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* “And they all with one consent began to make e x c u s e …” — Luke 14:18 (KJV)A fallen twig on the road — that’s all it takes for some people to say, “Pastor, I can’t make it to church!” The picture is humorous, but the message hits home. Too often, we allow the smallest obstacles to keep us from worship, prayer, or serving God.In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable about a great supper. The invitation was ready, the feast was set, but one by one the invited guests made excuses. One had bought land. Another had bought oxen. Another had just married. None of their reasons were sinful on the surface — but all revealed misplaced priorities.The truth is, when something matters deeply to us, we find a way — not an excuse. We’ll drive through storms to get to work, stand in line for sales, and push through pain for recreation. But when it comes to worship, a “branch in the road” suddenly becomes a full-grown tree in our minds.Let’s remember: Christ r e m o v e d every obstacle between us and God when He went to the Cross. The least we can do is remove the petty ones that keep us from His house.Reflection Questions:What “small branches” have you a l l o w e d to block your path to obedience or worship?How can you show God this week that He truly comes first?Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve made excuses instead of effort. Give me a heart that longs for Your house, and strength to press through every obstacle to be where You want me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.