2026: The Year of Intentional Living

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/23feb3e7/2026-the-year-...

Greetings!

'Can hardly believe the year is coming to an end. But with an end comes a new beginning. 

Happy almost New Year! What will this year hold for you? There will be smiles, some satisfaction and certainly struggles--the stuff our lives are made of. While not everyone uses a paper calendar anymore, I do . . . visual, hands-on person that I am. Of course, nothing magical happens when we turn the calendar page, but it represents the passing of time . . . something about which we can sigh, something we are meant to contemplate. 

New Year's resolutions are not really my thing because too often they set us up to fail; however, I am partial to a little introspection and a focus on new intentions.

"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,1 Paul wrote.

We must not let the past cripple us or hold us back, and yet we must go into the future mindful of it—the past, that is. Consider 2025--is there something you should change, let go of? _________________________________________.

Yesterday I spoke with someone who had realized some very real things about what has motivated/driven him--first to excel in all things sports related, but then, coming out the other side of competitive sports the drive to seek 'highs' from less productive, even destructive sources. So, I ask you again - is there a personal change you ought consider making?_____________________________________________________________

How would you like to GROW in 2026? 

Is there some good that you want to continue to grow, to improve?_________________________________________________________

Next December 31st, when you look back at the 364 days you logged, 

what would you like to see? _________________________________

How will you feed your soul and your spirit, so as to finish 2026 well? Again Paul: 'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.'2

Therefore studying the life of Christ and the disciplines of Christ are invaluable. 

-->Disciplines, spiritual and otherwise, learned and practiced,

free us to become who we are meant to be. 

DISCIPLINE involves training, whether for physical or spiritual growth. Our favorite apostle also eloquently wrote, 'Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.'3 The Corinthian people to whom Paul was writing were very familiar with the Olympian games, including foot races where the prize was a perishable wreath. He continued, 'So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.'4 Training and discipline are good.

>Discipline frees us to become who we were meant to be./span>

What do you think God would envision for your growth in 2026? 

Purposing to consume a healthy diet, get good exercise, and rest well are all parts of physical training. Strides in your spiritual condition are also made through training. Now, here‛s the funny thing—some of you want a ‘Get Spiritually Mature in Seven Days or Less‛ kind of plan. It does not work like that. Your body does not become fit in seven days, and neither does your heart, soul and mind.

Some training is in order--intention for sure.

It will surely include several things: 

>Read and study Scripture, like these Morning Briefings and more! Pick up the Word—read the Psalms, read the Gospels, etc. Get to know your Maker and his plans for you. Participate in a Bible study, gathering with other like-minded people who want to live daily with God. **Nothing will revolutionize your life like a steady intake of the words of God. 

>Pray - talk to your Father, like you do a friend, and seek his wisdom and direction daily. **Don't leave home before you do! 

>Worship God, gathering with other believers? O, how God loves that! Worship involves three things: 1) meeting together with other people seeking to know and honor God in a set-apart place, 2) doing all we do to the glory of God, and 3) offering words/songs of praise, adoration and thanks to our loving Father.

>Serve God by serving others, (not just your mate or your family, but outside your home as well), giving of yourself to them. I remember a corporate brother who carved out time to serve meals at a local Christian ministry; it changed him!

Would you like to grow in any of these areas in 2026—study of Scripture, prayer, worship or intimacy with God? How so? Make a note of it--write it down!________________________________________________________

What will be your plan to make it happen? ____________________________________________________________

Without a vision, the people perish . . .

so how will you make it happen? Don't leave this for later. _________________

Live your life on purpose. Do some thinking and praying, and then determine how you want to finish the new year that is upon you. Go ahead--enVISION yourself crossing the finish line, with your chest pressed out, breaking the tape!

Let's make it a Blessed New Year, let‛s embark on a path of spiritual intention.

Change in Me, the song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8TCZiy5A2A

Here's to a Life-Changing New Year!

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 – Ephesians 3.13,14

2 - 1 Corinthians 11.1

3 - 1 Corinthians 9.24-25

4 - 1 Corinthians 9.26-27