets hard but a King who governs your priorities, your finances, your relationships, and your daily decisions. Before you can genuinely share your faith with someone else, this verse and 1 Peter 3:15 both call you to look inward and ask: is Christ truly first? This is not about achieving perfection before you are "qualified" to talk about Jesus. It is about the orientation of your heart. When you wake up in the morning, what or who is shaping the agenda of your day? Evangelism that flows out of duty tends to feel hollow and mechanical. Evangelism that flows out of genuine love for a Lord who governs your life carries a completely different kind of weight. People can feel the difference, and so can you. Today's Challenge: Before you check your phone or begin your to-do list this morning, spend two minutes asking Jesus whether there is any area of your life where he is not yet Lord, and surrender that area to him by name. Prayer: Father, I confess that I sometimes treat you as Savior while quietly keeping certain parts of my life under my own control. Today I want to honor you as Lord of every area. Show me what needs to change, and give me the willingness to let it go.

Eric Thompson

July 20, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Weekly Update
Welcome to the July 19th weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in our church family. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days. Sunday, July 19th 11:00 am Worship Service - Join us for Sunday service in person or online. Kids Ministry - Age-specific programming during the service. Monday, July 20th Prayer Gathering - 5:30 pm Tuesday, July 21st Leadership Meeting - 6:30 pm Wednesday, July 22nd Community Mental Health Workshop - 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary Thursday, July 23rd Praise and Worship Practice - 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary Saturday, July 25th Family Day Set-Up - 10 AM - 12 PM Upcoming Events Family Fun Day - Sunday, July 26th at 11:00 am Partnership Dinner - Sunday, August 2, 5:30-7:00 PM in the Kid’s Room Women’s Painting Party - August 8th from 12-2 at the church Kid’s Back to School Swim Party - August 9th from 4-6 PM at 116 Shadowood Court, Seneca, SC 29678New here? We'd love to connect. Last Week's Message "The Necessity of Evangelism" Pastor Eric | 1 Peter 3:15 Evangelism is not an optional activity but the natural overflow of the hope we have in Christ. Living out 1 Peter 3:15 in daily life isn't about memorizing a list of specific Scriptures or looking for arguments. Instead, it is about cultivating a lifestyle that naturally invites curiosity and being ready to respond with humility when people ask about our faith. Watch last week’s sermon 👇Watch Online Community Prayer We carry each other through the spiritual practice of prayer. Here's what our community is lifting up this week: 🙏 Family Day - That we will reach families that are far from God so that they may find Hope in Christ. That new connections will be made and that everyone has fun. 🙏 Our City – For renewal and revival across our communities. Submit your own prayer request .here Giving Your generosity makes our work in our community possible. We’re so grateful for you. New to our community? No pressure. Today, just be our guest.Give Now Here Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your inbox. 📸 Follow us on , Instagram, and .YouTube 💬 Pastoral care or questions? Connect with us here. Services: Sundays at 11:00 AM 3210 Blue Ridge Blvd., West Union, SC 29696 See you soon ☀️

Eric Thompson

July 20, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Hope Visible to Others
Focus Verse: 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." You have probably heard this verse many times, but consider the hidden assumption buried inside it. Peter assumes that the people around you will actually ask about your hope. That only happens if they can see something worth asking about. The question this verse places before you is not "Do you know the right words?" but "Is there something visible in your life that points to Jesus?" Think about the people you will encounter today - a coworker, a neighbor, someone in the checkout line. They are watching how you handle pressure, disappointment, and uncertainty. When you carry peace in situations that would unravel most people, you become a living question mark in the best possible sense. Your life becomes a sign that points somewhere. You do not need a theology degree to do that. You simply need to let what is genuinely inside you show on the outside. Today's Challenge: Ask yourself honestly whether the people closest to you have ever seen your hope on display, and identify one moment today where you can let it show rather than hide it. Prayer: Father, I want my life to point to you rather than blend into the fear and anxiety around me. Cultivate real, visible hope in me today. Give me the courage to let it show in how I speak, serve, and respond to whatever comes my way.

Eric Thompson

July 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Disciplines That Shape the Whole Life
Focus Verse: Hebrews 12:11 "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." One of the most practical truths in the sermon is this: when you exercise spiritual disciplines consistently, the effect does not stay contained to your quiet time. It spills outward into every relationship and every responsibility you carry. It changes how you speak to your spouse. It changes how you raise your children. It shapes how you handle your money and how you spend your hours. And perhaps most importantly, it determines how you hold yourself together when suffering arrives uninvited. Hebrews is honest about the cost. Discipline is painful in the moment. But the writer refuses to stop there. He pushes you forward to the harvest: the peaceful fruit of righteousness that comes to those who endure the training. Think about the spiritual disciplines available to you, things like studying the Bible, prayer, fasting, silence before God, confession, gathering with other believers, and acts of service. These are not religious obligations designed to make you feel guilty. They are the exercises that create space for God to do his most transforming work in your interior life, work that then radiates outward to everyone around you. Today's Challenge: Think of one relationship in your life, a marriage, a friendship, or a parenting role, and consider how a deeper spiritual discipline this week could make you more present, more patient, and more Christlike in that relationship. Prayer: Father, I want the fruit that comes from training, not just the idea of it. Let my time with you today produce something real that the people closest to me can actually see and feel. Do your work in me from the inside out.

Eric Thompson

July 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Intentionality Is Not Optional
Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." Nobody shows up at the gym by accident. You plan it. You pack your bag, drive there, walk in, and decide what part of the body you are going to work on that day. Every step is a deliberate choice. That is what intentionality looks like in the physical world, and spiritual maturity demands the same thing. Paul's point to the Corinthians is almost startling: athletes pour years of disciplined effort into a prize that will eventually fade and collect dust, but you are running toward something that can never be taken from you. The sermon's central word is worth sitting with today. Intentionality. Spiritual growth does not happen by accident, by osmosis, or by sitting in a pew once a week hoping something sticks. It is a deliberate lifestyle choice, made in the small moments that no one else sees. The morning you open your Bible before your phone. The lunch break you spend in prayer instead of scrolling. These quiet, unseen decisions are the training sessions that shape your soul. Today's Challenge: Choose one spiritual discipline, whether prayer, Bible reading, journaling, or fasting, and schedule a specific time for it each day this week as a non-negotiable appointment. Prayer: Father, I confess I have often been passive about my own spiritual growth. Today I choose to be intentional. Help me treat time with you as the most important appointment of my day, and give me the consistency to keep it.

Eric Thompson

July 15, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Training Takes Real Effort
Focus Verse: 1 Timothy 4:8 "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." There is a reason Paul uses athletic language to describe the spiritual life. The word translated "train" in this passage comes from the same Greek root that gives us the word gymnasium. It carries the idea of rigorous, disciplined, sometimes painful effort. Think about what it actually costs an athlete to compete. Hours of practice, sore muscles, early mornings, and choices made in private that nobody ever applauds. The medal does not appear without the preparation. Your spiritual life works the same way. Christlikeness does not drift into your heart while you are comfortable. It is forged through consistent, deliberate practice. You do not accidentally become a person of deep prayer any more than a soccer player accidentally runs for ninety minutes at full speed. The good news Paul places right beside the demand is this: the reward is not temporary. Physical training benefits your body for a few decades. Godliness holds promise for this life and for the life to come. The effort you invest today in your soul is the only effort that travels with you into eternity. Today's Challenge: Write down what your current spiritual training looks like on a typical week, and honestly note where the gaps are. Prayer: Father, I want to stop coasting and start training. I ask you to stir a holy discipline in me that is willing to push past comfort for the sake of knowing you more deeply. Show me where to start.

Eric Thompson

July 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Cutting Through the Noise
Focus Verse: 1 Timothy 4:7 "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness." Before Paul ever talks about spiritual training, he talks about subtraction. That order matters. You cannot build godly habits on a foundation cluttered with constant noise. Think about your own morning for a moment. Before your feet even hit the floor, how many notifications have already pulled your attention in five different directions? The enemy does not always come with a direct attack. Sometimes he simply keeps you so busy, so distracted, so entertained that you never quiet down enough to hear God at all. Paul's warning to Timothy about "pointless and silly myths" was a warning about the cultural noise of his day, and it applies with even more force to yours. Social media arguments, political outrage, and the endless scroll are the myths of your generation. They feel urgent, but they produce nothing eternal. Spiritual growth begins with elimination. You have to say no to some things so you can say a full yes to God. Today's Challenge: Identify one specific source of digital noise in your life today, and deliberately set it aside for one hour to sit in silence before God. Prayer: Father, I confess that I have let the noise of the world crowd out your voice. Today I choose to cut through the clutter and turn my attention toward you. Give me the courage to guard my mind and protect the space where you speak.

Eric Thompson