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Look, we’ve all got habits. Some are great—like brushing your teeth or pretending you know how to fix a lawnmower. Others? Not so great.

This past Sunday across our Heart O’ the Lakes (HOTL) campuses in Brooklyn and Jackson, MI, we tackled the messy, beautiful reality of what happens when bad habits meet relentless grace. And honestly? The two messages paired together better than a fresh cup of coffee and a Sunday morning snooze button.

The Battle Within: Sin Isn't You, But It Lives in You

Over at our Jackson campus, Pastor Matt dove headfirst into Romans 7:19–20:

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”

Relatable, right? Even the Apostle Paul had moments where he threw his hands up in frustration. Pastor Matt reminded us of a crucial truth: Sin isn't who you are, but it is something in you. When you’re wrestling with bad habits, shame tries to convince you that you are the problem. But God’s Word draws a line between your God-given identity and the sinful nature you're fighting.

Testimonies of Hope: Real Freedom in Brooklyn

Meanwhile, at the Brooklyn campus, we saw firsthand what happens when that battle gets turned over to Jesus. We heard two powerful testimonies from Sarah Walters and Angie Van Etten.

They shared the raw, unedited truth about addiction, struggle, and the incredible freedom found in Christ. Psalm 107:14 says:

“He brought them out of darkness and the utter gloom, and broke their chains in pieces.”

That’s not just poetry—that’s real life. Sarah and Angie’s stories proved that no matter how deep the pit, God’s grace is deeper.

Local Support Groups at HOTL (Brooklyn Campus)

If you or someone you love is navigating recovery or looking for a safe space to find freedom, you don't have to do it alone. We host support meetings right here at our Brooklyn Campus (7031 Jefferson Rd, Brooklyn, MI):

  • Sunday Evening AA Group: Sundays from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Room 305) — Open to men and women.

  • Women’s AA Group of the Irish Hills: Thursdays from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM — Exclusively for women.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities to Serve

Building good habits isn't just about cutting out the bad stuff; it's about building healthy spiritual routines like church attendance, Scripture reading, fellowship, and serving! Here is what’s happening next at HOTL:

  • Tech Team Volunteers Needed: Love technology or button-pushing? We urgently need tech-savvy folks to help run lights, sound, slides, and live streams on Sundays. (No cape required, though highly encouraged).

  • Journey to Bethlehem Meeting (Sept 27): Stick around after 2nd service on Sunday, September 27th for an informational meeting! Questions? Reach out to Pastor Cody (cody@hotlstrong.com).

  • Christmas in Dixie: Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming details on this favorite holiday tradition!

Next Steps: Build the Habit of Fellowship

Reading your Bible and praying are fantastic habits, but fellowship and serving are where faith gets legs.

Volunteer for HOTLween (Oct 25)!

We need a huge team to make HOTLween a success for our community! Whether you want to help with parking, games, welcome, kitchen, or tear-down, there's a spot for you.

[Click Here to Sign Up for HOTLween Online] or drop by the lobby table this Sunday!