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January 12: The Power of Quiet Surrender

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The Power of Quiet Surrender Psalm 46:10 (KJV) “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” When God called Abraham, he did not know where he was going. Abram did not know what lay ahead of him. He had no clear direction of the path God had planned, and he did not know what the future held. All he knew was that God was calling him, and it was not an ordinary call. Have you ever felt that God was calling you to do something different? Calling you into new ways of serving and doing His work? Perhaps it is an invitation to take on new opportunities, new endeavors, or a new prospect. Possibly, it is a call to leave a job you have been in for years, to give up what is comfortable in exchange for something new and unpredictable. I have had experiences like this, and at times I have failed to clearly see God’s plan. You see, I like comfort, and once I get used to something, I do not easily embrace change. Yet when God says it is...

January 11: Choosing Faith Over Fear

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Choosing Faith Over Fear Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Jonelle Miller-Ambersley Lewistore SDA Church, St. Mary, Jamaica How many times have you hesitated from attempting a task because you were not quite sure how it would turn out? Maybe you had an unpleasant feeling that the outcome would not be good. Perhaps you were afraid of criticism, ridicule, or even failure. The grip of fear—whether experienced at intervals or over a prolonged period—can cripple our plans and distort our dreams. I recently attended a health presentation at church entitled “Overcoming Anxiety and Fear Through Prayer.” The speaker shared the story of a young woman who suffered from anxiety and lived in fear for many years. She was afraid to drive, afraid of sleeping alone, and even afraid to go out except to go to work. Eventually, through prayer,...

January 10: Strength Made Perfect in Weakness

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  Strength Made Perfect in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Sharon Campbell-Danvers Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church Have you ever felt weak, broken, and defeated? I can vividly recall days in my life when I literally had no strength to carry on. During my teenage years, there were moments when I wondered if it even made sense to live. So many things were happening in my life, and I could not see any hope ahead. Yet every time I hit rock bottom, there was always a still, small voice encouraging me to carry on. Often, it was a song that motivated me to keep pressing on, reaching upward. Somehow, there was always a glimmer of light, always a spark of hope. This is exactly what this text reminds us of: God’s grace is sufficient for us at all times, and His strength is made perf...

January 9: When God Rewrites Your Plans

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Theme: When God Rewrites Your Plans Jeremiah 29:11-  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Across the world, many individuals and families have sat down to discuss their plans for the new year. Some may have outlined goals for career growth, travel, saving, investing, home purchases, and a plethora of other things. However, among the many, few pause to ask, “How do these plans fit into the plans of God?” or “Does He have other plans in place?” As I reflect on my life, God has rewritten my plans in more ways than one, and I am grateful that He did. I can vividly remember an experience I had at age 12. My uncle, who was an educator at my primary school, instructed the school’s principal to remove me from the school bus that was taking the football team to a semi-final game. As Jamaicans would say, “If you cut me, you wouldn’t find blood” —I was so upset with my uncle for what he did ...

January 8: From Doubter to Believer

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From Doubter to Believer Sholey Thomas  Kings SDA Church As we step into 2026 , we do so carrying both hope and honesty. A new year does not silence every question, erase every fear, or remove every moment of doubt. There will be early mornings when our thoughts race, when the past resurfaces, and when the enemy whispers lies about who we are and whether we truly belong to God. Yet 2026 also brings a powerful invitation: to move from doubt to belief. That evil one—he is constantly providing unsolicited advice and causing me to doubt. Sabbath morning, as soon as I awoke, I heard… Who can be saved? And instantly, I was wide awake. I pondered, Am I saved? I reflected back on my past. Did I confess everything? Am I going to die eternally? My thoughts were wired and many. It was around 5:00 a.m. , and needless to say, I could not reclaim my sleep. I struggled for the remainder of the morning. Brethren, the devil says that I don’t deserve to be a part of God’s kingdom. He says I c...

January 7: Failure Isn't Final

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Failure Isn’t Final Scripture: John 21:17 (ESV) “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” Arlene Johnson-McLoed Teacher, Cayman Academy As we step into 2026, it’s essential to acknowledge a hard but honest truth: failures will come . Plans may fall apart, promises may be broken, and moments will arise when we look back and wish we had done better. Entering a new year does not mean we suddenly become immune to mistakes. But Scripture reminds us of something far more powerful— failure is never the final word with God . Few failures feel as personal as Peter’s. He had walked on water, witnessed miracles, and boldly declared his loyalty to Jesus. Yet in Jesus’ darkest hour, Peter denied even knowing Him—three times. The rooster crowed, and Peter wept bitterly. Peter’s story coul...

January 6: The Beauty of Yielding

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Key Text: 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. Whenever I’m running late, it feels like the road conspires against me: The learner driver The unexpected traffic The slow or distracted driver The road work These delays are unexpected obstacles to my progress. Yet, there are other things along my route that were intentionally placed by the National Roads Authority: Traffic lights Intersections Roundabouts At first glance, these seem like hindrances—especially when I’m in a rush. But although they appear to cause delays, when used correctly they bring order, prevent chaos, and keep everyone safe. Along the journey of life, God has placed traffic lights, intersections, and opportunities for us to turn around or head in another direction. He has created moments for us to pause and reflect. Although we often see these paus...

January 5: Stepping into 2026

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Theme: Walk Boldly into 2026 Scripture “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Sharon Campbell-Danvers  There is so much that is revealed in a person’s walk. The way we walk can reflect confidence or hesitation, purpose or uncertainty, faith or fear. Long before a word is spoken, our walk often tells a story about what is happening within us. Our walk can also reveal our mindset. Some walk cautiously, burdened by past disappointments. Others walk boldly, trusting God for what lies ahead. There is a sister I truly admire for this very reason,  Sis S. Rose . She walks with a sense of purpose and direction. Her steps reflect intention, confidence, and quiet faith. You can tell that she knows where she is going and why. How we step into 2026 can influence the outcome of the year ahead. Joshua was commanded by God not just to move forward, but to do so wit...

January 4: A New Heart

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Theme: A New Heart for a New Season Scripture “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 Sharon Campbell-Danvers  A new season often stirs a desire for change. We turn the calendar, set intentions, and hope to do better than before. Yet Scripture reminds us that true renewal does not begin with changed circumstances, but with a changed heart. Our heart is not just an organ. It is the part of us that holds our thoughts, emotions, desires, and intentions. Over time, it can become messy—affected by hurt, disappointment, sin, and the weight of life. No wonder David cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” He did not turn to earthly physicians or quick remedies. Instead, he went to the Great Physician , knowing that only God could cleanse what was broken on the inside. David’s prayer was not for outward improvement, but for inner transformation. He understood that lasting change comes when God creates something new within us. ...

January 3: The Donkey

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Theme: Letting Go, Leaning In Scripture “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 Growing up as a child, I was always captivated by the sight of a donkey carrying the hampers, the rider, and the load. Though small in stature, the donkey moved steadily forward, bearing weight that seemed far beyond its size. What stood out most was not the load itself, but the way it was carried—balanced, guided, and never alone. In many ways, we resemble that donkey. Life places heavy loads on our backs—responsibilities, worries, expectations, and unseen struggles. Over time, we grow accustomed to carrying more than we were ever meant to bear. Yet Psalm 55:22 reminds us that God never asked us to shoulder these burdens by ourselves. To “cast” our burdens on the Lord means to intentionally release them. It is an act of trust that says, I cannot carry this alone, but I trust You to sustain me. When we let go, we are not g...

January 2: Strength for a Fresh Start

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Strength for a Fresh Start Scripture “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Growing up, I remember a drink mix known as Freshstart . We loved the guava, pineapple, and passionfruit flavours. On Sundays, we would add these to our natural juice. These additions enhanced the drink, adding a refreshing boost to the flavour and making it even more enjoyable. As we enter a new year, many of us long for a fresh start. We desire renewed strength, clarity, and hope for what lies ahead. Just as that drink mix added something extra to what was already there, God offers us renewal that goes beyond our own efforts. A fresh start is not found in resolutions alone, but in waiting on the Lord. Isaiah reminds us that those who wait on God will renew their strength. This renewal is not rushed or forced. It comes through trust, patience, and dependence on Him. Whe...

January 1, 2026: Surrendering the Year to God

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 Surrendering the Year to God Key Text: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit  to Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) I’ve always been the designated driver for my friends. If there’s a function and carpooling is involved, I’m behind the wheel. On the rare occasions when I’m not driving, I secretly become the “back-seat driver.” I’m that person in the passenger seat who presses an imaginary brake more than the actual driver. I might even mentally swerve to avoid a car or two. Over the years, I’ve gotten better, but I still feel a bit of stress when riding with someone new—I just don’t verbalize it as much. This need to control doesn’t stop at driving. I often want to do my own thing and go my own way. I’ve looked around, evaluated the situation, and decided what I think is best for my life. Maybe you’ve done the same—you have it all planned out. But here’s the challenge: along...