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. 

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) 

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.

BUT when you give (Matthew 6:3-4)

 BUT when you give to the needy,

do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

so that your giving may be in secret.

Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

^{Matthew 6:3-4}

^{This is a great motivation for Random Acts of Kindness! Go do something for someone today that is not expecting it You actually may end up with the greater blessing}

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 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 NIV
As you think about these last days of 2014 remember God is in control- 
make it a point in 2015 of speaking to His Son.  

BUT Jesus often (Luke 5:16)

BUT Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 5:16
With so much going on during this holiday season one of the best gifts you could give your self is to withdraw for even a moment and pray.

BUT Jesus, only Jesus (Mark 9:7-8)

Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him."Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing nothing

BUT...

 Jesus, only Jesus.

Mark 9:7-8 msg

I can't help BUT think of this verse when I think of everyone anxiously waiting for the New Year. Everyone is looking up and waiting for the count down. Imagine what it was like for Jesus' 3 closest disciplines as they watched Him ascend into heaven.

 I love the last 6 words." Seeing nothing BUT Jesus, only Jesus!

Let's keep our eyes on the heavens this year!

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...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... there is something I am looking for ((Isaiah 66:1)

What sort of house could you build for me?

What holiday spot reserve for me? I made all this!

I own all this!" God's Decree.

"But…

 there is something I'm looking for:

a person simple and plain,

reverently responsive to what I say.

(Isaiah 66:1 MSG)

What I love about this verse is that God is not telling us that we can’t have nice things BUT when it comes to what we have to offer Him the things is not what He desires. What pleases Him is when we listen to what He has to say and humbly do it. Take the challenge this Easter week.

Take time to listen to Him and respond.