BUT the tax collector (Luke 18:10-14)

 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“BUT the tax collector stood at a distance.

He would not even look up to heaven, 

BUT beat his breast and said,

‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:10-14

This story encourages me every time I read it. We as Christians need to be reminded where we came from and who we would be without Christ.

BUT will rejoice (Zephaniah 3:17)

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, BUT will rejoice over you with singing.”

 Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

No matter what you are going through today God is with you. He is your Mighty Warrior, you do not need to fight this battle alone. Turn to Him and hear the beautiful singing of freedom!

BUT each one should build with care (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.

BUT each one should build with care. 

 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 3:10-11

This verse made me think of my children. As they were growing up I was establishing their foundation. Now that they are grown they are building on it.

PRAISE GOD Jesus Christ is the foundation already laid down!

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 nearly missed it (Psalm 73:1-2)

No doubt about is! God is good, good to the good hearted.

BUT I nearly missed it. Missed seeing His goodness I was looking up to the people at the top. 

Psalms 73:1-2 MSG

Be careful to not look to the people who appear to have everything. There is nothing wrong with being successful, BUT not at the risk of not keeping God first. 

BUT... a troubled heart (Proverbs 15:13)

A

Joyful heart

Brightens one face…

BUT

A troubled heart

Breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13  CEB

Joy has a way of over flowing. Even if a person is not smiling their face still shines. ha