What are you planning for 2026?
As we look toward 2026, we may find our minds crowded with ever-changing plans often leading to restless 3 a.m stints. as we try to control an uncertain future. Proverbs 19:21 invites us to discover the unshakeable peace of recognizing that while our human plans may fail or change, God’s singular purpose is firm and eternal. Rather than relying on self-belief, faith in Jesus Christ empowers us with the Holy Spirit to perform the true "work of God"—loving others with a genuine and fervent heart. Like Moses, our small, daily acts of honest obedience can align us with God’s purpose that we do not yet fully see. Join us as we learn to navigate the coming year aligning our will with God’s purpose by gratitude, constant prayer, and a commitment to serve, starting with the needs of those right here in our own Church community.
Scripture
Proverbs 19:21 ESV Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Romans 12:9-13 ESV Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Through the Scripture
Scattered thoughts vs Single Minded Purpose
Today’s proverb contrasts our many, changing plans with God’s firm and established purpose. 2026 lies veiled before us. We don’t know what our choices or decisions are going to be, but we can be sure of one thing. God has a plan and purpose and we don’t need to know the exact details in order to follow it. We can make one decision today that will determine if 2026 is successful or if it is wasted. Do we choose our own plans or submit to God’s established purpose?
Proverbs 19:21 ESV Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
God’s purpose is through faith in Jesus Christ alone
How do we submit to God’s purpose? It’s impossible to follow His purpose unless we believe in Jesus Christ and what He’s done for us. Paul says that our obedience to obey comes from faith on Jesus Christ. We can’t genuinely obey Him unless we believe the Gospel, have been born of the Spirit and have been made into new creations that love and honour Him. Without this, our actions, however much they may look like obedience, are merely selfish attempts to get what we want. Hebrews 11 list many people who achieved much for God by simple obedience, and the author reminds us that their obedience came by faith.
John 6:27-29 ESV Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” [28] Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” [29] Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
Romans 16:26-27 ESV but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— [27] to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— [33] who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
By faith and obedience we follow God’s purpose for us
We will face many decisions in 2026, some will be tough and we won’t always know what to do. - but many decisions will be obvious because they will simply be a matter of doing the right thing according to Scripture. Obeying God in issues such as honesty and kindness are acts which align us with God’s purpose. It may be easy to understand what God wants us to do in these situations but it can be very difficult to do. We need His strength to obey His will, we can ask Him for this strength and He will give it to us, He promises to.
John 14:13-14 ESV Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Following in faith and obedience with genuine love (What should we do?)
When we accept that our plans are not necessarily God’s and submit to His will, and we put our faith in Who Christ is and what He’s done, we are able to obey God in genuine love in our everyday lives. This is far more important than knowing God’s great design. Moses was destitute and alone with nothing but the clothes on his back when he encountered injustice. His choice to get up and do something about it, put into motion the next chapter of God’s plan. He married one of the girls and served her father in caring for his sheep. He spent 40 years learning to preserve the lives of sheep in the same wilderness that he would one day lead Israel through. All because he chose to love in action not just words.
Romans 12:9-13 ESV Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
1 John 3:18 ESV Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Exodus 2:15-21 ESV When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well. [16] Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. [17] The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. [18] When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?” [19] They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.” [20] He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” [21] And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.
Follow God’s purpose with determination and commitment (How should we do it?)
Moses shows us the importance of acting in love by the power of the Holy Spirit due to faith in Jesus Christ - but it’s important how we act in love. We can so half heartedly or fervently. Again we need to ask for this power, energy and zeal, but we must not be content with lukewarm effort.
Romans 12:11 ESV Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Follow God’s purpose in all circumstances (When do we do this?)
Some days it’s easier to be pumped up and full of energy to love and serve God, but some day’s it’s hard. It’s critical that we are consistent and make the most of every opportunity, especially when we don’t feel like it. Romans 12:12 shows not only the importance of this but also how to attain this consistency. Rejoicing, patience and prayer come much easier when our hearts are grateful. And gratitude is a choice. Travelling long distance is frustrating when you’re only focussed on getting there. Value and appreciate the scenery.
Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Philippians 4:6 ESV do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Follow God’s purpose starting in His Church (Where do we start?)
Finally since we know that following God’s purpose comes from loving in actions, with all our heart, gratefully through all circumstances relying on the power of the Holy Spirit Whom we have by faith in Jesus, we can consider where to start doing so. Paul suggests that we begin in the Church, there’s a whole world out there that needs us, but a whole Church full of need all around us. People we know, or can easily get to know who need our genuine and fervent acts of loving kindness. Jesus teaches us that the world recognises His influence when it sees the Church loving each other. Let’s make 2026 all about genuine, fervent acts of love for God’s glory, by faith in Christ and through the power of His Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:13 ESV Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
John 13:34-35 ESV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. [35] By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Daily Devotions
Monday: Finding Peace in God’s Unchanging Purpose
Reflecting on the contrast between volatile human planning and the unshakeable, singular plan of the Lord.
Today's Verse Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Reflection The human mind is often a place of instability and volatility, especially when we lie awake at 3 a.m. trying to navigate an uncertain future. At such hours, our thoughts are rarely rational, and we may find ourselves changing plans dozens of times under pressure. However, there is a profound peace in recognizing that we are not in control. While man generates many shifting plans, the Lord possesses a single, firm purpose because He knows the end from the beginning. Jesus Christ is the anchor of this purpose, and through Him, we can accept whatever outcome He determines, knowing His counsel will accomplish all His will in His perfect time.
Additional Scripture
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’ Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV
Life Application When you find yourself spiralling into anxiety about your plans for the coming year, remind yourself that your brain is not always equipped to see the whole picture. Choose to stop trying to force your own outcomes and instead accept the peace that comes from knowing God is in control of the final result.
Prayer points
Pray for the grace to surrender your personal plans to His sovereign will.
Ask for the peace that passes understanding when the future seems veiled.
Pray for help to trust His timing rather than your own.
Tuesday: The Essential Foundation of Faith
Understanding that true obedience and alignment with the Lord’s plan only begin through belief in Jesus Christ.
Today's Verse Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6:29 ESV
Reflection It is impossible to follow the purpose of the Lord through self-belief or mere hard work. Before we can truly obey, we must believe in Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. Without faith, our actions are often just selfish attempts to get what we want or to appear like "good people." When we believe in Him, He makes us into new creations through the Holy Spirit, giving us a heart that actually desires and is supernaturally empowered to honour Him. The most important "work" you can do for the future is to fix your eyes on Him and trust in His finished work.
Additional Scripture
But has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:26-27 ESV
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal. John 6:27 ESV
Life Application Before tackling your "to-do" list or your goals, evaluate your motive. Ensure your confidence is rooted in your faith in Jesus rather than your own ability to perform. True obedience flows from the power of the Spirit, not human willpower.
Prayer points
Thank Him for the gift of faith that makes new life possible.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your heart and motive daily.
Ask for the strength to live out an "obedience of faith" in every decision.
Wednesday: Love Expressed in Genuine Action
Choosing to move beyond words to genuine acts of love that align our lives with the Lord’s grand design.
Today's Verse Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9 ESV
Reflection Genuine love is not merely a feeling or a collection of nice words; it is a choice to act in truth and deed. This type of love requires us to actively turn away from what is evil and cling to what is good. A simple decision to do the right thing—to be honest or kind—can set into motion a chapter of the Lord's plan that we cannot yet see. Just as Moses chose to stand up against injustice at a well in Midian, our small acts of genuine love today are the "threads" that He is weaving into a much larger tapestry for His glory.
Additional Scripture
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 ESV
The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. Exodus 2:15-21 ESV
Life Application Look for a practical way to show "love in deed" today. It might be defending someone who is being treated unfairly or performing a task for someone who cannot repay you. Do not just say you care; get up and do something.
Prayer points
Pray for a heart that genuinely hates evil and loves what is good.
Ask for the courage to act in love even when it is inconvenient.
Pray that your small acts of kindness would be used by Him to fulfil His purposes.
Thursday: Strength for the Little Things
Relying on the Lord’s promise to uphold and strengthen us when obedience feels difficult in the stresses of daily life.
Today's Verse Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 ESV
Reflection Obeying the command to honour others above ourselves is often difficult, especially in the "heat" of daily life—like in heavy traffic or crowded shops. We often feel a surge of frustration when others are selfish, yet we are called to a different standard. We are not promised a life free from these stresses, but we are promised the strength to obey Him within them. When we ask for the strength to be kind and honourable, He provides it. By faith, we can ask Him to help us in these "little things" so that our paths remain aligned with His will.
Additional Scripture
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises... were made strong out of weakness. Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV
Life Application Identify one person today whom you find it difficult to honour. Ask the Lord for the specific strength to treat that person with "brotherly affection" and to actively look for a way to show them honour.
Prayer points
Pray for the Lord to uphold you with His righteous right hand during stressful moments.
Ask for His strength to replace your frustration with kindness.
Pray for a spirit of humility to outdo others in showing honour.
Friday: Serving with Fervour and Zeal
Committing to serve the Lord with all our energy and heart, rather than settling for a lukewarm or half-hearted effort.
Today's Verse Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:11 ESV
Reflection How we act in love matters as much as the act itself. We can serve half-heartedly or with a fervent spirit. Scripture encourages us to work heartily, as if we are working directly for the Lord and not just for men. Whether we are doing menial tasks or making major decisions, we are serving the Lord Christ. This fervour is a gift from the Holy Spirit that we can ask for when we feel weary. We should not be content with being lukewarm but should seek the power and energy that comes from knowing we are following His divine call.
Additional Scripture
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
Life Application Whatever task is before you today—no matter how small or mundane—do it with your best effort. Remind yourself throughout the day: "I am serving the Lord Christ," and see how that changes your level of zeal.
Prayer points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to ignite a fire and fervour in your spirit.
Ask for deliverance from slothfulness and a lukewarm heart.
Pray that your daily work would be an act of worship to Him.
Saturday: The Power of Constant Prayer and Gratitude
Discovering that consistency in faith is sustained by the choice to be grateful in every circumstance.
Today's Verse Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV
Reflection Consistency is easy when life is good, but it is hard when we are "people-ed out" or facing tribulation. The key to staying patient and constant in prayer is gratitude. Gratitude is a choice we make to focus on what the Lord has done rather than on what we lack. Even in a traffic jam or a difficult journey, choosing to look at the beauty around us and thank Him for His blessings can shift our hearts from grumpiness to joy. When we are constant in prayer with thanksgiving, we open the door for Him to work His purpose in our lives.
Additional Scripture
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 ESV
Life Application If you are feeling "grumpy" or overwhelmed today, stop and list five things you are grateful for. Notice how this choice of gratitude makes it easier to rejoice in hope and stay patient with those around you.
Prayer points
Pray for a heart that is constantly in communication with Him.
Ask for the strength to choose gratitude over anxiety.
Pray for patience to endure trials while holding onto the hope of Jesus.
Sunday: Starting Love Within the Church Community
Aligning with the Lord’s purpose by looking for practical ways to serve and support the family of God.
Today's Verse Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:13 ESV
Reflection While there is a whole world that needs the love of Jesus, we are specifically instructed to start our acts of genuine love within the Church. The people sitting next to us in the pews or in our small groups have needs that we can meet. When the world sees the Church loving one another in deed and truth, they recognize the influence of Jesus. By contributing to the needs of the "saints" and showing hospitality, we are participating in the "work of God" and positioning ourselves within His purpose for the year ahead.
Additional Scripture
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 ESV
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:13-14 ESV
Life Application This week, look specifically for a need within your church community. It could be a financial need, a need for a meal, or simply the need for a welcoming home. Seek out an opportunity to show hospitality to a fellow believer.
Prayer points
Pray for the Lord to reveal the needs of those within your church.
Ask for a spirit of generosity and hospitality.
Pray that the love in your church would be a powerful witness to the world.