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 to whom little is forgiven (Luke 7:44-48)

Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon,

“Do you see this woman?

I entered your house;

you gave Me no water for My feet,

BUT

 she has washed My feet with her tears

and wiped them with the hair of her head.  

 You gave Me no kiss,

BUT

 this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet

since the time I came in. 

You did not anoint My head with oil,

BUT

this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven,

 for she loved much.

BUT

 to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 7:44-48

I love these verses 4 BIG BUTS! bring your offerings to Christ today. No matter little or large Jesus is ready to forgive them and set you free.

BUT... with You there is forgiveness (Psalm 13:3-4)

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

BUT... with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Psalms 130:3-4

Too often we humans want to justify our behavior and put sin into categories and them tell ourselves "I have't committed any of the "BIG" sins, I'm just human.
Today understand that we all screw up,  BUT God does not keep a record of our sins
BUT instead forgives us. Now let's go out and love our God and serve Him.

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