Odessa First Assembly

This is How We Fight Our Battles

King Jehoshaphat faced overwhelming enemy armies but chose worship over warfare. Instead of relying on military might, he led his people in fasting, prayer, and worship. God responded by declaring the battle belonged to Him, not them. When they marched out with singers leading the charge, God caused the enemy armies to turn on each other. This teaches us that worship changes our atmosphere, perspective, and circumstances. Sometimes our greatest battles are won not through our own strength, but through surrendering to God in worship and trust.

Worship is More Than a Genre

Worship reaches far beyond a Sunday song set. It rises from a life that gives God honor in the quiet places, the busy places, and the broken places. Real worship begins when we offer ourselves to Him day after day, not only when music fills the room. As our hearts turn toward Him, our view shifts. God grows larger in our sight and our troubles shrink back into their proper size. Worship is not a performance for people. It is a gift placed before the only One who deserves it. Our bodies and emotions can join the offering through standing, kneeling, lifting our hands, or resting silently in His presence. At the center of it all, worship is a work of the spirit. It opens us to the presence of God and invites Him to shape us in ways nothing else can.

From Bags to Barns // Pastor Todd Starnes

God desires to command blessing into our lives, but it requires faithful obedience and proper stewardship. According to Deuteronomy 28, when we fully obey God's commands, we experience blessings in every area of life. The key principle is recognizing that everything belongs to God and we are merely stewards. There are four levels of blessing: the bag (scarcity), the barrel (daily supply), the basket (surplus), and the barn (commanded blessing). Generosity and faithfulness with what we have unlocks God's provision. The path to blessing begins with faithful obedience, starting wherever you are and being consistent with giving and stewardship.

Overcoming Unbelief // Silent Battles // Pastor Todd Starnes

Unbelief is choosing to trust what we see instead of what God has promised. The story of the Israelites at Kadesh Barnea illustrates this perfectly - while ten spies focused on giants and obstacles, Joshua and Caleb saw the same challenges but trusted in God's power. Unbelief magnifies problems and makes us romanticize our past instead of embracing God's promises for our future. Faith doesn't ignore reality; it includes God in the equation. When facing difficulties, we must shift our focus from the problem to the problem solver, remembering God's faithfulness and trusting His promises over our circumstances.

Overcoming Failure // Silent Battles part 3 // Pastor Todd Starnes

We all face moments when failure feels final, but God's plan for your life already includes your failures and still leads you to your purpose. Peter's denial of Jesus teaches us that following at a distance guarantees failure, yet Jesus knew Peter would fail and still called him. When we fail, Jesus intercedes for us and looks at us with love, not condemnation. Repentance is what keeps failure from becoming final. God's restoration doesn't make you start over - it returns you to His original design for your life. Your failures don't define you; God's love does.

 

 

Overcoming Weariness // Silent Battles // Pastor Todd Starnes

Ever feel exhausted right after a major breakthrough? Elijah called down fire from heaven, then immediately wanted to give up. Sometimes our greatest victories leave us most vulnerable to weariness. The key isn't avoiding rest, but it's learning to abide in Christ while we recover. Are you seeking God's hands or His face?

Silent Battles part 1 // Overcoming Fear

Are you letting fear hold you back from God's purpose? The same God who delivered David from lions and bears wants to deliver you from your giants today! Fear is contagious, but faith is transformative. What voices are you listening to? Remember: courage isn't the absence of fear—it's running toward your Goliath knowing God is with you.

Won't You Be My Neighbor

What if the entire Christian faith could be summed up in just two commands? Jesus did exactly that! He said love God completely and love your neighbor as yourself. But who exactly is your neighbor? Hint: they might be the person you least expect. 

Salt Shaker (Matthew 5:13)

Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth and light of the world, describing not just what Christians do but who they fundamentally are. As salt, believers preserve society, bring healing through truth, and enhance the flavor of life by drawing attention to Christ. As light, Christians cannot hide their transformed nature - it naturally shines through in all areas of life. This identity makes believers essential to God's plan, serving as ambassadors who make the invisible God visible through their lives and good works that ultimately bring glory to the Father.

It's My Fault // Blessed part 9 // Todd Starnes

When the world pushes back against your faith, remember: it's not you they're rejecting—it's Jesus in you. The opposition you face might actually be evidence you're on the right path! Jesus promised the kingdom of heaven belongs to those persecuted for righteousness. Are you experiencing pushback for your biblical values? Discover how God sustains, strengthens, and shapes you through opposition, turning persecution into blessing.