The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count
Finish Strong. Step Ready.
Speaking Bullet Outline – Last Day of 2025
OPENING (Set the Moment)
Today is not just another day
It is the last day of 2025
How you finish matters as much as how you start
Make Today Count — because today still shapes tomorrow
Scripture Anchor:
Psalm 90:12 — “Teach us to number our days…”
1. LOOK BACK — WITH HONESTY & GRATITUDE
Pause before rushing into the new year
Ask:
Where did I grow?
Where did I struggle?
Where was God faithful?
Gratitude grounds the heart
Honesty creates clarity
Scripture Anchors:
Isaiah 46:9 — Remember what God has done
Psalm 107:1 — Give thanks
Key Line:
Celebrate progress—even imperfect progress
2. RELEASE WHAT DOESN’T BELONG IN 2026
You cannot carry everything forward
Identify what must stay in 2025:
Regret
Offense
Fear
Disappointment
Old mindsets
New seasons require lighter hands
Scripture Anchors:
Isaiah 43:18–19 — Forget former things
1 Peter 5:7 — Cast your cares
Key Line:
What you don’t release will limit where you can go
3. REALIGN YOUR HEART — NOT JUST YOUR GOALS
Most people make resolutions
God desires alignment
Shift the question:
From “What do I want to do?”
To “Who is God calling me to be?”
Heart alignment produces:
Clear decisions
Strong discipline
Lasting purpose
Scripture Anchors:
Proverbs 16:3 — Commit your plans
Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom
Key Line:
Goals matter, but God-first living matters more
4. STEP INTO 2026 WITH FAITH & EXPECTATION
You don’t need all the details
You just need trust in the One who goes before you
Enter the new year:
Expectant, not anxious
Faith-filled, not fearful
God is already in your tomorrow
Scripture Anchors:
Jeremiah 29:11 — Hope and a future
Deuteronomy 31:8 — God goes before you
Key Line:
Faith is confidence in God’s character
CLOSING CHALLENGE & PRAYER
Finish 2025:
Grateful
Lighter
Aligned
Step into 2026:
Ready
Intentional
Faith-filled
Make today count—because today sets the tone for tomorrow
Closing Scripture:
Psalm 90:12
Prayer Focus:
Thanksgiving for 2025
Release of burdens
Alignment for 2026
Courage and faith for what’s ahead