Surrender Over Resolutions: Inviting God into the Year Ahead

Victory at the Gym

How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming now that it is mid-January? Are the gyms empty again by now? We often find ourselves feeling pressured to improve and fix what feels broken in our lives. We are encouraged to set new resolutions, relying on our own discipline to create change. However, these resolutions often fade quickly, leaving us feeling discouraged and stuck in a habit. However, scripture reminds us that transformation doesn’t come from discipline in our own ways, but from trusting God's plans for our lives. Proverbs 16:1-3 says, 

“To humans belong the plans of the heart,

    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,

    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

    and he will establish your plans.”

Biblical surrender isn’t giving up - it’s placing our plans, expectations, fears, and timelines into God’s hands. It is choosing to trust Him even in uncertainty. Jesus modeled this when He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” When we release our need for control, we invite God to lead us in ways that are wiser and more loving than our own. Surrender shifts focus from what we can accomplish to what God desires to do with us. 

Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. 2026 is the year to leave what is behind us behind, and persevere with confidence - seeking out the will of God in all situations, and pressing on to trust Christ in all things. 

As we step into this new year, perhaps the invitation isn’t to create better resolutions but to open our hands and hearts before God. Daily surrender frees us from pressure and replaces it with peace, knowing that God is faithful with what we place in His care. When we seek Him first, He promises to guide our steps - one day at a time. 

This year, may we walk forward not striving for perfection, but trusting the One who already holds our future.

Be Salt and Light for the New Year

Happy New Year

A new year often begins with reflection and resolve. We set goals, make plans, and focus on how we can improve our own lives. While personal growth matters, Jesus calls us to something higher and broader. In Matthew 5:13–16, He tells His followers, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” This calling invites us to look beyond ourselves and live for the good of others.

Salt preserves, enhances, and brings out what is good. In a world that often feels decaying or divided, believers are called to bring hope, truth, and grace into everyday spaces—our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. Being salt means standing for what is right, living with integrity, and offering kindness where it is least expected.

Light reveals what is hidden and pushes back darkness. As followers of Jesus, we don’t create the light—we reflect His. When we live with humility, compassion, and love, people notice. Our words and actions can point others to the hope found in Christ. Light does not shout; it simply shines. A single candle can change an entire room.

As we step into 2026, it’s easy to become consumed with personal comfort, success, or security. Yet the gospel calls us outward. Jesus is the answer to the deepest needs of every heart, and He chooses to reach the world through His people. Sharing Him doesn’t always require a stage or microphone—sometimes it’s a conversation, a prayer, a helping hand, or a life lived faithfully.

This year, let us pray for open eyes and willing hearts. May we live intentionally, love boldly, and reflect Jesus clearly. The world doesn’t need more noise—it needs more light. Let 2026 be the year we choose to be salt and light.

The Gifts of the Spirit; Heaven's Christmas Blessings

Gifts of the Spirit

Christmas is a season of giving, celebrating the greatest gift the world has ever received: Jesus Christ. But Scripture reminds us that God continues to give generously to His children. Among His most powerful gifts are the gifts of the Holy Spirit—treasures that empower us to live victoriously and to bless others in ways far beyond our natural abilities.

Just as Christmas morning fills us with anticipation, the Holy Spirit fills our lives with divine possibility. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12 that the Spirit distributes gifts “as He wills”—each one intentionally chosen, wrapped in purpose, and given to build up the body of Christ. Whether wisdom, healing, faith, discernment, prophecy, or tongues, each gift reflects the heart of a generous Father who wants His children to shine with the brilliance of heaven.

These gifts do more than inspire; they equip. They give courage in seasons of fear and clarity in moments of confusion. They enable us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and speak truth with compassion. They help us overcome spiritual battles and walk in the victory Jesus has already won. In a season where lights glow on every street, the gifts of the Spirit cause the light of Christ to glow through us—illuminating hope, comfort, and redemption to those around us.

This Christmas, as we unwrap earthly presents, let’s also rediscover the spiritual gifts God has placed within us. They are not ornaments to admire but tools to use—empowering us to live victoriously and to extend the love of Jesus to a world longing for hope.

Christmas Gifts from the Lord

The BENEFITS of the lord

Psalm 103:3–5 (AMPC) gives us one of the clearest windows into God’s character: a God who forgives, heals, restores, and renews His people. David is not guessing about who God is—he is declaring what God has consistently revealed throughout Scripture.

The passage begins, “Who forgives every one of all your iniquities.” Forgiveness is the foundation of God’s relationship with us. He removes sin completely (Isaiah 1:18) and remembers it no more (Hebrews 8:12).

But David immediately ties forgiveness to healing: “Who heals each one of all your diseases.” The same God who removes sin also restores brokenness. Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s will to heal. In Exodus 15:26, God reveals Himself as “the Lord who heals you.” Psalm 107:20 declares, “He sent His word and healed them.” Jesus’ ministry makes God’s will unmistakable—He “went about… healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). When the leper cried, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean,” Jesus answered with no hesitation: “I am willing. Be cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2–3). God’s heart has always leaned toward restoration.

David continues, “Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption.” God is not content to simply pull us out of trouble—He transforms our story. He turns pits into testimonies and replaces despair with purpose.

Then, “Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy.” God does not just forgive and heal; He dignifies. He clothes us with honor (Isaiah 61:3) and surrounds us with steadfast love.

Finally, “Who satisfies your mouth… with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” God meets us with exactly what we need—strength, provision, renewal—so we can rise and soar above circumstances (Isaiah 40:31).

Psalm 103 invites us to remember: God forgives fully, heals willingly, redeems powerfully, crowns lovingly, and renews continually. His goodness is not theoretical; it is His demonstrated will for His people, yesterday and today.