There are many beautiful sights in God's creation. Recently I enjoyed watching the sunset on the ocean's shoreline with sea oats silhouetted on the deep-orange sky. But perhaps nothing is more outstanding than the autumn forests ablaze with brilliant colors as pictured on the cover. When I see these scenes of great splendor, my heart is drawn to praise the One who made this universe, with the full realization that it is not of man, but God.

Psalm 115, among many other Scriptures, attributes creation to the Lord. "But our God is in the heavens:…Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath He given to the children of men…But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord" (Psalm 115:3,15-18).

"But God" is the theme for the meditations of this paper. What a difference these two words make! The little conjunction "but" looms large in literature, but never larger than when coupled with the name of "God." Put together, these two words, "But God" announce a change from grief to hope, from defeat to victory, from sin to salvation, from darkness to light, from death to life.

Just bring God into the picture, into your life, into your circumstances, and He will bring His beauty with Him. If we put the word "but" after "God," there is paralysis. When the word "but" is put before "God," there is power.

Why then do so many people try to get rid of God in their lives, in their schools, and in their governments? The motto of the state of Ohio since 1959 has been, "With God all things are possible." However, on April 25th, 2000, the courts ruled that Ohio's motto was a violation of the U.S. Constitution, in response to suits brought about three years ago by those who wanted the motto removed because it "is a direct quotation of Jesus according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke" where "Jesus is answering the disciples' question of how man can achieve salvation."

It is sad to see the heart of ungodly man so bent on removing the very One he needs. "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). The sinner needs "But God" for the salvation of his soul (John 1:12,13; Romans 5:8; 6:23). The saint needs "But God" for strength and guidance in his pathway of discipleship (Psalm 73:24-28; 2 Corinthians 3:5). When trials come, the child of God lays hold upon the "But God" of 1 Corinthians 10:13. Those who are faithful and devoted to God in service and giving rely on the "But God" of Philippians 4:19, which is a specific promise to them. With man, none of these are possible! I trust you will be blessed with the changing power of "But God" in your life.