The best life is a God First life

Month: January 2021 (Page 1 of 2)

Because we love

Scripture tells us, Baptized believers are those who are “In Christ,” and when we are “In Christ,” God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit work in and through us. Christ told us if we love Him, we will keep his commandments, and he gives us a New Commandment. ‘That we love others as He loved us.’

Christ surely knew when he bore our sins in death; He would temporarily be separated from his Father. I imagine that to Christ; separation would be worse than all the torture and death itself; no wonder he was sweating blood. However, Christ went through with His Father’s plan that you and I might have eternal life with God.

Christ allowed himself to be sacrificed on the cross out of love for his Father and us. He prayed not mine, but your will, be done! The emptiness and pain Christ must’ve felt when He cried out, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani,” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

As the Hymn says: I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou giv’n for Me?

I look forward each day to my time in prayer, often thanking God for all the blessings both seen and unseen, and yes, even for the hardships that help us learn to be better we’s.

I look forward to each 1st day of the week when we take time to gather in worship and, by doing so, express our love and gratitude for God’s love. Each week, I look forward to communing with my fellow Christians as we reflect on the Cross and partake the bread and fruit of the vine representing the body and blood of Christ shed, that we might live. We find eternal life in heaven, In Christ!

God First!

Related Scriptures:

Galatians 3:23-29, Philippians 2:13, John 13:34–35, John 17:23, 2nd Corinthians 13:5, Romans 8:10-11, Galatians 5:22-26, Acts 2:38, John 1:1, Matthew 27:46, Acts 20:7, Luke 22:17-20

Our Hearts

So many of us try to protect our hearts, hide them and shield them behind tough exteriors. Yet, when we actually extend it and share it with others, we really make a difference. Not just in the lives of others, but in our own lives. 

The risk is worth the effort.

God’s word tells us to Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love our neighbor as ourselves and not hide the light of our hearts under a bushel; let it shine!

Thank you to those who take the risk! 

Your compassionate love makes the world a better place

Mark 12:30–31

Mark 4:21-25

God First!

God and Country

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

When we say the pledge of allegiance, we promise loyalty and support to each other.

The Merriam dictionary defines “Republic” as: “a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to the law” So we the people of the United States of America are “the republic,” and our flag is, representative of our unity of power.

In 1954 the pledge of allegiance was modified one last time with the most important words of all added: “One Nation under God” These 4 words acknowledge our nation as being under God. In other words: God First! 

These words demonstrate that the majority of “We the people” recognize our nation’s strength is beholden to God and, we are thankful to God for his incredible blessings.

The pledge also states: “indivisible with liberty and justice for all”

The concept here: We will not allow ourselves to be divided and that the power of the people is to be used to pursue liberty and justice for all. So, when someone reading political opinion states: “Maybe we pledge our allegiance to Christ and His Kingdom instead. The Kingdom of heaven is the ONLY Christian nation.” I understand and agree with the point that God should be first in all our lives. And for true Christians, Heaven is our final home.

However, I don’t believe that speaking up for the values and principles of Christianity or against destructive policies in our worldly government somehow, someway means we have pledged our loyalty to the Country instead of to Christ and His KingdomTo me, Such statements encourage silence and apathy and discourage speaking up and taking a stand for good. When we stand for good, we stand for God and encourage the message of Christ as God is: Good. Let our example and words in and out of politics encourage others to want to know the reason for the hope that is in us.  1 Peter 3:15

I appreciate that our “Pledge of Allegiance” includes: “One Nation Under God”

Because I am both an Advocate for Christ and part of We The People, I speak with my vote and voice. When I speak against evil and against unjust actions and when I speak for liberty. I am NOT excluding God. I am taking a stand for God. I am doing my part to ensure that “we the people” continue to acknowledge God at the Helm because “A Country without God, is a Country lost, a Country with God, is a Country Blessed” ~wrj

Eternal Confidence

For the true Christian, advocates of Christ, the main goal, is not to go to Heaven.

Why?

Because the true believer is, someone who out of love, and gratitude, has acted to accept the grace of God by following the commandments of Christ and put on Christ so for them, that’s a promise.

The main goal of the true believer is to share. To share the Truth, the message of Christ with others so they may also choose to be, Advocates of Christ and also share in the assurance of heaven as their home for eternity.

Mark 16:15-16, Galatians 3:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17–19, Acts 2:37-42, Romans 6:4, Romans 8:31-33, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 2:22-25,

God First!

Bible Translations

The languages of the Bible are dead languages! In other words, the meanings of words did not continue to change with time as with today’s languages (they died).

This is excellent and here is why

Because of this, we can always go back to the original writings to clarify meaning. We can discover how the original text was used and written. Often, the words in the original language have several possible meanings but, only one of those meanings fits best within the context of how the word was used and also stays consistent with the whole of other scripture. None of the manuscripts or letters are in the original writer’s hand. They were all copied by scribes over and over again from whatever types of paper or stone they were on prior. With the “King James Version,” all the manuscripts available at the time were combined into the books of the Bible. The translations were done by a large group of about 50 very profound scholars. These scholars checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the letters and manuscripts they had. Bumping every piece against a set of rules they had created to assure they had correctly translated them. The scholars also defined the: chapters, verses, and punctuation that help us in our reading as these were not part of, the original languages.

Since the “King James” translation

More transcripts have been found. Some of which are older writings than those used to create the KJV. Many of today’s newer translations used the KJV for their base to translate it into words that are easier for us to read today. While some versions compared the manuscripts used to translate the KJV to the older manuscripts found and then made changes in the new versions giving priority to the older manuscripts. Note: Even though, in few cases, an entire verse was removed by using the older writings they found. The changes were all minor and did not change Scripture.  There are also many translations in multiple languages and, not all were translated with the same care.  In fact, some translations you find today are no more than the interpretation of one person while some, are created by groups with an agenda other than a strict translation. This is why it’s important to understand how a translation came about. So, we can decide how much credibility we should apply.

I personally like the ESV, KJV, NKJ, NASB1995, and the ASV the most. I will also use other versions occasionally to help with the understanding of some verses. The most meticulous work was done under threat of life by the scholars of the 1600s with the KJV. As a follower of Christ, not a scholar of biblical languages, I will rely heavily on the versions I believe were created with the most care.

All this said; I trust God

I believe God’s Holy Word is just that: God’s Holy Word. I trust each word and believe it possible to have a clear understanding of everything God wants us to understand. We just need to remove our desires and our expectations so we can open our hearts and minds and pay attention to God’s desires and will for us.

The Bible is not a book of confusion.

What makes it seem confusing is us. When we try to twist what it says into what we think it should say. We also need to keep in mind that the Bible is several books that make-up, one book. So when we look at one verse using the word faith, it does not discount all the verses that included baptism or vice versa.

What’s the whole picture?

What do the books combined tell us is necessary for Salvation?

If we’re willing to admit to ourselves that we may have more to learn. The complete answer is available to us in Scripture

The Bible continues to be the #1 bestseller

I can not Phantom God giving us His complete Word in forms we can’t possibly understand. Can you?

To me, the idea that God went through all this effort Including, the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross so that we might have eternal life. That He spent thousands of years bringing all of it to fruition only to give us a Bible we can’t trust to be accurate or understand with a little effort, reasoning, and discernment would be ridiculous.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

Seeding Social Media

We can plant seeds of evil or seeds of good. Some view social media as the devil’s playground because many abuse it. Some air their dirty laundry, some are disrespectful and hateful, some spread gossip, and the list goes on and on.

I view Social media as farmland. Farmland with equal opportunity to spread good seeds, good thoughts, praise, accolades and, the message of Christ. We can just as easily spread seeds that lift each other up as we can spread the seeds of Satan.

We need to keep in mind the things we like, share and say on these platforms are an extension of ourselves. I would love to see social media inundated with uplifting posts, shares, and likes by good people wanting to make positive change.

If we’re not planting good seeds in the farmland, the seeds of weeds Satan plants will take over the land.

God is good, let’s share the goodness!

God First!

God draws closer as we draw closer

If you want to become close to someone, do you reach out by ignoring them?

Many people say they believe in Jesus. Some will shout it from the rooftops, yet few take time to get to know Him.

I’m not talking about feelings like when you listen to music and become emotional. No, I’m talking about getting to know Jesus through His Father, His life, His words, His example, and His message.

It’s when we study God’s Holy Word that we truly get to know and understand Jesus. Because when we study, we draw closer to God, closer to our creator.

The creator of the world and everything in it. In, John 1:1-2 we find: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, He was in the beginning with God”

What an opportunity we have!

We cheat ourselves immensely when we don’t spend time in God’s Word. When we don’t, spend time getting to know our Heavenly Father or make an effort to draw closer to God so that God will draw closer to us.

If we are in God’s Word daily, it’s only natural that God will be part of our daily conversations. Is He?

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you…”  James 4:8

John 1:1-17

2 Timothy 2:15

God First!

Choices are real and regrets, are lifetime

You have two lines. One line promotes the murder of babies the other promotes the protection of life. Your decision is: black and white, Not gray. You simply have one line promoting evil, and one line, for pure love.

It’s been pointed out: God is not Democrat or Republican, Amen to that!

There is no evil in God! GOD IS LOVE, GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME.

If Jesus was asked: Is it ok to kill babies in the womb? Would love answer: sure, go ahead, or would that be Satan?

Choosing the right line is important, I choose the Life-Line of love.

Which line do you stand behind?

1 John 4:8, Psalms 145:9, Psalms 100:4-5 Mark 10:18

#godislove, #love #godisgood #prolife

The meaning of my name

In biblical studies, I’ve noticed many names have unique meanings that identify personality traits and/or the purpose of individuals. Some were even given new names, that in meaning, identified their new path. This said; I’ve always been a little disappointed when I read (as a child) that the meaning of my name “Wayne” meant: “Old Covered Wagon”.

I’ve joked around with this ever since. However, in the last few years, this “old covered wagon” has embarked on a new journey pursuing a fuller understanding of God’s will and the message of Christ. This journey has been exciting, challenging, and sobering while also making these last few years much more meaningful. My wife and I have gained so much including, a new level of peace, contentment, and joy, yet there is so much more to be gained.

This “old covered wagon” slow and with a lot of space would like to encourage you to follow and comment on the posts you find on my site Advocate for Christ

With our mutual love of God, open minds, open hearts, and our desire to do God’s Will, according to God. We have what we need to strengthen our friendships while we pursue our apprenticeship of Christ.

God First!

Does God love some more than others?

I’ve been thinking about this question and believe the answer is that God loves the “response” of some more than others.

Like parents and children, one child might do as directed most of the time while the other doesn’t. It’s not that parents love the obedient child more than the other; however, they do love the response of the obedient child more than the disobedient response. The obedient response shows a desire to please the parents by doing as told. (Love)

In Scripture, we learn Jesus died for all the world. That God shows no partiality. Scripture tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus told us, if we love Me, you will keep My commandments.

David was considered a man after God’s heart? Why? God tells us: “He will do my will” Saul, on the other hand, lost his kingdom for doing his “own” will, not God’s.

King David made many huge mistakes and was far from perfect yet he constantly relied on God and pursued righteousness. (Doing God’s will)

We all have the same choice!

Follow God’s will to the best of our ability by studying and following God’s instructions. Or, follow our ideas or the ideas of others.

When we choose to follow God according to God’s will we spend our lives pursuing righteousness? In James chapter 5 we find the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. This should be one of our goals, to have our prayers accomplish much because we pursue righteousness.

God First!

John 3:16 we were told:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

Acts 10:34-35

“And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.”

Acts 13:22

—–But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

Samuel 13:14

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

James 5:16
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