December 31, 2025

“The Lord of Armies says this: ‘Think carefully about your ways.’” – Haggai 1:7

The word “remember” appears well over 200 times in the Bible. Beyond that, there are numerous verses where we are encouraged, or even commanded, to think about what we have done or what we are currently doing. God does not want us to aimlessly drift through life. He wants us to remember what he has done, how we have acted, and meditate on the implications of those things.

Today is the last day of 2025. Most of us have probably spent much of the last day or two reflecting on the year gone by. But I want to encourage you today to use this opportunity to reflect with intentionality and purpose; remember what the Lord has done and consider your ways. First, see how God has been present, protective, and corrective over the past year. Second, consider how you have responded. The word “repent” appears over 100 times in the Bible. What course corrections do you need to make? What ways are you walking further from God? As we begin 2026 you have the opportunity to repent (turn around) and start heading in the right direction. Do not let this New Year’s Eve be a day of simple nostalgia. Let it be an intentional, formational moment to thank God for his goodness and make a renewed commitment to dedicate every moment and every facet of your life to him.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your incredible goodness. Even in the most difficult times of the past year, we know that You have never left us or forsaken us. We also know that the One who has given his own Son will never withhold good from us. So, help us to properly respond to these truths. Show us the areas where we need to repent and then give us the wisdom and strength to make that change. Let us experience an intimacy with You in 2026 like we have never experienced before.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon