In these past couple weeks, everything changed. Many churches, ours included, were not only trying to figure out WHAT to communicate to their congregation, but even HOW to communicate to them.
In a time when we are being forced to have new limitations, how can we actually utilize these limitations and turn them into purposeful limitations? In this time of forced neglect, there will be many temptations to run to things that we should not run to, yet there are incredible opportunities for us to make the most of it and plant ourselves in a place by the water where we can grow, change, and be a blessing to others.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
Your habits form you more than you form your habits. One study claims that 40% of our day's decisions come from habits. Most times, we don't even see these habits; we take them for granted, we mindlessly carry them out, and we move along with life. And yet, every time we do them, they are shaping us, reinforcing patterns, desires, and strengthening particular passions. In short, they are leading us in worship. How do we take back control of our habits and cultivate them in a way that leads us towards godliness and a love for Jesus? One way is to see our habits as liturgy: repetitions done to facilitate worship. When we see our whole life as liturgy, it changes how we approach every decision.
In this sermon, we learned that even when we are facing trials and tribulations, we should never stop serving God and others. Just like Paul (who was accused from all sides, shipwrecked, beaten, and endured all sorts of other trials) we should continue to bless those around us, even if they do not deserve it or are even part of our suffering. We should also remember that God has had mercy on us and spared us from the consequences of our sins. We should, therefore, be grateful for His love and grace and strive to love and serve others in return.
