Breaking bad and the source of our power

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Phillipians 4:13

I read a story about a 19 year old girl who lifted a burning vehicle off her dad. It was the craziest story. Her dad was working on his GMC truck when the truck slipped off the jack and pinned the father to the ground.  As the truck fell, gasoline spilled and a fire was ignited.  Along comes 19 year old Charlotte who, by the way is not a body builder, lifted the truck just enough so that her dad to could get out.  She then got into the burning truck and drove it out of the garage away for the house - saving not only her dad but her family inside. Sounds like a scene of a movie but newspaper articles don’t lie ;)

The point is… in the face of crisis we can do some extraordinary things.  In the face of crisis what we thought we could never do, we somehow do, because we have to.

We have been talking over the past several weeks about change and more specifically habits. In our sermon series… The Habit Shift… we asked three questions:

1. Who do I want to become?

2. Based on who I want to become, what habit do I need to start? and,

3. Based on who I want to become, what one habit do I need to break?

Breaking bad habits can be daunting but if we don’t like what we are getting or where we are going, with God’s help, we can change what we are doing.

And God says, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

If God is our strength…

If God is the source of our power to change…

How do we find that strength and power?

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  Matthew 7:7 …seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matthew 6:33

no hunt and peck for me

Back in the day before typing with your thumbs on a handheld device was the norm, I was forced to take a high school typing class. Can you imagine?

I remember sitting in a classroom with something called a typewriter. If memory serves, we didn’t even have letters on the keys on those teaching devices. We were expected to type without looking at the keys.

At the time, it felt ridiculous. But looking back, it’s amazing how little things can make a big difference.

I remember sitting at the typewriter for what seemed like an eternity, doing what felt like the silliest little exercise. First, with our left hand, we would type AQ, AW, AE, AR, AT. Then SQ, SW, SE, SR, ST. Next, DQ, DW, DE, DR, DT. Finally, FQ, FW, FE, FR, FT.

Then we’d switch to the right hand and repeat similar exercises. On and on it went, day after day. Not for a week or two, but for months. It was monotonous and seemingly pointless.

And then one day, the teacher stood at the front of the class and said, “Today, you are going to type sentences.”

I thought she was out of her mind. All I could type with any certainty was FT—at least, that’s what it felt like.

But to my surprise, as I started pecking away at that typewriter, something amazing happened. Words began to form! Then sentences. Then paragraphs. Before I knew it, I was typing—really typing!

Those silly little exercises weren’t silly or little after all. They had been teaching me discipline, and through a system, a habit was created. They taught me the skill of touch typing. No hunt and peck for me.

We’ve been in a sermon series called "The Habit Shift," talking about the importance of starting small, creating a system, and working that system to build habits—habits that help us become all that God has called us to be.

Never underestimate how God might start something big, something special, through something very small.

We can’t possibly imagine all God can do through one small act of obedience. As Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

Happy New Year!

Every New Year’s Eve, after the ball drops and the cheers quiet down, we take a moment to reflect. It’s a simple tradition that begins with two questions: “When was God most present to you this past year?” and “What will this new year bring?”

Now, let me confess—this little ritual, lovingly dubbed “Year in Review,” has a reputation among my friends. It’s met with groans, dramatic eye rolls, and muttered complaints. But despite their playful protests, I press on. And every year (this year included), something beautiful happens.

We move past the groans and start sharing. Around the room, stories of God’s faithfulness emerge, and dreams for the future take shape. By the end, we’re praising God for the past year and setting goals for the one ahead. It’s a time of encouragement, accountability, and joy. Whether they admit it or not, my friends love it just as much as I do. It’s a powerful way to start the year—feeling heard, inspired, and ready to run the race with purpose.

So, let me invite you to join the tradition.

When did you see God at work in your life in 2024? Take a moment to thank Him. Praise Him for how He’s carried you through.

And now, think about 2025. How will you let God use you this year? What does He want you to do for Him, for others, and for yourself? Dream big. What will it look like to trust Him in new ways?

One thing I know for certain: God has incredible plans for you. You are His beloved child, and His love for you is unwavering. Scripture reminds us of this again and again:

• Matthew 6:30: "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?"

• John 3:16-18: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

• Deuteronomy 23:5: "The LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you."

• Revelation 1:6: "He has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever!"

One of my favourite verses is Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

That’s the kind of God we serve—a God who loves, protects, cherishes, and desires to prosper us. All He asks is that we open our hearts to Him, respond to His love with faithfulness, and love Him in return.

I am so excited for all that God has in store for us in 2025! Let’s make this a year of praising God, trusting God, and stepping boldly into the plans God has for us.

To God be the glory for the things He has done—and for the amazing things God will do.

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed New Year!