Greetings in the name of our Majestic King, Jesus. As we begin a new year, many verses come to mind concerning “newness.” There is newness of life, new opportunities, and a new mind we can have—the mind of Christ (the Anointed One), in Him. The renewing of the mind is key to walking in the benefits God has for us right now.
You may hear many phrases about the new year that are biblically sound; however, it is important to note that when a phrase is biblically sound, it applies to every year. The Bible and the promises to you within its pages have no time stamp, yet they may have conditions. The number one condition is the renewal of your mind to recognize that these promises are true, and that responsibility lies with you.
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
—Romans 12:2, AMPC
We must work out our own salvation (Phil. 2:12)—not salvation from damnation, as Jesus accomplished that—but salvation from the curse on the earth. Unless you change how and what you think about, you cannot have a better life with blessings beyond God’s mercy. However, God has provided His grace for you—a gift that you can accept if you seek the guidance necessary to receive it.
The definition of grace that resonates with me is “God’s supernatural power upon our natural ability.” It is a gift we do not deserve based on anything we have done. On the other hand, mercy is the redemption (payment) for the judgment we deserve because of our actions. The flow of mercy comes from what Jesus did on the Cross, while the flow of grace comes from the relationship we cultivate with Jesus.
Job, during his time of trouble, was sustained by God’s mercy. His entire life fell apart, including his health. Job is largely considered to be the oldest book of the Bible. He lived over 4,000 years ago. At that time, there was no Bible, and it was not as easy to understand God’s ways. His famous statement, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21), was made while he was unaware of God’s true nature. God is not a thief (John 10:10). However, as Job came to know God more deeply he said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear: but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5). The word “see” has within its meaning, “surely, distinguish, and to be visible.” Job not only heard about God but also came to see and receive revelation, being assured of His true character directly from God Himself: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8). God is absolutely good!
The burden of our salvation is light (easy), as we work it out on this earth (Matt. 11:30; Phil. 2:12). We have been given the Word made flesh, something tangible we can see and read (taste) if we will only look. If 2026 is going to be the year of fulfillment of God’s promises for you, you must turn aside and look to Him, just as Moses did when he saw the burning bush. Turning to God and His Word will allow your faith to grow, and, according to Scripture: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him,for he who comes [turns aside] to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:5-9).
Renewing your mind to His ways pleases Him, it builds your faith, and increases your belief in what He has said. Faith comes by hearing, not just about God, but from God through His Word (Rom. 10:17). This process requires you to turn aside or away from distractions in order to focus on what truly matters to God. Jesus says,
Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen [the closer your relationship with God], the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more [reward]. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” —Mark 4:24-25, NLT
It’s important to consider what you hear and where it comes from. YouTube and the internet have been both a curse and a blessing for the Body of Christ. Jesus’ first warning about the End Times was, “Do not be deceived!” There are countless fables and philosophies out there. Deception sandwiches with just a little truth between the slices and toppings of deceit make it easy for them to be justified and considered delicious by the world, but even small deceptions are contrary to the Word of God. This is why the five-fold ministry and a strong local church, the right church, are essential.
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. —II Timothy 3:14
It is important to understand this as we enter 2026. As in all previous years, deception and darkness will increase. The heinous actions of men will persist, and there will be wars and rumors of wars. The curse will manifest itself in lack and illness, as prophesied by Jesus. Some people will continue to drift away from right standing with God, failing to turn aside to Him, which will cause the negative traits mentioned in Second Timothy 3:1-9 to worsen (II Tim. 3:13).
We must keep our focus on Jesus. Throughout the Scriptures, we hear about sowing, whether it be financial, physical, or spiritual. Consider what you are hearing and seeing as what you are sowing into your heart and soul. When you sow, you can expect to reap a harvest. Take what you hear and see from the news media, for example, it is almost always seeds of fear that produces weeds. You do not have to anticipate a harvest of weeds. Weeds will grow automatically. The prophet Jeremiah stated that a person who does not trust in God will not see good when it comes by (Jer. 17:5-10). This occurs because they are not looking for good, or, in other words, they are not looking for God. Instead, they only notice the weeds (bad) that arise. You must purposefully plant the good seeds of God’s Word in your heart, looking for them to grow and expecting their harvest.
Jesus instructs us in multiple places to “look up” and to “watch.” The apostle Paul encourages us to be “Looking for the blessed hope.” The psalmist David states, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2). The One who created heaven and earth has made promises to you that will surely come to pass. He desires to help you so much that he sent a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who lives within you if you are born again. The Helper is not a servant, like a genie in a bottle, but rather a Partner to help you get things done.
To see good things come to pass, you must continue to look, think, and speak positively about them. Instead of dwelling on why they are not here yet, focus on the assurance that they are on their way and that you will receive them.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. —Philippians 4:8
When we hear and meditate on God’s Word, the substance of faith is created for your situation. It is the unseen substance that becomes visible (Heb. 11:1). This is why we can have peace in a world where there is no peace; our faith—this substance—overcomes the world. The unity between you and the Helper within you will bring things into existence.
In 2026, you must look to God! That means looking to Jesus, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and God’s people. This is how you will resist the darkness and be the light in these End Times. You are someone of substance, but you will determine whether that substance is faith or fear based on where you focus your attention. Jeremiah speaks about those who trust in and look to God: “He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit” (Jer. 17:8, NLT).
This man remains unaffected by the world’s daily troubles. He has a deep-rooted system and source of strength that never depletes. Although fear and worry may arise, they do not disturb him because he knows he will withstand any hardships and remain steadfast and strong, thus living a healthy and productive life.
Our prayer for you this year is to hear God’s voice in a new way, and that you also be planted, rooted, and grounded in the love of God that brings health, prosperity, and a sound mind! Thank you for your support of this part of Jesus’ ministry. Prayerfully consider making a financial or prayer commitment this year to help people see God’s goodness and love, and let us know so we can agree for your harvest.
Until next time, remember . . . Jesus is coming soon! Be ready and be looking!
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