Anchored, Not Reinvented: Growing Nearer to Christ in 2026

The start of a new year always comes with a strange mix of hope and pressure.

On one hand, the world tells us January 1 is a reset button — a clean slate, a chance to reinvent ourselves, a fresh start where all the hard things from last year politely stay behind. New planners, new routines, new goals, new us.

But if we’re honest… that’s not really how life works, is it?

Because even when the calendar flips, real life keeps happening.

People we love pass away.
Health issues don’t politely wait for a new season.
Financial stress doesn’t disappear because it’s January.
Relationships strain.
Transitions come whether we’re ready or not.

2025 was a hard year for many of us and the truth is, every year carries its own set of trials. Scripture never promises us a year free from sorrow or struggle. What it does promise is something far better: steadfast truth, an unchanging Savior, and grace that holds us when everything else feels unsteady.

So instead of chasing the idea of a “fresh start,” what if we entered 2026 asking a different question?

Not How can I reinvent myself?
But How can I live more anchored in Christ?

The World Loves Reinvention. Scripture Calls Us to Rootedness.

The world’s version of growth is loud and self-focused.

Be better.
Do more.
Fix yourself.
Manifest a new reality.

But Scripture doesn’t tell us to look inward for transformation. It tells us to look upward.

Real spiritual growth doesn’t come from hype or hustle. It comes from nearness to Christ.

Charles Spurgeon captured this beautifully when he said:

“I wish, my brothers and sisters, that during this year you may live nearer to Christ than you have ever done before. Depending upon it, it is when we think much of Christ that we think little of ourselves, little of our troubles, and little of our doubts and fears that surround us.”

That’s it, isn’t it?

Not thinking more of ourselves.
Not obsessing over our circumstances.
But thinking much of Christ.

Because when Christ is near, everything else finds its proper place.

Start the Year by Anchoring, Not Achieving

Before we talk about goals, habits, or plans, we need to talk about posture.

Scripture invites us to begin not with ambition, but with humility.

Psalm 139:23–24 says:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This isn’t a prayer asking God for new revelation or mystical insight.
It’s a prayer of submission.

It’s saying: Lord, let Your Word examine me. Correct me. Shape me. Lead me.

That kind of prayer doesn’t hype us up. It grounds us.

Before the year gets loud, busy, or overwhelming, anchoring ourselves in God’s truth reminds us who we are and whose we are.

Spiritual “Goals” That Actually Last

Let’s be real, spiritual growth isn’t measured by how many boxes we check.

It’s measured by faithfulness, not flash.

Instead of setting goals that put pressure on your performance, consider rhythms that draw you nearer to Christ:

  • Spend regular, unhurried time in God’s Word. Not to get through a plan, but to know Him.
  • Let Scripture shape your prayers, even when words feel hard to find.
  • Memorize passages that remind you of what’s true, especially when emotions tell a different story.
  • Commit to your local church, even when it’s inconvenient or imperfect.
  • Invite godly women into your life who will point you back to Scripture, not trends or opinions.

None of this is flashy.
All of it is deeply forming.

Community Matters More Than Ever

Anchoring ourselves in truth isn’t meant to be a solo effort.

Hebrews reminds us not to neglect gathering together and that feels especially relevant in a world where isolation is normal and discernment feels rare.

A doctrinally sound local church, faithful preaching, and Christ-centered relationships provide stability when the world feels shaky.

And for women, Titus 2 relationships matter deeply. Not for trend-driven mentorship, but for wisdom rooted in God’s Word and lived experience.

We need each other to stay grounded.

Growth Is Slow and That’s Okay

One of the biggest lies we believe at the start of a new year is that growth should be quick and obvious.

But sanctification doesn’t work on a calendar.

Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God finishes what He starts; not on our timeline, but His.

Some seasons grow us quietly.
Some stretch us painfully.
Some simply teach us endurance.

All of them matter.

Faithfulness in small, ordinary obedience glorifies God far more than dramatic spiritual overhauls.

Rest in What Is Already Finished

As we step into 2026, it’s worth remembering this:

Your spiritual growth does not secure your salvation. Christ already did that. “It is finished” wasn’t a suggestion — it was a declaration.

Our obedience flows from gratitude, not fear.
Our growth flows from grace, not striving.

So, as We Begin This Year…

Let’s worry less about starting fresh and focus more on staying anchored.

Anchored in truth.
Anchored in Scripture.
Anchored in Christ.

If we live nearer to Him this year, truly nearer, everything else will fall into its proper place.

And that is a far better goal than any planner could ever promise.

Through the Hymns: Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus

The organ began playing “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” and it felt as though every note carried the weight of a prayer. Even as a child, I sensed that this hymn held something deeper than I could fully articulate. It captured both the ache of longing and the quiet joy of expectation. Two themes that sit at the very heart of the Christmas season.

In my Through the Hymns series, I’ve loved exploring the rich theology and history behind the songs that shape our worship. This Christmas season, I find myself drawn again to hymns that highlight both the anticipation of God’s promises and their fulfillment in Christ. Few hymns do this as beautifully as “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” It bridges the longing of the Old Testament with the hope we rest in today.

Written in 1744, this hymn was penned by Charles Wesley during a time of great social and spiritual need. Surrounded by poverty, injustice, and suffering—particularly among orphaned children—Wesley wrote these words as a prayer for deliverance, restoration, and lasting peace. Drawing from passages like Isaiah 9:6 and Haggai 2:7, he pointed hearts to the promised Messiah who would bring true freedom. Set to the beloved Welsh tune Hyfrydol, the hymn has endured because it speaks to a longing that is both deeply personal and universally shared.

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

These opening lines draw us straight into the meaning of Christmas. Jesus is the One who releases us from sin and fear and invites us into true rest (Matthew 11:28). He is Israel’s promised Messiah and the hope of all nations (Isaiah 9:6; Haggai 2:7). Wesley reminds us that Christ does not merely fulfill ancient prophecy; He satisfied the deepest longings of the human heart.

Born they people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Here we are drawn into the holy paradox of the incarnation. Jesus enters the world as a child, yet He is the eternal King whose reign will never end (Luke 1:33). The prayer that His Spirit would rule in our hearts echoes God’s promise to give His people new hearts and His indwelling Spirit (Ezekiel 36:27). And the final plea rests squarely on grace. Our hope is not in our merit, but in Christ’s all-sufficient work (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” calls us to look backward and forward at the same time. It invites us to rejoice in Christ’s first coming while longing for His return. It offers rest to weary hearts and anchors our hope in the certainty of His eternal reign.

As we sing these words during this Christmas season, may they lead us into deeper worship of the Savior who has come and who will come again.

Merry Christmas!

Hospitality in Every Season: A Biblical Invitation to Welcome

This post comes from a Titus 2 class I recently taught at my church. We gathered as women from different stages of life to talk about hospitality in every season and how Scripture shapes the way we welcome others. It was rich, simple, and deeply encouraging, and I’m excited to share it here.

Hospitality has not always come naturally to me. As a women in her 40s and single, I spent years overthinking this topic. I compared my home and life season to other women and assumed no one would want to come over. And if they did? I worried they’d be disappointed. So I overperformed and stressed myself out.

The truth is:
I love hosting people.
But I needed Scripture to reset my understanding.

Hospitality isn’t about effort or image.
It’s about the posture of your heart and how you reflect Christ’s welcome.

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9

These verses remind us that biblical hospitality is simple, joyful, and rooted in Christ. Not in perfection.

What Holds Women Back From Hospitality?

When I asked women to name barriers, the list grew fast:

  • a messy home
  • fear of judgment
  • feeling too tired or too busy
  • not being a great cook
  • it’s expensive
  • feeling introverted
  • assuming hospitality must be elaborate

If you look closely, nearly all of these barriers point inward. That’s where the struggle begins.

The enemy loves to shift our focus from Christ to ourselves.
And when that happens, hospitality becomes overwhelming instead of joyful.

To practice hospitality in ever season, we must keep our eyes on Christ and the people in front of us; not on our own limitations.

The Biblical Definition of Hospitality

The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenia, which means “love of strangers.” Not “love of Pinterest tables” or “love of gourmet meals.”

Hospitality in Scripture is simple:
It is Christlike love expressed through welcoming others—strangers, friends, and family—into our lives, homes, and rhythms.

You don’t need a perfect house, a themed dinner, a curated menu or matching dishes. You only need a heart that says: “You are welcome here.”

Mary and Martha Show Us the Balance

Martha served, and her service mattered. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, and her posture mattered too. Jesus corrected Martha not because she served, but because she became distracted by the serving.

In other words:
Presence matters more than perfection.

When we practice hospitality in every season, we offer presence; not pressure.

Hospitality in Every Season

Every season holds a unique and God-given way to extend welcome. You do not need a different life to practice hospitality. You need to use the life you have.

Single Women
Your flexibility is a gift. Hospitality may look like sharing time instead of space—coffee, errands, walks, Bible study, or conversation at a table for two.

Married with Young Kids
Your home is full, noisy, and real. Invite people into that reality. Let your children learn how to welcome others alongside you.

Empty Nesters
You carry margin. Use it to invest in younger women, neighbors, or families who need encouragement.

Widows & Older Women
Your presence, wisdom, and prayer create a beautiful form of hospitality. Notes, calls, and encouragement matter more than you realize.

Every season carries something that reflects Christ’s welcome. Don’t despise your season. Use it.

Practical Ways to Practice Hospitality

Here are simple, everyday ways to live out hospitality in every season:

  • Text someone: “I’m making coffee. Want to join me?”
  • Let a friend fold laundry with you while you talk.
  • Invite someone to grocery shop or run errands with you.
  • Welcome a new woman at church with intentional conversation.
  • Order takeout and serve it on paper plates.
  • Bring someone fruit, soup, or store-bought pastries.
  • Sit with a coworker who looks alone.

These rhythms count.
This simplicity glorifies God.
Hospitality happens whenever we create space for someone else.

A Moment to Reflect

Ask yourself two questions:

  1. How can I reflect Christ’s welcome this month?
    Think small. Think simple. Think relational.
  2. Who can I partner with or encourage in hospitality?
    Hospitality grows stronger when it grows together.

Why Hospitality Matters

Hospitality matters because the gospel itself is hospitality.

God welcomed us. Not because we brought something impressive, but because His love is generous and undeserved. When we welcome others, we reflect that same love.

Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7

When you open your door, your seat at the table, or your everyday life, you show others what the welcome of Christ looks like.

That’s hospitality in every season.
And God uses it more than you will ever see.

Soli Deo Gloria: A Biblical Perspective on Worship Ministry

Serving in a worship ministry is one of the greatest joys of my life today but it wasn’t always that way. Over the years, I’ve learned that motives matter and that Scripture has a lot to say about how we worship, why we worship, and what a biblical worship ministry actually looks like.

This post is part testimony, part biblical reflection, and part gentle soapbox. My hope is to encourage anyone serving in worship to examine their heart and find freedom in worshiping God for His glory alone.

My Early Worship Ministry Years: A Mix of Insecurity and Platform-Chasing

When I first joined a worship team, my motives were… let’s just say they were not rooted in holiness. I battled insecurity growing up, and worship ministry seemed like the perfect blend of “I get to sing!” and “Maybe people will like me!”

I didn’t join because I wanted to serve God. I joined because I loved singing, I loved attention, I loved the idea of being on a stage and hey, if the songs were about God, then surely this was fine, right?

My early years were a hot mess of comparison, jealousy, striving, and longing to belong. And I wasn’t the only one. The worship teams I served on had a mix of genuine hearts, aching insecurities, casual attitudes, performance-driven postures, and at one recent church, a situation where they even paid a non-Christian drummer when desperate.

That’s the tricky thing about worship ministry: it is deeply visible. People notice you. Praise you. Critique you. And if your identity isn’t anchored in Christ, the platform becomes a mirror and the reflection is never satisfying.

The Beauty of a Worship Team With the Right Heart Posture

Fast-forward to today, and the experience is night and day. I now serve with people who genuinely desire to glorify God. Our worship leadership regularly reminds us to check our posture, vet our lyrics, keep Scripture central, focus on Christ (not ourselves), and remember that worship is ministry. Not performance.

I’m not serving to be seen.
I’m not striving for affirmation.
I’m not fighting insecurities on stage.

It is pure joy because the worship is actually worship, not self-glorification.

This is what a biblical worship ministry looks like.

What Scripture Teaches About Worship

The modern church sometimes confuses worship with concerts, emotional experiences, or personal expression. Yet Scripture gives a much clearer, and far richer, picture of worship.

  1. Worship is God-Centered
    “He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:3
    Worship magnifies Christ, not our abilities.
  2. Worship is Reverent
    “Offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
    Worship is not casual or entertainment-driven.
  3. Worship Must Be Rooted in Truth
    “Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:24
    Lyrics, theology, and clarity matter.
  4. Worship is Sacrificial.
    “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” – Romans 12:1
    Worship is something we offer, not something we consume.
  5. Our Gifts Are From God, Not Ours to Flaunt.
    “What do you have that you did not receive?” – 1 Corinthians 4:7
    God entrusts gifts. He can remove them in a moment.

A Short Soapbox Moment About Modern Worship Culture

I won’t rant, I promise… but can we acknowledge how odd modern worship culture has become in some circles?

Some worship ministries feel like touring bands—fog machines, merch tables, VIP access, ticket sales, brand partnerships, “meet & greets” with worship leaders, tour buses, and influencer-style promos. And woven through all of that is something even more concerning: the rise of the celebrity worship leader.

I’m not talking about hymn writers like Isaac Watts or Charles Wesley—men whose words have nourished the church for centuries. They didn’t market themselves. They didn’t curate platforms. Their legacy came from truth, faithfulness, and rich theology.

Today, however, we see worship leaders becoming public figures, influencers, brands who are followed more for personality than faithfulness, often placed on stages that grow faster than their character.

And the hard part is sometimes the church unintentionally enables it.
A little flattery here, an overemphasis on talent there, a spotlight on charisma, a culture that praises the performer more than the God they point to and suddenly “celebrity” and “worship leader” are uttered in the same breath.

It’s nutty to me and deeply concerning, because the moment a worship leader becomes the focus instead of Christ, we’re no longer talking about worship. We’re talking about entertainment.

I’m not saying concerts are wrong. If I had to choose between concerts, I’d pick a worship concert every time (or not at all, depending on who’s leading it). But let’s call a concert a concert. Worship ministry is not meant to mirror the music industry.

Worship must remain anchored in humility, holiness, reverence, doctrine, truth, and a sincere desire for Christ to be seen and not ourselves. The moment the spotlight matters more than the Savior, we’ve lost the plot.

A Needed Clarification: Discernment is Not Heart-Judging

Now, before anyone sharpens their pitchforks or sends me a message that says, “We can’t judge their hearts!” Trust me, I know. Honestly, I used to say the same thing.

It’s true. We cannot judge the heart. Only God sees motives perfectly (1 Samuel 16:7). But Scripture also calls believers to evaluate fruit. Not gossip. Not accusations. Not assumptions about motives. Fruit. Visible evidence. Patterns. Posture.

Jesus Himself said: “You will recognize them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16

This isn’t about condemning individuals. It’s about biblical discernment.

Because while we can’t see the heart, we can see when a ministry becomes driven by performance…
when a worship leader becomes the brand…
when crowds cheer louder for the person than for the God they’re singing about…
when the production eclipses the theology…
when attention becomes the fuel…
when money, marketing, and influence shape the “worship experience.”

As believers, whether on stage or in the congregation, we must refuse to get swept up in hype, personality, or emotionalism.

Some worship teams are genuinely seeking to honor the Lord. Some worship leaders aren’t seeking fame at all. They’re simply gifted servants who love leading others in song.

But there is also visible evidence that some churches and ministries have blurred the lines between worship and performance, reverence and spectacle, Christ-exalting ministry and attention-grabbing production.

Not every big ministry is guilty.
Not every modern song is shallow.
Not every worship leader with influence is fame-hungry.

But discernment is always needed.

We don’t judge hearts.
We judge fruit.
And we guard our hearts in the process.

As worship leaders and team members, we also need to be aware of our own susceptibility to attention, affirmation, and platform. The temptation is real. Which is precisely why our posture must be humble, Scripture-saturated, and God-centered.

A Final Word

Worship must not be designed to please the unbeliever or the believer. Worship should be designed to please God.
– R.C. Sproul

Amen.

Let this be the foundation. Let this be our aim.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to Your Name give glory.
Psalm 115:1 (emphasis mine)

For further reading, here are some more posts from me on the topic of worship:
Why I Warn About Bethel
Worship in Spirit and Truth: Why Lyrics and their Sources Matter
Theology & Doxology: Why Words Matter

When Christians Scoff: What Scripture Says About Our Words

Spend five minutes on social media and you’ll see it: Christians laughing at other Christians, sarcasm disguised as humor, and posts that sound more like ridicule than grace. Scoffing has become normal.

Sometimes we call it wit or cleverness. Sometimes we say we’re “just being real.” But Scripture calls it what it is: a sin of pride that seeps out through our words.

I’ve seen it, I’ve felt it, and if I’m honest, I’ve participated in it. That’s why this post isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about self-examination. Because our words reveal far more than we think they do.

Scoffing Isn’t Harmless

The Bible doesn’t use the term “mocking” as often as it uses scoffing. A scoffer is someone who not only ridicules another’s belief or behavior but sees it as their mission to prove others foolish. They can’t rest until they’ve made their point. In that sense, scoffing is more than mockery. It’s mockery on a mission.

“Scoffer is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.”
Proverbs 21:24

A scoffer elevates self and tears down others. Proverbs and Psalms consistently warn us not to join them:

“Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.” Proverbs 22:10
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” Psalm 1:1

God takes scoffing seriously because it reveals a heart that delights in superiority rather than humility: a heart that loves being right more than being righteous.

The Subtle Slide into Scoffing

Scoffing doesn’t always sound loud or harsh. It can look like a “funny” post about someone we disagree with. It can sound like a jab masked as a joke. It can show up in our tone when we talk about a church, a ministry, or a person who hurt us.

It often starts in self-protection. We feel wounded, so we reach for humor to reclaim control. But sarcasm mixed with pride is a dangerous blend, it numbs compassion while feeding ego.

“With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”
James 3:9

Even when the person we’re talking about has done something wrong, our reaction can still be sinful. Scoffing is never justified simply because we were hurt first.

Discernment Is Not Derision

Some justify scoffing by pointing to Jesus’ rebukes of the Pharisees. But Jesus never scoffed. He never mocked to entertain or humiliate. His words were direct, yes, but always holy, purposeful, and aimed at truth, not triumph.

He exposed hypocrisy with sorrow, not sarcasm. He grieved hardness of heart rather than made sport of it. When He was mocked, He did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23).

“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
2 Timothy 2:24–25

We can’t claim to defend truth if our tone contradicts it.

The Digital Tongue

In our digital world, scoffing travels fast. What used to be a private conversation now lives forever online. A sarcastic meme or passive-aggressive comment can rally others to join in the laughter, or worse, the division.

“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking!’”
Proverbs 26:18–19

We might tell ourselves it’s harmless, but Scripture reminds us that careless words carry real weight:

“On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
Matthew 12:36

Scoffing might get attention, but it corrodes credibility. It undermines unity and turns our witness into noise.

The Danger of Becoming a Scoffer

Scripture shows that scoffing doesn’t just exist out there among unbelievers. It can creep into the hearts of believers, too. Proverbs 13:20 warns that “the companion of fools will suffer harm.” When we spend our time with scoffers… reading, sharing, or even enjoying their tone… we begin to sound like them.

Scoffing begins in unbelief, not necessarily disbelief in God’s existence, but disbelief in His call to love our neighbor, forgive as we’ve been forgiven, and use our words for building up, not tearing down.

The frightening thing about a scoffing heart is that it grows resistant to conviction. It finds humor where it should find humility.

A Better Way

Before we post, comment, or respond, what if we stopped long enough to ask a few simple, but searching, questions?

  • What will this do to the relationship?
  • Am I honoring the Lord with my words?
  • Even if the person I’m tempted to ridicule has done wrong, does that make my reaction right?
  • Does this sound like Jesus, or like the world?

Scoffing may win laughs, but it always loses something sacred: trust, unity, and witness. Our words can either mirror Christ or mock His example.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:12–13

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1–2

Because at the end of the day, scoffing doesn’t just misrepresent us. It misrepresents Him.

Reflection

Before you post or speak today, pause and pray:

“Lord, guard my tongue from pride and scoffing. Let my words reflect Your kindness and truth. Help me to love others, even when it’s hard, and to use my voice to glorify You rather than myself.”