“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV
Welcome to the 1st weekly devotional recap of 2026! As we transitioned from 2025 into 2026, the articles encouraged us to audit our past year with honesty, finish the mission strong by the Spirit, and lay a foundation for the new year through prayer and the intentional use of prophecy.
We began the last week of 2025 with a call to conduct an honest “audit” of our year, not for guilt, but for wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-16). Reflection is a form of transformation when we invite God to test our hearts (Psalm 26:2). By reviewing our wins, losses, and distractions in partnership with a loving Father, we move from mere self-analysis to divine redirection. True stewardship is aligning our lives with God’s heart for the year ahead.
Tuesday’s devotion emphasized reflection as a spiritual discipline that fuels faith. Just as David remembered his past victories to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37), we must “forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Looking back allows us to see God’s hand in answered prayers and corrected paths, turning memory into momentum. With the Holy Spirit, reflection becomes revelation, grounding us in gratitude to propel us forward with clarity.
As the year wrapped up, we were reminded that success is not determined by how we start, but by our focus on the mission. Finishing strong requires clear focus and the rejection of discouragement (Isaiah 40:10). Most importantly, we must operate “not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Partnering with the Holy Spirit, praying and walking in Him ensures that we complete our divine assignments effectively.
On New Year’s Day, we celebrated the “something new” God is doing (Isaiah 43:19). Like a farmer preparing the ground, we must prepare for 2026 with hope and intimacy with God. We are called to disregard small thinking, broaden our mental capacity, and position ourselves as people God can rely on. Preparation is anchored in a serious devotional life; we must prepare for the manifestation of God’s plans through consistent prayer and planning.
We concluded the week with a strategic charge: use the prophetic words received during the crossover as weapons (1 Timothy 1:18). Prophecy is a certainty, not a probability (Psalm 119:89). To see these words fulfilled, we must recall them, believe them, and “war” with them in prayer. Prophecy provides the vocabulary for our prayers and the basis for our obedience. By enforcing God’s will through prayer and action, we ensure this year aligns with His divine purpose.
Dear believer, your 2025 has been reviewed, and your 2026 has begun. Take the lessons of the past and the prophecies of the future, and walk boldly into this new year. Trust the Spirit to lead you, and determine to be a faithful steward of every opportunity.
Have a powerful first weekend of the year!
Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 6-8, Matthew 3- 4:11