Dave’s Monday Blast – January 26, 2026

As we mentioned last week, the start of a new year does not have to mean pressure, performance, or trying harder. It can be an invitation to slow down and return to what actually matters the most. To that end, we shared the first five of ten points of resolve that we can consider and put into practice in our ongoing commitment to grow ever deeper relational roots with our Heavenly Father.

Here is a quick reminder of the first five from last week:

1. Resolve to begin each day in God’s presence
2. Resolve to anchor your faith with a daily devotional; I am sharing thoughts from my daily devotional called First15 from the Denison Forum
3. Resolve to make prayer a daily habit
4. Resolve to practice God’s presence throughout the day
5. Resolve to worship God daily

For this week:

6. Resolve to let gratitude shape your perspective. Praise and thanksgiving aren’t confined to music. Expressing gratitude positions us to focus on who God is. As we choose to focus on all the Lord has done in our lives, our burdens begin to feel lighter in the presence of His love and faithfulness. We can practice this by intentionally thanking Him for who He is when stress or discouragement raise their inevitable heads. (Psalm 106:1)

7. Resolve to fast as a way of refocusing your heart. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that helps us quiet distractions and heighten our awareness of His presence. By intentionally setting something aside, we create space to depend more fully on Him and listen more closely to His voice. Fasting can take on many forms as we set aside something that is important and that matters and replace it with time spent with Him. It can be skipping a meal, limiting screen time, or another daily habit. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

8. Resolve to meditate on God’s Word. Scripture invites us into communion with God. When we slow down and meditate on God’s Word, it begins to shape how we think, feel, and live. To practice this, read a short passage from Scripture and sit with it. Ask God what He wants to show you and let His truth settle into your heart. (Psalm 119:105) 

9. Resolve to forgive and walk in freedom. A spiritual reset often requires releasing what we’ve been holding onto. Unforgiveness weighs down our hearts, affecting our peace, our prayers, and our intimacy with God. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful ways we experience freedom, not because what happened didn’t matter, but because God’s healing matters more. To practice this, ask God to bring to mind anyone you need to forgive, this might include yourself. Offer that individual up to Him, choosing to release the offense into His hands; knowing this is a process. (Ephesians 4:31 & 32)

10. Resolve to live out your faith in practical ways. Spiritual renewal is intended to let Him restore our hearts so we can live out our faith in visible, practical ways. Practice this by choosing one intentional action this week. (Ephesians 2:10)

Of course this process of spiritual renewal and resolve happens through daily surrender. As you commit to meeting with God each day, He will gently restore your heart, realign your priorities, and deepen your faith.