BUT where can wisdom be found? (Job 28)

BUT where can wisdom be found?

    Where does understanding dwell?

13 

No mortal comprehends its worth;

    it cannot be found in the land of the living....

Where then does wisdom come from?

    Where does understanding dwell?

21 

It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,

    concealed even from the birds in the sky....

And he said to the human race,

    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,

    and to shun evil is understanding.”

Job 28

As we close out this year and begin to plan for next year 

it is natural to reflect and plan.

 This BUT verse makes me go hmmmm. 

We always seem to be seeking that next list of things to make us happy or successful. God's word is pretty clear on this one. 

Fear the Lord (He knows everything) 

Shun evil (Be nice) 

BUT Mary kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:19)

BUT... Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

I can only imagine what this young lady went through as she delivered Jesus. The journey, the stable, the birth, the star, her husband, the animals, the shepherds, HER BABY. Now that Christmas is over don't let the meaning of Christmas only last for a day. Make time to ponder (it's a verb: think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion) What will next year look like for you? Take the spirit of Christmas with you Christ was born for you. You are not in this alone!

BUT when the set time (Galatians 4:4-7)

BUT when the set time had fully come, 

God sent his Son, 

born of a woman,

 born under the law,  

to redeem those under the law, 

that we might receive adoption to sonship.

 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.”  

So you are no longer a slave, 

BUT God’s child; and since you are his child,

 God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:4-7

This may not seem like a "normal" Christmas verse. BUT read it again.... every word! 

GOD TRULY sent the Greatest Christmas Present ever! 

Accept Christ birth. 

Open this gift of redemption.

 Cry out Daddy I need you. 

Be filled with the confidence of knowing YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING! 

BUT the angel said to them (Luke 2:8-12)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were terrified. 

BUT the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

he is the Messiah, 

the Lord. 

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12 

Many children are keeping watch tonight for Santa Clause! Oh if we had the same passion as them when it come to watching for Christ to come... not only as we celebrate His birth tomorrow BUT of His return. 

BUT the angel said (Luke 2:8-12)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were terrified. 

BUT the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

he is the Messiah, 

the Lord. 

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12 

Many children are keeping watch tonight for Santa Clause! Oh if we had the same passion as them when it come to watching for Christ to come... not only as we celebrate His birth tomorrow BUT of His return.

BUT the Lord looks at the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7)

People Judge by the outward appearance,

BUT the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

You may not think this would be a Christmas verse. But let’s take a closer look. This verse comes from when Samuel was looking for a new king. He was told to go to Bethlehem and meet with Jesse. As Jesse presented his sons to Samuel the Lord kept saying that they were not the chosen one. Until finally Samuel had to ask if there were any more sons, Jesse replied there was the youngest son still in the field taking care of the sheep. As soon as Samuel saw him

The Lord Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

This is part of Christ family tree. David was found taking care of sheep in Bethlehem.

It’s perfect to think about this Christmas. Let’s be careful to not get caught up in the wrapping paper this year.  BUT what’s inside our heart!

BUT God intended it for good (Genesis 50:20)

You intended to harm me,

BUT God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done,

the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20

You may ask what does this have to do with Jesus birth. There are so many similarities in their lives. Both Joseph and Jesus were loved by their Father; both were rejected by their brothers, stripped of their clothes, became a servant, forgave those who persecuted them and made away for many to be saved.

As you think about this verse today are you feeling defeated or even attacked in some way? Remember God intends to use your circumstance for His good. You cannot do it alone. Let Him rescue you this Christmas.