But God…

Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

In Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” He taught directly about what our lives should look like as members of His kingdom. The complete Sermon on the Mount can be found in Matthew Chapters 5-7.

We all have someone or something we treasure. 

We might treasure a spouse, or the thought of finding a spouse. 

We might treasure a child or grandchild, a sibling or a friend. 

We might treasure that dream house, vehicle, second home, or something along those lines.

We might treasure retirement, or the perfect job.

What is your treasure? 

What are you dedicated to? 

What do you commit your resources to?

The above verses in Matthew give us Jesus’ guidance on what we should treasure.

According to Jesus, we should “not store up for yourselves treasures on earth”.

Why not? What is the problem with those things? Jesus tells us they are destructible, or can be taken from us: “where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal”. These items are temporary, and don’t translate into anything we can take with us [for those of us who belong to Jesus because He is our Lord and Savior] into heaven. 

Earthly treasures can never buy us true contentment or lasting joy and peace. We can only find all of that in a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Only in Christ can the longing for fulfilment be met. 

Houses need constant upkeep. Vehicles and our earthly possessions all have a “shelf life”. 

But God offers us eternal life. It is an existence that gives hope while we are still in this temporal body. One day this body will pass away. Jesus came to make eternal life with God possible. 

Not everyone will share in that existence because many reject Christ. 

But God makes the offer, and for those who accept Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for their sin, they will experience a new beginning that will carry on after this earthly existence:

John 3:16: “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” Amplified Version

What then are those things we should set our heart upon and treasure?

Jesus gives us guidance on what we should treasure and why we should treasure those things: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

The treasures we can take into eternity with us are indestructible and eternal. What are those treasures?

Those treasures will honor God now.

Those treasures are not tangible, but a reflection of a lifestyle that mirrors Christ’s life. 

What was Christ’s lifestyle? 

His lifestyle was selflessness. He considered you and me as being so important that He gave His life to pay the penalty for our sins.

How might we follow this example? 

We can utilize every resource for His people, and for those we want to see come into a relationship with Jesus.

Our homes can be places where we can store up heavenly treasure.

We can use our vehicles to store up heavenly treasure.

Our gifts, talents, and abilities can be utilized to store up heavenly treasure.

Heavenly treasure isn’t anything we earn. It is a result of God working through us, as we submit to Him. God deserves all the glory for the treasures we store up in heaven. Perhaps that is why the 24 elders in Revelation cast their crowns before Jesus:

Revelation 4:9-11: “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Heavenly treasure comes when we deny ourselves and follow Jesus. He taught this in Luke 9:23: “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Heavenly treasure can be costly to us. It may even cost us our lives. It is not anything we can purchase. It is that lifestyle of following Jesus.

Consider Corrie ten Boom. As she followed Jesus, she would have stored up heavenly treasure as she focused on God’s Word, believed it, and obeyed it:

“One of the ways Corrie ten Boom survived the horror of a Nazi death camp was by focusing on the prophetic promises of Scripture. She loved the books of Daniel and Revelation, and she frequently reminded people, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” She viewed biblical prophecy not as speculation but as solid hope that could never fail us.” 

“The Lord Jesus has promised to return. And He will. It may be very soon. In the meantime, are you taking hold of all the riches God has given us in Jesus Christ?”  Corrie ten Boom

What does your life reveal about what you treasure? Does your lifestyle reveal that you treasure Jesus more than anything or anyone else? If not, you might consider the consequences of not treasuring Jesus. Today you can change that, and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, I would be glad to pray for you as you set your heart on Him, and the things of His kingdom.  If He is not yet your Lord and Savior, can we talk about why you haven’t yet made that decision? Please email me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? When we follow Jesus it should be our desire to grow in that relationship. Who we are as believers today should be different from who we were before believing in Jesus and surrendering our lives to Him. 

Ephesians 2:1-3 explains who Christ’s followers were before accepting Christ as Lord and Savior: 

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions 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 flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”

Ephesians 2:4-10 goes on to explain how we respond to God’s love and call on our lives: 

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

As a result of God’s grace being extended to us, we have a responsibility to live a different lifestyle than we did when we lived for ourselves instead of for Christ.

Ephesians 2:22-24 addresses this change in lifestyle: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

How does this transformation take place? The Ephesians passage points out that we are to renew our minds. That takes place when we spend time with God and His Word. His Holy Spirit works in us to bring about the transformation from the old ways of life into the new ways of life in Christ. 

The more we ask God to change us, the greater our experience with Him. We find that his Word touches our hearts and causes us to want to be more like Jesus.

But God also gave believers one another to assist in this spiritual growth process. 

Bible Gateway states: “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17) is a biblical proverb emphasizing that, like metal tools, people need friction and interaction to grow, refine character, and improve effectiveness. It signifies that close relationships, constructive criticism, and shared accountability foster mutual strengthening and personal growth, though often requiring difficult, purposeful, and sometimes painful interactions.”

Each follower of Christ is a part of what the Bible refers to as “the Body of Christ”. We are each uniquely made. Our gifts are different. Our personalities are different. But God designed all of these unique characteristics so that we can work together for His glory and His purposes. 

When we are open to the “iron sharpening iron” concept described in the above quote, we are able to live for God and to act in a manner that glorifies God – that makes people want to know and honor Him.

How receptive are we to the “iron sharpening iron” process? 

What might hinder us from cooperating in this process?

What benefits might we experience if we allow others to lovingly encourage us to walk humbly with God?

Another part of sharpening one another, is to provide encouragement when we submit to God’s commands, and walk humbly with Him. It is good to share when someone else’s example has positively influenced us in our relationship with Jesus.

I’m not talking about flattery and public accolades, but one on one encouragement.

Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com so that we can encourage one another.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

In the Bible, the kingdom of God is mentioned at least seventy times! In Mark’s gospel, he discusses what God’s kingdom is like as he quotes Jesus.

Jesus makes it clear that God’s kingdom is vastly different from any kingdom we would construct in this world.

The following are some quotes from the Bible regarding God’s kingdom:

Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Jesus directs us in how we should set our priorities. God created us to glorify Him. He should be the One we revolve our life around. In contrast, the world tells us that we should be the center of our own lives. God’s way leads to fulfillment, satisfaction, and to our eternal existence with Jesus. The world’s way leads to emptiness, dissatisfaction, and to eternal separation from God.

Matthew 19:24: “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus makes it clear that not everyone will enter the kingdom of God. Our perspective toward the world’s riches make a difference. When we are centered on Jesus, the stuff of this world loses its allure. God’s people are no longer deceived by the lie that materialism leads to contentment because we have found contentment in Jesus. 

Mark 1:14: “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”Jesus commands people to enter God’s kingdom through repentance. Repentance of sin is key to coming to faith in Christ. In order to know what sin is, we must thoroughly read and study the Bible. This way God’s Spirit can help us understand what sin is, identify our sin, and lead us to repent. Repentance means we behave in a new manner that honors God. 

The world does not view sin the same way God sees it. When we refuse to repent of our sin, it leads to eternal separation from God, not from God’s kingdom. This is why Jesus commands us to repent. 

Accepting that we are sinners, in need of Jesus’s salvation for the forgiveness of our sins, is basic to the gospel. Until we acknowledge that we need Jesus in order to turn from an ungodly lifestyle, we remain separated from God. 

Jesus, as the Savior of the world, offers us the opportunity to repent of our sins – now and until we die.  Repentance facilitates our ability to believe in Jesus as the One who secured our eternal life. He willingly took on Himself the penalty for our sins. Jesus shouldered the responsibility, and therefore the wrath of God, so that He could offer eternal life to all who will believe in His work on the cross. 

Mark 9:47: “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire—” Sin is so serious that Jesus gave vivid word pictures of how radical we should be in routing sin out of our lives. 

When people discover they have cancer in their bodies, they want it out of their body. Most people go to great lengths to make sure that happens. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and post-treatments are energetically administered in order to eradicate cancer from someone’s body. 

I believe God wants us to be even more purposeful in routing sin out of our lives because sin is the worst form of cancer that exists. God’s kingdom people desire to sin less. We will not be sinless until we go into eternity, but God enables us, with His Spirit’s power, to sin less.

Cancer kills. Sin kills. Sin deters the work of  us entering God’s kingdom.

Consider these words from the Bible:

1 John 2:1-2 : “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

1 John 3:7-8: “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

Sin has created a world that is filled with ungodliness. Ungodliness is leading people further and further away from Jesus. Those who belong to God’s kingdom want to identify, confess, and repent of their sin.

How often do you ask God to show you the sin in your life that needs to be eradicated? When God reveals your sin – lies, selfishness, envy, greed, sexual immorality, slander, pride, or any other sin – what is your response? Do you ultimately look to Him to lead you in repentance? If so, how has that experience benefitted your life spiritually and perhaps even in worldly relationships? If you refuse to repent, where do you think it will ultimately lead?

I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss sin, repentance, the Kingdom of God, and the gospel of Christ with you. Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

I came across this quote:

“The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the justice of God. There it is. The gospel.”

What wisdom is this quote referencing? It is the death of sinless Jesus, God’s Son, for the sake of sinners. This wisdom offers people mercy and grace. Mercy because we are deserving of paying the penalty for our sins, and grace because we do not deserve the gift of eternal life Jesus offers.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24: “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross. In Him we can see the righteousness of God at work. God’s justice had to be satisfied. It was necessary for God to exact a penalty for our sins. 

God, prior to creating the world, planned how to perfectly uphold His holiness. Jesus, His Son, willingly agreed to the plan, giving those who believe in Him eternal life. Ephesians 1:3-10: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

We would never have come up with such a wise plan because we do not have the knowledge and wisdom of God. Our pride and ego would have prevented us from formulating this perfect plan of God because it was a selfless plan, and we are selfish.

Isaiah 55:8-9 states this truth: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Consider these verses regarding God’s wisdom:

Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;”

Proverbs 16:16: “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”

Ephesians 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

James 3:13: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”

What do you learn from these verses that will enhance your relationship with God and with people? 

I am grateful that God wants to give me His wisdom. When I choose to listen and follow His wisdom, it makes all the difference in my life.

First, He brought me into a personal relationship with Jesus. He opened my eyes and gave me wisdom to know I needed Jesus. 

Then my dependence upon God, and His wisdom, is developing in me the character of Jesus. This is what I want. I want to be increasingly like the One who gave His life, willingly, for me. I want to willingly give my life to Him – to worship Him and to obey Him, no matter the personal cost.

What might hold us back from asking God for wisdom? Is that our pride? Why would we not relish in the fact that God wants to guide us? He is the Creator and Maker of everything of everyone. 

It is an exhilarating experience to seek God‘s wisdom, receive it and experience the benefits and outcome of following and obeying what he has guided us to do. Why would we want to miss out on that experience? 

No one in this world could ever give us the wisdom and insight that are great father God wants to share with us.

The wisdom of this world is contrary to God’s wisdom. It is essential that we take what the world tells us and compare it with the written Word of God. This may result in conflict with people, but it is better to be in alignment with God than with the world. Afterall, we will all ultimately give an account to God, not to people, for our words and actions.

How essential is it to you to seek God and His wisdom rather than the wisdom of the world? What difference will this make in the quality of your life? It has made a significant difference in the quality of my life. I am grateful to God.

Have you taken that first step of wisdom – accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior? If not, what is holding you back? If so, how are you progressing in your relationship with Jesus?

Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com so we can talk about the wisdom of God, especially if you do not have a vibrant relationship with Him through Jesus.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

I’ve experienced pain in my life through a triple break of my ankle, multiple surgeries including two hip replacements, and childbirth. However, none of that compares to the pain I am experiencing through the injury to my shoulder. I hit ten on the pain scale, usually in the middle of the night.

Your pain might not be physical. It might be a loss of a loved one – a spouse, child, dear friend. Perhaps it could be betrayal. Jesus understands. 

I have found pain to be a “teacher.”

The greatest lesson is that immediately taking my pain to God makes a difference.

This doesn’t mean He always takes the pain away. But God reassures me through the pain that He is with me. I would rather have this experience than to never have experienced God’s intimacy, comfort, encouragement, and eventual relief from the pain. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 clearly tells us that God is our Comforter: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Another lesson from pain is that I can understand when someone else tells me they are in pain. As the above verse tells us, God has shown us comfort in our affliction so that we may become a comforter to others. 

Pain is not only for our personal benefit because it draws us closer to God – when we turn to Him – but our pain can lead to helping others. Isn’t that one of the reasons God created us, to help others?

The Bible has many verses that reassure us that He is with us and helping us. A favorite of mine is Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

In those moments when pain wants to grasp all of my attention, God reminds me that He is with me. The immense comfort and encouragement that I can bear up under that pain because of His presence takes precedence over the suffering.

Consider the following verses and the actions taken:

Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Joels 2:32a: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved;”

2 Samuel 22:2: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;”

Psalm 59:9: “You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,’

Psalm 71:5-8: “For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.”

In the above verses, the writer took some action. Calling to God, declaring His praises, watching for Him, and trusting in Him are all actions we are responsible to take in our relationship with God. These are modeled in the above verses. 

Pain can drive us to God or it can interfere with our relationship with God. We each make the choice. 

Jesus chose to endure pain so that we can have a relationship with our God, our Creator.

Since Jesus endured the pain of betrayal and the physical pain of the cross we can endure whatever pain comes into our lives.

Spurgeon is quoted as saying: “sanctified afflictions”. 

Another lesson I’ve learned is that when I view my pain through my relationship with God, it is bearable. He knows what we can bear, and will not push us past that point. But God also knows we may think we cannot endure, so He provides His Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage us to persevere.

Pain is not new. It was part of the curse Adam and Eve received because they disobeyed God. 

But God promises that one day, for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes, there will be no more pain! Revelation 21:4: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.” AMPC

What pain are you experiencing? How are you handling it? Are you running to God or trying to deal with it on your own? 

What Scripture helps you when you are in pain? I would love to have you share it with me. Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com .  If you would like to talk about a relationship with Jesus, that would be encouraging to me. Please email me. Thank you.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

According the online resources, this phrase originated in the mid 1700’s when the first compound microscope was invented.

Those who follow Jesus Christ often find themselves being closely examined by others, as if we were under a microscope.

But God has a different take for examining our lives. His desire is for our benefit. He wants to help His people live in such a manner that we have peace and joy in the midst of this sinful, chaotic world. He always has our best interests in mind when He examines our lives and redirects us from sinful patterns.

King David understood that God’s intentions were for His benefit, and that is why he remarked on God’s searching of his life and then asked God to examine him in Psalm 139:1-6; 23-24:

1O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

    you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

    and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

    and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

    it is high; I cannot attain it.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my concerns.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me;

lead me in the way everlasting.

How grateful are we for God’s watchfulness over our lives? 

The following quote reminded me to be discerning when it comes to those who examine my life:

“God examines with trials, the devil examines with temptations, the world examines with persecutions.”  —Henry Smith

As already stated, God’s reasons for examining our lives are for our benefit. 

The above quote reminds us that Satan’s purposes are to find our shortcomings so he can attempt to lure us into sinful ways. 

The world examines our lives often to cause us distress. Persecution may often be the outcome of the world seeing Christ-like behavior. Family members and/or friends may reject or ridicule us. Co-workers may seek to cause us distress. 

But God will take all of that and work it for our benefit when we seek Him in the midst of all those situations.

The following passage – Romans 8:28-39 – provides many promises and much encouragement for those of us who love Jesus, and earnestly follow Him. As a result of our righteous service to God, we may therefore be recipients of the ungodly attacks of Satan and the world:

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Which promises and truths from the above Romans passage encourage you to walk with Jesus? Is there someone you might share this encouragement with so that he or she will likewise be encouraged by God?

Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?

How earnestly do you serve Him?

Are you experiencing hardship because of your zeal and commitment to Christ? If so, how are you responding to being under the microscope because you love Jesus?

Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com if you would like to talk about Jesus and what it means to live for Him as others examine your Godly lifestyle.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

At the end of the day what matters more:

If my house is as neat as I want it, or that my guests are comfortable? 

If I have my makeup on, or if I’ve spent morning time with Jesus?

If I have the most up to date clothes, or if I’ve donated to help the poor?

If I have a new phone, or if I’ve helped support missionaries who are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ?

If I have________, or if I’ve _______ (you can fill in the blanks).

If I’ve accomplished my to do list, or accomplished what God wanted me to do?  

If I have a person’s approval, or God’s approval?

Romans 14:12 states: “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” This verse significantly impacts the way I live my life. It aids me when I am faced with a decision because it reminds me to whom I am accountable at the end of my life. 

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 also provides us with guidance in our daily decision-making: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

I can pause before making a decision and ask myself “Do you want to stand in the presence of God and explain why you chose ______?”

Matthew 12:36-37 also helps us make Godly decisions: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

Not only are we responsible for our actions, but God will have us give an account for the words we speak. This gives us a reason to be slow to speak, especially when we are angered or emotionally charged.

What does God expect from those who love Him?

Micah 6:8 provides guidance on what God expects: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Ephesians 2:8-10 also instructs us on this matter: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

John 15:12 provides more guidance for walking with God: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

You may consider all this and think, “How can I do this?” 

We cannot do this in our own power. But God provides the power and strength through His Holy Spirit. Every person who has a true relationship with God through Jesus Christ is permanently sealed with God’s Holy Spirit. 

John 14:15-17 states: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

He is the one who nudges us to pause and listen for God’s still small voice before we speak or act. 

For you, at the end of the day, what matters most? If it is not the desire to please God before anything worldly, please ask Him to help you get your priorities in compliance with His Word.

Do you have a true living and active relationship with Jesus? 

What proof does your life display that you love and serve Jesus? 

How often each day do you tell God you are grateful for His forgiveness through Jesus?

I would like to hear your thoughts on what matters most to you.  Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

There are so many unpredictable situations that can occur in our lives each day.

We might get an unexpected bill, our car might need to be replaced, a devastating event could take place in a loved one’s life, a house fire, a water leak so bad we can’t live in our home, unexpected weather conditions that bring destruction to our community, a spouse asks for a divorce, a cancer or other health diagnosis that will change our lives, loss of our eyesight, and many other possible situations that can cause us to rely upon our feelings.

But God doesn’t want us to rely upon our feelings. He wants us to rely upon Him. Consider the following words:

Proverbs 3:1-7 states: 

1 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, [Verse 1 reminds us that we must remember God’s Word. We need to dig into His Word, and allow His Holy Spirit to calm our emotions. The Holy spirit will able us to address the situation more calmly. Additionally, we need to be certain we are obeying God’s commands. As we seek God and serve Him, our thoughts begin to shift from panic to prayer, and from fear to faith.]

2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. [The peace described in Verse 2 comes as we focus on God, who He is, what He does, as we remember His great love for us. His greatest expression of love was in sending Jesus to take responsibility and pay the penalty for our sins.]

3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. [Our hearts and emotions can be steadied as we heed the guidance in this verse. We must be steadfast in loving God, and faithful to Him. Consider the emphasis on this through the words “bind” and “write”.]

4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. [When we keep God’s commandments, according to Verse 1, one result is having God’s favor. There is nothing more valuable than to be in a favorable relationship with the God who created us. Additionally, God will also grant us favor with people. When we are in distress, God will use those people to come alongside of us, to encourage and help us. Having friends who love and support us in our unpredictable circumstances is a benefit from God.]

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. [This seems like a summary of the first four verses. Notice the level of trust we are encouraged to have in God. All of our heart is what He is looking for. We need to ask Him to help us release the emotional responses to our situations, and to give us undivided affection for Himself. The second part of this is that we cannot try to figure out our next steps. Our understanding is very limited. God is all knowing. We must heed the Psalmist’s words and trust God and not ourselves.]

6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [Next we are to completely acknowledge God. As we do this, He works out our next steps. That doesn’t mean it is easy, but God will do amazing acts on our behalf, as He promises in Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. [This verse provides a warning when unpredictable circumstances attempt to cause upheaval in our lives. It is similar to Verse 5, and is repeated for emphasis. We must not allow our thinking to cloud our minds so that we cannot hear the still small voice of the Lord. We are given two more steps in this verse. We are to fear the Lord AND turn away from evil. When the unpredictable occurs, the enemy of our souls wants to terrorize us. We cannot allow him to do that. We need to remember the directive given in Verse 5 to trust God wholly.]

8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. [As we heed the commands and warnings of these verses, God will do amazing healing in our lives. Our bodies will experience His “refreshment”! Even if our unpredictable situation leads to our physical death, the best will happen to those who love Jesus! We will be with Him, and there is NOTHING better than to be with Jesus.

It is possible to respond to unpredictable circumstances in such a manner that we don’t succumb to worry and fear. However, it takes concerted effort on our part to trust Jesus wholeheartedly. But God wouldn’t have instructed us to do this if He didn’t think we could resist the emotional fear and worry. He has equipped us with His indwelling Holy Spirit, who will help us walk with our great God through the unpredictable circumstances of this fallen world.

God’s people should handle problems differently than the world addresses situations. We should live a different lifestyle.  Grace and peace should be evident in our lives because we belong to the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present God. When we falter in this, He is always ready to forgive us as we confess our sins and turn to Him in repentance and dependence upon Him.

Consider how Jesus responded in John 19:8-11a: “When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus wasn’t overwhelmed or frightened by Pilate’s words because Jesus knew God was sovereignly at work. We can be comforted by the same truth. God is powerfully at work, and for the good for all who love Him!

This is a battle, but God is our Victor!

Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? If so, then you are equipped for this battle. If Jesus is not your Lord and Savior, then you are not equipped for victory. 

This moment you can decide to accept Christ’s work on the cross, when you acknowledge your sinfulness and your need for Jesus to pay your sin’s penalty. I would like to talk with you about this decision. Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

How often do you hear, or might you even say: “That’s not fair!”?

Do we really want God to be fair to us? I’m glad God isn’t fair. If He treated me fairly, I would never have a relationship with Him. The truth is, no one would have a relationship with God if He treated us fairly. 

Fairness would mean that God would treat us as we deserve. He sets the standard. His standard is fair. Everyone has the opportunity to live up to His standard. But God knew that we would never be able to attain His standard. Adam and Eve proved that in the Garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve were given the opportunity to live in an environment where they could walk and talk with God. There was no toil in their work. Their every need was met by God. There was no anxiety. They still chose to reject God’s loving command, and gave in when their prideful, fleshly desires were tantalized by Satan. 

They knew the consequences. They still chose to reject God’s protective command. They deserved death. They deserved to be forever separated from God. But God showed mercy. 

They were sent from the Garden, and would experience physical death. Their separation from God also brought spiritual death. 

But God, acting out of mercy, promised Jesus, the offspring spoken of in Genesis 3:15: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

It would have been fair of God to reject Adam and Eve, kill them, and move on with another plan. But God did not do that! He’s much better than fair. His mercy and grace are given to all who will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

God, in His perfect timing, sent Jesus, His One and Only Son, to pay the penalty for sin. Jesus came willingly to do something that wasn’t fair. 

Jesus paying the debt for our sin was not fair. 

Since Jesus extends us mercy and grace, shouldn’t we be people who aren’t looking for fairness, but are looking for opportunities to be forgiving, merciful, and gracious?

I find that most things in this sin-laden world are not fair. 

What situation might you be facing that you are inclined to say “This is not fair.”? You may very well be right. But Godhas something good in it for you, if you will fully look to Him for help. 

Perhaps you will find comfort in this article by Kimberly D. Henderson:

“I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. And I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine.

I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul’s spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. And I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king.

I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. And I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.

And I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. And I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.

And oh friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce.

He knows the beauty the hard challenges will produce in our character. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. And He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.

So instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father and I’m asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I’m asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I’m asking Him how I can best love you and be a help to you. And I’m believing He’s going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.” © Kimberly D. Henderson, 2017

Please consider what Ms. Henderson is conveying in her writing. Blessings abound as we walk with God through the trials of this life. God has only good for those who experience unfair treatment.  Those situations truly emphasize the truth of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

He will safeguard the souls of those who love Him, who are called for His purpose. He deserves to be glorified in our lives, and that is often needed the greatest when we are in hard times.

I’m grateful God wasn’t fair when He sent Jesus to die for my sins. All praise and glory to God for His mercy and grace! Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

May you endure so that you can experience His lovingkindness in ways you would not have understood had you gotten what was fair.

Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com if you do not have an abiding and enduring relationship with Jesus. It is the only way to experience victory in the unfairness of this world.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.

When we see events that are harmful to people, we want God to act. We want the wronged person made whole, while the perpetrator of evil needs to be brought to justice.

Consider how that relates to God and us.

Do we truly understand that when it comes to God and our relationship with Him, justice demands that we all be judged? The verdict of that judgment is GUILTY!!

But God knows that we are all guilty and that none of us would be able to stand before Him unless He acted on our behalf.

Because of God’s love, His gracious and abundant mercy, He planned for His one and only Son to become the atoning sacrifice for His just wrath on our sin!

Please pause and truly consider this truth. 

We want justice, but God had to send His one and only Son so that justice could be done.

Jesus, the one who was not guilty of one single sin, paid the penalty for all of our sins. Is that what you think of when you think of justice? When I think of justice the guilty party bears the consequences for his or her actions. 

But God’s perfect plan of salvation is contrary to how we think. That is supported by Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Jesus’ work on the cross secured eternal life for all who will accept Him as Lord and Savior. This requires that we recognize we are guilty sinners who need His deliverance. The problem is that we cannot do anything on our own to satisfy the justice and wrath of God. 

When we have a personal, living and active relationship with Jesus, our lives are transformed. We become different people because our desires and goals change. God becomes our desire and goal. This requires effort on our part. We must purpose to turn from the ways of the world, while we learn and incorporate God’s ways into our lives.

While we are grateful for the gift of Jesus’ forgiveness, we must remember there are people who will come under God’s justice because they refuse to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Justice for them will be eternal separation from God. We don’t want them to experience justice. We want them to experience forgiveness.

This is why we must share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people. It is why we live transformed lives. Transformed lives reveal to people that God is loving, merciful, forgiving, and gracious. We are revealing the character of Christ at work in us to those around us.

Judgment day for everyone is approaching. It is sooner than it was when Jesus ascended to the Father. Mark 16:19: “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

Therefore, people will be judged by Him. 2 Corinthians 5:10:  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”  

Those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ will spend eternity with Jesus. Consider what we know about heaven. It will be a sinless environment, forever. Imagine that – no pride, no ego, no covetousness, no jealousy, no envy, no dishonesty….etc.

Revelation 21:4 states: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

Those who do not have a relationship with Jesus will find that their eternal fate will be separation from Him.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 states: “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

Revelation 21:8 states: “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Let us be people who declare the glorious work of God through Jesus Christ! 

Let us be people who reflect the transforming power of Christ’s Holy Spirit in our lives.

Let us be people who want mercy and forgiveness, not justice and punishment, for those who don’t know Christ.

Where are you with regards to a relationship with God? 

If you do not yet have a saving relationship with Jesus, which is exemplified by a life reflecting Christ’s character, what is holding you back? It truly is a matter of eternal life and eternal death.

Please reach out to me if you want to talk about God’s forgiveness at ButGodCares@gmail.com. 

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please share it with others!

Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you. Also, please remember to look at the full context of the verses by reading the complete passage.

Copyright 2026 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.