BUT God has been making it grown (1 Corinthians 3:6)

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it,

BUT God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:6

As this winter is drawing to an end and we think about planting seeds for harvest it is a beautiful picture of faith and trust in God. Just like our children, family and friends we can plant all the good we can in them BUT it is up to God to make them grow in Him.

BUT with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18)

Dear children,

let us not love with words or speech

BUT with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

What if today we stop talking about Jesus love and started putting it into action!

BUT among you stands (John 1:26-27)

“I baptize with water,” John replied,

“BUT among you stands one you do not know.

He is the one who comes after me,

the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

John 1:26-27

What amazes me about this verse is as John the Baptist is being challenged about Baptizing people Jesus is standing amongst the crowd. How often do we get caught up in what we think is right and miss spending time with Jesus as part of everyday life?

BUT the one and only Son (John1:18)

 No one has ever seen God,

BUT the one and only Son,

who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.

John 1:18

Have you seen God? Draw close to Jesus and you will be amazed at how He will show you the Father. You don't have to physically see them to experience their love, grace and mercy. Steal a few minutes of your day today and look for God.

BUT now you are light (Ephesians 5:8)

For you were once in darkness,

BUT now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light

Ephesians 5:8
What if we that call ourselves children of God were to live as children of the light?

BUT envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30)

A heart at peace gives life to the body, BUT envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 14:30

Don't let life pass you by because you  compare yourself to others. You really have no ideas what they may be going through even though they may seem to have everything and have it all together- and more importantly count your blessings.

BUT whoever gathers money (Proverbs 13:11)

Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Proverbs 13:11

BUT even if He does not (Daniel 3:17-18)

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
 the God we serve is able to deliver us from it,
and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.
BUT even if He does not, we want you to know,
Your Majesty, that we will not serve
your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18
LOVE this kind of faith! To know that facing a fire with God
is better then surrendering to a false god and going at life alone.

BUT God demostrates His own LOVE (Romans 5:8)

BUT God demonstrates His own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

I am not sure what you are hoping for this Valentines day maybe flowers and card, dinner and gifts.

Don't forget how much you are loved by your Heavenly Father. These earthy gifs will fade BUT His love for you never will.  

BUT you are forgiving (Nehemiah 9:17)

They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.

BUT you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love.

Therefore you did not desert them.

Nehemiah 9:17

When I listen to the news and see what is happening to our world and especially our country this verse gives me comfort. Pray for our nation today.

BUT those who plan (Proverbs 14:22)

Do not those who plot evil go astray?
 BUT those who plan what is good find LOVE and faithfulness.

Proverbs 14:22
I am sure as we all look back at our life we discover there may have been times when we were mad at someone of some situation and we came up with ideas to make them miserable. Let us instead look to the future and plan to find good in each situation or walk away from evil so that we may be surrounded by Love and faithfulness.

BUT to your name (Psalm 115:1)

Not to us, Lord, not to us
BUT to Your name be the glory,
because of Your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1
If by any chance you are proud of what you have accomplished,
please take a moment to realize it is ALL from God.

 As His children we are nothing with out His glory.
Take time today to thank Him for your gifts and talents.

BUT to bring salvation (Hebrews 9:28)

So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many;

 and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin,

BUT to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.       

 Hebrews 9:28 NIV

 Are you waiting for Christ return? Does is scare you? Do you thing oh but I don't want to miss...? that's okay we are human. BUT I do challenge you to take a few moments and set aside those thoughts and think of the peace that comes from no more sin or guilt BUT pure praise and joy for eternity!

BUT there are some Jews (Daniel 3:12-13)

BUT there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Daniel 3:12-13
I love showing this story to children. Imagine their open minds and what they are thinking. One child said once, "I don't like those tattle tails- they should mind their own business and let Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do what they want - they aren't hurting any body"  I told them that even in this bad situation God was able to show off!

BUT I tell you (Matthew 5:44)

BUT I tell you, love your enemies

and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:44
I am not sure what you are going through today. BUT I do know from personal experience that rather then let those people the get on your nerves make your life miserable stop on pray for them. Stand back and watch what God can do