Stepping into 2026
You may have a list of new years resolutions already being implemented, or that list is already in the bin… One thing for sure, our need to be coming closer to Jesus in all seasons.
Here Naomi reminds us of five things we can do as we step into 2026 to come closer to Him.
One: Making Jesus our Priority: Finding time with Jesus
We all have good intentions here and feel guilty for not doing this or doing it ‘well enough’. However busy and pressed we are, there is still a reality that we find time to do things that are the biggest priority to us. Can we make this decision for Jesus to be a priority in our time? It doesn’t mean we have to carve out unrealistic time we don’t have or can’t manage. Our relationship with Jesus is a relationship not a religion, but that relationship needs disciple for us to grow. The bible talks about the need to train ourselves (1 Timothy 4v7 & 1 Corinthians 9v25).
Decide when we are going to make space, and make a plan so we actually do it, start with something obtainable, even it that means starting with just 5 -15 mins to sit with Jesus, pray, read the bible, hold space to listen. Day by day this may seem a chore, but watch what happens in your heart and faith as the year goes by.
Two: Join with believers
Get stuck in with other believers, this may look like joining a home/small group or getting to know other Christians in a way that you can talk about your faith, growing in Jesus, the challenges and how to go deeper. Are there people in your church you can meet with? Or how about getting to know other Christians in your area by going along to joint worship nights?
Hebrews 10v 25&25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.
Three: Make a prayer diary and decide who you are praying for
Get intentional about prayer, find a notebook and make it your prayer diary, write down your requests and when something happens in what you’ve been praying for, record that too. Write down if you hear Holy Spirit prompt you with something. It’s amazing to watch how God answers our smallest of prayers.
Write down names of people you are intentionally praying for, maybe decide which days you will pray for each of them and put things that will reminder you around your room to remember.
1 Thessalonians 5v16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Four: Ask someone to read the bible with you
Step out boldly and ask someone if they want to read the bible with you. Ask someone who is not yet a believer, do you have a friend or someone you cross paths with who might be interested? You could also ask at church if there are any people curious who have turned up that would like to read the bible with someone. It is simple, just pick a short passage of scripture, start in a gospel and simply look at the Word together – What does it mean to you? What jumps out? What does it say about God? About People? What do I do with this? You don’t need to have all the answers.
Psalm 119v105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path
Five: Take a leap of faith
Faith is all about trusting God, that is our life journey with Him, learning to trust how good God really is, how for you He is, how much He is loves you, How He is your safety and peace even if everything around you is shaking, this is the journey we are walking on.
Why not step out of the boat, is there a mission trip to go on? Is there something that will take you out of your comfort zone that will cause you to see more of God’s heart in the world and cause you to grow in your faith and dependency on Him. Maybe it’s stepping out in serving or going on a mission trip. Will you give something a go this year?
Hebrews11v1-2 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
