"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
 
Happy New Year to you and your families. Can you believe that we are in the year 2026? It seems like 2025 just flew by. As I get older it seems like everyday goes by faster and faster. Taking advantage of every opportunity is essential and important.
 
God has blessed us with another year. I am thankful that He knows everything that will happen to us this year both good and bad. During tough times we must learn to stand on God's Word. The scripture above is a promise God gives us to stand on and trust in over the next twelve months and beyond.
 
We must trust that God does have a plan for us. He not only has a plan but is faithful to fulfill it. What is the plan? His plan is for us to prosper; physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. His plan is for us to know Him better and trust Him more. When we go through tough times we are assured they will not harm us but help us grow in maturity and character. 
 
The other part of His plan is to give us hope and a future. Hope is something that is missing in our culture today. We talk with people who are so discouraged and feel hopeless. God wants us to live in the hope that He is always with us and is there to see us through every challenge we face. With that hope, it encourages us to understand the awesome future He has promised us as well. 
 
So, as we look to this coming year, let's trust in God's Word to give us the strength to embrace whatever lies ahead during 2026.
 
Prayer-Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for helping us through 2025 and we trust in your promises for 2026. Help us meditate on your promise in Jeremiah 29:11. You are always with us and will accomplish your plans for us as we trust in you. In Jesus' name, Amen!