January 5, 2026

GOOD PLANS FOR THIS YEAR

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

This new year let’s choose to begin with expectation—anticipating what God desires to do in us and through us. Scripture is filled with promises about God’s plans for our lives, but those promises are experienced as we partner with His work through faith, obedience, and trust.

First, let’s decide to believe God wants to do something good in and through our lives. Many people don’t act as if they believe God wants to work for them and through them. We must spend time with the Word of God and Spirit of God to receive God’s vision for our lives. When God created us, He had a plan for us.

Secondly, we must discover the power of God that wants to work through us. We are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in us. Let’s partner with God’s Spirit to see His will lived out through us. 

In the book of Ezekiel, God brings the prophet to a valley filled with dry bones. It is a powerful picture of hopelessness. The bones represent the condition of Israel after turning away from God—lifeless, scattered, and without direction.

God then invites Ezekiel to participate. He commands him to speak to the bones and to call for the wind. As Ezekiel obeys, the bones come together, breath enters them, and what was once dead rises into a vast, living army.

This story reminds us of the power God has entrusted to us through faith-filled words. When we align our hearts with the Spirit of God, we can speak life into situations that appear hopeless. God still brings transformation—from death to life—when His people partner with Him.

Thirdly, let’s be patient in the process. Transformation rarely happens overnight. It unfolds through daily choices: time in God’s Word, prayer, and obedience. As we grow sensitive to God’s will, He leads us to speak faith over circumstances and relationships that seem lifeless. Together with Him, we can call forth what He has already promised, even before it is visible.

God has good plans for this year—plans that bring a future and a hope. Let’s decide today to partner with Him and watch those plans come to life.

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TODAY'S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, today I commit myself to walk with You in this year. Open my eyes to see what You desire to do in and through my life. Give me faith to speak life into the dry places around me and courage to follow You in obedience. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”