Have you ever gotten up in the middle of the night. It is pitch black – not a light in the room. You got up because you need to go to the bathroom. On your way you stub your toe on something. (You grab it and hold back those words you know would not be pleasing to God. Come on, you know we’ve all been there!)
You reach down to pick up the object and it feels like your boot that you took off last night. You turn on a light so you can examine the object (and your poor toe) and discover it’s not a boot, but a little step stool you left out.
Without the light you had no idea what it truly was – you thought you knew by the “feel” but you were deceived.
It is so easy to be deceived nowadays. The new AI generation that we’re living in makes deception all too easy for our enemy. I’m sure you’ve seen a video that you thought was so cute and adorable and looked real, only to find out it’s not – it was AI generated.
As we enter yet another new year, now more than ever we need the discernment of our LORD. But you may be asking yourself, how do I have the discernment of the LORD? Well, for one, if you know Jesus you have the Holy Spirit within you, but we also have our ultimate guide – God’s Word – The Holy Bible.
We cannot have discernment from the LORD if we are not in His Word.
Proverbs 2: 6-7: “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.” vs. 10-12 “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul; discretion will preserve you and understanding will keep you. To deliver you from the way of evil.”
What amazing wisdom from thousands of years ago that we need to still hold on to today.
As we enter a new year here is my question for you…(it’s the same question I asked myself)
In what areas of your life do you need discernment right now?
Pause here for a minute, ask God to guide you, and list them.
Add them into this prayer or pray one of your own.
LORD God,
As we enter another new year, I’m grateful for all You have done. As I look ahead this year, I want to walk with You each step. I consecrate this year to You, and I specifically ask for Your guidance and wisdom, Your discernment, with (enter your lists here.) May this year be one where I put into practice Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. And in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.”
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Do you ever walk away from a sermon and forget what you learned before even getting in the car? I’ve got you covered! My new sermon notes journals allow you to take notes and leave room for those Sunday morning doodles, as well as further application as you have your time with the LORD each week. What a great way to start the new year hearing from God!
© 2026 All Rights Reserved. Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC
Susan is an author and speaker who loves to share her journey of God’s redemption and encourage others as they look to God. As a former elementary teacher with a passion for teaching, Susan also owns her own tutoring and consulting business where she empowers students and parents in reading. She lives in Missouri with her adorable and grumpy Persian cat.
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Women’s 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal: Record Sermons, Scriptures & Reflections to Deepen Your Faith
Capture the words that move your heart, the verses that speak to your soul, and the prayers that shape your week—all in one beautiful journal designed to deepen your walk with God.
Feel inspired after church—but forget the message by Monday? The 52-Week Sermon Notes Journal helps you hold onto every truth that touches your heart. With guided pages for sermon details, key Scriptures, reflections, and personal prayers, this elegant faith journal turns listening into lasting growth. Perfect for Sunday services, Bible studies, or devotion time, it invites you to record, reflect, and respond to God’s Word each week. Thoughtfully designed with a soft matte cover and organized layout, it’s a meaningful tool for deepening your faith—or a perfect gift for the women in your life who love God’s Word.
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