Two Words that Change Everything...

I mentioned earlier this week that I would share with you two words that have the power to change everything. Now I realize some of you are rather skeptical. You think this is too good to be true - it is not. You may even be thinking "there is nothing that can change my situation." That, too, is incorrect. So what are the two words? Here they are - "But God!"

Yes, "But God" are the two words I am placing so much stock in that I will brag to my heart's content regarding their substance. These two words are pivotal in that they recognize and give credence to the truth that when God shows up, everything and anything can change. I can prove this sublime truth through Scripture very easily. In Ephesians 2:1-4, the moment/process of salvation is described. Paul explains how before we come to saving faith in Jesus Christ we are totally, completely spiritually dead, having nothing of merit to offer God because dead folks do not offer anything. He explains that we walked according to the ways/patterns of this world, following after Satan, the prince of the power of the air. He finishes describing just how horrible we were before Christ by stating that we were nothing but children of wrath, meaning that in eternity that is all the spiritually dead person can expect to receive from God.

Then, when the truth cannot get any darker, when the story could not be any more horrible, when all seems lost and there is no hope - BUT GOD!

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved." But God showed up! But God sent His one and only Son to the rescue! But God brought about redemption to all who place their faith in Jesus alone. But God...  Two incredibly powerful words revealing that no matter how dreadful our situation looks, no matter how horribly hopeless we may feel, no matter the despair that seeks to overcome - But God can deliver!

Now let me see if I can explain this so we all make a connection -

You could ask for millions in hopes that money could make you happy – But God’s grace is far richer.
You could ask for pleasure in hopes that pleasure could make you happy – But God is far better.
You might think you have come to the end of yourself and you see no way out – But God…
You may have tried all cures and you see nothing but a lingering death due to illness – But God…
You may hear people saying your situation is hopeless and there’s no use – But God...
You may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death and expect no joy ever again – But God...
You may be climbing the mountain of happiness and the rope is fraying and ready to break - But God...
You may be leaping like a young calf over good times and the market crashes – But God...
You may have made it to easy street and the workers show up to repave your street – But God...
You may think that the world is unraveling and the future is bleak – But God...
You may fear natural disasters increasing and the entire planet feeling the effect – But God...
When the car breaks down and the washer goes out and there is no money to fix either – But God...
When sales are down, creditors are aggressive, and the bank account is vanishing - But God...
When life is just flat out sorry and you feel it will never change – But God is the ANSWER!

Do you get the picture? Do you understand that in a moment, God can turn your direction? Do you grasp that with a single nod from His sovereign head, God can undo all the pain, heartache, hopelessness, and fear that has come on you.

Why don't you pray and believe that with God all things are possible!  Two words that change everything - But God....

Great Day of Worship...

Yesterday was a wonderful day of worship at FBC-Odessa. We shared in the Lord's Supper in both AM services. We've not always had the Lord's Supper in the AM but the response has been phenomenal. It was a sweet time of fellowship around our Lord's table and a great time of remembering what is most important and where our focus should be. Thanks FBC-Odessa for a great day of worship yesterday!

Later this week I plan to post on two words that change everything. Be thinking about what those two words might be. I would be willing to bet what you come up with is not what I'm thinking (unless you were in the worship service last night).

Have a great Monday!

Lord's Supper...

Hey FBC-Odessa folks, we will be having the Lord's Supper in both AM services this Sunday. What a wonderful privilege our Lord gives us as we pull up to His table and remember that which is most important in life. Talk about a sense of community that will be taking place around the Lord's table. Make your plans to be there - you won't regret it!

A Good Man...

A good man is being laid to rest today. Glen Atkins was a member of FBC-Odessa for many years, having been ordained a deacon in 1967. I was just 5 years old when Glen began serving the Lord as a deacon at the church I pastor. He loved serving the Lord and the Odessa community. He was involved in everything and more connected than probably anybody I know in this city. But what makes Glen so special - and what made my job easy today as I preached his funeral - is that he loved Jesus and was a confident believer who lived his faith. He wasn't perfect, but he was forgiven. What a good man in so many ways.

Summertime and Camp Celebrate...

Summer is here at FBC-Odessa. Today we have a group of 50 preschoolers leaving for three day Camp Celebrate. For most of these it will be there first trip away from mom and dad. They will be taking a charter bus and no doubt the giggles will be abundant. Be praying for Deana and the rest of the adult sponsors on this trip. They are going to have a blast and there will be lives impacted for the Gospel.

Lots of other activities you can pray about are happening this week and in the summer months to come. Stay tuned and I will be dropping them on you right here.