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Big Buts of the Bible

May 7, 2012 //  by Janet Grant//  50 Comments

Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant

Before dipping into the Bible and its big buts, today is another kind of big: the Big Announcement about who won the Kindle Fire for subscribing to our blog. We feel honored that you would devote a portion of your precious time to regularly read our posts; we don’t take lightly that you’ve included us on your calendar.

Now, the winner picked randomly from the list of all of our subscribers is…Melanie Ansley!

Congratulations and happy Kindle Firing. We’ll be contacting you to get your address.

Now on to the main portion of my blog. I’m going to depart from the usual professional conversation we have here on the blog because I’ve been pondering a twist on words lately that has heartened me spiritually.

It all started out kind of silly when, recently on Facebook I recounted how, in a conversation with Wendy Lawton, the two of us laughed about how often, when someone starts a sentence a certain way, you know they’re about to do just the opposite of what they proclaimed they shouldn’t. The second part of the sentence is proceeded with “but.” Some of the fun ones FB commenters chimed in with were:

“I know I shouldn’t share this with you, but…”

“Not to brag, but…”

“Not that I’m changing the subject, but…”

“No offense, but…”

“I don’t want to complain, but…”

BUT then we look at many of the “buts” in the Bible, and they function the opposite way. Often God sets up a scenario or a problem and then bridges into a godly intervention with the small word that can have a big impact: “but.” (By the way, this concept was first mentioned to me several years ago by my client James Watkins; then Liz Curtis Higgs reminded me of it when she spoke at the recent Mount Hermon Writers Conference.)

Here are some examples:

“And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life'” (Gen. 45:4-5).

“Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just; For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds” (Psalm 7:9).

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

“He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living” (Mark 12:27).

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

What silly “but” statement can you think of ?

What big “but” from the Bible occurs to you?

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Category: Blog, LifeTag: Jim Watkins, Kindle Fire, Liz Curtis Higgs, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, word play

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  1. Jennifer Major

    May 7, 2012 at 5:12 am

    Oh this is a GOOD topic!

    A funny one happened this morning when I was chatting with my pre-coffee’ed husband, who was behaving rather poorly.

    “Hey, it’s my birthday, you have to be nice to me today.” (it is….BTW)

    And he says, RATHER sour faced and moody, “I have to be nice to you everyday, NOT just your birthday!”

    “How DO you do that, make a positive statement sound SO angry?” I walked away laughing.

    As for one of something Biblical?

    We are fallen sinners, but we’re worth dying for.

    Reply
    • Jeanne

      May 7, 2012 at 7:37 am

      Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

      Reply
      • Jennifer Major

        May 7, 2012 at 12:55 pm

        Thank you very much!

    • Amanda Stephan

      May 7, 2012 at 1:11 pm

      Happy birthday! 🙂

      Reply
      • Jennifer Major

        May 7, 2012 at 5:08 pm

        Thank you!!

  2. Tiana Smith

    May 7, 2012 at 5:18 am

    Interesting, I’ve never really thought of them that way and they way they are used in the Bible. Congrats Melanie!

    Reply
  3. Bill Giovannetti

    May 7, 2012 at 6:04 am

    Thank God for the “buts” of the Bible!!! Great topic.

    “[We] were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
    BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses,
    MADE US ALIVE together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and
    RAISED US UP together, and
    MADE US SIT together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
    that in the ages to come He might show the EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:3-7, NKJV).

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Kitchens

      May 7, 2012 at 11:31 am

      My favorite “but”!

      Reply
    • Stephanie Grace Whitson

      May 7, 2012 at 12:02 pm

      Bill, that one is one of the “dirty pages” of my Bible from being used and used and used. And in the margin I’ve written PTL! BUT GOD….thanks for the reminder!

      Reply
  4. Lindsay Harrel

    May 7, 2012 at 6:32 am

    Hmmm, what a great point about God’s promises in the Bible.

    Love this one:

    “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to God’s mercy, He saved us.”

    Reply
  5. Jeanne

    May 7, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Janet, such great thoughts! I love the positive “but” statements you pulled from the Bible. I didn’t realize that little word is all over the place!

    I can only share one? How about two short ones? 🙂 These are two of my favorites:

    Romans 12:2–“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect.”

    Philippians 4:6-7–“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    Here’s a silly one: “I know I should be _______ (chores, write, fill in the blank), BUT I’m going to stay on facebook just a few minutes longer.”

    Congratulations, Melanie!

    Reply
    • Amanda Dyles

      May 7, 2012 at 8:40 am

      Jeanne, I love the Philippians reference; it’s one of my anchor verses in life’s storms. I love that the first four words are followed (starting w/ the word “but”) by a beautiful explanation of how to live out those first four words. Thank you for sharing that!

      And Janet, what a great way to start the week… thanks for this rich-in-truth post. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jeanne

        May 7, 2012 at 9:53 am

        Amanda, the Philippians verse is one of my anchors for life’s storms too. 🙂 Choose anxiety or thanksgiving with trust. Hmmm, it’s tough, but I try to choose thanksgiving with trust. 🙂

      • Amanda Dyles

        May 7, 2012 at 7:10 pm

        I’m with you, Jeanne!

    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 10:43 am

      I didn’t mean to confine your responses to one verse; feel free to provide more! I love the contrasts between the first part of the verses you chose and the second part.

      Reply
  6. Sally Bradley

    May 7, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Bill, I love that one! But God who is rich in mercy . . . That changes everything.

    Janet, I really never thought about the way God uses buts. From now on, it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch for these positive buts.

    Here’s mine. Titus 3:5. He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, BUT according to his mercy, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 10:43 am

      Ah, that’s like a opening a window and feeling a freshening breeze, isn’t it?

      Reply
  7. Donna

    May 7, 2012 at 11:42 am

    What a wonderful word to contemplate on this fine Monday! My favorite “but” comes from Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      Thumbs up, on that verse, Donna.

      Reply
  8. Kate

    May 7, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Congrats to Melanie…

    Great post Janet!

    “I’m sorry to say this, but…”

    Our Life Verse starts with a but…

    Isaiah 40:31…But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
    (KJV)

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:48 pm

      That one’s a favorite for many of us, I’m sure. I had forgotten it starts with “but.”

      Reply
    • Jennifer Major

      May 7, 2012 at 12:58 pm

      Mine too. I grew up in the West Coast and had the blessing of watching huge bald eagles soar on the wind. The way they climb up and just float on the air for miles…just so beautiful.

      Reply
  9. Michelle Lim

    May 7, 2012 at 11:52 am

    The Bible One:
    Psalm 34:19(NIV)
    “The righteous person may have many troubles,
    But the Lord delivers him from them all.”

    1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
    “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man,and God is faithful He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, BUT when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

    A funny one:

    “I’m sorry officer, but my cat has a hairball and I need to get it to the vet ASAP.” (I think people have the craziest excuses for speeding…)

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:49 pm

      Thanks for sharing these great buts. I hadn’t thought about all the speeding excuses, but they are likely to be an apology followed by a big but, aren’t they?

      Reply
  10. Stephanie Grace Whitson

    May 7, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Of all the words I’ve searched out in an exhaustive concordance, “but” hasn’t been on the list. BUT … I think you’ve just given me a new course of study. Bless you!

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:50 pm

      It’s a fun and rewarding device for Bible study, I’m finding.

      Reply
  11. Becky Doughty

    May 7, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    Proverbs 10:19 “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, BUT he who restrains his lips is wise.”

    And because I have a tendency to NOT restrain my lips and DO sometimes start my sentences with “I shouldn’t, but…”

    Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up strife, BUT love covers all transgressions.”

    Great thought-provoking post, Janet!

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:51 pm

      Ooo, now we’re getting really personal here, if we’re going to talk about lip restraints!

      Reply
  12. Connie Almony

    May 7, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    These are all so wonderful. Thanks for bringing them out—all of you. I love that God is the God of paradox, as well as everything else. I can’t think of any specific ‘buts’ off the top of my head, BUT I can think of a few paradoxes. Like how we must die to ourselves to have eternal life. And my favorite—His power is made perfect in my weakness. That one always makes me feel so secure, because He is just THAT powerful.
    Congratulations Melanie!

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:53 pm

      You might not have thought of any buts, but you do get the point of the mental exercise: to see the paradoxes of the spiritual life.

      Reply
  13. sally apokedak

    May 7, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    I LOVE ALL of these. Wonderful, wonderful words.

    Here are a few more:

    Galatians 4:3&4
    In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
    But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,

    Psalm 30:5
    For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

    2 Corinthians 4:8&9
    We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 12:54 pm

      These are so great. Thanks, Sally. I especially love on the buts in 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9.

      Reply
  14. Amanda Stephan

    May 7, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Yay! He’s mine- Congratulatns, Melanie! I’m happy for you…but…I sure would have liked to win! 😉 (I truly am happy for you, though)

    One of my favorite buts – Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: BUT they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31(KJV)

    Love the topic, Janet!

    Reply
    • Amanda Stephan

      May 7, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Egads! The first word above should be

      ‘here’s

      drat this autocorrect!

      Reply
      • Janet Grant

        May 7, 2012 at 3:46 pm

        Autocorrect is a mixed blessing, isn’t it? It’s great when we mistype BUT can end up embarrassing us when it’s overly helpful.

  15. Jenny Leo

    May 7, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    I cling to this one like a life preserver*:

    Weeping may last for the night BUT joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5)

    *I learned on a rafting trip that “life preserver” is no longer the correct term. It’s now called a “personal flotation device” so that it doesn’t appear to be making any promises it can’t keep. Aren’t we blessed know the true Life Preserver who keeps His promises!

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      I’m with you; just give me a real life preserver. I’m way beyond just needing a personal flotation device.

      Reply
  16. Peter DeHaan

    May 7, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    I searched BibleGateway.con and the phrase “but God” occurs 61 times from Genesis to Hebrews. This will make a great study!

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 3:48 pm

      Thanks for the count, Peter. I love the idea of reading all of them at one time. (Which is kind of what we’re doing here, but not in an organized or thorough way.)

      Reply
  17. Kathryn Elliott

    May 7, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    “Mom, I’d love to help you do the dishes – but I know you want me to study for my math test.” And when that same helpful child was a newborn with colic, my mother sent me this in a card:
    “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30. 5
    🙂

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 4:39 pm

      Kathryn, this is a lovely response in light of Mother’s Day being right around the corner.

      Reply
      • Jennifer Major

        May 7, 2012 at 5:14 pm

        Or birthdays…who made my cake today? Beats me. But THEY all *needed* something rightnow.
        Seriously.
        “But I can’t bake.”

        “…but in the third day…” That’s my favourite ‘but’.

  18. Steve Wilson

    May 7, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    A few years ago our church did a teaching series called “Big Buts of the Bible.” It was great. There is so much to explore.

    Reply
    • Janet Grant

      May 7, 2012 at 8:00 pm

      Proof there’s nothing new under the sun.

      Reply
  19. Niki Anderson

    May 7, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    A silly but:
    I shouldn’t order a chocolate malt, but I’m going to do it, just today!

    A Biblical but:
    “For the wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

    Reply
  20. Scott

    May 7, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    “I don’t want to offend my friends, but ”

    Compare that to:

    “Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love.”

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm

      Ergh, the “silly quote didn’t come out. Let me try different punctuation: “I don’t want to offend my (insert political or religious group here) friends, but (highly insulting statement).”

      Reply
  21. Ann Bracken

    May 8, 2012 at 6:26 am

    I’ve loved reading through these. What a great way to start my day! Thanks so much to everyone for sharing.

    Because we are supposed to put the lessons of the scriptures into practice: I need to get back to work, BUT I wanted to congratulate Melanie on winning the Fire and wish Jennifer a happy birthday!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Major

      May 8, 2012 at 1:26 pm

      Thankyou!

      Reply
  22. Cheryl Malandrinos

    May 8, 2012 at 9:30 am

    What a great way to start the week. Congrats to Melanie and happy belated birthday to Jennifer.

    My girls use the “No offense, but…” all the time. My usual response, “How can I be offended by that.” 🙂

    These are such great verses. Thank you for sharing them.

    Psalm 9:18 “But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.”

    Reply

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