But God

“BUT GOD!!”

As I mediated before the Lord regarding the message for this morning and the words “BUT GOD” radiated in my mind and soul gave a different understanding of those words. Now in Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly, for scarcely for a righteous man some would even dare to die. But GOD commendeth his love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Before I dig deep into this message here is some history of the Book of Romans. The author is none other than PAUL (Formally SAUL OF TARSUS) this book is dated in the area of 56AD it is collection of letters written to the Gentiles Church in Rome. The Book of Romans is all about understanding and living out the Christian Faith. It provides us the want to know, what to believe, what is the truth and how to walk answer as we live day to day in this world. One thought about the author we have remember is he had the “BUT GOD” experience as traveled to persecute the Christians in the city of Damascus.

There are three important points I must address in this message.

1. What is STRENGTH

2. What is FAITHFULNESS

3. What is BUT

When we think of the word strength what is the first thing that comes to mind. “Physical Strength” which is good but to have the quality of Strength is to have the fortress of GOD which is our Spiritual strength. Strength is defined as the quality or state of being strong. Look back in our lives there were times we thought we were stronger than life. In our younger days we would display our strength to impress a young lady or young man yet that strength was only physical or mental never was it spiritual. As we grew closer to our LORD our views on strength changed and we gained spiritual strength yet there are times we allow weakness to overtake us when troubles, storms, situations, medical, financial, and anything in our day to day living affect us or shall I say take us off our GAME. Is when things happen to get us frustrated, we get upset, we get angry, and we sometimes just throw up our hands and give up. “BUT” when we pray and turn it all over to GOD is when his STRENGTH carries us through the storms of life. In 1 Chronicles 16:11 We are to look to GOD and seek his face. If we really read in the word of GOD how many times did his Prophets, Priests, Leaders, People of Israel face adversity in their walk with GOD yet they all overcame each trial by standing upon his promises for through Jesus it is clear that Micah 5:4 HE will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD in the majesty of the Name of the Lord his GOD. Luke 10:2 He answers: Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and whit all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. These two scriptures tell us to rely on STRENGTH In the LORD for it is that strength that carries us through all of the challenges that life can bring before us. Here goes my TOPIC Keep in BUT GOD! For in 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, MY Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Understanding Strength brings about the FAITHFULNESS there is a quote I read that gives me a understanding of Faithfulness it is simple as this “Listen to the mustn’ts child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossible, the won’ts, Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me- Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” Shel Silverstein now in this quote we have to understand that our faithfulness is in GOD for his plan for each of us is for greater then our plans or goals in life. Yet as I stated before there are times we allow weakness to still our strength and take our faithfulness. Faithful is having or showing true and constant support or loyalty. In just the definition of the word it is clear that we must submit unto GOD in true loyalty for this where he proves his faithfulness unto each us. For in Hosea 2:20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD. We have to realize that God’s faithfulness is so powerful and extraordinary because no matter of the you will never, not yet, cannots, we shall overcome just by us internalizing Gods unwavering faithfulness and strength into our lives all because of his LOVE. Yet we have to continue to be steadfast in our faithfulness unto GOD. For when we live in Faithfulness, we become more conscious of how we trust in GOD. For in James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Therefore we must understand that each experience we have in life rest in the strength of GOD and the FAITHFULNESS OF GOD.