Author: Jayne Lawson

Scripture: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21

Examination: Isaiah is reminding the Jewish people that they have strayed from the Lord. He warns them that until they repent and return, they will continue to have struggles, but if they repent and call upon God, He will hear them and save them.

Application: Being lost is no fun. In fact, it is very frightening. I remember hiking once in a national park, and somehow my husband and I got off the main trail. He wasn’t worried at all, but it was late afternoon, and my mind conjured up all sorts of scenarios, the least of which had us spending the night alone in the woods! As I walked, I was so thankful for the occasional sign that was posted, pointing me toward the main trailhead. It’s good to have proven directions to follow toward one’s destination!

Another time, I was driving home, but somehow I found myself in unfamiliar territory! My phone’s signal was too weak to call, and I had no GPS at the time. I had no idea which way was home! Fear threatened to overcome me! I finally got a decent phone signal and called my son-in-law who guided me to the main road leading me home. Whew!

Just like following a trail or navigating through an unfamiliar place for the first time, it’s easy to get lost when we are trying to follow God. There are many distractions, some sinful, some not, but nevertheless, we get off track. It’s good to have a spiritual “GPS” or as some have said, a “God Positioning System”.  Here’s how to let God lead you without any detours!

• Engage your spiritual GPS
  • We must examine ourselves for unrepentant sin. Holding on to sin, rationalizing it as acceptable, or simply ignoring it, is not following the Lord. Sin is a barrier that we erect between ourselves and God when we harbor it in our hearts. 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  • God desires to forgive us and reconnect with us, but the first step is up to us. We must seek His forgiveness, and then Psalm 103:12 becomes our reality, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
  • Now, we are on our way!
• Input the destination
  • We must know where we want to go. We all know the right answers to the question, “Do you want a closer walk with God?”, but in order for your GPS to work, you need to be sure of your planned destination. That requires some intense and honest self-examination.
  • It’s so easy to want to take a detour to see some other “attraction”, but is that the best route for your life? Matthew 6:33 states, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Do you really want a closer walk with Jesus? If so, set your GPS accordingly.
• Listen to SIRI, the “Spirit In Residence Inside”
  • Sometimes my car’s GPS takes me down roads that I never would have thought would come out where I hoped, but as long as I followed the audible directions, I ended up in the right spot. We have a spiritual leader dwelling within us. That is the Holy Spirit of God.
  • When we are tempted to sin, the Spirit of the Lord cautions our hearts with His Word. Jesus stated in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” When His Spirit opens my eyes to the sin, I can choose to follow His leading or head out on my own. And even when I do sin, He constantly reroutes me back to the way of truth according to God’s Word!

Finding the way to God is not difficult; He paved the way through His Son, Jesus Christ. However, staying on the godly path requires more effort and intent on our part. Satan, the world, and even ourselves constantly create detours that threaten to pull us away from the Lord. As 2026 unfolds, keep your GPS turned on and pay attention to your own SIRI as you let God lead you with His grace and mercy!

Memory Verse: “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3

I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back; no turning back.

If no one joins me, still I will follow; if no one joins me, still I will follow;
If no one joins me, still I will follow; no turning back; no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me; the cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me; no turning back, no turning back.

(from “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by Simon Marak)

Scripture: “Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33

Observation: By the time this book is written by Moses, the people of Israel have already had a history of rebellion against God despite witnessing their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. In this book, Moses reminds the people of who God is, what He has done for them, and the precepts that God has for His children to follow to ensure a future of peace in the Promised Land.

Application: As we study the history of Israel, we realize that even those that have a relationship with God sometimes stray from Him. When we read the biblical account of the Israelites leaving Egypt, we wonder how they could have rebelled against God when they were the recipients of His miraculous deliverance from their enemy. Even after crossing the Red Sea on dry ground and seeing the pursuing Egyptian army drowned in its mighty waters, we ask how could the Israelites have turned from God and worshiped a golden calf? Yet, we often fall into the same situations.

Recently, I read a quote that said, “Pray without ceasing, because Satan is definitely preying without ceasing.” Following God requires a dogged determination because our enemy continually seeks to draw us away from the Lord. Satan, the Father of Lies, constantly preys upon God’s people, fervently working to pull us into any type of activity that will divert our attention from the ways of God’s righteousness. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Never underestimate Satan’s power or intent!

With such a formidable adversary, is there even hope that we can escape the lure of sin that this world offers? Yes! 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But we have a responsibility to do our part as well. Here are three ways to stand strong for the Lord.

• Pray always – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  • Prayer is a direct line to God. Through prayer, we share our needs and desires, offer praise and thanksgiving. Because of Jesus, we can come boldly before the throne of God with whatever is on our hearts, and that includes asking for His help and deliverance from sin. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
  • Start simple: Commit to a short prayer each morning before you get out of bed asking God to guide you through your day!
• Read the Scriptures – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:111)
  • Jesus used the Scriptures when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. With the Word, He successfully defeated each attack… each temptation until Satan finally left Him. Today, each true believer is indwelt by the Spirit of the Lord who also uses the Scriptures to equip us in the fight against sin. If we have no ammunition (verses) in our arsenal, we are defenseless against the enemy.
  • Start simple: Focus on verses that are familiar, such as John 3:16 or Genesis 1:1 and recite them to yourself a couple of times each day. Then add a new one each week!
• Guard your heart – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
  • Be careful of what you allow into your life. Just a little bit of sin can erupt into a huge deluge that is overpowering. The Bible warns us that “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9)
  • Start simple: Wean yourself from those activities that seem to replace quality time with God. For example, if you find yourself constantly scrolling on your phone or watching television, spend time with God BEFORE you sit down to check out social media or watch your favorite shows. Start simple with 10-15 minutes in prayer and reading the Bible, and set a timer to help you be accountable!

As you continually grow in your faith, reach out to your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, and other mature Christians for more ways to protect yourself against the temptations of sin. And then, as you let God lead you, be sure you “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11).

Prayer: O Father, thank You for giving me the way to resist temptation. I know I am weak, but You, O God, are strong, and Your Word tells me that You are my Protector and Defender. Help me, dear Lord, to grow my faith through prayer and Bible study, so that I can better live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee.

(from “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Robert Lowry & Annie Hawks)

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“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13

Scripture: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2

Observation: Paul explains the importance of living for Christ to the believers living in Rome. He details the need to live sacrificially for the Lord, not half-heartedly, but with all that is within us.

Application: Letting God lead us is not only to be done when it is convenient. Our Lord is not a part-time God. In fact, He is very jealous of our commitment to Him. The second commandment confirms this when God speaks of worshiping idols. “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5). Replacing our time with God with anything else makes that replacement item an idol. It can be our work, a hobby, social media… anything that we give more of ourselves to than we give to the Lord.

Does that mean we can never watch television, attend a sports event, or scroll through Facebook? What about unexpected things that pop up in life? What about when we’re just exhausted from a long day at work? Am I worshiping idols if I turn on the television? Of course not! However, we need to carefully examine ourselves and our choice of activities, and ask if we are putting our relationship with God at risk. Are we feeding our faith or starving it?

Paul cautions us to not be as the world. This is a constant battle for all believers. Why? Because we have a very formidable enemy. Satan is the deceiver. He finds ways to make every distraction seem innocent. He feeds us lies that seem reasonable and foster the choices that leave God out. “You deserve some time to decompress. After all, it’s been a rough day.” “It’s only 60 minutes of a tv show.” “You can do your Bible reading later.” One of the biggest lies I struggle with is that last one. The problem for me is that “later” never comes! Yet I seem to always find time to watch a movie or scroll through Instagram! It is so easy to choose flesh over spirit!

Ephesians 5:16 states that we should be “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  This means we are to use our time wisely and focus on those things that will grow us spiritually, become closer to God, and reflect Jesus to others. We live in a wicked world that glorifies sin and all things ungodly. The popularity AND acceptability of sin in our culture makes it easy to allow it into our lives without much thought. However, today’s verse commands believers to be clearly set apart from the world, and that does take focused thought.

We must be sure that we do not find ourselves in agreement with the world’s perspective regarding sin. The battle we are in is for the souls of men, and we must stand strong for what is right in the sight of God! When people look at us, they need to see a godly difference in our lives. Without being a reflection of Christ, the unsaved will simply see their own actions reflected in us and thereby have no need to seek out a life with Jesus. Easy? No, but Philippians 4:13 promises, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Let us determine to follow so closely to Jesus this year that the world will see a profound difference in us, compelling people to want to know why we have such joy and peace when this chaotic world offers no hope. As it says in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Be ready to have that answer!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, help me to reflect You in my life, not myself. I know that will only happen when I stay close to You and make You first in all things. Help me to make You the priority and start my day with You always. Fill me with the knowledge of Your will and empower me to represent You well to a lost and dying world. I know my flesh is weak, but Your Word says I can do ALL things through Your strength. And for this, I thank You and ask all of these things in Your precious name. Amen.

All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender, make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

(from “I Surrender All” by Judson W. Van DeVenter)

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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1

Scripture: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5

Observation: In his book, James writes about the importance of spiritual wisdom as vital for godly living. He emphasizes that our lives should reflect our faith.

Application: I can recall times in my life when I have acted without thinking something through,  and then shortly thereafter, I had great regrets over my impulsivity. Without wisdom, decisions are not founded upon anything that is reliable, and many times our emotions cloud our choices.

Learning from the “school of hard knocks” is not the wise way to go through life. It involves learning from mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can have long-lasting negative consequences. To avoid this, we must diligently seek out godly wisdom, and that is found in the Scriptures.

Proverbs 4:7 states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” One of the first things we discover when we allow God to lead us is that His wisdom is available to us simply for the asking. In today’s verse, James informs us of that very thing!

As we determine to let the Lord lead us in 2026, take time to seek out His wisdom in His Word. It is through the Scriptures that God leads us, and it is with His wisdom that our steps are guided on the straight and narrow way, His path of righteousness, as we strive to follow Him.

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, please fill me with the wisdom of Your Word, and help me to follow You so closely that Your shadow falls upon me. Help me to cherish the wisdom of Your words and apply them to my life. In Your sweet precious name, I pray. Amen.

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that thou art.
Thou my best thought by day and by night;
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I thy dear child;
Thou in me dwelling, with thee reconciled.

(from “Be Thou My Vision” by Eleanor H. Hull)

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“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” – Proverbs 3:13

Scripture: “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.” – Psalm 25:5

Observation: David has such a consistency in his writings. Often, he seeks God’s deliverance from his enemies, but then moves into seeking forgiveness for his own sins. In this psalm, he is asking the Lord to teach him the truths of God in His mercy and grace.

Application: One of the most interesting things about being led is that we get to choose whether or not we will follow! When it comes to being led in our lives, we get to choose who will lead us and then decide whether or not we will acquiesce.

Basically, in our lives we get to choose whether we will follow God or ourselves! Jeremiah 17:9 reminds me that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” So if I choose my own leadership, I am choosing someone who is not reliable. In fact, I am selecting someone who is not honest and does not have my spiritual well-being as a priority.

On the other hand, when I choose God to guide me, I have someone whose qualities are exactly what I look for in a leader.

1. God will never lie to me.
   1. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” – Numbers 23:19
2. God desires the best for me.
   1. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
3. God makes no mistakes.
   1. “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” – Deuteronomy 32:4
4. God will never abandon me.
   1. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

No matter how long my life’s journey takes, I will wait on God to lead me because I know He will never lead me astray! Let us determine to choose wisely those whom we follow! As Joshua said, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (24:15)

Prayer: O heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me! No matter what happens in my life, I know that with You by my side, I can endure. Guide me with Your precious Word, and help me to follow You with my whole heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It may be in the valley, here countless dangers hide;
It may be in the sunshine that I, in peace abide;
But this one thing I know - if it be dark or fair,
If Jesus is with me, I’ll go anywhere!

If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go - Anywhere!
’Tis heaven to me, where’er I may be, if He is there!
I count it a privilege here, His cross to bear;
If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go - Anywhere!

(from “If Jesus Goes With Me” by C. Austin Miles)

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“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.” – Psalm 25:4

Scripture: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” – Isaiah 65:17

Observation: While God is displeased greatly with the continual sins and rebellion of Israel, Isaiah reminds the people that God will be faithful to forgive His people, and one day He will prepare for them a new heaven and earth, so that they may dwell with Him forever.

Application: There is a saying that goes, “All roads lead to home”. This refers to the many different situations in which we find ourselves throughout our lives, and no matter what they may be, there is a pull in our hearts toward the familiar. This tug of familiarity gives us comfort and peace in our inner being, evoking strong feelings of a connection or sense of belonging, an innate need of all humanity.

When all roads lead directly to a specific location, it’s easy to get there, but when the way to a specific destination is a labyrinth of intertwined routes, it’s more difficult to find the correct path, and thus, much more likely of becoming hopelessly lost. That’s when it is very helpful to have someone leading the way.

That’s how it is in life. The ultimate destination for Christians is described in the Bible in 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Jesus has told us in John 14:2 that He is preparing a place for us to dwell with Him forever. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

So how do we get there? We need a trustworthy guide, and Jesus is the only One who can lead us. In fact, He promises to come and take us to heaven personally. John 14:3 records His promise, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Unfortunately, many people try to get their on their own. The world offers many paths it claims will lead to heaven, but they are just a network of confusing routes that lead to eternal destruction. Roads with the labels of “Good Moral Values” or “Doer of Many Good Things for Others” are examples of misleading trails that lead nowhere.

Jesus is the One who leads the true way to heaven. He stated in John 11:33, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If you want your final destination to be heaven, there is only one way to get there. Good morals, great works, supporting charities, etc., are all detours that will never get you to an eternity in heaven with the Lord. Jesus is the way… the only way. As sinners, we must be forgiven of our sins, and only He can do that. His work on the cross provided salvation for anyone who seeks it. Romans 10:13 tells us, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Simply call on His name for forgiveness, invite Christ to be your Lord and Saviour, and He will be your guide through this life to your eternal one in heaven!  

Prayer: My dearest Saviour, thank You for saving me when I was a young girl and putting my feet on Your path of righteousness. I know I often veer off, but it is Your faithfulness that brings me back to where I need to be. Help me avoid the detours and remain faithful to You alone! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus is the only way unto peace and rest;
Why not come to Him today, and be saved and blest?

Come, O come to Jesus, He's the only way;
Turn from sin and seek His face and His Word obey;
Tho' your sins be many and vile. He'll forgive today.

Vain upon your works to trust, they cannot avail;
Trust in Jesus Christ we must, else our hopes will fail.

Come, O come to Jesus, He's the only way;
Turn from sin and seek His face and His Word obey;
Tho' your sins be many and vile. He'll forgive today.

(from “Jesus is the Only Way” by Charles Price Jones)

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“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” – Revelation 21:3

Scripture: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6

Observation: Paul wrote about achieving joy and peace through Jesus. In this chapter, he stresses that gratitude, focusing on the positive, and depending upon God are the primary keys to contentment and living a life pleasing to the Lord.

Application: In all the years I have known my husband, he has been a wanderlust. We have been fortunate enough to have traveled all over the world, experiencing many adventures I never would have attempted on my own. My husband has always preferred for us to set out on our own rather than have a guide take us to see the sites. My role in our travels has been that of the navigator. At first, I used paper maps and eventually, I graduated to the technical GPS app on my phone. Even though my husband was the leader in our many expeditions, I would often chime in with suggestions for alternate routes or additional sites to visit.

Our life is the same. God is the leader, but He desires to get input from us. His Word tells us that He wants to know our every desire. In fact, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” Today’s verse also tells us to pray for everything. 1 Peter 3:12 also states, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers…”

As we navigate through life, we must never forget that we have a heavenly Father who delights in blessing us. While it is true that God is in control, and He leads us according to His perfect will, He wants us to share our desires and hopes with Him. When our requests are made in alignment to His will, He will answer. Allowing God to lead doesn’t mean we become puppets that simply live at His beck and call. Jesus came to give us more than we could ever think or imagine! Ephesians 3:20 states, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”

When we allow God to lead us, we still continue to share our heart’s desires with Him. Then, as we follow Him, we can expect a life full of wonderful blessings, much more than we could have ever dreamed possible!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, what a wonderful Saviour You are! You have blessed me beyond my wildest imaginations, and I am so grateful. Help me to continue to strive to trust You, allowing You to lead me as I go through life. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear
To him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace,
I'll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! 

(from “Sweet Hour of Prayer” by W. W. Walford)

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“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalm 37:4

Scripture: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Observation: This book, thought to have been written by Solomon, explores the meaning of life. Ultimately, the writer states that the meaning of life is found in God. By having a reverential fear of God and obeying His Word, we will find the true meaning of and satisfaction in our lives.

Application: Letting God lead works great when things are progressing along as we desire, but when things don’t go as planned, we often take matters into our own hands. Often, when we yank the reins from God’s hands and assume control, we aren’t even aware of what we are doing! Truly if someone were to say to me, “Hey, you took control away from God!”, I’d be shaking my head in disbelief. Surely, I wouldn’t try to usurp God’s control… or would I?

It’s important to remember a few key things about God and about ourselves. First, God’s ways are beyond our comprehension. Isaiah 55:9 records God’s words, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God acts according to His time table, and it is the perfect time table. Nothing happens too soon or too late in God’s plan, but most of the time, my schedule doesn’t sync with the Lord’s. When I want something, I usually want it immediately, and then when I rush things, they don’t always end up well.

Secondly, I’m definitely not as smart as I’d like to think I am. 1 Corinthians 8:2 confirms this, “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” It is much wiser to trust the plan to the One who knows it all! My vision is very limited, but God sees the big picture. He knows what is best, when it is best, and how best to allow events to come to fruition. To trust myself over Him is pure foolishness on my part.

Lastly, we are all here for a specific purpose that God has for each one of us. In Jeremiah 29:11, God states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” He has a perfect plan for me and for you, and He has a perfect time for everything in our lives… everything! We need to trust God’s timing as He leads us through our lives.

We are each in a certain season of our lives, and it is vital that we allow God to lead us if we want to successfully navigate through it. Let’s be sure to let God take the lead, and purpose in our hearts to follow Him as closely as we possibly can this year.

Prayer: Dearest Father, how great Thou art! I am amazed that You think so much of me and have a perfect plan for me! Please help me surrender my will to You and follow You all the days of my life. Help me to trust You more and more each day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

In his time, in his time, He makes all things beautiful in his time
Lord please show me everyday, as you're teaching me your way
That you do just what you say in your time

In your time, in your time. You make all things beautiful in your time
Lord my life to you I bring, may each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing in your time

Lord please show me everyday as you’re teaching me your way
That you do just what you say in your time

(from “In His Time” by Linda Diane Ball)

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“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” – Habakkuk 2:3

Scripture: “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Observation: Like most of the prophets, Micah is grieved over the sins of the people, but realizes that deliverance comes from God, and He will be faithful to do so in His time. Micah is writing during a time when the threat of the neighboring Assyrians looms over them.

Application: There seems to be a common thread between both Christians and non-believers. That is, when danger is imminent, both groups turn to God for their salvation! I have several acquaintances, who don’t have any interest in God, that come to me asking for me to intercede for them in prayer when trouble rises. The same holds true for believers who find themselves following their own desires over those of God’s. When struggles become overwhelming, both groups know where to find their help and deliverance, no matter how much they insist they don’t need Him.

Letting God lead should never be a last resort, but I sometimes find myself in that exact situation. Most likely, being in control will be a struggle for me all my life, but I am more aware of it now than I was in years gone by. As I study more of the Scriptures and work to align my life more with that of Jesus, I tend to pay a little more attention to the Holy Spirit, and I am more apt to let go of the reins and let God lead me, but I’m still a work in progress and have a long way to go (Philippians 1:6).

It is amazing to think that the majority of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, believe deep down in our hearts that  God knows what is best, is all-powerful, can do anything, and never makes a mistake, yet we still insist on our own ways before we turn to Him! As God often says in His Word, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” (Acts 7:51)

The good news is that God is a forgiving God. Psalm 86:5 states, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” He truly is the One who saves, delivers, and heals!! He is long-suffering, and patiently waits for His children to return to Him, even if it is again and again and again! God described Himself to Moses thusly, “…The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus 34:6-7).

When we finally accept that the best leader we could ever follow is God, He is ready to take that responsibility from us and lead us in the paths He has chosen for us. Proverbs 16:9 states, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” It is reassuring that a Christian can only wander away so far before God pulls Him back on the right path. In John 10:28, Jesus affirmed, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” God only allows us to go so far before intervening. However, it is much better to return sooner than later and not experience God’s discipline. Procrastination is not our friend when it comes to choosing God’s ways. However, when God does find the need to chasten us, we must remember that it is because we belong to Him, and He loves us. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth…” (Hebrews 12:6).

Let us endeavor to make 2026 the year we let God lead us rather than wait until we find ourselves so far from His will that the Lord has to intervene to admonish us in our folly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me even when I’ve been resistant. Help me to follow You every day in every situation. Please order my steps that I may walk worthy of what You’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, "Come, follow Me!"
And we see where Thy footprints falling, lead us to Thee.

Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;
we will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.

(from “Footprints of Jesus” by M. B. C. Slade)

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“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”- Isaiah 48:17

Scripture: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21

Observation: Isaiah is writing during the Babylonian exile to those in captivity. He is reminding them of the promises of God and providing comfort during a very difficult time in Israel’s history. Throughout the book, Isaiah writes about sin and its judgment, the holiness of God, and the promise of a coming Messiah.

Application: I remember attempting to walk through a corn maze with my grandson one year during a visit to his home. I thought, “I can do this!” After 30 minutes or so I would have given anything for someone to come and take me by the hand and lead me out. Even when we passed a familiar stalk (or so I thought), we was still hopelessly lost. Finally, we made an illegal move… we veered off the path and cut through the stalks to the edge of the field. I was never so glad to be out of that maze!

Life is often like that when I take the lead, choosing to forge on ahead without seeking God’s guidance. It is hard to admit that even when I know the Holy Spirit is whispering to my heart about which direction to go, I stubbornly think, “I can do this!” Then, before I know it, I am hopelessly lost in a situation that is way beyond my control. My only recourse is to cry out to God for rescue!

One thing that is so difficult to understand is that I KNOW God’s ways are best, yet I still choose to veer off His path and venture out on my own, frequently discovering that my plan does not lead to what I had hoped it would. Being lost is a frightening realization.

I am reminded of the wandering sheep in Luke 15. It ambled off, became lost in the hills, and in its despair and fright, cried out for the Shepherd, who came to the rescue. As my Shepherd, Jesus watches over me, and when I meander off on my own into sinful situations, He comes for me the moment I cry out for His help. He  He is quick to forgive, rebuild the broken relationship, and restore the sweet fellowship from which I walked away.

It is wise to let Jesus lead us along His straight and narrow paths of righteousness. That is where we are safe, cared for, and nurtured. Let’s make 2026, the year of letting God lead by staying close to Jesus, the Shepherd of our souls.

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, keep me close to You all the time. When I stray, bring me back into Your fold by Your sweet mercy and grace. Thank You for always being faithful to protect and care for me. In Your  name, I pray. Amen.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray.

(from “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” by Dorothy Thrupp & Henry Lyte)

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“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” – John 10:27