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 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 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 in the name of the Lord (Psalm 118:10-14)

All nations surrounded me,
BUT in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
 They surrounded me,
Yes, they surrounded me;
BUT in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
They surrounded me like bees;
They were quenched like a fire of thorns;
For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.
You pushed me violently, that I might fall,
BUT the Lord helped me.
 The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.

^{Psalm 118:10-14}

^{Several people I know are going through a tough time right now. Feeling attacked by others. Even as a nation we are attacking each other. This verse reminds us to GO TO GOD In JESUS NAME! He is our strength.}

BUT our competence come from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

 Such confidence we have through Christ before God.

Not that we are competent in ourselves

 to claim anything for ourselves, 

BUT our competence comes from God. 

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—

not of the letter

 BUT of the Spirit; for the letter kills, 

BUT the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6

This verse screams GRACE to me. I am a rule person BUT I also know and have received GRACE - You are no ones judge, instead give life through your love.

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 the Lord comes to rescue (Psalm 34:19)

The righteous person faces many troubles,
    BUT the Lord comes to the rescue each time,

Psalm 34:19

Be still my friend. God's timing is not always our timing BUT He will rescue you.
 Keep holding on to Him and not your circumstances.