Setting goals for the new year often focuses on achievement, productivity, and personal growth—but Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that lasting transformation begins with surrendering our hearts to God. When we commit our plans, desires, and direction to the Lord, He shapes not only what we do but who we are becoming, aligning our goals with His purposes and power.

Highlights

• God is more concerned with who you are becoming than what you accomplish.

• Committing your plans to God starts with aligning your heart with His.

• Many goals fail when they rely on personal strength instead of God’s power.

• The Holy Spirit works from the inside out, transforming character as goals are pursued.

• Spiritual growth flows from becoming, not just doing.

• Jesus shaped His disciples through relationship before responsibility.

• God establishes plans by shaping them to fit His good purposes, even when they change.

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Full Transcript Below:

Set Your Heart, Not Just Your Goals
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3, NIV

When a new year starts, it’s natural to think about goals. You may want to set some New Year’s resolutions to start some new habits, or at least make plans for the year ahead. While it’s good to want to set and achieve new goals, it’s important to focus on more than just accomplishing a list of tasks. God wants you to focus less on doing and more on becoming.

God cares far more about who you are than what you check off a list.

Proverbs 16:3 highlights a simple yet significant truth: If you commit what you do to God, he will establish your plans. The key is first committing your plans to God. You can only do that if your heart is lined up with God’s heart.

When you “commit to the LORD whatever you do,” you’re not just handing God your goals; you’re handing God your whole self. That choice opens the door for God to transform you and lead you into plans that are really the best plans for you.

Maybe that’s why so many New Year’s resolutions fall apart a few weeks into the year. It’s hard to make much progress on goals if you’re relying only on your own limited power to achieve them. But if you’re relying on God’s unlimited power to help you achieve goals God wants for you, you’ll

Dr. Stanley tells us how to make our lives available to Christ—no matter what God calls us to. And he reminds us that being committed to Christ requires deliberate action. Your name may be in the Lamb’s Book of Life, but are you still living your own way?

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The covenant blessing of God does not spare God’s people the experience of battling enemy forces, but it does guarantee their ultimate victory. Added to this, in a remarkable event (the encounter with Melchizedek) God adds renewed blessing, while pointing forward to the One who will fulfil the covenant promises in a day to come.

I experience social anxiety, and now I need to get back to work in an office. What can I do? I had a dream and was continually asked, "Why do you keep going back to the cross?" What does it mean to have the life of Christ within us? Are there levels of Heaven? Levels of rewards? What about crowns? I have tithed for 10 years and have been blessed by God. I want to encourage others to do the same. Your thoughts?

Everyday routines don’t always spark excitement—but Colossians 3:23 reminds us that even the most ordinary moments can be filled with purpose when we approach them with our whole heart for the Lord. This devotional reframes enthusiasm as a byproduct of gratitude, inviting us to rediscover joy, sincerity, and meaning in the daily work God places before us.

Highlights

• Enthusiasm often fades in routine, not just in hardship.

• God calls us to work heartily—with our whole heart—for Him, not people.

• Gratitude is the gateway to renewed enthusiasm.

• Sincere thankfulness reshapes how we view mundane tasks.

• Every opportunity, joyful or dull, can be used for God’s glory.

• Knowing God’s character deepens gratitude and joy.

• Everyday faithfulness matters just as much as mountaintop moments.

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Full Transcript Below:

Renewing Your Enthusiasm for Everyday Life 

By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. - Colossians 3:23

I’m a full-blooded beach girl. But considering I live about ten hours from any coast, I don’t make it to the sandy shore as often as I’d like. And when I do, enthusiastic is a fitting description of my heart posture from the moment my plans are in place, all the way through to the impending day of departure. When I’m not so enthusiastic—the week after. Back at home, when the monotony of the same ole, same old greets me the following Monday morning. 

What is it that fills you with enthusiasm? Is it a vacation to the beach, mountains, or the city? Maybe family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or certain seasons and holidays? And what doesn’t excite you so much? Maybe you can relate to my lack of enthusiasm on the mundane days of life. Or you may feel the staleness of your job, daily tasks, or house chores and the accompanying list of needed updates. Possibly you’d confess you’re not so thrilled with the constant demands of parenting toddlers or teens, or with the serving opportunities you’re signed up for. I get it. It’s hard to match the excitement we feel with the things that most delight our senses and souls, with the ordinariness of our everyday routines.

But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could? Personally, I love this idea. I’ve heard it said it’s no fun, to h