Wednesday, June 11, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 1 Timothy 2

There was a guy back in the day who was eager to play basketball with me, but because of his seasoned age, delivering an invite took some time. The gentleman had speed, cardio, and touch with his shot. But I joked that he dribbled in black and white, which made it too easy to steal the ball. Past basketball knowledge guided his strengths, but his moves were outdated.

Everyone is guilty of holding on to our old ways. It’s not always bad. Core principles and values make us who we are, but when that’s our only focus, they can also keep us from where we need to go and who we need to become.

My first few years of adulthood were full of a sad, draining routine. As an adult, I was ready to live for myself, but guilt hindered my growth and kept me from experiencing joy. I’m not talking about having good times with friends. Hanging out was usually a good time, but I hadn’t arrived where I knew God’s promises could lead me.

We often believe that the old way is the only way. It’s the blueprint ... the life we know.

But what happens when life gets scary? Hard times often keep us in place, especially when we’re closing our hands tightly around what got us there. Pressing on means moving forward, but that can’t happen without letting go.

Philippians 3:12
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

Brandon Lake’s song “Daddy’s DNA” says, “I thought the world had something special I was missing.” Thinking the world has something special to offer keeps us from arriving at the place we’re meant to be. It prevents us from seeing God’s vision for something new. We want to hold onto what the world has given us, but we fail to realize how destructive and painful it can be.

Closed hands that aren’t open to embracing what’s next can’t fully praise. The only way to press forward into the life God has in store for you is to let go and let God’s promises deliver joy for the future.

Open hands and raised arms signal we are ready to surrender our control and press on, trusting God’s promises and his perfect timing.

Questions:
Where in your life are you holding tight to outdated moves or principles?

What worldly thing or routine do you need to let go of to allow God's vision to bring you forward?

Next Steps:
Engage with others in Group life to practice “pressing on” in your faith. Find your group for the summer semester. Continue reading Philippians 3 to further your knowledge about pressing forward. Use daily prayer to strengthen your relationship with God.

Prayer:
God, I know I’ve come this far by faith. I see it in the good things you have provided and the bad things you have removed from my life. Thank you for your grace. I know there is more beyond this place. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.