God’s Clear Path

May 1, 2024

I’m grateful for all who work diligently for God’s mission to make paths for more people to know and grow like Jesus at Leeds First Methodist Church. The stories of transformed lives by Jesus in this church are inspiring!

However, I am reminded that God has often intended those he loves to fail in order to receive his best. In my annual Bible reading plan this morning, I began the book of Deuteronomy for the month of May.

In the story of the Israelite’s Exodus and subsequent journey to the promised land (also recorded in Deuteronomy), God’s path was so clear and simple:

1) Leave Egypt,
2) Cross the wilderness, and
3) Inherit the promised land.

But read what Deuteronomy 1:2-3b (NLT) states:

“Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea, going by way of Mount Seir. But forty years after the Israelites left Egypt, ...”

This was a trip by foot that should have taken eleven days, yet forty years later, the Israelites were still wandering the wilderness. We see the reason for it was their rebellion against God and his leadership through Moses.

We see this struggle even in the New Testament church. The Apostle Paul, in writing to the church in Corinth, emphasizes the importance of the church and its people being aligned with God’s will through its leaders. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) reads:

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

Here are some ways to keep the purpose of God in your life, relationships, and the church:

1) Stay connected to God in prayer and scripture-reading. It is so easy to get out of sync with God if we miss God’s means of grace.

2) If you have trouble with God, or another person, talk to them, don’t talk about them. And if someone has sinned against you, follow Jesus’s principles outlined in Matthew 18:15-20.

3) Have a heart that is forgiving. Remember all the times God has forgiven you and realize some things are simply a matter of preference. Some people will love chicken nuggets and others a chicken sandwich. Chicken preference is not essential; both can be in God’s will.

4) If people are perpetually sinful, harmful, or you’re convinced they’re outside of God’s will, there are definite times when you honor God by finding different people.

Coming up:

This Sunday (5/5), we will host our annual servant appreciation banquet. I’m looking forward to this time to honor all who serve on teams in our church. It’s so encouraging to hear the stories of how God has worked in various ministry areas.

This week we’ll also open sign-ups for volunteers at Vamos Kids Camp, July 15-18. This year, we’re taking kids camp on the road to a nearby neighborhood in Leeds. Check out www.leedsfirst.org/upcoming to volunteer.

This Sunday morning in our worship services, I’ll begin a new sermon series entitled “Sincere Faith.”

I hope you’ll plan to attend and invite a friend; they’ll be glad you did.