Habits - Sunday Ready

Change is hard

Sunday Ready on January 19, 2026

We’re far enough into the new year that many people already feel the discouragement of settling back into their old patterns.

One study found the average person quits their resolution by January 19. It actually has a name. It’s called “Quitter’s Day.”

Change is hard. Spiritual change is even harder.

Starting next week, we will move on to some February related themes, but for one more week, I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story to help you preach the frustrations of trying to change.

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.

Start the year spiritually strong

Sunday Ready on January 5, 2026

I hope your new year is off to a great start.

So many churches start the year with a 21-day emphasis on prayer and fasting because people are hungry for direction, clarity, and a deeper sense of God’s presence.

Today I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story to help you preach on prayer, fasting, and starting the year spiritually strong.

One More Thing: It would mean so much to me if you share this email with 1 or 2 other pastors who would enjoy it.

Pastors are motivated to make healthy changes in the new year, and I would love nothing more than to help them ease the burden of weekly sermon planning.

I started Sunday Ready to help lift the burden pastors carry. This email is just one small way to do that.

Would you use the link at the bottom of this email and text 1 or 2 pastors who would benefit from this email every week.

Thanks for helping me spread the word.

Be more hopeful and less cynical

Sunday Ready on December 29, 2025

January was always one of my favorite times to preach and pastor because people are hopeful and hungry to grow.

It’s easy to be cynical and talk about how the gyms are full for a few weeks, or to make jokes about people who buy planners, but let me encourage you to be hopeful not cynical.

Encourage people to dream and change. They have enough self-doubt, they don’t need you to help them doubt themselves.

Pastors usually kick off the year with one of two themes:

A life improvement series focused on habits and change
A prayer and fasting series focused on starting the year spiritually strong.

This month, I’ll provide resources for both.

Today I’m giving you 1 stat, 1 quote, and 1 story to help you preach on the New Year and the power of change.