Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Three Word Wednesday: Let Hope In



I'm not sure why I've had a difficult time picking up a book and finishing it this year. Last year I read more books than I have ever read in one year. You can see my top 12 from 2012 here.

This year I do not think I could even give you a top 12 as I most likely have not completely read 12 books. I'd previously read while I worked out. I then discovered I could write while I worked out. Multi-tasking we call that! I miss reading though.

Emily of The Inner Harbor wrote a review of the book Let Hope In: 4 Choices That Will Change Your Life Forever by pastor/author Pete Wilson. While in Orlando this past week, I picked up the book and began reading.

Friends, this book is a must read. Read Emily's review and I'm sure you will be convinced to read as I was.

Because I need to spend less time writing to be with my family, I'm going to let Emily's review convince you and I'm sharing only a small portion of the book that has stood out for me so far. I cheated and picked the title of the book for my three words. There are two other words I want to share with you this week: "But God"

What does the author say about these two words?

"I love the phrase "but God" and believe a case could be made that it's one of the most important phrases in the entire Bible. This phrase is used throughout Scripture as a turning point, a line of demarcation between peril and rescue, chaos and control, fall and redemption, hurt and healing.

But God! Every time I read a verse that says "but God," it is fantastically good news. There are literally hundreds of verses that have "but God" in both the Old and New Testaments:

The psalmist in Psalm 73:25: "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."

Jesus in Matthew 19:26: "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."

The apostle Paul in Acts 13:29-30: "When they had done all that the prophecies said about him, they took him down from the cross and placed him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead!"

Once we were dead in sin, but God made us alive! Once we were captive to our past, but God made us free! Once we were unworthy, but God has promised to spend eternity unwrapping the riches of his grace in kindness towards us!" 
(p. 10-11) 

"But God!" Oh is He good news. He is the best news!

I have not reached this portion of the book but I love the quote Emily shared in her review from page 196 of the book:

"All of Scripture points to one man, one God, not because he gives us everything we're hoping for but because he is the One we put our hope in."

He is our hope and He's knocking at your door. Will you let Him in?

17 comments :

  1. Amen! In Christ alone I put my hope and my trust!! May your day be filled with His abundant blessings dear Beth!!! Love to you

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  2. Beth, I'm impressed girl. How do you manage to workout and write? Thanks for the book recommendation. My TBR list is constantly growing.

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  3. Ok, I am immediately doing two things: 1. Putting that book on my list. 2. Writing "But God" on post its and placing them around my house. :) Such a great post, thank you!

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  4. I'm feeling the refreshment of these words today. Thank you. They are much needed.

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  5. I love the phrase, "But God", too! He really is the best news! Blessings to you today, Beth!

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  6. Oh, "But God" truly does bring good news. Beth, you have also given me food for thought to type those two words into the online Bible that I use sometimes and see how often and where and how those two beautiful words express the HUGENESS of our God. : ) Thanks for the recommendation of the book too.
    You know, Beth, I love you!!! ~ linda

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  7. Those wonderful, Grace-filled words, "But God"... They remind me how very awesome His Love is, for God LETS US "let hope in"!

    Thankful for how He draws us to Him, opening up the doors of our hearts when we are too blind and afraid to do so.

    God bless you, Beth!

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  8. You have no idea how much I LOVE that phrase, "But God." He steps in and saves the day. He redeems what is lost and gives unending mercy and grace! Love it! Thanks for the recommendation on the book, I haven't read as much as I like to either lately. It's just been a weird season for me. Have a great week, friend!

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  9. Loved reading this today; it puts a whole new meaning to "But God" for me, as I have been known to use it to wiggle out of something I don't feel comfortable doing...(but God...excuse... ha!) Thanks for sharing Emily's words. :)

    Blessings and love Beth!
    Denise

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  10. Beth, this is a fabulous post! My Word for this year has been Hope. I think I buried it in the dust somewhere.
    This post has given me renewed Hope and reminded me where to put my Hope. Love this quote especially-- "All of Scripture points to one man, one God, not because he gives us everything we're hoping for but because he is the One we put our hope in."
    "But God" --I love that phrase as well. Like Natasha said, I will be putting up post its reminding me "But God" and I will be getting this book.
    Thank you for this post, Beth.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  11. Hi Beth,

    Thank you for the invitation to link up :)

    But God just fills me with hope. I love those two words. I try and add them at the end of my journaling on painful days, just to remind me His ways and plan is perfect.

    Blessings.

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  12. Beth,
    "But God"... I love it. I had never thought about it before now, but those two simple words pour hope into our deepest despair and doubt. That, is just like God! He is so profound, but yet His message is simple. Thanks for sharing...I needed to read this today!! Reading and writing will always be there, but I hope you are spending some quality time with your husband and family! Love you girl!!
    ((Hugs)),
    Bev

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  13. Beth, thank you for linking up with Woman to Woman's Word Filled Wednesday! Please join us each week.

    Love your link up and plan to join next week! God bless!

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  14. "But God!" are two of my favorite words, Beth. They give life and create breathing space in our lives.

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  15. Hi there, Beth! I'm so late to this and I'm not sure where to start! I haven't read 12 books either, I love Emily of The Inner Harbor, and I love the "but God..." verses too! My three words?
    He is GOOD :)

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  16. But God! Awesome to do a word study and see how God transforms so many situations.
    Thanks for linking up at Essential Fridays.
    Blessings
    Mel from Essential Thing Devotions & Connect With God

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  17. 'But God' and therein is amazing grace!

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Much love to you.