Yesterday we took a look back at 2025 and today we will look forward to 2026. I am encouraged by the fact that our Heavenly Father knows all things, controls all things and loves us supremely! Despite the chaos and conflict between nations, tribes and people, Jesus is our peace, our solid rock, and the One we can trust in all things.

Undoubtedly, 2026 will bring both victories and defeats, tremendous joy and deep heartache, great miracles and atrocious acts. We live in a fallen world, yet our Almighty Savior has overcome it all! He is also capable and willing to hide us under His wing!

May I make a few suggestions as we head into a new year?

• Get into God’s Word like never before. Will you join me in committing to open God’s Word every day? Make your way through a One Year Bible or find a Bible reading plan that works for you. (YouVersion is a free app that provides reading plans.) It doesn’t have to be a lot. Try simply reading one chapter a day, starting in any book you choose.
• Along with reading God’s Word, pray! In fact, you can pray God’s Word back to Him! God will show you great and mighty things as you get into His Word and talk with Him! (Jeremiah 33:3)
• Get plugged into a solid Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church! God did not call us to be “lone ranger Christians!” We need others and they need us. The body of Christ is lived out in a solid church. Seek out a church in which you see people with Bibles open and a pastor who teaches straight from God’s Word. Feast on the Word and the fellowship of believers.

Finally, if you are unsure where you would go if you died tonight, then please seek the God of salvation. Jesus Christ died for your sins and mine, and He rose again to give us new life. Put your trust and faith in Him so that you will know your eternal destiny is in heaven with Him. If you don’t know how to do that, here is the guidance you need:

Regardless of what we face this year, my prayer for you is that you will know and embrace the abundant life Jesus came to give. May that life shine brightly through you in 2026!