Friday, April 10, 2009

BUT GOD

I found the scripture I was looking for referencing "BUT GOD" from my previous post. I had a hard time finding it until I left the NIV Bible version and went to Holmans and the NKJV Bible.


As we enter into this holy season, lets savor what God did for us...the ultimate Gift of Grace...



And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to this worldly age, according to the ruler of the atmospheric domain, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and by nature we were children under wrath, as the others were also. BUT GOD, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace in [His] kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation—created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2: 1-9 (Holmans Standard Christian Bible)



This phase came back to me as we have journeyed in our Esther Bible study. There's a "before" and and "after" surrounding this phase. A make-over. But there is one more important thing I want you to notice - - the comma after BUT GOD. It means we are to stop, to pause, and to take notice. So I ask you to do this as you reflect again on the scripture above.

No matter what circumstances we are facing, where we have been, what failures we find within our self, we can list them out and follow them with "BUT GOD". Then the make-over begins and we can rest secure in Him to handle our life circumstance and bring it into His plan. For example, you may feel rejection from others BUT GOD loves you and desires a relationship with you. He will fill your void. He loves you.



We were once nothing, made from sin and made full of sin, BUT GOD sent His son as a sacrifice for our eternal life. What a gift. What power coming from two three letter words. BUT GOD.

This weekend and always may we praise God for His love, mercy, and grace in that we can be alive in Him because of His son.



His Maidservant ~ Pamela

12 comments:

LisaShaw said...

Amen! Pam!

BUT GOD.

Powerful indeed!

pam said...

WONDERFUL...so glad brought the scripture to light. I am LOVING the Esther study...I only wish I had a setting to discuss and pray with others. The church I am going to for the study is cramming it in during some kind of childrens evening...so the mom's are free...but there is no time for anything but watching the video. BUT God has been breathing life to so many profound thoughts each week. It is a wonder how He speaks through that woman. Just praying I can work through all that He's been showing me. BUT GOD...wow..going to need to ponder that one. Thanks Pamela...so are you always a Pamela or do you go by Pam??? Blessings of all His best this Easter weekend!

Yolanda said...

I am soooooo thankful for


...but God!

Love YOU

Laura said...

a tiny word with God-sized consequences! I love this, Pamela.

May your Easter be filled with the joy of His resurrection!

He has risen!

Jill Beran said...

But God, what a phrase! And what a time to reflect as we journey thru the Easter weekend! But God is so amazing!! and loving, and powerful and...

Thanks for your interest in the retreat. I get more excited about what God is doing every time we plan the next step or better yet every time God reveals it!! I will definitely keep you posted as we're in the process of the promo and registration materials right now.

Blessings,
Jill

Paula V said...

Good post. I have a But God post in my drafts. It's been there for several months like most my drafts. I have an ongoing log of drafts over the past year. I hope to post it sometime soon, but then I hope to post all of them over time as I finish them. Mine is a little different spin.

May your celebration and praise of the Risen Lord warm your heart, sweet one.
Love,
Paula

Rachel Beran said...

Oh, Pam, first of all what a beautiful post. Whenever I see those words BUT GOD...WOW! I am weak BUT He is strong. Thank you for sharing.

Jill told me that you were asking about the Rise & Shine women's retreat. Now, I am sooooo excited to see that you have a link on your blog. Praise the Lord!!!

Looking forward to meeting you there!

Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday! :)

Lelia Chealey said...

AWESOME PAM!!! I love that BUT GOD....I'm gonna link this so others can read it to. I know you won't mind. :) I'd call you and ask your permission, but it's exactly 1am...I better let you sleep. lol..have a blessed Easter!
love,
Lelia

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Awesome! I love those passages! I'm glad you found what you were looking for.

Unknown said...

One of my favorite phrases "but God"...so much would never have been.... BUT GOD!

Pax,
Denise

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I feel so powerless, but God is all powerful.

I feel so incapable, but God is more than capable.

I feel so less, but God is more. More than enough. More than powerful, more than capable to carry me through.

Wonderful words of encouragement, Pam. Thanks for your keeping to Jesus; I know these days have been hard for you and would love an update as time allows.

You've been close in my heart and prayers.

Walk your Easter, friend! I love you.

peace~elaine

TeriAnnElizabeth said...

Beautiful and passionate! You know how hard it is to step back and say..but GOD, because HE is LORD over all, even those who have never chosen HIM.

Love in HIM,
Teri
P.s. Doing a Breaking Free give away at my blog if you are interested