December 28 2025

Sunday December 28

Determine To Live a Life of Significance in 2026

Ephesians 4:25-27

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today, there are just four days left—including today—until a brand-new year. I’ve been talking with you about preparing for a new year, about making sure we are living a life that is different from the world around us (Ephesians 4:17). A life of significance, not just trying to survive another day. The way we live that kind of life is by being focused on eternity—looking at the things that are eternal rather than the things that are temporal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). We intentionally take time to think on things that are lovely, kind, of good report, and virtuous. We take time to meditate on Jesus—thanking Him for who He is, for what He has done for us, for the salvation He has granted us, and for the fact that He is ever-present with us.

When you meditate on the good things of God, you develop an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness. That kind of heart enables you to face each day with confidence instead of fear, worry, and anger—three emotions that can destroy your life and damage the lives of those around you, especially the relationships that should be the dearest to you. So I encourage you: take time with God every day. In fact, don’t just make God a priority—make Him the center of every aspect of your life (Matthew 6:33).

The Bible tells us that to fear the Lord is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). But what does that really mean? It means you live with confidence and assurance. You believe and trust that His presence is with you at all times. You’re continually aware of His nearness. He is there to help you, to guide you, to warn you, to encourage you, to lift you up, and to give you grace. These are things that are vitally important to the Christian life. We experience this wonderful presence of the Lord by taking intentional, special time to be alone with Him every day!

Think about it this way: if you didn’t take time to spend alone with your wife, your children, or other relationships that are dear to you, those relationships would deteriorate. They would lose their influence, and you would lose the influence you should have on them. In the same way, our relationship with the Lord requires time and attention.

So, my friend, take time with the Lord in His Word. I encourage you to do that faithfully. We produce two Bible reading calendars—Plan A and Plan B—that make it possible to read through the Bible at least once a year by taking just 15 minutes a day. (Plan A takes a little longer). You can listen to Scripture while driving to work, while getting ready in the morning, or by sitting quietly with your Bible open as someone reads God’s Word aloud. There are so many Bible-reading apps available today that you can download right to your phone—many of them don’t even require an internet connection.

I want to encourage you to make a commitment to read the entire Bible in 2026, by the grace of God. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). But not only read the Word—meditate on it. Take a verse or a thought from the passage you read and let it settle into your heart.

I’ve been reading through the Bible regularly and faithfully for more than 50 years. This past year, I was able to read through the New Testament five times. That doesn’t mean I sat down and read every word with my eyes. Often, I was listening with my Bible open, or listening while traveling in my car or flying overseas. Instead of watching movies or TV screens on those trips, I listened to God’s Word on my iPhone or iPad.

My friend, I encourage you this year: have a plan. Our Bible reading calendars are available on the Pastor Mike Impact Ministry website. Get into God’s Word—and let God’s Word get into you. Some people say, “I don’t feel like I get anything out of it when I read it that way.” But I’m convinced, my friend, that it’s getting something out of you. Water running through a strainer doesn’t stay in the strainer, but it sure cleans what’s inside. In the same way, the Word of God cleanses us daily. Jesus even said, “Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). The psalmist said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).

There are just four days left. Make plans. Prepare your heart. And commit to spending time with the Lord every day in the Word and prayer. I pray His blessings upon you, your family, and your life as you prepare for a new year.

Have a wonderful, wonderful day—and God bless.