But God

Good morning, Five Minute Families. It is getting warm outside and we have to begin to manage daily life a bit differently - bug repellents, sun protection, and pollen are but three of those springtime changes. In addition, motorcyclists are out. Keep an eye out for our motorcyclist friends and their safety! Now, on to our topic for today. “But God” Most believers have heard sermons or been touched by Scripture that holds those two tiny but powerful words. “But God”We received an email update from some missionary friends of ours who have three children. Their children have been bickering and fussing more and more lately. A random Christian celebrity video popped up the other day about a spirit of irritability and confusion that has been in her family in the past few days. Annnd, here in our home, our boys have been incredibly unkind and disrespectful to one another and to others, which is not only embarrassing but incredibly saddening. It has been eye-opening to think about all the attempts that we make to establish contented, kind homes, and yet our flesh and our spiritual enemies do not want harmony or joy to abound. BUT GOD gives us a spirit of peace, love, and sound minds. (2 Timothy 1:7) Hearing that biblical phrase in church today reminds me that we do not have to focus on the negatives; but God has an abundant life for us.As we have quoted Steve Austin before, “Everything is always all about God.” That’s why we parents must remember Deuteronomy 6 verses 4 through 9. “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.”So, today, we are bringing our focus resoundingly onto God through five “But God” Scriptures and the different areas of life those statements can profoundly change.First, our salvation is not dependent on ANYTHING that we say, do, or think. Ephesians 2:4-7 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Second, once God has called us to Himself, He will never leave us alone to overcome sin by ourselves. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” Third, we bear no burden for another person’s salvation; we are simply to do our part in the process. Parents, that includes the when, where, and how our children give their hearts to the LORD. 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Fourth, when we feel our worlds falling apart, God offers us His protection. Genesis 31:7 “Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me.” And, fifth, when we face trials, God is always with us. Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” God is with us; He will rescue us. Even in this earthly life, when troubles come, there is a greater purpose than our own experience holds. Five Minute Families, take this week to pray faithfully these “But God” scriptures (and the many others) back to God. Recognize His power in our lives, point your children to Him in the midst of the pain, and reach out to trusted pastors, counselors, or mentors to help point you to specific Scripture. God’s Word does not return void, and He wants to be our Savior, our Encourager, our Guide, our Protector, and our Strength. Thank you for joining us this morning. Please check our website for more information on Clear View Retreat’s family events at clearviewretreat.org. Be blessed!