By Pastor Bill Hayden
The lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Postal Offices have been staggering lately. People are under pressure to finally receive their California REAL ID cards so they can travel, and they are also panicking about updating their passports. Looming deadlines have a way of motivating people to prioritize what is essential in their lives.
It is in most people’s nature to delay and put off things that we consider less critical until our backs are against the wall. If we have good health, we will go until we can’t go anymore. When we can’t go… then what do we do, or who do we turn to help us regain our strength and direction? We seldom plan for the what-if because we are too busy living… life large and in charge.
Some freedoms we have taken for granted have been eroded over time because we did not cherish and guard them. Technology can manipulate other people’s voices and images to deceive us into thinking the actual person is addressing us. Whereas in times past, we trusted the integrity of those in the media and the government to guard us from false information.
It is as if the untruths are blinding us, and we are marching to the drumbeat of an unseen enemy to our destruction. The voices of one sounding the alarm of one thing or another create more panic and distrust among the people. The lines of discontent and mistrust within the world continue to separate us rather than build bridges of reconciliation and unity.
Not long ago, we celebrated the Easter Redemptive Message of Jesus Christ, who came to save us and put us on the right path for our eternal destiny. Out of all the known leaders who have come into the world to give people a living hope, He is the only one who defeated death… our greatest fear!
If people ignore the One who said, “I’m the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father except through Me.”(John 14:6 NKJV), we will continue down this road without returning. The lines of need will increase further than in the previous pandemic if we do not engage in this factual truth.
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset, do not be afraid.” John 14:27 GNT.
Please join us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium this Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. We will start a new series: “My Peace I Give You.” The chapel is where needs are met, faith is affirmed, and new friends are made. You can view our worship services on YouTube at https://villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club
