LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

Many months ago, I realized how I could use the internet to reach out to people with a heart like ours.  I believe God gave me a vision, and even now, more and more people go to and read Biblically-based comments—not as many as we desire but enough to make us realize God is using the effort.

To be honest, I was somewhat slow to get started due largely to our international ministry schedule, but once we started, I felt as if I was simply being sensitive to God’s guidance and timing for this written ministry which could last even after I am gone.

Now, as I briefly review, we’ve sensed His guidance in every step we have taken.  Today, my heart is filled with gratitude to God and overflows, for those who have written to say it was a timely word needed in their life.  The impulse I had has been verified as from God, and it seems, it is now being fulfilled in His own timing.  For example, almost every day I have a desire now to put my devotional thoughts into print and provide them for you and others.  So many people have encouraged me to publish by expressing their hope that some of the spoken themes shared with teams could be reviewed later.

How much I owe to my personal reading—it has been so instructive and affirming to slowly read, at my own pace, something most meaningful.  I am indebted to so many who have given me very basic, and yet, Biblical insights. So, I have sought to write out of an overflow.

And only this week I read an author that is attuned to God, and he started his book with these shocking words: “We are at war—and it’s against an unseen enemy.”  He was referring to world events and the mood and fashions of today.  But that simple, blunt sentence has burned in my heart.  And that’s what I have prayed for with all that is put in print.  So, it is my prayer that God will use the devotional thoughts—sometimes I call them “Table Talks”—to help anyone who seeks to gain a greater vision of what God desires them to do and how to identify our special work in the world now.

As I write, I often see us sitting around a table in semi-casual conversation and my mind stirred by years of reading some of the greatest writings in Christian history.  I really do want to write with a spontaneous overflow.  I want it to be warmly personal and Biblically powerful thoughts shared.  I have always tried to give credit to others when there are exact quotes; as mentioned, I often use their inspiration.

Once, a man who wrote was asked, “How much of what you write is original?”  He wisely answered, “I am like a bee gathering from many flowers, but I myself have made the honey.”  I was only referring to originality in his works.  In the same mindset, I have written.

But I realize there is so much good material available, so why are my insights even needed?  I have to believe, somehow God can use the way I say it for His glory and purpose.  Of course, I say that in faith, resting in His guidance.  With that I submit in mind that I have collected thoughts not all original but all practical.  All is written in my own way of speaking, constantly asking for God’s touch of everything that follows.  Thank you for allowing me to be so personal in my comments.

Following now are Biblical suggestions on making 2026 one filled with His guidance a daily reality.

LIVING IN 2026 WITH HIS GUIDANCE

We all should take a moment to briefly glance back over the year 2025 to see the hand of God that led us through it all.  Every one of us can say, “Some of my prayers were answered last year and some were not”—and yet, always God was there.

We faced the ups and downs, “one day a diamond, the next day a stone” as the song says.  One day was full of praise to God, and the other a time of pleading.

“We lived the last year working, witnessing, and waiting for His return,” said Jan Gott.  She added, “Now, in the year to come our faith is stimulated, stirred, and strengthened.  And partners by the hundreds have faithfully stood behind us, and here we are thinking of what is to come with confidence, ready to go forth.”

There are Biblical suggestions as we go on in 2026.  I can think of no verse that helps us more than this one from Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  How do we do that and let God give us a heart of wisdom?  One certain thing to note, we do it by numbering our days—so it’s one day at a time, faithfulness day after day.  That is a great secret.

1. Let’s continue by being preoccupied with the Lord Jesus Himself.  Determine to plan to reserve time daily to focus on the Lord Jesus, just as the year before; turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into His face.
   

2. Let’s continue with a desire for personal renewal.  All of us can renew the commitment that has brought us thus far in life.  The remainder of the year lies before us; let each of us live it with His fresh cleansing and our renewed desire to follow Him in obedience which is our foundation; it’s that very real allegiance to Him.  So, renew your vows, let Him refresh your soul.
   

3. Let’s continue as we face strong headwinds.  We all will face some: in our home, with our friends, and in our world.  Despite all we face and all the world says, we do not have to give in to it or be controlled by it.  Therefore, realize it’s coming, circumstances that could shake our faith.  Mark it down: opposition will confront all of us.  Put on God’s armor and prepare for battle!  (Read again in a modern language translation Ephesians 6:10-17.  Please do this!)  Remember, airplanes take off in strong headwinds!
   

4. Let’s continue with a longing to see God’s glory.  The best way is, of course, to live for His glory, yet live with a longing for a display of it.  The Psalm says, “my expectation cometh from Him” (Psalm 62:5).  Let God give you that spirit of expectancy—so, look unto the Lord expecting.
   

5. Let’s continue with a selfless spirit.  Determine not to retreat to our comfort zone.  Strengthen yourself by reaching out to someone in need.  Find something practical to do for a needy person.  Plug on and plug in, by being a blessing to someone.  And let’s give—we all can give something to those who need it most.  Live this year with big-heartedness characterizing your life.
   

6. Let’s go on with a plan to open our lives to what God says to us now.  That can begin with the Word of God enriching our lives.  And soak it in and let it flow through you as you meditate on promises and principles that speak to you.  Stay aligned with the Word.  Joshua told God’s people as a new chapter started, “This book … shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night …” (Joshua 1:8)  Make it your desire to learn how to continually ponder God’s truths, continually asking yourself, “What did God say to me from His Word today?”
   

7. Let’s all continue by preparing for eternity.  That’s not negative, but honestly, any of us could die before the year is finished.  And you can be spiritually packed up and ready! — I suggest to all of us, live this year as if heaven matters more than this world.  Put your heart in heaven and live realizing that being prepared for eternity, which could come any day, is the best way to live today.  Live doing what you can to leave the world better than you found it—but with an awareness that this world is not our home.  Live on, looking up!  The best way to live is being spiritually ready to die, and when that time comes, there are no regrets and no remorse.  Packed up and ready!
   

8. Let’s all go on by believing the kingdom is coming!  Live thinking, and “so, come, Lord Jesus!”  It is a great attitude to believe we are closer and closer to the time of Jesus’ return.  Remember His words, “in an hour you think not”—keep the second coming before you.  Let none of us be “ashamed at his appearing” (I John 2:28) because of our unpreparedness.
   

9. Let’s certainly make time for more intercession.  You know that means praying for others.  Read these words carefully, “Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18, Living Bible)