I was on a Zoom call yesterday where I was asked what are the three biggest problems facing us today. My first response was that as a whole those who say they are Christians do not live Christianly. Too many of us live in ignorance of what the Lord requires of us (Micah 6:8), or allow ourselves to be unduly influenced by the culture as to how we do life. The Christian ethos that has shaped our nation is no longer being lived out. Interestingly, later that day I met with the leader of a prominent Christian organization and asked this same question and his response was essentially the same!

My hope is that as we enter the new year we would see an awakening. Believers need to take seriously walking with God in grace and humility. Those who don’t know Christ need eyes opened to the reality of abundant and new life in Him. The dividends of walking with God are far beyond anything that any political promise or program can offer. After all, only our Creator can impart incredible peace, joy, and purpose. With that said, consider my reflections on a few major events of 2025:

Charlie Kirk’s Assassination—it was the highest profile political murder since 1968 and resulted in over 90,000 attending the memorial service, led by religious and political leaders including Pres. Trump. His assassination and the ugly response afterward by leftists nationwide reveals alarming acceptance of violence to solve political differences.

Sports Gambling Gone Wild—Major League Baseball and the NBA each saw scandals involving players and a Hall of Famer. An FBI sting on illegal sports gambling netted 34 including an NBA player and two coaches. University of Louisville Football Coach Brian Brohm was threatened by somebody who lost a bet. When so much is riding on the outcome of a game, should we be surprised at the corruption that follows. Some wonder when a major NFL scandal will be next.

MAGA Meltdown—the rift appeared in early summer when Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency point man Elon Musk had a very public and acrimonious falling out. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA), once Donald Trump’s biggest supporter, announced she’s vacating office in January, after a series of policy rifts with the president. Congressman Thomas Massie (R-Ky), one of the most conservative members of Congress is now being targeted by Donald Trump with a primary challenge for his refusal to vote for increased spending and his most recent discharge petition forcing a Congressional vote on the release the Epstein files. 

Medicaid Increases in 2026—previously the federal government paid 90% of Medicaid reimbursements to the states. Next year, they’re only paying about 70% which means every state must cover the difference. It’s projected that Kentucky will have to come up with an additional $1.4 billion to cover the gap.

Tax Reductions—Kentucky Republicans once again reduced the state income tax. Beginning tomorrow the state income tax rate drops to 3.5%, which means $724 million will go back into the pockets of tax-paying Kentuckians.

Social Media Harms to Minors—Australia banned social media use for minors under the age of 16 in 2025. Will Kentucky’s legislature will do the same in the upcoming new year?

Rage Bait—content that is meant to provoke anger and garner clicks and views, was the Oxford dictionary word of the year. Just a thought for a more peaceful new year: stay away from rage bait.

Illegal Immigration—significantly reduced in 2025. This major campaign promise of Donald Trump was quickly fulfilled. There was a 10x decrease in apprehensions in year to year comparisons for the month of August (60,000 in 2024 compared to 6000 in 2025.

Defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—conservatives have argued for years that the federal government has no business funding a public media entity that too often is politically biased against conservative political candidates. This resulted in $1.1 billion in cuts that went into effect on October 1.

ICE Immigration Enforcement Controversy—the federal crackdown on illegal immigrants through ICE raids has drawn major resistance in big cities—both from protestors and big city mayors and local leaders. Some of the protests have turned violent. 

No Kings Protests—emerged in cities across the country throughout the summer as millions protested the Trump administration and his policies.

School Choice—a new federal law authorized a federal school choice tax-credit scholarship program. This allows taxpayers to contribute up to $1700 to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) — that award scholarships to needy children.

Looking ahead: In 2026 America celebrates its 250th birthday. Planned celebrations this July 4 promise to be grand. It’s also a great time to reflect on America’s ideals found in the Declaration of Independence and also an opportunity to talk to our kids and grandkids about the gift that we have called America.

May God bless you and yours with a wonderful New Year!