BUT GOD … THE TURNING POINT

“We were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace you are saved.” Ephesians 2:3-5

There are two little words that act like hinges on a door … “BUT GOD.” They have a profound affect on the passage. They either alter what is said before, or present a transforming work of God’s grace in the verses that follow, that supersedes what is written before. Let’s take a look at a very important passage where this is very evident.

Paul reveals our despicable condition in sin in Eph. 2:1-6 … “As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following the desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. (Then we come to those two profound words) … ‘BUT GOD’ … because of his great love for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions … it is by grace you have been saved.”

BUT GOD … are the transforming words that bring us into our new creative relationship with God. What a radical change takes place when God becomes the indispensable power that takes us from our sinful condition and makes us “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” … accepted in the family of God! “BUT GOD” … is the ‘spiritual hinge’ that opens unto us the mighty grace of God that radically changes our life through the Atonement of Christ.


It is the “Turning Point” in which our life turns from the superficial illusion of this world and enthrones Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is then, we find the longing of our lives met with the Sufficiency of a Loving God, full of grace and truth … “able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or even think.” [Eph. 3:20] This blessed Redemption of Christ is not an experience, it is the ‘great act of God’ which He has performed in our lives through Jesus Christ.

What is the result of one who meets God at this “Turning Point” in their life? Jesus said, “Whosoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” [John 7:38] Our lives change from self-seeking to letting HIM pour His life through us … from self-independence to “learning to lean” utterly upon Him. Jesus Christ becomes the “Source of our Strength,” the “focus” of our life, and the “joy” of our hearts.

Our Spiritual Journey soon becomes a reckless abandonment to Christ. We no longer seek self-realization and self-gratification, but have a consuming thirst to “Know Jesus Christ.” This was Paul’s goal … “I count all things but loss … that I may KNOW HIM … and be found in Him.” [Phil. 3:7-14] As we “grow in grace” we begin to see Jesus in every circumstance we encounter. The essential focus of our life is our personal relationship to Jesus Christ … “That I may Know Him” … not joy, not peace, not power, not even blessing … but HIMSELF, MY LORD AND MY SAVIOR!

“BUT GOD” … the great eternal “Turning Point” in my life! How Glorious!


From: Literature Ministries International

Now This Is Love

"My Joy . . . Your Joy"

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full — John 15:11

What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father— the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do— ". . . who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross . . ." ( Hebrews 12:2 ). "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . ." ( Psalm 40:8 ). Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?

Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances. Jesus said, ". . . the cares of this world, . . . choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" ( Mark 4:19 ). And before we even realize what has happened, we are caught up in our cares. All that God has done for us is merely the threshold— He wants us to come to the place where we will be His witnesses and proclaim who Jesus is.

Have the right relationship with God, finding your joy there, and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" ( John 7:38 ). Be a fountain through which Jesus can pour His "living water." Stop being hypocritical and proud, aware only of yourself, and live "your life . . . hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3 ). A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he goes. The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing.


From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Responding to Difficulty

2 Corinthians 4:8

Adversity is never enjoyable, but thankfully, believers are assured that God has a reason for allowing difficulty. And your response to the trial will determine whether it leaves you broken or strengthened.

Romans 5:3-5 states, “We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint . . . ” In order to respond correctly and benefit the way this verse describes, let’s consider how the Lord works in suffering.

First, He controls the burdens so they aren’t too heavy to bear. He limits them because His goal is not to destroy you but to build your character. Second, He designs the difficulty according to your personality, character, and areas that need growth. Therefore, trials are tailor-made in order to grow you to be more like Christ. Third, difficulties are progressive. As God matures you, the intensity may seem to increase. This is similar to weight training: at the beginning, an athlete trains with light barbells, but as his muscles become stronger, he chooses heavier weights. Similarly, as your walk with Christ progresses, obstacles that once seemed overbearing will impede you less. This is a sign of growth. In fact, a prayer journal is a great way to watch God’s progress in your life.

In the midst of your pain, see your trial as a privilege—God is revealing His ways and refining you. Thank Him for trusting you with this situation. Then, ask how to respond, and walk obediently before Him.


From: Crosswalk - In Touch