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Regarding resolutions we make at New Year's, the data isn't great. 25% of people default on their plans in the first week. By the end of the first month, 64% percent are no longer keeping their resolutions. And the data is clear: on average resolutions only last about 4 months...it's hard to keep our promises to ourselves.

But as we think about spiritual goals each year, what is the best way to achieve them? Today's "Let's Talk About It..." episode considers the question, "What if we stopped calling them 'resolutions' and made them 'commitments'?" This subtle change in wording helps us to think of anything we do (spiritually-speaking) as something we want to commit to...not just for a season, but for life. Reading the Bible, being in prayer, fasting, going to church...these are all things we don't just do for awhile and then quit. They are things we keep going after. We can modify and tweak as we go. And we need accountability along the way. But we stay committed and that commitment sees us through beyond just a few months!

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And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:10

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:3

From Peter's first call as a disciple to the end of John (chapter 21), we see a return to the thing he was doing before Jesus found him: fishing. It may have been a return to what was comfortable for him and the other disciples. It might have been finding something familiar amidst the disillusionment. Or it might have been just not knowing where to go after he (Peter) denied Christ. For whatever reason, Peter returns to the nets. But when are called by Christ, we are not to return to what He calls us from...whether a life of sin or to step into a new calling. Today's episode sets a tone for 2026: don't go back to the nets. What God has begun in you, continue to walk in it. Let Him guide and direct your path. Move closer to Him this year!

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This last Christmas podcast and last podcast of the year is actually a throwback to a blog written in 2018 (of the same title). This episode poses the question: what if the heart, mind, and attitude of Christmas was something we pressed into and actually lived year round? We can be dismayed and depressed when the presents are over. When the trimmings are taken down. When January hits. But if our emotions are just based upon physical things, we miss the point entirely. Christmas IS a message we can take and live out throughout the year. Jesus came once and is coming again! Christmas reminds us that we must be ready for His Second Coming.

Article referenced in this episode: How December 25 Became Christmas

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This is a special "Christmas Edition" of the Hymns That I Love series. This episode features the hymn O Little Town Of Bethlehem. Written and published in the 1860s, there is a rich history to this song...a history that begins with a visit to the Holy Land for a Christmas Eve service. Pastor Phillips Brooks and his organist, Lewis Redner, collaborated to combine lyrics and melody. The song was originally used as a children's choir piece for a Christmas Eve service. Little did Brooks and Redner know, hundreds of years later the song would still be sung and popular with modern audiences.

Listen to Derek's Christmas album "GLORIA!" on Spotify (includes O Little Town Of Bethlehem)

Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube

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As we wrap up 2025 and start thinking about 2026, it is a natural time of the year to look at goals, priorities, and overall direction in life. As Christians, we must do this evaluation through the lens of Scripture. As we hear God's heart, how does it move us forward into next year? Where does He want us to focus? Certainly evangelism and preaching the Gospel are top priorities. We are also called to dream big dreams with Him and ask that He helps us as we step out and fulfill those callings. Today's episode gives us some concrete steps to take as we wind down 2025 and put our focus on 2026.

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Thanksgiving is the subject of this week's episode (part of the "Let's Talk About It..." series). As we think about thankfulness, how do we develop the sort of spirit that the Biblical writers had; an attitude that was thankful in all circumstances despite the difficulties they faced? We know some of hardship, maybe persecution, and pushback in our world. The New Testament writers knew of it all too well. Yet they were encouraged to say, "Be thankful." Our challenge in today's (shorter) episode is to take on that same mindset and to even be joyful when we face tough things in life.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

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The beloved hymn Rock Of Ages by Augustus M. Toplady was published in the late 1700s and came out of England. The hymn itself is still popular and sung worldwide, all these years later. While the hymns is well-known, some of the backstory and context surrounding Mr. Toplady is not. Toplady and evangelist John Wesley had a very public feud over something that is still being debated today: Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Toplady as a Calvinist had strong disagreements with Wesley's views and how much Wesley was influencing the Church of England. Today's podcast goes into this rift between these two men and the beautiful song that was written in the midst of it all: Rock Of Ages.

Rock Of Ages Cover

Derek's Hymns Playlist On YouTube

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I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

In recent weeks and months, a thread through many news events and stories seems to be violence and hatred against Christians (whether in the US or other parts of the world). This hatred has escalated to a point in which we must not only be aware of it but also prepared to deal with it in practical, Biblical ways. Today's episode dives into some responses we should take as Christians when we encounter hatred. Jesus said we would have trouble (tribulation) in this life. But He has also overcome the world. Our response must be layered with grace and love, while at the same time, rooted in the truth of God's Word.