Thursday, December 31, 2015

BUT in keeping with His promise (2 Peter 3:13)

But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:13
As we look forward to the new year I challenge us to keep our eyes on God's promises. Try not to get caught up in all the bad news around us BUT make a difference every day by seeking righteousness. We may not be able to change the entire world BUT we can change our world and the people around us. 

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

BUT where can wisdom be found? (Job 28)


BUT where can wisdom be found?

    Where does understanding dwell?
13 
No mortal comprehends its worth;
    it cannot be found in the land of the living....



Where then does wisdom come from?

    Where does understanding dwell?
21 
It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
    concealed even from the birds in the sky....



And he said to the human race,

    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
    and to shun evil is understanding.”
Job 28

As we close out this year and begin to plan for next year 
it is natural to reflect and plan.
 This BUT verse makes me go hmmmm. 
We always seem to be seeking that next list of things to make us happy or successful. God's word is pretty clear on this one. 
Fear the Lord (He knows everything) 
Shun evil (Be nice) 

Saturday, December 26, 2015

BUT Mary kept all these things in her heart (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!

Friday, December 25, 2015

BUT when the set time (Galatians 4:4-7)

BUT when the set time had fully come, 
God sent his Son, 
born of a woman,
 born under the law,  
to redeem those under the law, 
that we might receive adoption to sonship.
 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.”  
So you are no longer a slave, 
BUT God’s child; and since you are his child,
 God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7
This may not seem like a "normal" Christmas verse. BUT read it again.... every word! 
GOD TRULY sent the Greatest Christmas Present ever! 
Accept Christ birth. 
Open this gift of redemption.
 Cry out Daddy I need you. 
Be filled with the confidence of knowing YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING! 

Thursday, December 24, 2015

BUT the angel said to them (Luke 2:8-12)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 
and they were terrified. 
BUT the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 
he is the Messiah, 
the Lord. 
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12 
Many children are keeping watch tonight for Santa Clause! Oh if we had the same passion as them when it come to watching for Christ to come... not only as we celebrate His birth tomorrow BUT of His return. 


BUT the angel said (Luke 2:8-12)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were terrified. 
BUT the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 
he is the Messiah, 
the Lord. 
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12 
Many children are keeping watch tonight for Santa Clause! Oh if we had the same passion as them when it come to watching for Christ to come... not only as we celebrate His birth tomorrow BUT of His return.

Monday, December 14, 2015

BUT the Lord looks at the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7)

People Judge by the outward appearance,
BUT the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7

You may not think this would be a Christmas verse. But let’s take a closer look. This verse comes from when Samuel was looking for a new king. He was told to go to Bethlehem and meet with Jesse. As Jesse presented his sons to Samuel the Lord kept saying that they were not the chosen one. Until finally Samuel had to ask if there were any more sons, Jesse replied there was the youngest son still in the field taking care of the sheep. As soon as Samuel saw him
The Lord Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
This is part of Christ family tree. David was found taking care of sheep in Bethlehem.

It’s perfect to think about this Christmas. Let’s be careful to not get caught up in the wrapping paper this year.  BUT what’s inside our heart!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

BUT God intended it for good (Genesis 50:20)


You intended to harm me,
BUT God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done,
the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20


You may ask what does this have to do with Jesus birth. There are so many similarities in their lives. Both Joseph and Jesus were loved by their Father; both were rejected by their brothers, stripped of their clothes, became a servant, forgave those who persecuted them and made away for many to be saved.

As you think about this verse today are you feeling defeated or even attacked in some way? Remember God intends to use your circumstance for His good. You cannot do it alone. Let Him rescue you this Christmas.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

BUT has lifted up the humble (Luke 1:50-53)

Luke 1:50-53
Mary is so wise at such a young age. It is no doubt her heart is to God.

His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones BUT has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things BUT  has sent the rich away empty.

These few short passages could be written today 2000+ years after they were originally spoken. This is my prayer for Christmas- that God Himself with bring down rulers and lift up the humble. Fill the hungry with good things. I believe the rich here are the people who are full of themselves. It has nothing to do with the size of a bank account BUT their hearts are empty.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

BUT why am I so favored (Luke 1:42-47)

Luke 1:42-47
No surprise her God provided someone for Mary to share her pregnancy with. He loves us so much!

In a loud voice she exclaimed:
"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
BUT why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord
should come to me?
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

BUT why am I so favored? Elizabeth and Mary both realized how blessed they were. During this holiday season do you realize how blessed you are? Maybe your blessings aren’t as obvious as these 2 women BUT you are blessed! Take sometime before Christmas day  and look for it…. Here’s a hint it’s not going to be wrapped or under the tree. It’s going to be in your heart, in a smile, maybe something you have done for someone or they have done for you. Don’t let this Christmas go by without finding out that YOU ARE BLESSED!

Saturday, December 5, 2015

BUT they were childless (Luke 1:5-15)

God is so amazing to me. When you read His word it is so obvious that He cares about the details. Not only had He made a way for Christ to come to earth BUT He also blessed a elderly godly couple with a son that would prepare a way for Christ ministry.


In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.  Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.  
BUT they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old..
BUT the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.  He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.


I love how every time the angel comes to someone the first thing they say is “Do not be afraid”. I can not imagine what it would be like to really audibly hear from an angel of God..
Take time today to thank God for the details of Christmas this will take an effort on your part! BUT it will be worth it my friend.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

BUT before they came together (Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25
So often Mary is the center of attention when it comes to the birth of Jesus, I want to take a moment and think about Joseph.

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, BUT before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Can you imagine? Mary and Joseph are engaged to be married and he finds out she is pregnant. Not just pregnant BUT pregnant by God. He loves her, His first thought is he doesn’t want to shame her. Good thing he didn’t just react BUT took time to think about his situation.
BUT after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
This is yet another picture of grace to me. Joseph got it! He probably didn’t understand everything that was going on around him. BUT he trusted God and he trusted Mary.
BUT he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
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 you, Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)

Day 3 Micah 5:2

"BUT you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”


It simply amazes me when I read God’s word and realize how every passage is important. This Old Testament verse validates that Jesus would be the Messiah, the Son of God. Then to see how small Bethlehem was described it only reminds us that God uses small things to bring about Great things. If you are feeling small today remember that is exactly what God wants to use to bring about Great things this Christmas. Just as this verse was penned over 700 years before Christ birth what you do today will have a lasting impact on future generations. 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

But the Angel said (Luke 1:30)


AS we begin the count down to what we celebrate as Christmas day I am not surprised to find that even in the Bible the Story starts with a BIG BUT!
BUT the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. Luke 1:30
  Does God have big plans for you this next year? Are you questioning God like Mary did?
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" Luke 1:34
That’s okay just sit back and listen to the Angel’s answer. He has great plans for you.
 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.  For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:35-37
Most importantly will you answer as Mary did?
 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 38

It takes a servant and willing heart – What if Mary had said no way God – I can’t do this. What will people think? They’ll talk about me- You don’t know my story…. I could go on and on with the excuses. Ultimately the decision is yours. Do you want the GREAT PLANS He has for you? This Christmas say Yes Lord. No BUTS allowed.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

BUT be transformed (Romans 12:2)

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, BUT be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Do you want to know God's what pleases God, His perfect will for you? There is only one way renew your mind by spending time in His word and then thinking and acting on it. We are in this world not of this world.
 

Saturday, June 13, 2015

BUT my words (Matthew24:25)

Heaven and earth will disappear,
BUT my words will never disappear.
Matthew 24:25
I encourage you to memorize God's word. So that no matter what you are going through or what may come of this place we call home you have His word with in you. Don't say you can't. I said the same thing for years. I could memorize some of the traditional verses BUT felt I couldn't remember the longer ones. Then when I became a flight attendant and memorized all the boarding and safety announcement and I thought 'oops, I guess I can.".  
 I began memorizing the 1st Chapter of James and  I am almost on to chapter 2.

Friday, June 12, 2015

BUT we will all be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51)

Listen, I tell you a mystery:
We will not all sleep, BUT we will all be changed
1 Corinthians 15:51
Everyone loves a mystery-
For anyone out there that is skeptical about what happens after we die-
 Here is your answer WE WILL ALL BE CHANGED.
and it will be better then anything here on earth!

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

BUT one thing I do (Phillippians 3:13)

Brothers and sisters,
I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
BUT one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
Philippians 3:13
Far to often we allow our past hurts or hangups to handicap us from a great future.
We must strain (to make a strenuous or unusually great effort:) to see the great things God has planned for our future.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

BUT shows favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5)

In the same way, you who are younger,
submit yourselves to your elders.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility
toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
    BUT shows favor to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5
nuf said.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

BUT the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9)

We can make our plans,
    BUT the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Please Lord don't let me get in your way.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

BUT everyone deserted me (2 Timothy 4:16-17)

At my first defense, no one came to my support,
BUT everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength,
so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.
2 Timothy 4:16-17
This verse has so many gems---- No matter what you are going through- or how lonely you feed God is standing by your side. Those few words 'may it not be held against them'- show the true heart of this believer-

BUT the Spirit Himself (Romans 8:26)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
We do not know what we ought to pray for,
BUT the Spirit himself intercedes for us
through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26
When you don't know what to pray remember the Spirit goes to the father for you! 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

BUT as it actually is (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, BUT as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
The Bible is the Word of God- Ever word is inspired by Him. Don't just listen to what man has to say about it - read it for your self.

Sunday, May 31, 2015

BUT God ( 1 Thessalonians 2:4)

On the contrary,
we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.
We are not trying to please people BUT God, who tests our hearts. Thessalonians 2:4
If we could only live by this thought... Stop worrying about what people think--God knows your heart.

Friday, May 29, 2015

BUT painful ( Hebrews 12:11)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, BUT painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
Discipline whether it be for ourselves or our children is never easy. It's worth it - so if you are struggling today stay focused on what you want.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

BUT when God (Galatians 1:15-16

BUT when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased  to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
Galatians 1:15-16
Love this- First God called me from my mother's womb- 2nd it is His Grace, not anything good or bad I do and lastly I don't have to have to check with any man to get their approval!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

BUT my life is worth nothing. (Acts 20:24)

BUT my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Acts 20:24
God is so good and He deserves our praise. Remember it is not just the preachers job to tell others about Jesus and His wonderful grace, it is ours. You may be the only messenger in some ones life. Tell someone how good Jesus is today!

Sunday, May 24, 2015

BUT if the cloud did not lift (Exodus 40:36-37)

 In all the travels of the Israelites,
whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle,
they would set out;
BUT if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—
until the day it lifted.
Exodus 40:36-37
Anyone who knows me - knows I love to travel. It's crazy to think back to Bible time when God showed Himself in physical ways. Can you imagine that you would know when to go different places based on watching the clouds.
Some may say that would make life easier.
Nah- I like it this way-just pay attention and God will tell you what you are supposed to do.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

BUT be sure to fear the Lord (1 Samuel 12:24)

 BUT be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.
` Samuel 12:24
This verse actually makes me sad. It is sad that we have to be reminded to serve the Lord. BUT God's word is just right and He knew what we would need to be reminded of because we are human. Make a difference and serve the Lord today.

Friday, May 22, 2015

BUT God remains the strength of my heart (Psalm 76:26)

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
    BUT God remains the strength of my heart;
    He is mine forever.
Psalm 76:26
The older I get the more things in my body fail. It is easy to become discouraged as well. BUT it makes my heart smile to think that God is mine forever and we truly are here for just a little while.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

BUT the Lord examines the heart. (Proverbs 21:2)

People may be right in their own eyes,
    BUT the Lord examines their heart.
Proverbs 21:2
I know I should be really spiritual right now and tell us to examine our own hearts to make sure they are right. BUT today when I read this I thought about people who make me crazy because they think they are always right and I thought it don't matter what they think God knows what's going on!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

BUT the plans of the Lord (Psalm 33:11)

The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
    and thwarts all their schemes.
BUT the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
    his intentions can never be shaken.
Psalm 33:11
1st I had to check several translations to see if I could find this verse with out the word "thwarts" nope it is in several so I had to look it up.

thwart

 (thwôrt)
tr.v. thwart·ed, thwart·ing, thwarts
1. To prevent the occurrence, realization, or attainment of: They thwarted her plans.
2. To oppose and defeat the efforts, plans, or ambitions of (someone).
 No matter what happens around us remember...God wins...It's great to be on the winning Team!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

BUT the wisdom that comes from heaven (James 3:17-18)

BUT the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18
When you are seeking wisdom- check it against this verse. If it is not all of these it just might not be heavenly wisdom- BUT our own selfish desires being manipulated into "wisdom"

Monday, May 18, 2015

BUT a kind word cheers it up (Proverbs 12:25)

Anxiety weighs down the heart, BUT a kind word cheers it up.
Proverbs 12:25
Such a simple truth that if we could live it out could save lives. In our world where it seems suicide is happening more often this verse could be the game changer! Say something kind to someone today you never know what they are going though.

Friday, May 15, 2015

BUT brought the rest (Acts 5:1-2)

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira,
also sold a piece of property.
With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back
part of the money for himself, 
BUT brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1-2
This is not one of those warm fuzzy verses
BUT a verse that makes you evaluate ourselves.
What are we keeping from God? ( the One who gives and GAVE us everything)
Do we present to the world that we are givers only to know in our heart we are keeping things back for our selves.
 It's not just about money BUT the matter of the heart. Forgive me Lord.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

BUT you will receive power (Acts 1:7-8)

He said to them:
“It is not for you to know the times or dates
the Father has set by his own authority. 
BUT you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:7-8
These were Jesus' last words before He ascended in to heaven. This was His last chance to make a difference- What would your last words be? He didn't say I love you or be Good. His actions spoke that during His life. He told us to make a difference with the life we have. This is one reason that I continue to post these verses as my way of witnessing.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

BUT never have enough (Haggai 1:6)

You have planted much, BUT harvested little.
You eat, BUT never have enough.
You drink, BUT never have your fill.
You put on clothes, BUT are not warm.
You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”
Haggai 1:6
OUCH

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

BUT in the third year sow and reap (2 Kings 19:29)

“This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah:
“This year you will eat what grows by itself,
and the second year what springs from that.
BUT in the third year sow and reap,
plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
2 Kings 19:29
I truly believe in sowing and reaping. What are you sowing today that is going to bring you peace and joy over the next few years. I can't help BUT remind us all to sow love into your spouse. It won't be long until the kids will be gone and you will only have each other.

Monday, May 11, 2015

BUT we do see Jesus (Hebrews 2:9)

BUT we do see Jesus,
who was made lower than the angels for a little while,
now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death,
so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:9
I consider my self a giving person- a people pleaser some would say. BUT I can truthfully say that there is no way I would be willing to suffer the death Jesus suffered. He did it willingly for each and everyone of us that believe.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

BUT a woman (Proverbs 31:31)

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
BUT a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:31
What does it mean to you to "fear" the Lord?
 My fear is knowing that He knows me completely... every thought, every motive, and every action.
BUT He still loves me.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

BUT this man has done nothing wrong. (Luke 23:39-42)

 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him:
“Aren’t you the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”
 BUT the other criminal rebuked him.
“Don’t you fear God,” he said,
“since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.
BUT this man has done nothing wrong.”
 Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.
Luke 23:39-42
This Verse reminds me often of the 2 voices in my head. I will listen to the voice of truth today.
What voice will you be to others?

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

BUT as wise (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Be very careful, then, how you live
not as unwise BUT as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish,
BUT understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
What is the Lord's will for you? If that over whelms you, relax and just think about how much He loves you and live that out today.