BUT may all who seek you rejoice (Psalm 40:16)

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”

Psalm 40:16

As we close out the month of January, may this be our prayer. Let's seek and rejoice in God's word each and every day. When the day is done we will no doubt say "The Lord is Great!"

BUT I can't (Romans 7:18-20)

I know what is wrong and I know that nothing good lives in me,
that is, in my sinful nature.

I want to do what is right,

 BUT I can’t.

I want to do what is good,

BUT I don’t.

 I don’t want to do what is wrong,

BUT I do it anyway.

BUT if I do what I don’t want to do,

I am not really the one doing wrong;

 It is sin living in me that does it.

I have discovered this principle of life—

That when I want to do what is right,

 I inevitably do what is wrong.

 I love God’s law with all my heart.

BUT there is another power within me that is at war with my mind.

This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

 Oh, what a miserable person I am!

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is:

 In my mind I really want to obey God’s law,

 BUT because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

Romans 7:18-20 (NLT)

Do you find yourself in these passages?  If you have struggled in the past in a humbling situation where you want to do what is right but inevitably you still have bad thoughts or actions please be reminded that is the old nature. Until we get to heaven this battle within will always rage, be strong my friend Jesus can concur even this battle. So often we think to pray about health, financial issues or physical needs BUT my friend the greatest pray is for Jesus to get victory over the battles within!  Please feel free to comment and share an internal battle with us. 

BUT a Happy Heart (Proverbs 15:15

All the days of the needy are hard…

BUT

A happy heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15  CEB

A happy heart is a choice.
It is not our circumstances that make us happy BUT the condition of our heart.
What makes a person needy?
Did you picture a homeless person? 
 I have spent time with several homeless and many of them have a happy heart. 
I have also been in the presence of wealthy people who do not have happy hearts.
If you are growing weary, my friend. If you feel life is just too hard sometimes.
You may need a new heart.
That's just what Jesus came to do.
He wants to take all your junk and throw it so far away that you can't see it or feel it.
Make the best choice of your life today
Tell Jesus to take control and surrender your heart to Him.
BUT remember the recovery process and success is based on how well you take care of your new heart (It's new Jesus is there to stay)
 Stay with me the rest of the year and let's explore and get rid of all the BUTS in our life.

BUT He said to me (2 Corinthians 12:9)

BUT He said to me,

“My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

I confess I don't like showing people my weaknesses.
Many times I feel lonely and inadequate and I see my weaknesses glaring at me.
I can be negative- controlling- selfish (okay that's enough)
By God's grace I am a work in progress and over the last 30 years
 I have pleaded God to help me see His goodness.
 I do not say this to boast
BUT to give God the glory for a transformation that still takes place every day.


 If this is what it takes to show Christ Strength- it's worth it.
The weaker we are
the stronger Christ becomes.
 I hope I am not the only one that struggles with this.
Stop trying to be all THAT and start being honest in your weakness
 and let others know you are human. 
Christ is powerful enough to use your weaknesses.

BUT, you, Lord, do not be far from me (Psalm, 22:19)

BUT you, Lord, do not be far from me.

You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

Psalm 22:19
If you are feeling that God is far away from you today, my friend.
Stop for a moment... He's there.
No matter where you are at. He's there.
Make this your prayer right now at this moment.
He has never left you.
Unfortunately far too often we turn away from Him.
BUT he is never far from you.
Turn around and fall into the arms of Jesus.
Now I know you got to get up at some point and go about all the stuff life throws at us.
BUT remember God goes before you and is waiting there too!

BUT the Spirit himself intercedes ( Romans 8:26)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
We do not know what we ought to pray for, 
BUT the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26
Do you ever find it hard to pray?
Maybe you are going through a hard time and you just don't know what to say.
 Don't say nothing at all. Hey that reminds me of a song-
Alison Krauss "When you say nothing at all"

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

It wasn't written as a Christian song BUT listen to it today I believe this is how God feels towards us.
God is there- He will not let you fall- He loves us best even when we say nothing at all.

BUT only what is helpful for building others up (Ephesians 4:26)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

BUT only what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:26
I confess this is one of the hardest things in the world to do.
BUT could you imagine if we tried, I mean really tried to do this how it could change the world.
We are worth it. Just for today let's try it- I know it will change YOUR world.
Today build others up - not for what you get out of it BUT according to their needs.

BUT the Lord Helped me (Psalm 118:13)

I was pushed back and about to fall, BUT the Lord helped me.

Psalm 118:13

It's Monday. My hope is that you are not feeling this way already.

It's just to early in the morning for that.

 BUT I know sometimes that is just how Monday hits us. Smack between the eyes!

Hold tight my friend God's got you.

Casting Crowns came out with a fantastic song that brings me so much comfort when I feel I am pushed back and about to fall. The title is "Be Held"

think about these words today...

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

BUT those who walk in wisdom (Proverbs 28:26)

Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    BUT those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Proverbs 28:26
Stop trying to do everything on your own my friend.
We are nothing with out God's help.
Are you struggling with some of those "resolutions" you made for this year.
Stop and ask yourself, "Am I trying to do this on your own?"
The best way to stick to those things you know are right are to
first ask God for help and then find positive people that will support and encourage you.
Walk in wisdom my friend.

BUT I cannot carry it out (Romans 7:18)

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me,

that is, in my sinful nature.

For I have the desire to do what is good, 

BUT I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7:18
Do you find yourself starting off your morning thinking,
" I got this, I am going to treat people nice,  I'm going to have a great day".  
Then before you know it,  someone has cut you off in traffic, people at work are so demanding and no one else is being nice so why bother!
Let that be a beautiful reminder that Jesus loves you no matter what
and its only when we remember His love for us and fill ourselves up with His love
that we can fulfill that desire to do what is good.
Don't go at it alone my friend. Let Him carry your burdens.

BUT overcome (Romans 12:21)

Do not be overcome by evil,

BUT overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

So what did you do with yesterdays verse?

I pray you were able to let the little things go

And not feel like you need to retaliate against anyone who may have not been nice to you.

Today's challenge  to overcome that evil.

You know killim' with kindness. As the southern woman say "bless their heart".

BUT today mean it- maybe that person that is giving you a hard time is having a hard time. 

With God's help you can overcome that evil with good.

BUT always Strive to do what is good (1Thessaloninas 5:15)

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, 

BUT always strive to do what is good

for each other

and for everyone else.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

Have you been treated unfairly? Do you just want to lash out at some one?
Well this BUT is for you.
Doing good takes effort,
It is sad how being ugly is easier.
Many of us made a commitment this year to take better care of our body this year
Well let's also make a commitment to take better care of each other.
We need to work our heart muscles more then our tongue muscles.

BUT be transformed (Romans 12:2)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

BUT be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—

his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

 

Are you struggling my friend.

Did you have a great plan to start the year off

 BUT now you find yourself falling back into the same old routine.

STOP and really read this verse again (did you really go back and read it)

you just renewed your mind!

I know God's will for me is to turn the message of Big Buts of the Bible into a book-

this is His good, pleasing and perfect will.

BUT when I let myself conform to the pattern of this world I doubt and get confused.

So I ask for you to pray that I will stay the course!

I will be praying for  you as well my friend.

 

BUT it is the Lord's purpose (Provrebs19:21)

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,    BUT it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

Well we are 19 days into the new year.

Did you make plans to take better care of your self?

Are you finding it tough to stay committed to those plans?

I pray that reading this verse will either

help you stay strong to your commitment or

remind you to seek God once again for what His plans are for you.

It's a new day! Go out and be your amazing self-

there's no one else that can do what God has planned for you!

BUT they could not stand (Acts 6:10)

BUT they could not stand up against the wisdom

 the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

Acts 6:10
Can you imagine what it would be like if no one could stand against the words you spoke?  If you read more of this story you will find that even after people began gossiping about Stephen he remained strong to the point that people said that when they looked into his face it was like a face of an angel. WOW
Are you struggling with your words?
Spend time with God, beg Him for wisdom and then only speak what you know God would have you speak. BUT stay strong and close to God and remember
what He thinks of you is all that really matters.

BUT a fool's eyes (Proverbs 17:24)

A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    BUT a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24
Is it just me that allows my eyes and mind to wonder.
It seems I can't stay focused on what I know is good for me.
 As we are almost 3 weeks into the new year are you finding it hard to
stay focused on the goals you set for yourself?
Don't be a fool and throw away all your hard work.
Write out the plans you and God came up with for this year and 
 if you haven't already and put them places you will see every day.
Add this verse to them so when you think about wandering you have wisdom within your view.

BUT just as he who called you holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)

BUT just as He who called you is holy, 
so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 
“Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:15-16

What is Holy? Far to often I have thought it is out of my reach. Being completely honest I'd have to admit I'm not ready for HOLY- that's like all in- perfect. I'm still a sinner in a imperfect world. 
 BUT the definition of holy is: dedicated to God or  used in exclamations of surprise or dismay.
HOLY COW we can be holy!
Take a moment to day and let your thoughts and actions be dedicated to God.

BUT with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    BUT with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

If something bad is happening around you right now, take a moment and ask your self what role you played in the situation. What can you learn? Is there anything you can change? I believe this is the best way to address any selfish pride that sometimes causes problems. Maybe you need to humble yourself and apologize or maybe you need to just be quite.
Either way you will be wiser for allowing God to handle it.

BUT the advantage of knowledge (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, 

BUT the advantage of knowledge is this:

Wisdom preserves those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12
Money, money, money, money, moooooney.
Love this verse.
There is nothing wrong with money and it is good to shelter your money
and protect it so to speak so you have it in the future.
BUT wisdom or knowledge preserves us.
Stop and really think about that.
 Wisdom preserves (to maintain it's original state) who you are.

BUT when you are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13)

 No temptation has overtaken you 

except what is common to mankind. 

And God is faithful; 

he will not let you be tempted 

beyond what you can bear. 

BUT when you are tempted,

He will also provide a way out 

so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 
Well we are 2 weeks into the new year. Are you finding yourself tempted to give up on your goals? Is it just to hard to stay focused? Remember this BUT!!! 
You are growing stronger, don't give up on yourself!

BUT a perverse tongue (Proverbs 10:31)

From the mouth of the righteous comes 

the fruit of wisdom,

     BUT a perverse tongue will be silenced.

Proverbs 10:31

As we continue to seek wisdom in the new year. 
I had to look up the word perverse: showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable.

We have to ask ourselves first if we are guilty of speaking negatively or perversely.  
If so God is bigger then these thoughts. Plead with Him to take them away from you. 
Second  If you are find your self around people like this pray for them. 
I can't help BUT let the funny side of me laugh and think of the comedian Jeff Dunham

and his puppet Achmed he is known for saying, "Silence" -"I Kill You". 
Remember God will silence those who speak negatively. 

 I am going to call this a promise of God. 

BUT wisdom is found (Proverbs 13:10)

Where there is strife, there is pride,
    BUT wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 13:10
I don't know about you, BUT if I seriously look at times I have had trouble with people the root problems is often pride. I don't feel like my opinion was considered or taken seriously. 
I didn't get my way. 
Wow I really need to memorize this verse and make it a part of my problem solving resolution. 
I pray you will take a moment to look at problems you may be having in your life and 
take the advice of this verse.  

BUT the fountain of Wisdom (Proverbs 18:4)

The words of the mouth are deep waters,
    but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Proverbs 18:4

I love word pictures and with the floods we have had in Georgia this month this is a perfect BUT. So many of us are guilty of talking way t much just like the deep waters around us you can see how much damage are words can do. BUT how many of us love to listen to a rushing stream. The simple sound of water soothes and relaxes us.  That is what wisdom is like. BUT what do we have to do to enjoy the rushing stream? Yep you got it-you have to seek it out, find it and then sit, listen and enjoy. God is calling us to Him today. He has the greatest wisdom for us. Will you take the time to go to the rushing stream? You deserve it!

BUT the disciples rebuked them (Matthew 19:13-15)

 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. 

BUT the disciples rebuked them.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Matthew 19:13-15

BUT now (Romans 7:6)

BUT now,
by dying to what once bound us, 
we have been released from the law 
so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, 
and not in the old way of the written code.
Romans 7:6 

 Do not be controlled by the old way of the written code. There is not a set of rules my friend. Jesus didn't come as a baby to die on the cross so that we could follow a written code! LET GO today my friend. Die to your self and serve Christ. Stop for a moment and ask yourself what you are holding on to that is preventing you from being released. Is it control, fear, selfish desires? 

BUT keep my commands (Proverbs 3:1-3)

My son, do not forget my teaching,

    

 BUT keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years

    and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

    bind them around your neck,

    write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 3:1-3

Were you like me and when you read this verse? You thought, oh now which commands do I need to keep? There we go again, looking for a set of rules to follow to earn something. 

BUT if we look at how the passage continues we see it's all about love and faithfulness. 

This verse reminds us to seek God first. 

Isn't that where peace comes from. And once we are at peace aren't we content with what we have thus there is our prosperity. 

Sometimes we just make life too complicated. 

Today imagine you are placing a beautiful necklace around your neck a necklace that symbolizes love and faithfulness. 

God loves you and is forever faithful!

BUT for wisdom and knowledge (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern 

this great people of yours?”

God said to Solomon, 

“Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, 

and since you have not asked for a long life 

BUT for wisdom and knowledge 

to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

2 Chronicles 1:10-12

As we begin this new year it is a great time to make goals and plans 

BUT what if God stopped you today and said my child, "what can I give you this year?" 

 After reading this verse it's easy to say yeah, wisdom would be nice... 

BUT let's be real...

Please take time today to really search your heart and ask God what 

He wants for you this year and then listen and be blessed.

BUT give me only my daily bread (Proverbs 30:8)

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; 
give me neither poverty nor riches, 
BUT give me only my daily bread.

Proverbs 30:8

It's a new year and we all have at least in our mind thought of things we want for this new year. 
This is a fantastic verse to stay focused on.  
On Facebook recently there was a app to see what your word for 2016 would be.
 I just had to click on it and the word I was given was "TRUTH"  then I read this verse. 
So my focus is going to be on  seeking the truth through out this year. 
I Love how God will give us what we seek for. 
God is enough He will provide everything we need every day. 
What are you seeking for this new year? 

BUT all it's many parts form one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

Just as a body, though one, has many parts,

BUT...

 all its many parts form one body, 
so it is with Christ.
 For we were all baptized by one Spirit 
so as to form one body—
whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—
and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 
Even so the body is not made up of one part 
BUT of many.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14
As we all start the new year off thinking more about taking care of our bodies 
let's remember to take care of the whole body. 
Exercise and eating right are great for our physical body. 
BUT let's remember to take care of our emotional and spiritual body as well by spending time reading God's word and praying for yourself and others. 
Another great work out that not only helps us 
BUT  others is exercising Kindness and being full of Grace.  

BUT you must rule over it. (Genesis 4:7)

 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? 

BUT if you do not do what is right, 

sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, BUT you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:7

As my children were growing up and especially when they hit the teenage years I would simply tell them to "Do right" when they left the house.
 By this time in life I prayed I had given them enough guidance. 
There was no list of rules that I could give them 
because human nature would lead them to find one I hadn't mentioned. 
This verse captures that concept beautifully. 
As we go into this new year I challenge us to "Do right" 
The enemy desires to have you.
 BUT you must RULE over it.  
Remember "Doing Right" is not a list of rules you impress on others 
BUT what you know in your heart to be true. 

BUT one we have had from the beginning (2 John 1:5-6)

And now, dear lady, 

I am not writing you a new command 

BUT one we have had from the beginning. 

I ask that we love one another. 

And this is love: 

that we walk in obedience to His commands. 

As you have heard from the beginning, 

His command is that you walk in love.

2 John 1:5-6

This is often easier send then done. 
Walk in love. 
BUT as we look at taking better care of ourselves this new year 
why not start with doing what God says. 
Stop judging and instead just love. 
I guarantee you will have a better year then ever before. 

BUT and old one (1 John 2:7-11)

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command 

BUT an old one, 

which you have had since the beginning.

 This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 

Anyone who claims to be in the light 

BUT hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 

 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light,and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.

 BUT anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

1 John 2:7-11

Do you want to have a great year? Sometimes the best way to do this is to stick with the basics. This verse is pretty clear, if you want to walk without stumbling you need to let go of any hatred you are feeling. Take time today to really ask God to help you forgive and forget. Approach people if that is what it takes to move on for you. You may say I can't forget- well forgetfulness has several stages. To start moving in the right direction stop dwelling on the people who have hurt you even for a moment, then an hour, before you know it you haven't given them your valuable time for a whole day, a week. You have forgotten! Replace the angry feelings with thoughts of God and His love towards you.

BUT because of His own purpose and grace (1 Timothy 1:9-10)

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—

not because of anything we have done 

BUT because of His own purpose and grace. 

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus
 before the beginning of time,  

BUT it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

Before the beginning of time... As we begin a new year let's embrace the power of Grace. There's nothing you can do bad enough or good enough to cause God to love you more or less. This was established before the beginning of time. Don't drag your junk into this new year. Jesus destroyed death and brought life to the light! Make this the year you believe in the power Christ can have over your life if you will just let Him!