New Year Challenges

Pastor Gary Oser

By the time you read this, the old year will be over and the new year will have begun. I like to try to share something to challenge you in regards to the coming year. I want to share some thoughts from former president of Moody Bible Institute, Dr. George Sweeting.

1. Start each day by reading God’s Word.

What food is to the body, the Word of God (the Bible) is to the soul. The Word of God will help you to be healthy spiritually in the coming year. Make it a goal to begin each day by reading a portion of God’s Word. If you have never read the Bible completely through, you might make that a goal as well.

2. Cultivate the habit of prayer.

Prayer is communion with God—both talking to and listening to Him. The Bible tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Some things that you might include as you pray are thanksgiving, confession of sin, intercession for the needs of others and praise. The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13) gives us a good pattern to follow in prayer.

3. Complete a task you have delayed to do.

If you have a “to do” list, make it a goal to complete at least one thing on your list every day. Delaying and procrastinating rob us of peace and serenity. Whenever it is possible, “do it now” (rather than later” is a good habit.

4. Compliment someone each day.

It is much easier to criticize and complain about others, but a genuine compliment will be much more helpful. Mark Twain well said, “I can go two months on a good compliment.” You will feel better, as well as those who receive your compliments!

5. Review your blessings.

The song writer said it well in the familiar song, “Count Your Blessings.” He said, “When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings—name them one by one—and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!” If we will spend more time thanking God for our blessings than complaining about our problems, we will be much happier!

I would add one more challenge—

6. Look for the Lord’s coming!

The blessed hope of all believers is the soon coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that this might be the year when He comes again. Live daily in the manner that you want to be living when He comes.

May 2026 be a year of spiritual blessing in which you grow to be more like Jesus!