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.

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

BUT the workers are few (Luke 10:2)

 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful,

BUT the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Luke 10:2

This seems like a verse we could think about in the fall BUY since it is spring time we need to make sure we are planting seeds of love and grace all around us so that when fall comes there will be something to harvest.

BUT if the salt loses (Matthew 5:13)

“You are the salt of the earth.

BUT if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

 It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Matthew 5:13

Salt add flavor and help preserve. Do you had flavor to your world? Do you help preserve others?

BUT store up for yourselves (Matthew 6:20-21)

BUT store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:20-21

This is a perfect follow up to yesterday.

Treasures in Heaven to me is showing kindness and love to others.

BUT I will give repeated thanks (Psalm 109:30)

BUT I will give repeated thanks to the Lord,

praising him to everyone.

Psalm 109:30

 Now that Christmas has passed and we have all received great gifts let us take time to thank the Lord for all He has blessed us with. So much more then gifts, BUT also the time with family and friends and the Birth of His Only Son. Take a moment to write down what these last few days have been like and then re-read it next year to see how life changes.

BUT giving thanks (Psalm 50:23)

BUT giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.

If you keep to my path,

I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

Psalm 50:23

I never thought of giving Thanks as a sacrifice... But it truly is. Just like how I taught my children when they were young that a gift was not there's until they said thank you. Sometimes they didn't want to take the time to say thank you - it was like a sacrifice to them. It's nice to know that something that cost us nothing honors God.

BUT brimming with worship (Hebrews 12:28)

Do you see what we’ve got?

An unshakable kingdom!

And do you see how thankful we must be?

Not only thankful, 

BUT brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.

Hebrews 12:28 (msg)

LOVE this. let's not just be thankful this November let's start brimming over with Worship!

BUT in everything (Phillippians 4:6)

BUT on every word (Matthew 4:4)

Jesus answered, “It is written:

‘Man shall not live on bread alone,

BUT on every word that comes from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4
As you start to plan your Thanksgiving meal remember to include on the menu God's word. Share His word with your family that your feast may be complete.

BUT is also overflowig (2 Corinthians 9:12)

 This service that you perform is not only

supplying the needs of the Lord’s people

BUT is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12

When we serve others it is an automatic thanks to God. With that in mind go out and intentionally serve someone today.

BUT thanks be to God (1 Corinthians 15:57)

But thanks be to God!

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

No matter what you may be going through remember God wins.

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... 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 to you who are listening (Proverbs 6:27-28)

 “But to you who are listening I say:

 Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Proverbs 6:27-28

Are you listening?

BUT...I do want you to experience the blessing of generosity (Philippians 4:15-17)

"You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give and take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out and not only once 

BUT twice. Not that I'm looking for handout, 

BUT I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity. 

Philippians 4:15-17 MSG

BUT... to you who are listening (Luke 6:28-29)

 “But to you who are listening I say

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

bless those who curse you,

pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:28-29

Wow imagine if we would listen to what Jesus tells us. Start today, one moment at a time. Ask God for a sensitivity to His spirit to know how to respond. God and you become in control and not those who frustrate you.

 

 

 

BUT... you've taken my hand (Psalms 73:21-24)

When I was under attack and bitter, totally consumed by envy,
 I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence
I'm still in your presence,

BUT you've taken my hand.

You wisely and tenderly lead me,

and then you bless me."

Psalms 73:21-24 MSG

 

this psalm talks about how no matter how low we may go we are still in God's presence and He will tenderly lead us. Our pastor this week used this as the foundation passage for the message
Choices of a Happy Heart. So if you find your self unhappy think about these points
* Choose FORGIVENESS instead of BITTERNESS
* Choose GRATEFULNESS instead of JEALOUSLY
*Choose GRACE instead of GUILT 

BUT... I do want you to experience the blessing (Philippians 4:16)

   Not that I'm looking for handouts

 BUT I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

 Philippians  4:16

It truly is a blessing to give when your heart is right. Giving can sometimes be a touchy subject since money often can be someone's master. BUT what a joy giving is when the heart is right. The more we give the more I believe God blesses us. Try it today, Pray about what the Lord would want you to give, maybe it is just to pay for the persons food behind you in drive through.

BUT... fools delight in airing their opinion (Proverbs 18:2)

Fools find no pleasure in understanding

BUT…

delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:2

Do you find yourself doing all the talking in most conversations? Be careful sometimes it is better to make sure you are listening to make sure you understand what the other person is feeling.
 It is best to only give your opinion if you are asked otherwise it often comes across judgmental.