Can you believe it, it is 2026! I remember sci-fi movies when I was a teenager where the storyline was set in the year 2020, because they considered it to be so far into the future. And from a preteen/teen perspective it was. Well, 2020 has come and gone leaving COVID 19 in its wake, and we have just walked into 2026. There is nothing magical about December 31 and January 1, but it does help us frame time.

This past year of 2025 presented both challenges and opportunities for so many of us, and the Lord has kept us through them all. It is important to note that there may be blessings associated with the challenges and that there may be challenges associated with the opportunities as well. We can grow from both. I used to think that blessings were challenge-free but walking with the Lord these 49 years has taught me differently. I have had to unlearn certain patterns of thinking and learn to see challenges through the lens of Scripture versus the flesh mind of the natural man. I am still learning how to navigate the often-hidden blessing within a specific challenge. And I am learning not to complain about the challenges sometimes connected with the opportunities.

I would encourage each of us to consider how we view or see the hand of God in our lives in 2026. As we make our plans for the new year, let us take courage in trusting God to direct our path regardless of what the seasons may bring. Proverbs 16:9 says that:

A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

This means that it is okay to plan, but know that your plans may be interrupted as the Lord directs your steps or as the enemy distracts. The mix of our plans, the enemy-constructed obstacles, and God’s redirection may present challenges outside of our expectations and comfort zones. And that is uncomfortable! But if we look for God’s hand through His Word, we can endure anything the enemy throws at us and welcome God’s direction for our lives!

~ Bishop AZ Jones Jr.

In the ancient world, stones were used for building altars, homes, palaces, and temples. When “capstone” or “cornerstone” is mentioned in the Bible, it refers to a particularly important stone that held two rows of stones together in a corner, one that stabilized the structure at the foundation, or a stone that formed the keystone over an arch or at the top of a roof parapet. In order to hold the structure together, the cornerstone had to be perfectly fitted for the task, both strong and well shaped. A flawed or poorly cut stone would compromise the building’s integrity.

Jesus is the Cornerstone or Capstone to which we are joined as living stones. Together we form a spiritual house in which God can dwell. As the foundation on which God is building His kingdom, Jesus is strong enough to hold everything together. He is also the fitting conclusion to all God’s work. When you pray to Him as the Cornerstone, you are praying to the one on whom you can base your life. 

Source: Spangler, A. (2023) Praying the Names of God For 52 Weeks, Expanded Edition HarperChristian Resources .

Today’s world is full of pain and bitterness. So many groups feel deep disappointment. So many problems seem to defy solutions. A glance at the daily headlines reveals a tide of distrust, discord, and disharmony sweeping the planet. Can Christians be effective in such an environment? Not unless they recognize the pain and perplexities that abound wherever real people encounter the real struggles of everyday existence.

Jeremiah serves as a model for how to make a sober, realistic appraisal of human need. As he witnessed the devastation left in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s fall, he reflected on the darkness and despair that covered the city (Lamentations 3:1–18).

I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath.
He has led me and made me walk
In darkness and not in light.
Surely He has turned His hand against me
Time and time again throughout the day.

Yet having looked that harsh reality in the eye, he then turned an eye toward God. He recognized that God was the only hope that remained for his people—hope in God’s mercy, compassion, faithfulness, and goodness (Lamentations 3:22–24).

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”

Like Jeremiah, Christians today have a message of hope to offer the world—the hope that is in Jesus Christ. We do not have all the answers to today’s needs and problems, but we have the Lord. He is the light of the world, and we are called to bring His light into this dark world.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. – John 1:4

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. – 1 John 1:5

God could have used angels or miracles or numerous other means to announce His message. Instead, He has chosen everyday people to carry His message. Working through ordinary people facing the ordinary issues of day-to-day life, God intends to let the world know that there is hope beyond the problems and frustrations of the here and now.

Are you fulfilling this calling in your life?

Source: thomasnels onbibles.com/blog/you-are-called-to-bring-light

Sunday, January 4—Saturday, January 10

FASTING: Sun-up to Sun-down

Seventh Day (Saturday, January 10):

Seven prayer times: 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm

Sunday, January 11: HIGH PRAISE “FAITH MOVES”

This fast is totally voluntary and is designed to strengthen the fellowship and the individual. Please feel free to join in at any point as you are able. We believe that there will be spiritual blessings and physical benefits for those who are able to participate. Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration! Enjoy the journey!

*Printouts can be downloaded from pfaithc.org under 2026 PFC Consecration in the events tab, or by using the link below.

King David made some great decisions, but he also made some terrible ones... During his reign, David chose to abuse his power by taking the wife of one of his military leaders and then arranging for him to die in battle. For someone who was considered “a man after God’s own heart,” David really messed up.

In 2 Samuel 12:13 we see David confess his sin against the Lord. And in Psalm 51, we see his prayer to be made new: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. David failed, but God redeems. God restores. David still had to face the consequences of his decisions, but in that journey, God met him there.

If you want to be made new by God but believe that your past is too messed up, you can follow the path David showed us: confess, repent and ask God to make you new. You can even use David’s exact words as you pray... Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. When we seek God, we realize that He’s already been seeking us. God is faithful. He loves you. He can make your heart clean. In Him, you can become a new creation.

Source: youversion.com