BUT... as they sailed He fell asleep (Luke 8:23-25)

BUT...
 as they sailed He fell asleep:
and there came down a storm of wind on the lake;
and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

They came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master we perish.
 Then heH arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water:
and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And He said unto them,Where is your faith?

Luke 8:23-25

No matter what you may be going through right now remember God is there with you. 

BUT He gives more grace (James 4:6)

 BUT... 

He gives us more grace. 

That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud 

BUT 

shows favor to the humble."

James 4:6

Thank God for more grace. When we humble ourselves and realize that we are nothing with out God's presence in our life he gives more grace. LESS is MORE - the less we think of our selves the MORE God can do with us. 

BUT now you are the people of God (1 Peter 2:10)

Once you were not a people, 

BUT...

 now you are the people of GOD; 

once you had not received mercy,  

BUT...

 now you have received mercy. 

1 Peter 2:10

My prayers this Christmas is that you received the gift of God sent! Now you are the people of God. You have mercy. Now let's make 2014 a year of mercy towards others. 

BUT... Mary kept all these things (Luke 2:19)

 BUT... Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

I can only imagine what this young lady went through as she delivered Jesus. The journey, the stable, the birth, the star, her husband, the animals, the shepherds, HER BABY. Now that Christmas is over don't let the meaning of Christmas only last for a day. Make time to ponder (it's a verb: think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion) What will next year look like for you? Take the spirit of Christmas with you Christ was born for you. You are not in this alone! 

BUT have eternal life (3:16-17)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish

BUT...

 have eternal life.

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, 

BUT...

 that the world might be saved through Him.…

John 3:16-17

I believe these are the 2 Biggest BUTs in the Bible. My prayer this Christmas is that you will look past all the packages and lights and take time to enjoy your greatest gift--- eternal life!

With all the gifts you give please make sure you share this gift of God's love.

And if by chance you are reading this and don't have the peace that Christmas brings please comment me on this post and I would be thrilled to talk with you.

Merry Christmas!

 

BUT... knew her not (Matt 1:23-25)

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,

    and they shall call His name Immanuel”. (which means, God with us)

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 

BUT... knew her not until she had given birth to a son. 

And he called His name Jesus.

Matthew 1:23-25

Not only did Joseph remain faithful to Mary he did not sleep with her until she gave birth.
 Men remember when you love someone you will wait until the right time.
Girls remember you are a treasure.

BUT... as he considered these things (Matt 1:8-21)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.  And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

 BUT...

 as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, 

for He will save his people from their sins.”

 Matthew 1:18-21

Too often we don't stop to think about how Joseph felt during Christmas. His wife was pregnant and not by him! Hello that is crazy. BUT we do know he was a Godly man and he listened to what the Lord told him. He became Jesus' step father. I will forever be grateful for my "stepfather", if in the past you have felt like less of a child because you have a step father just remember Jesus had one and if it's good enough for Jesus it's great for me!

BUT... the angel said to them (Luke 2:10)

BUT...

 the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 2:10

I got so excited when I read this BUT! This is the story of Christmas Do not be afraid! The Good news is: not only did Jesus come as a baby to live a perfect life here on earth BUT he died for our sins and HE will come again!



BUT... He is out in the fields (1 Samuel 16:11)

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied.

 “BUT...

 he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”

1 Sam 16:11

This verse just makes me smile because I am the youngest child in my family. God was looking for a new king and He sent Samuel to the family of Jesse to find him. The father showed him all of the sons and none were the one God was looking for. When he asked is this all of your sons the above verse was the reply. When Samuel found David in the field God assured him he was the one! Imagine that - a shepherd keeping watch over his flocks by night.  

BUT chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4)

As you come to Him,

the living stone -rejected by humans

BUT...

 chosen by God and precious to Him.

1 Peter 2:4

From the very beginning of Christ life here on earth He was rejected.

There wasn't even room in the Inn. The innkeeper may not have realized that Christ the King was being born-

so too we may not realize how we reject Him on an everyday basis. Look for the Savior today in the least expected places.

BUT... about that day (Matthew 26:36)

BUT... about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, BUT only the Father.....

Matthew 24:36

This time of year it is so fun to watch the kids as they watch for Santa. The anticipation, the excitement plus they are trying to do their very best to be good.
OH if we could translate this excitement into watching and waiting for Jesus return.

Wouldn't that be a grand "Christmas gift". 

 I challenge you to release the child of God with in you.

Get excited, do your best and anxiously anticipate Jesus' return.

BUT... God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20)

"As for you, you meant evil against me, 

BUT...

 God meant it for good

 in order to bring about this present result,

to preserve many people alive.

Gen 50:20

I love this passage and it is one I often meditate on when bad things happen. Just think Joseph's brothers sought out to kill him because they were jealous. BUT God saved him the pit they had thrown him in. Joseph became the ruler over Israel which included his brothers!

God is so good. He's got your back!

BUT... love your enemies (Luke 6:32-35)

 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?

 Even sinners love those who love them.....

BUT love your enemies, do good to them,

and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Then your reward will be great, 

Luke 6: 32....35

Are you thinking of what you can give to Jesus this Christmas. Well here it is. Love those who you don't find loveable. Just try it with one person and see what happens. What is amazing about God is what ever we give to Him He multiplies and blesses us.

BUT you are a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9)

BUT you are a chosen people,

a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

 God’s special possession,

that you may declare the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

What a beautiful verse to wake up to this morning! You were chosen by GOD, you are His special possession.

Praise Him today!!

BUT...in these last days (Hebrews 1:1-2)

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

BUT in these last days

He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe.

Hebrews 1:1-2      

Listen carefully this holiday season. God is talking to you through the birth of His son.

BUT...each person is tempted (James 1:13-15)

When tempted, no one should say,

“God is tempting me.”

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; BUT each person is tempted when

they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed .

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin...

James 1:13-15a

It's funny to me how we don't want to take responsibility for when things go wrong in our life. Thoughts often come up like "why is God allowing this?' well in these verses it clearly explains ; we let our desires control  us  and before we know it we are trapped and want to blame God.

BUT... thanks be to God (Romans 6:17)

BUT thanks be to God that, 

though you used to be slaves to sin, 

you have come to obey from your heart 

the pattern of teaching that has now 

claimed your allegiance.

Romans 6:17

What an outstanding verse for for where our country is right now. It is good to pledge allegiance to the great USA but remember we are called to a much higher calling and our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ who freed us from our selfish way of thinking. Thanks be to God.

BUT...in everything by prayer (Philippians 4:6)

Be anxious for nothing

BUT in everything by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your request be made know to God.

Phil 4:6 

With this being Thanksgiving week I feel this is a great lesson to practice. Let's not start the season off with prayer request that sound more like a list for Santa. BUT this Thanksgiving let's make this verse our example. BUT in everything (God really means everything!) pray (don't tell) . 
The definition of supplication is the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.
 A prayer like this with truly show God we are thankful.

BUT... Thank God (Romans 6:17)

BUT... thank God that although you used to be 

slaves of sin, you gave wholehearted obedience to the teaching that was handed down to you

Romans 6:17

During this time of Thanksgiving,  He has given us freedom.
 Are you wholeheartedly obeying what you have been taught by the Holy Spirit that lives within you. It is not man's law that matters. Listen carefully this holiday season and give the gift of thankfulness and obedience. 

BUT.... set an example (1 Timothy 4:12)

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, BUT set an example for the believers
 in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity

1 Tim 4:12.

This verse really got me thinking about eternal life. 
Considering the average life here is 78 years and eternity is Forever.... we are all young in comparison. 

This verse is not just for teenagers or college students BUT for all of us ,
so go out there and live the example you want to be remembered for.

But... those who wait on the Lord (Isaiah 41:31)

BUT...

those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

 Isaiah 41:31
Are you growing tired? That often happens during the holiday season stop and imagine a picture of an eagle soaring..... relax, you have the strength within you to make it through.
We all have a lot to do BUT when we focus on Jesus we will not faint. 

BUT...perfect love drives out fear (1John 4)

God is love...There is no fear in love,

BUT perfect love drives out fear...

We love because He first loved us.

  1 John 4

Are you worried about something today? 
Well you do not have to anymore. God's got this!

BUT... to others in parables (Luke 8:9-10)

And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:

BUT to others in parables; 
that seeing they might not see, 
and hearing they might not understand.

Luke 8:9-10

Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke in so many parables (stories) it is because He knew each one of us learns differently. Some of us have to see something to understand, others get it when they listen, while like me I have to engage in something to understand it and that is why Jesus told us a story that we can relate to!  

BUT the same Lord (1 Corinthians 4:12)

There are different kinds of gifts, 

BUT the same Spirit distributes them. 

There are different kinds of service,

BUT the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, 

BUT in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 4:12

God has created each one of us differently.

 Please don't worry about what anyone elses' gift is or how they go about serving others.

Take the time today to put your gift and service into action and watch the world around you change!

Every part of the body is important (1 Corinthians 14:15-18)

For the body does not consist of one part
 BUT of many.

If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. .... 

If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? 

BUT as it is, 

God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose. 

1 Corinthians 14,15,17,18

Take a moment to really "get" this verse. First if you get confused on how God, the Son and the Spirit can be 3 separate beings and still be One this verse explains. Just like my hand is my hand and my foot is my foot they are still One body. 

Next this verse expresses how important each one of us is to each other. Every person God has created is part of the body of Christ. No one part is more important then the other. Maybe today you are feeling like a big toe. Well imagine life with out the big toe.
You lose your balance! Everyone of us is important. 

BUT...by Me (1 John 14:6)

Jesus said unto him,

 I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man comes to the Father, 

BUT by me.

John 14:6

Three simple words BUT by me. Can change your life. Jesus doesn't care what you have done,
what He cares about is you knowing and believing that
He loves you and He wants you to trust Him and acknowledge that He is the Boss of your life!

BUT... with You there is forgiveness (Psalm 13:3-4)

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

BUT... with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Psalms 130:3-4

Too often we humans want to justify our behavior and put sin into categories and them tell ourselves "I have't committed any of the "BIG" sins, I'm just human.
Today understand that we all screw up,  BUT God does not keep a record of our sins
BUT instead forgives us. Now let's go out and love our God and serve Him.

BUT... you will see me (John 14:19)

The Spirit of truth.
The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. 
BUT...you know him, for He lives with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 
Before long, the world will not see me anymore,
 BUT... you will see me. Because I live, you also will live
John 14:19
These are Jesus' words to us. When He went to be with His father he did not abandon us, He left us the Holy Spirit ( I like how He is referred to here as the Spirit of Truth). Remember the world can not see what we have in our heart. Today make it a practice to listen to the Spirit of Truth.

BUT... if you look carefully into the perfect law (James1:25)

BUT... if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

James 1:25
You may ask "What is the perfect law" it is very simple.... Love God with your whole heart and treats others how you would like to be treated. Are you doing that today? Then expect a blessing today!

BUT... not with God (Mark 10:27)

 

Jesus looked at them intently and said,

“Humanly speaking, it is impossible.

BUT... not with God.

Everything is possible with God.”

Mark 10:27

Are you struggling with something today? Well here is your answer Let it go and hold on to the arms of Jesus. He knows what is best for you!

BUT... do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh (Galatians 5:13)

 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.

But...

 do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;

rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Galatians 5:13

BUT... thanks be to God (1 Corithians 15:57)

But...

 thanks be to God!

He gives us the victory through our

Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

On this my 50th birthday I can't think of a better verse. As I look back over the years it is Christ and Christ alone that took the messes I got into and brought forth good. It is the Holy Spirit that turns me so gently to victory when I make the wrong choices or feel defeated. Thanks be to God! 

BUT... the fruit of the Spirit is (James 5:22-23)

  But...

 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.

 Against such things there is no law.

James 5:22-23
Fall is harvest time! For farmers this is a time they can see the results of their labor. How about you today? What results do you see from the summer you have had? Now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

BUT... Your Father knows you (Matt 10:29-31)

 Aren't two sparrows sold for only a penny?

BUT...

 your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground.

Even the hairs on your head are counted.

So don't be afraid!

You are worth much more than many sparrows.

Matt 10:29-31
We all have days when we feel insignificant.
NOT today, friends you are loved by the creator of the universe.

BUT... Now you have returned to the shepherd (1 Peter 2)

Jesus bore our sins in His body,
 so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
For you were like sheep going astray,
BUT ...
now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul. 

1 Peter 2
 This is beautiful to think about. Sometimes we don't even realize that we are straying BUT before we know it we have wondered off. It is comforting to know that not only does He welcome us into His arms BUT He seeks after us too.

BUT... in her poverty (Luke 21:4)

...because all the others contributed to the offering

out of their surplus,

BUT...

 she, in her poverty, dropped in everything she had to live on."

Luke 21:4

The faith of this woman in poverty is amazing. She gave all that she had. I love how Jesus is not condemning those who gave BUT blessing the woman who chose to not worry about her circumstance and gave everything she had to live on.

BUT... encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13)

But... encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 3:13
What a great verse to live by! You never know what difference your words can make it someone's live.
Be that encouragement Today!

BUT... whoever drinks the water ( John 4:13-14)

Jesus answered, 

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,

BUT... 

whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.
Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4 :13-14

This is an awesome story of a woman at the well. Jesus met here where she was at and that is how He wants to meet us. He sees passed any "dressing up" or "cleaning up" we might try to do. Are you constantly searching for something only to find your self searching for something else. That is the water Jesus is talking about. When we accept His plan for us we are satisfied and thus "never thirst"