BUT Jesus Christ as Lord (2 Corinthians 4:5)

For what we preach is not ourselves,

BUT Jesus Christ as Lord,

and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4:5

This holiday season give Jesus the best gift. Let your actions speak louder then your words! 

BUT the lowly in spirit (Proverbs 29:23)

Pride brings a person low, BUT the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Proverbs 29:23

I received one of the best compliments the other day from someone I hardly knew. We were at the same gathering and she commented late in the day how she had been watching me. She said that no matter what was going on around me I was smiling and helping. She even asked "how do you do it?"

It was so awesome to be able to simple say God. (I don't write this to be proud- just to remind us that we should do everything for no pleasure  but to please God)

BUT is also overflowig (2 Corinthians 9:12)

 This service that you perform is not only

supplying the needs of the Lord’s people

BUT is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12

When we serve others it is an automatic thanks to God. With that in mind go out and intentionally serve someone today.

BUT... He is out in the fields (1 Samuel 16:11)

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied.

 “BUT...

 he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.”

1 Sam 16:11

This verse just makes me smile because I am the youngest child in my family. God was looking for a new king and He sent Samuel to the family of Jesse to find him. The father showed him all of the sons and none were the one God was looking for. When he asked is this all of your sons the above verse was the reply. When Samuel found David in the field God assured him he was the one! Imagine that - a shepherd keeping watch over his flocks by night.  

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... to serve (Mark 10:45)

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,

BUT... to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

Love, love, love, this verse.  I am blessed with the gift of serving others BUT if you find this a challenge remember today that even Jesus was called to serve others,.He washed the feet of His disciples.
Go out today and see how blessed you will become when you serve others.

Please comment and let me know how it goes.

BUT...few things are needed (Luke 10:38-42)

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 

BUT Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

“Martha, Martha,”the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,

BUT few things are needed—or indeed only one.Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

I have been caught in this trap many times in life where I get caught up in the busyness of life and don't take time to STOP and spend time with my Lord or others He has laid on my heart. I praise God the older I get the easier it is for me to not worry about the stuff!

BUT.. my family and I will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:14-15)

So now, revere the Lord. Serve Him honestly and faithfully. Put aside the gods that your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt and serve the Lord.

BUT… if it seems wrong in your opinion
 to serve the Lord,

then choose today whom you will serve….

BUT..

my family and I will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:14-15    CEB

This is definitely one of those BIG BUTS of the Bible. Who are you serving today? What does serving the Lord look like to you? I find that I have to tell myself this every morning and then sometimes several times throughout the day. It is a CHOICE to put aside the gods that are right before me (my selfish desires) and choose to serve the Lord.