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Willpower is never enough

Sunday Ready on January 12, 2026

January preaching is often centered around change, and rightfully so. We all have so many things we want to change.

It makes me think of the story of Jacob in Genesis. You know the story: he was a “deceiver” with a long trail of ways his natural instincts derailed his life.

And then God did something profound—he changed his name.

For many of the people in your congregation, they have been known by a certain name, or habit, or mistake, or personality trait their entire life.

To change, would require a whole new identity, but that’s exactly what the Gospel does.

To lose weight when your family has always been overweight… to fight an addiction that feels woven into your DNA… to break free from anger, insecurity, people-pleasing, or shame when it’s all you’ve ever known…

These aren’t just behavior problems. They’re identity problems.

Here’s the point: as you preach about change this month, don’t just talk about habits and choices. Talk about identity.

When we get saved we are a new “creature” who belongs in a new “family of God.” You don’t have to be who you’ve always been.

It’s not easy and it’s not instant, but it’s God’s will for your life.

Today I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story to help you preach on change in terms of identity.

The conversation that broke my heart

Sunday Ready on December 22, 2025

It’s the week of Christmas. I know some pastors will do Christmas Eve services, others are officially done with their Christmas sermons.

Next week, I’ll start sharing resources for new year sermons, but this week I want to talk about pastoral health.

These last few days of 2025 are a great time to step back and take inventory of where you are spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

I had a conversation with a pastor recently that broke my heart. He had a stroke the previous year and I asked him how long he took off after his stroke to recover.

He said, “a week and a half.” I wanted to give him hug. But then he said, “I felt like it was important for my people to see I was ok,” and I wanted to cry.

He said the first week he preached after his stroke he had to hold on to the sides of the pulpit to keep from falling over.

I haven’t been able to get that conversation off my mind. Even when we’re unwell, we feel the pressure to get well for them.

I’ve written more about the challenges of healthy preaching ​here.​

Today I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story about pastoral health.

You can’t use them in your sermon, but hopefully it will inspire to you to make a few healthy decisions as you start a new year of leadership.

One more thing: If you haven’t downloaded your free preaching calendar yet, ​you can download it here​. I would love to help you get ahead in your sermon planning.

People want to attend church at Christmas

Sunday Ready on December 15, 2025

You’ve got a few more weeks of preaching left in 2025, and then the calendar resets.

That’s one of the hardest parts of weekly preaching, in my opinion. No matter how good or bad you feel this Sunday went, another sermon is waiting for you in six days.

This week, I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story you can use for your Christmas messages.

But as we look ahead to 2026, I also want to help you get a jump on your sermon planning.

​I’ve written a step-by-step guide​ to help you create a plan and actually get ahead in your sermon planning this year. And I created ​a free preaching calendar you can download​ to go with it.

In the article, I walk through 16 questions you should answer before you schedule anything. Then I take you step-by-step through how to actually build your preaching plan for the year that doesn’t make you feel trapped.

I know not every pastor uses a preaching calendar for different reasons, but I want to challenge you to at least consider it this year.

Read the article, think it through, and see if it doesn’t change the way you approach your preaching. Your family, your staff, and your church will thank you.