Yet & But

1 Peter 3:14-15

“Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”

Two words jumped out at me this past week while listening to a sermon message by our local minister. He is very Christ-centered in his messages and leaves you with more to chew on afterwards. This time the Holy Spirit nudged me to focus on the two words yet & but.

Two three letter words which we use often but the question arose in my mind how those words are used throughout Scripture and in what context. So, this week we started a new study.

What did I find?

“But” is a word that erases everything prior to it and “yet” is a word that adds something to the previous mention item.

For example, in the above Scripture “but” emphasizes being prepared rather than allowing fear or anxiety have a stronghold on you. And later “yet” reminds us to exercise an attitude of love upon the way we respond.

What does this mean when we read the Bible?

Simply this. When you read Scripture and come across either of these two words, stop. You may want to analyze what is being erased and what is being added to the topic at hand. Most of the time you will find nuggets of eternal value which you can imitate in your own life.

Just another way to make reading the Bible more interesting and practical for your everyday use.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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To Believe

John 6:29

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.

John 6:40

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 20:31

but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is quite simple to understand. In fact, so simple that many people find it a stumbling block. They have to add something more to the good news. In the process, they make it more difficult than Jesus stated.

To believe Jesus is who HE claimed to BE requires going against our nature. If it sounds too good, it must be untrue is how we have been conditioned by the world around us. This is how we have become. We live in a world where we are bombarded with lies, distortions, and propaganda. Yet, when you actually take the time to investigate, look at all the evidence, than you will be confronted with a life-changing decision to make. 

Is HE the Jewish Messiah promised from the beginning of time? Is HE a divine being who became human to fulfill the requirements of God’s plan? Or is HE a liar or lunatic misread by the public and those close to Him?

Many have tried to prove HIM a liar or lunatic and failed. In fact, many have come to believe in HIM through the process of trying to prove HIM wrong. To accept the good news that God only wants you BELIEVE in Jesus initially sounds too easy.

But it is not that easy. We begin to believe but our view of Godly reality is quite distorted. For example, when we pray and do not receive what we ask for, do we begin to question God rather than our distorted view of HIM? When we read Scripture and place our trust on one of HIS promises that fails to come our way, what then? Do we begin to question God rather than our distorted understanding of the text? When we receive an inspiration we believe is from God and follow through on it only to end up in a deeper hole, what then? Do we begin to question God rather than the process of our actions?

We all have a distorted view of God. Yet what happens as we endure through the process of having the Holy Spirit chisel away at our character? Doesn’t HE open our eyes to become more attuned to HIS heart and ways? Don’t we slowly capture a larger picture of who God actual IS?

To Believe is the starting point. Along with the belief there is a large bundle of unbelief that keeps pushing against our mind and soul. This bundle of worldly garbage will slowly dissipate over time as you learn to trust walking in Christ.

Your belief will constantly be attacked and questioned. But as you focus your mind, heart, and soul to worship God, you will find yourself reflecting HIS character in your life. You will discover you reflect whatever you worship.

If you worship money, you reflect money. You worship lies, you reflect lies. You worship sex, you will reflect sex. You worship integrity, you will reflect integrity. Us humans are wired to reflect what we worship.

If you worship Jesus Christ, you will reflect HIM.

Yes, the good news of Jesus Christ is found when you believe in HIM.  Your belief begins the process of sanctification. This allows you to experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit. HE begins to actively morph you into the image of Jesus Christ from the inside-out.

Yes, your worldview will begin to change. From there, your world becomes more Kingdom oriented. You will become one who believes, and your beliefs will begin to reflect the glory of God for the sake of others. They will see your good works and take notice. You will begin to preach the gospel to others without words.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Come: You Are Invited

John 6:37

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Hebrews 13:14

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Galatians 4:9

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

You are invited to come. Where?

To a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

This includes HIM sharing with you and others –

his home,

his kingdom,

his business,

his rule,

his knowledge,

his wisdom,

his associates,

his family,

his plans,

his purpose,

his lifestyle,

his attributes,

his humor,

his character,

his creation,

his love,

his joy,

his peace,

his wealth,

his goodness,

his music,

his art,

his beauty,

his words,

his thoughts,

his dreams,

his grace,

his favor,

his authority,

his principles,

his boundaries,

his riches,

his gifts,

his worldview,

his blessings,

his fruit,

his abundance,

his participation,

his rest,

his ways,

and everything else created by Him, for Him and through Him (Col 1:16-17).

He is knocking on your door and wants you to share in his eternal work (Rev 3:20-21).

It all starts by taking action. Coming into his presence. Acknowledging and accepting his claim as King and Lord of your life.

Come is a simple word that invites action on our part.

Will you come?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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