Discover five biblical principles that can transform how you approach the coming year, based on Psalm 90:12 and practical wisdom from Pastor Kennedy's New Year message.
Tomorrow Starts Today: 5 Principles for a Purposeful New Year
Based on a sermon delivered December 28th, 2025
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there's a powerful principle that can transform how we approach the next 365 days: Tomorrow starts today.
This isn't just motivational speak—it's a biblical truth rooted in Psalm 90:12, where Moses prays: "So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
The Football Field Lesson
Growing up playing football taught me this principle early. Our first game was always in September, but we understood that success on the field began with "two-a-day" practices in August. We couldn't just show up for the first game and expect to win—preparation had to happen long before game day.
Some of us even started earlier, practicing routes in July under the watchful eye of our coach who couldn't officially participate due to state regulations. We learned that excellence requires advance preparation.
The same is true for life. Nobody should live in perpetual crisis management, constantly reacting because there's no planning or strategy involved.
Five Ways Tomorrow Starts Today
1. Take Responsibility for Yourself
"So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God." - Romans 14:12
The blame game started in the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Today's culture continues this pattern—everyone wants to be a victim rather than take ownership of their actions.
Success in any area of life begins with personal accountability. When you stand before God, there will be no alibis, no opportunity to point fingers at circumstances, institutions, or your upbringing.
2. Step Out in Faith
"Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draft." - Luke 5:4
Jesus didn't tell the disciples to stay in the shallow waters of comfort. The boat wasn't meant to sit in the harbor—it was designed to venture into deep waters where the fish were.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns: "He that observeth the wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." If you're waiting for perfect circumstances, you'll never do anything.
Tomorrow doesn't begin when conditions change. Tomorrow begins when we move.
Consider one area where you can "launch out" this year—perhaps teaching, witnessing, prayer, or serving in your community. Don't overthink it; just take the next step.
3. Recommit Yourself to the Lord
"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found... Let him return unto the Lord." - Isaiah 55:6-7
We all have a tendency to drift spiritually. It's not malicious—it's human nature. The Bible repeatedly calls us to "return unto the Lord" because we naturally wander from spiritual disciplines that once anchored our lives.
Areas that might need recommitment:
- Regular Bible reading (Scripture offers wisdom beyond any podcast or self-help book)
- Faithful prayer for unsaved family and friends
- Consistent church attendance and giving
- Active service using your spiritual gifts
Remember: atrophy sets in when we don't exercise our spiritual muscles. Just as physical fitness requires consistent effort, spiritual vitality demands regular discipline.
4. Trust God for Great Things
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." - Jeremiah 33:3
This verse isn't overused—it's underused. God genuinely wants to do great and mighty things through willing vessels.
You get out of life what you put into it, but also what you expect.
"According to your faith, be it unto you." - Matthew 9:29
What are you expecting in the coming year? Your faith and expectations significantly impact your outcomes.
Trust isn't the absence of fear—trust is moving ahead in spite of your fear. When Moses led Israel through the Red Sea, trust meant walking between walls of water despite the terrifying circumstances.
5. Plan for Tomorrow
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." - Proverbs 16:3
God is a God of order, and successful people plan. This doesn't mean rigid control—it means thoughtful preparation and goal-setting.
You're going to go through this next year either by default or by design. Default means drifting wherever circumstances take you. Design means being intentional about your direction.
Consider setting specific, measurable goals in these areas:
- Spiritual goals (Bible reading, prayer, service)
- Family relationships
- Physical health
- Professional development
- Financial stewardship
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." - Proverbs 29:18
The Power of Starting Now
Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs but struck out 1,330 times—twice as often as he hit home runs. His advice? "Never let the fear of striking out stop you from taking a swing."
Edison tried 200 different elements before finding the right one for the light bulb. Abraham Lincoln lost almost every election before becoming president. George Washington lost two-thirds of his battles but won the war.
The point isn't perfection—it's persistence and intentionality.
Your Next Step
As you read this, what area of your life needs attention? What has slipped that needs recommitment? What new territory is God calling you to explore?
Don't wait for January 1st to begin. Don't draw the target around the arrow after you've shot it.
Tomorrow starts today.
Take a few minutes to pray and consider what God wants you to commit to in the coming year. Write it down. Make it specific. Then take the first step—today.
The vision must be followed by the venture. It's not enough to stare up the steps; you must step up the stairs.
What are you going to swing for this year?
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This blog post was created from a transcript of Pastor Jason's sermon "Tomorrow Starts Today" delivered on December 28th, 2025.