2010 has no doubt been a crazy confusing year … for all.  There have been things happening across the globe that have world leaders scratching their heads and common people wondering what’s next.  While we experience these types of things regularly it seems as though this year is different.  Why?  Because there has been so much of it.  One different thing after another.  Though the world is contstantly throwing curve balls our way and we often find ourselves in a state of panic or anxiety, one thing remains the same.  Our God.  Hebrews chaper 13, verse 8 says, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” God is the same today as He was yesterday, 1,000 years ago and the same as He’ll be in 1,000 more years.  So if this is true, why do we not acknowledge it more often?  Why do we not stop on a regular basis and just say … outloud even … “God, you are the same, You are still God and You are still good, and You still love me with a genuine kind of love.”  I know for me, personally, when I acknowledge these things in my life regularly life is easier.  It doesn’t mean all the craziness goes away but what it does mean is that I am saying I don’t find my security in the world or in things always being the same.  I find my security in God and God alone.  Hebrews chapter 13 verse 5b-6 says, “For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

The answer is simple … nothing … mere people, mere things, this world can do nothing to us because our God is greater than any other.  When we put our trust in God, we’re protected.  And though curve balls may be thrown our way, and the world may seem to get crazier, we serve a God that’s bigger than anything we could ever face.

First Church has been through quite a few changes this year.  It’s no secret.  We’ve had to say good bye to people we know and love and have known and loved for a long time.  But that doesn’t change who God is.  We’ve said hello to new faces and families and are blessed to have them as a part of our family.  We’ve had to endure changes in worship … and then turn around and acknowledge that maybe those changes weren’t what we needed here at First Church.  But that doesn’t change who God is.  We’re now moving in a new direction with worship services turning into ONE worship service.  Starting this week (Dec. 5th) Each Sunday at 9:30a we will have our Sunday School hour and then at 10:45a we will gather together as one big group of people, a family, who love the Lord and are thirsty for more … and we will praise Him with all we’ve got in a blended style of worship, allow Him to touch our lives by the words that are spoken and we will be renewed if we allow Him to do so.  But … none of that changes who God is.  We change, we do things differently, we try to figure this whole thing called “life” out … but God is still God.  And believe me … please believe me … God has big plans for you, your family, our church right here in downtown OKC and this Christmas season will be a blessing as always.  Family … because you are my family … I’m excited that God is still God, I’m excited about what’s next, and I’m excited that we get to do life together.  “May The Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

In Christ,

Tony Moran