Good Word for 2026

Let the countdown begin! Or, would you rather hit the reset button? 

As you countdown or ramp-up to 2026, let me challenge you to a new tradition this year. 

Some set priorities while others make the list of things yet to do. Some will get rid of things and others will start a new collection. I once knew someone that collected over 1,000 salt and pepper shakers. Wow, that was an impressive collection representing many styles and countries. Yet again, there are those that will make new commitments to goals they wish to complete.

Resolutions are typically made this time of year and usually broken within the first few days of the new year. While it is virtuous to set high goals many join new memberships like reading clubs, trips to make, and fitness goals; paying fees that we think will help us maintain the goals we wish to keep. 

John Wesley is known for the foundation of the Methodist Church. His ideas create a movement that motivated men and saved souls. It saved a generation who were complacent in their beliefs and weary in their worry. It was at a time when the Anglican Church (as well as Catholics) were complacent about Church-going and apathetic about rituals and religion. 

John Wesley preached many sermons and travelled many miles (by horseback) to deliver a new excitement for the things of God. He (alone with his brother, Charles) met crowds of people, not in the church but in the open fields. They heard a new word. The Bible became more practical. Their faith was more meaningful. Their lives were more enriched and empowered by the Word of God (in messages and songs). Remarking, John Wesley once said, "Let your words be a genuine picture of your heart."

As we enter a New Year, it causes us to think a-new!  I would like to suggest another New Year’s tradition. It is not a resolution and you don’t have to pay a membership fee. You don’t have to worry about feeling guilty when your new habits don’t stick. It is painless and you can catch up when you get behind. In fact, you don’t have to journal or make any commitments. 

So, what’s the catch? 

For Christian’s, we strive to make improvements. We seek to grow in our faith. In face, it is a new plan that is aided by the work of God in our lives! Many are led to start a collection for the needs of others like First Responders! 

Collecting for First Responders.

I often tell people that if they want to be successful there are three ideas that can help them discover how to succeed. Into this New Year I have developed a series of articles that speak to these ideas. These words are Hunger - Humility - Harmony. (I will get to those words in the coming weeks in my blog entries.) 

Let me share, for now, the New Year’s plan I have discovered over the last few years. 

I encourage you to seek a word that you will give focus on all year long. It needs to be a word that is both challenging for you as well as causing you to be contemplative. Consider choosing a word that will guide you all year long! 

I like to choose a word study that I will research and look to each week. I typically choose a word that can be defined throughout my reading in The Bible. I use the word as a guide through Bible verses that incorporate the word I feel led to focus on. 

There is a way to choose your word.

1. What do you plan to work on both emotionally and spiritually? 

2. How can this one word choose help you maintain a positive and upbeat attitude. 

3. How will your choice word help you discover new Truth for your life? 

After writing down several “good words” simply narrow down your final choice that will help you maintain a simple commitment to remember, research, and find new ideas that help you grow professionally and spiritually. 

I once had a co-worker that chose to try a certain food or collection that is tied to weekly habits or new discoveries. 

My former colleague chose to try anything with ginger root included in the recipe. She asked for Christmas gifts from friends to help in her discovery of new tastes. I gave her my favorite soft drink, Vernors Ginger Ale. 

What good words help you know God better? What words encourage excellence? What words help you improve professionally? What good words motivate you? 

I am suggesting making a list of words to choose from. Words like: TRY, HOPE, TRUST, FAITH, etc….

The last few years, after choosing my one good word, I found  key Bible verses that helps me remain focused on reading g something related to that word either in printed articles, google search, book subjects, or writing personal thoughts in my private journal.

Watch for more related to this New Year search as well as the three ideas I suggested prior that are needed to be successful. I put my word with a key Bible verse posted somewhere I can see every day. I put it as my Facebook profile image to keep me focused. 

Happy hunting! It is like a word search puzzle, find that one word and discover the lessons learned throughout the year.