One sentence. One Scripture. One saved life. Yours too?

Last week, I asked you a hard question: What old narrative from your spiritual struggles are

you finally leaving behind? You answered with courage, honesty, and vulnerability. Some of you told me you’re done identifying yourself as “the one who always fails.” Others said you’re leaving behind the storyline of being stuck, unworthy, or too broken to grow.

These weren't just emails, they were tremendous examples of the battle cry of faith.  One reader shared:

“‘I am not enough’ used to define me. It doesn't any more. In 2026 I'm letting God write a new story here.”

Another confessed:

“I used to define myself as a sex addict. Now I say I'm a work in progress, growing more and more like Jesus. And soon I'll be changed.”

And yet another declared:

“My ego and defensiveness used to define me. Not any more. I'm laying them down in 2026 and will be free.”

One sister in Christ even wrote:

“Anxiety and depression used to define me for the past 15 years. It doesn't any more.”

Letting go of those old stories is holy work.

But today I want to talk about what comes next. Because the research shows us that whenever we release an old identity, it is best to  replace it with a better one. Otherwise the old identity reappears before we even realize it. Those nasty self-defeating spiritual habits we so unintentionally develop as time goes on will consume us again if we’re not careful.

That’s why, this week, we are going to work on developing a new daily narrative for 2026. Basically, this is a single sentence, verse, or combination of the two that you can say each and every morning as your feet hit the floor. A one-sentence declaration, rooted in Scripture, that shapes who you are becoming in 2026.

I’m not talking about the power of positive thinking. I’m talking about true biblical identity to start your day off with. Really, it’s a running start your heart can hold onto before the world even gets a chance to pull you off course.

For me, starting each day out for over three years with Psalm 118:24 literally saved my life. Reminding myself each morning that, “this is the day the LORD has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it,” I used my attitude of complete gratitude to help fight a cancer diagnosis: six months of chemo, six surgeries, two heart attacks and one bleed out.

I didn’t choose that verse because I felt strong. I chose it because I wasn’t strong. I needed a new internal story—one that didn’t come from fear, weakness, or self-pity, but straight from God’s Word. And yes it got me through. (And yes I changed the “we” in the verse to “I will be glad in it” to make it more personal to me.)

And it changed me. Not overnight. But slowly… steadily… predictably. Six years later I am pretty much as healthy as I have ever been, and going 100 miles an hour into next year.

What is super cool is that researchers are finally catching up to something that Scripture has taught for centuries: Your daily narrative shapes your identity. Your identity shapes your choices. And your choices shape your life.

Every disciple maker in history—ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, moms, dads, teenagers—started with a new identity spoken over them by God. And they lived their lives out of that story, not their old one.

So let me ask you a question: What one Scripture-anchored sentence will guide the story of your life in 2026? What is one sentence that you can start each and every day with that will remind you that what you do today matters?

Here’s what I found makes a good sentence. It needs to accomplish three things. It:

1.    Reminds you of who God says you are.

2.    Points you toward biblical engagement, not spiritual autopilot.

3.    Motivates you to pray and look for Holy Spirit opportunities in order to evangelize and disciple those around you—not someday…but today.

For example, imagine waking up every morning and saying:

•    “Lord, give me an opportunity today so that I can help someone else take one step closer to you.”

•    “Holy Spirit speak to me through Your Word today—and speak through me to someone who needs hope.”

•    “Father, I am Your disciple today; help me live like it.”

•    “This is the day You have made; send me to someone who needs You.”

I guarantee this one sentence if recited daily has the potential to radically change 2026 for you. You just have to be patient so that over time, it becomes your narrative identity—your internal compass—your quiet, sturdy reminder that you’re here for a purpose bigger than getting through your to-do list.

Narrative researchers call this the “story you live out of.” Scripture just calls it renewing your mind (Romans 12:2).

The algorithm led world we live in will feed you 10,000 little narratives every day: “You’re too busy. You’re too tired. You don’t matter. Let someone else do the spiritual work.” But Spirit led Christ Followers don’t live by these default narratives. We live by chosen ones. Biblically anchored stories that pull us forward instead of pulling us down.

So here’s your challenge this week: Write your one Scripture-anchored sentence that will guide your story through 2026.

•    Make it simple.

•    Make it honest. 

•    Make it biblical.

•    Make it easy to remember

And make it something you’re willing to say and pray every single morning. Before you check your phone, before the noise of life kicks in, before discouragement has a chance to grab hold, remind yourself of the truth found in God’s Word.

Then—this part is really important—email it to me. Just hit reply and share your sentence. I read every one of these notes. Not because I’m nosy.  Because this is spiritual fitness. This is discipleship. This is the community God has woven together—not by accident, but on purpose.

And your sentence might be the beginning of the greatest spiritual year of your life. You are not too old, too tired, too behind, too busy, or too broken to change the narrative. You are God’s workmanship. You are a disciple in the making. And you are called to help someone else move closer to Jesus—one small act of faith at a time.

2026 is coming fast.

Let’s write a better story together—one sentence at a time.

P.S. If you have a comment or prayer request, contact me here: or call me and leave a message at 1-800-811-2387. And be sure to join me tomorrow through Friday on our new podcast Spiritually Fit Today.