- Opening reflections
- Brother Dave said he doesn’t usually give seasonal/themed sermons, but reflected on meaningful topics for the New Year — especially trusting God in changing times.
- He referenced how often people say “times are changing,” and noted cultural and global signs of change; yet, he reassures the congregation that the biblical instruction still applies: “Do not worry.”
- Key Scripture context
- The sermon expanded the Matthew 6:19–34 passage (especially vv. 25–34), where Jesus teaches not to worry about food, drink, or clothing and urges seeking first the kingdom of God.
- The refrain “O ye of little faith” was highlighted as a recurring rebuke of Jesus to His disciples when they doubted God’s care.
- Ellen G. White quotations and application
- Brother Dave quoted Ellen G. White (e.g., from Amazing Grace and Great Controversy themes). Core points drawn from her writing:
- Those with little faith may be the most vulnerable when severe trials (“a decree to compel conscience” / Sunday law contexts) come.
- If we do not form the habit of trusting God now, learning trust under pressure will be far harder.
- God’s providence will provide opportunities to demonstrate and develop faith; we should be ready to respond.
- Brother Dave quoted Ellen G. White (e.g., from Amazing Grace and Great Controversy themes). Core points drawn from her writing:
- The “habit of proving God’s promises”
- He encouraged the congregation to practice trusting God in ordinary matters so trust becomes a habit long before testing times arrive.
- Prayer and deliberate dependence on God are essential to developing that habit.
- Warning against mere “respectable conventionality”
- Brother Dave cautioned against a “respectable conventionality” that is outwardly Christian but lacks self-sacrifice and devotion to God’s mission.
- He contrasted worldly security and conventional success with the Christian call to self-denial and service.
- Illustrations and stories
- He told a dramatic historical illustration (from Josephus / early sources mentioned in Ellen White) of a man who continually cried “Woe, woe Jerusalem” for years; the point was not to judge the man but to illustrate uncompromising faithfulness and prophetic warning—even when unconventional.
- A contemporary mission story: a team organizing a free medical mission to a Puerto Rican island faced intentional disruptions, flight cancellations, and interference (including a problematic WhatsApp incident). Through prayer and persistence, the team saw providential openings: check-in agents waived fees for medical equipment, apparent cancellations were reversed, and ultimately the team and medical supplies reached their destination. The story illustrated God opening doors when people act in faith and persist.
- Practical exhortation
- Do what it takes now to make trust in God a habit (through prayer, sacrifice, obedience, and readiness to serve).
- Be willing to act courageously and even unconventionally if God is leading—because God often works through unexpected means.
- Seek first the kingdom of God; do not be consumed by anxiety about material needs.
Wildwood Adventist Church - Kelowna, BC
