"But...God"

Possibly two of the most powerful words in the Bible, in my opinion.

I was studying this morning and came upon the book of Titus.  A tiny little book of the Bible, so short, so quick to pass over when flipping the pages.  But Titus 3 hit me, as some verses do, especially hard today.

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. 

A friendly reminder of how those who all themselves Christians should act.  It is so easy to gossip.  We women find it especially easy to get amongst friends and gab. "Oh, girl, let me tell you what she did the other day..."  God has called me to rise above.  To be an example to others and let his light shine through me.  

3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

Do we not remember what despicable human beings we are, so easily swayed by the sins of the world?   We are dust of the earth, not fit to sit at the table with the King.

4 BUT (and this is my favorite part) when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward men appeared, 5 NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 

At this point, my heart is leaping for joy.  My Heavenly Father, my Savior, my God, has shown upon me His mercy.  Knowing that I have done NOTHING to deserve it.  No works of righteousness can convince Him that I do.  BUT...GOD.  Those two words, that bring me to my knees in thankfulness. 

7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 

I have this vision of what judgement day will be like for all of us.  I picture it like a court room.  The charges are being read, the Devil so eagerly awaiting each of us to be handed over, because that is what we deserve.  And then Jesus steps forward, raises his hand and says, "BUT GOD..." and nothing else will matter.  

And it does not get any better than that.

Have a blessed weekend, my friends.