BUT whoever loses his life (Mark 8:35)

 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,

BUT whoever loses his life for

My sake and the gospel’s will save it.

Mark 8:35

God is calling us to give up our pride and comfort zone to proclaim we believe in Him. The amazing part is that it is not really giving up anything because His love, forgiveness, peace and grace overwhelmingly give us is a much higher gain.

BUT now in Christ (Ephesians 2:13)

  BUT now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away
have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13
It's October so every where around us you hear and see blood and haunted stuff. I know it is all in fun and I am glad even Christians can enjoy this time of year. BUT this verse reminds me no matter how far away from God you may feel, remember Jesus shed His blood for you and wants you to feel His closeness today.

BUT is longsuffereing towards us (2 Peter 3:9)

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; BUT is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, BUT that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

God keeps His promises! Is there someone in your life that you have been praying for? Don't give up. God is patient.

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... I didn't get what I deserve (Job 33:27)

I sinned,

BUT... I didn't get what I deserved.

  He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit,

 and I will live to enjoy the light.

  Job 33:27

BUT... on the good ground (Luke 8:11-15)

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. BUT the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. BUT the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

Luke 8:11-15
For many years as I read this parable I thought it applied to non Christians  I thought it explained how some listen to the word and reject it, while others take it for a while and then turn away while others allow it to change their heart.. Today as I read it I realized it also speaks to us believers, when we hear God's word do we just let it rain on us for the moment, or maybe even think about it all day Sunday, or do we let it penetrate our heart, fertilize it by thinking about it and applying it to our life that we might bring forth fruit (yicks) with patience. 

BUT God is the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:25-26)

Whom have I in heaven BUT you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and heart may fail

BUT GOD

is the  strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Psalm 73:25-26 

The only way I survive somedays is to  be reminded that Jesus and Crystal and Poppy are waiting for me in heaven! 

BUT... my salvation will be forever. (Isaiah 51:6)

I love God's timing it is perfect. Just as I am beginning my training to be a flight attendant and I will have more opportunity to look at the earth beneath us. I am reminded that it will vanish BUT for those of us who have put our trust in JESUS - we will have together forever. (see you someday my sweet Crystal)