Church Family, the sermon I preached on last Sunday touched many of you. I received numerous positive comments on it. I take no credit for it. God led me to the scripture and poured out the message. The sermon was about change. Change is on the minds of many right now due to my upcoming retirement, and as we wait on the announcement of the interim and new pastor of our church.
Change can be an energizing force for power and progress, or, if not handled well can also be a force for stagnation and regression. God has a recipe for change. It needs to be followed exactly. No modifications, please. My sermon was entitled, “God’s Recipe for Change.” Based on Joshua 1, the sermon examines change in the lives of the Children of Isreal.
Please take some time to read and meditate on Joshua 1: 1-11, 16-18. In this Old Testament scripture, Moses died, and God raised up Joshua to lead them. The people accepted Joshua as their leader, worked with him to move forward, and ultimately, they reached the Promise Land.
1. The PERSONNEL will change, but not the promises or the power.
Verses 5-6 God told them, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous….”
2. Let each leader be who they are.
Moses and Joshua were different leaders, with different gifts. God knew what type of leader they needed to move ahead. The people trusted God.
3. WALK TOGETHER AND DON’T GET WEARY
Joshua asked the leaders to get busy working on the mission, and they did.
Verses 10-11 10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’”
I am certain that God’s recipe will work here at our church. Let’s continue to pray and stay together.
Your Pastor,
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson