By Pastor Bill Hayden
Some may think, if life continues the way that we have grown accustomed to knowing it … there’s little need to change our routines. So, we develop habits that make us feel comfortable with ourselves but sometimes those habits can become detrimental over time. Some people build their lives on looking for the easiest ways to get through the day without a challenge or desire to improve.
A person can become afflicted overnight and suddenly they need serious assistance from another person. When a person’s freedom has been restrained, that individual will remember the things that they took for granted. They may even state how things are going to be different, once they are free from what restricted their freedom. It they can accomplish this with God’s help, then it is something to be praised.
Several years ago, during the height of the Covid Pandemic, a lot of people’s lives were disrupted and turned upside down. As we have seen most recently, any major global event can disrupt or restrict the freedom that we hold so dear.
As a result of the pandemic people were restricted to their homes for the most part. New habits were developed with some good and others not so good. During those experiences, anxiety took its toll on a person’s mind and spirit. Suddenly, people seemed to be less tolerant and more demanding to the point of physical conflict with others. The landscape of the country appeared to have changed overnight and it has become difficult for people to be reconciled to each other and to God.
Romans 12:18-20 ESV 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Celebrate with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium, every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life, enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at Villages Community Chapel San Jose, CA.