Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Month: August 2026 (Page 1 of 2)

66 Books of God's Absolute Truth - Learn them all

66 Books of Absolute Truth: Why We Must Learn Them All

August 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The Holy Bible contains 66 Books of God-breathed wisdom and instruction that our Creator assembled for our betterment and understanding. The Old Testament has 39 books of “before Christ” history, including hundreds of prophecies about Christ written hundreds of years before His birth. The New Testament has 27 books about the Son of God, Jesus, and how our souls can obtain eternal life with God in Heaven through Christ. Together, these books show how anyone can accept God’s offer of grace through obedient faith in Christ, and how we can each “Put on” Christ and be “In” Christ.

Scripture defines “obedient faith.” It tells us how to lay up treasures in heavenly places and have our souls live forever in a heavenly home not made with hands. God’s Word shows us how God extended grace to us through Christ.

Scripture states and gives examples that when we hear the message of Christ, this understanding leads us to believe in Christ. Still, Scripture also shows that belief alone is not enough, as it states, “demons believe and shudder” (James 2:19) Hence, our belief leads us to repentance (a decision to change direction and follow Christ), We then find we are to confess Christ as the living Son of God before others however; to have our sins forgiven we must also be immersed into the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins, This according to to God’s word rather than mans idea’s is when we are forgiven of our sins and begin our walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-11; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21) New Testament scripture also stresses the importance of sharing the gospel and teaching others.

However, how can we teach what we do not know? – We need to study!

Our children need us to study! Why? – So we can accurately teach them God’s word and share the message of eternal salvation with them and to the whole world, according to God’s Will. Only through understanding and obedient faith can we know peace beyond our comprehension and have confidence in eternal life with Jesus. Don’t we want that?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

  • Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17, John 8:32
  • Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
  • Repentance: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confess: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
  • Baptism by immersion for forgiveness of sin: – Mark 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Matt 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:5, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39, Mark 1:9-10, John 3:23

Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12; John 3:5; Ephesians 4:5; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 John 3:7; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Matthew 28:19-20

God First!

Comfort in Painful Anniversary's

Finding God’s Comfort on Painful Anniversaries

August 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Some dates, like birthdays, bring us happiness and Joy, while some dates bring heart-wrenching memories of shattered hearts, terrible life-changing events, death, and accidents. I often pray for the emotional strength and comfort that only God can provide for all my loved ones during these times. I once prayed, ”Father, please help all my family and us in these coming days, as I don’t know what to do.” As I said, “I don’t know what to do.” It dawned on me—I was doing it! Nothing is more powerful than God’s help; God can comfort our hearts and minds beyond understanding and place people in our lives who help us overcome despair. His approach may not be simply the love and compassion of good friends, but rather God may be helping by providing us opportunities to help others in need; opportunities that, if we pursue them, focus our minds and time on others, which distract us from the temptation to wallow in sorrow. Look for opportunities to do good; these are blessings to the heart. (Galatians 6:9-10)

Praying is so simple that we might diminish its value and forget just how powerful communicating with our Creator truly is. Scripture tells us: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” So, pursue righteousness with all we have to give.

Scripture also states: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 So, Let’s pursue righteousness and pray often with righteous prayers from loving hearts, then trust God!

Galatians 6:9-10; James 5:16; James 4:8; Mark 11:24; Zechariah 1:3; Philippians 4:6-7; John 15:7; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Psalm 34:18; 1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 5:4; Psalm 147:3.

God First!

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:12-17‬ ‭(NASB)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

How We Become Friends of Jesus

August 18, 2026 / / 0 Comments

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:12-17 (NASB)

God First!

The Mirror of Reflection and Growth James 1:15 and Matthew 6:21

The Mirror of Reflection and Growth: Examining Our Hearts Daily Before God

August 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Our dual battle between good and evil starts with the desires of our hearts and minds. (see James 1:14-15) When we act with goodness, we glorify God, and when we act on evil desires, we sin against God. Our actions show our hearts, so why not seek to better ourselves by embracing the mirror of reflection and growth and ask ourselves daily:

  • Are my actions demonstrating where I know my heart’s desire should be?
  • Am I proud of my actions?
  • Would Jesus be proud of my actions?
  • Did I reject temptation?

If the answer is “Yes,” you’re doing well. If your answer is “No,” remember that God forgives and then chooses to remember no more the sins of those who repent, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus according to His will and keep His commands. There is never a better time to change direction than the moment you realize you need to, and reflection helps you get there.

If bad habits have formed, replace them with good habits.

 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

God’s word tells us how to focus our minds and hearts and overcome the temptation to sin. (Philippians 4:5-9)

References: Matthew 5:44; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 22:37–39; Hebrews 8:12; Matthew 6:21; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 12:2; Luke 9:23; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 3:5–10; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18–19; John 14:15; Galatians 5:16–24; Ephesians 4:22–24; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Isaiah 43:25.

  • Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17, John 8:32
  • Belief/Faith: – Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
  • Repentance: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confess: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
  • Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin: – Matthew 16:15-16 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Matt 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:5, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39, Mark 1:9-10, John 3:23

God First!

Opinions feed the ego, God's word feeds the spirit

Opinions Feed the Ego — God’s Word Feeds the Spirit

August 15, 2026 / / 1 Comment

Are we feeding our egos, or are we feeding our spirit?
Opinions feed our egos, and God’s Word feeds our spirit.

It’s not about what we want; it’s about what God wants.
It’s not about our opinion; it’s about conforming to God’s intent for us, His commands, and what is actually in God’s Holy Word.
 
Today, we worship in spirit and in truth.
(John 4:23–24, John 4:23–24)
 
Jesus calls us to lives of servanthood, gratitude, compassion, humility, Spirit-empowered strength, personal accountability, and boldly sharing the message of Christ — always with love.

Jesus is our salvation!
 

John 14:6; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Philippians 2:3–8; Colossians 3:12–14; Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:105; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Ephesians 4:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Micah 6:8; Luke 9:23–24; James 4:10; 1st Peter 2:2; 1st John 5: 1–5, 11–13; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:1–4, 11–14, 23; Acts 2:38; Revelation 21:8; Acts 4:12

God First!

Not my will, but yours be done. Ultimate Control through love our salvation Follow Christ example - Love your enemy's

Exercising Control in the Face of Injustice

August 14, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Sometimes, controlling anger at injustice is a real challenge, and exercising control isn’t what we want; it can feel as if we’re choosing to absorb pain instead of doing something to stop it. The pain can feel unbearable at times, but with God, all things are possible, and it’s well worth staying the course and following Christ’s example.

Jesus exercised ultimate control; at any moment, Scripture says He could have called 12 legions of angels, and a Roman legion numbered about 6,000 men. The point is, Christ could have stopped absorbing all the pain He suffered, but he didn’t; Christ’s love for God and mankind was greater than every temptation to lose control or call it quits. Consumed with love, Jesus was determined to do His Father’s will; for this we should all be eternally grateful, for without His loving sacrifice we have no hope for eternal life in Heaven.

The trickle-down effect of Christ absorbing all that pain was our salvation. Jesus’s life, death, burial, and resurrection demonstrate God’s love for us. Every soul has the opportunity and promise of eternal life if we accept God’s grace with our obedient faith; Heaven becomes our home.

Jesus could have gotten angry and lashed out, as many of us might. He could have ended all of us at any moment, but instead, Jesus, being consumed with love and compassion, exercised ultimate control.

Jesus had experienced rejection before, and He knew what He was about to suffer was far beyond anything He had experienced. Knowing what was about to happen, Jesus was sweating blood on the Mount of Olives. He even prayed for a different solution, but if not, he wanted to submit to God’s will, not his own.

“And He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. And when He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father if you are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” LUKE 22:39-44

Jesus submitted to God’s will, but instead of showing anger, He demonstrated love and restraint; Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I admit this is difficult sometimes, but if it were not for our betterment, Jesus would not have told us to do so.

Also, remember what Jesus says in Romans 12:14-21 and trust Him.

  • Matthew 26:53 (12 legions of angels)
  • Matthew 19:26 (all things possible)
  • Luke 1:37 (nothing’s impossible)
  • Philippians 4:13 (Christ who strengthens me)
  • Matthew 5:39-44 (love your enemies)
  • Matthew 22:37-40 (Encompassing)
  • Romans 12:14-21 (I will repay, says the Lord)
  • 1 Peter 2:21-23 (Christ’s not retaliating when reviled or suffering)
  • Isaiah 53:7 (the silent Suffering Servant who opened not His mouth)
  • Philippians 2:5-8 (Jesus humbling Himself, obedience even to death)
  • Hebrews 12:2 (enduring the cross for the joy set before Him)
  • John 15:13 (greatest love is laying down one’s life for friends)
  • Matthew 26:39 (praying “not as I will, but as You will”)
  • Romans 5:8 (God demonstrating His love while we were still sinners)

God First!

Narrow Path - Eternal life with Jesus, Highways to nowhere - utter darkness. Which path are you on?

Highways to Nowhere: My Journey Back to the Narrow Path

August 13, 2026 / / 0 Comments

My journey from a young adult to now has involved many turns, curves, pains, peaks, and valleys. Many of my early choices were enough to make bystanders dizzy. I would strongly recommend against anyone following the highways to nowhere that cross our straight-and-narrow path. I was taught and contentedly started down the narrow path. However, as a youthful adult, I began testing the exit ramps on those wide-open highways; they appeared so fun and fast. Many highways cross the narrow pathway towards heaven, and those on them seem to be having a great time. In my youthful years, the narrow path felt slow, lonely, and dull, while the highway travelers were going so fast they seemed to have time for loneliness, which looked so appealing in those lonely moments.

Although I was not hitchhiking, those highway travelers would occasionally stop with great big smiles on their faces and exuberantly offer me highway rides, and every once in a while I would accept short rides but found myself quickly missing the peace, comfort, contentment, and safety the straight and narrow path offers; however, the highway rush enticed me, so I started putting my thumb up now and then to catch that thrill. After a while, those highway rides became longer and faster; my adrenaline surged! Eventually, I was no longer catching rides; I was driving, navigating those highways, and with so many others rapidly going nowhere fast, almost completely losing sight of that straight and narrow path I once cherished. Without realizing it, I became the big-smile driver in my speedy convertible, offering rides to travelers on that straight and narrow path, spending years with the wind blowing through my hair, speeding down highways to nowhere; I looked like I was going somewhere fast, when I was actually going nowhere at all. Occasionally, I would reflect on the peace and comfort I once knew and was surprised when I found myself feeling trapped and remembering the comfort of that ole pathway; yet, if I thought too profoundly about it, I would stop reflecting and floor the gas pedal.

Periodically, when I offered rides to someone on that straight and narrow path with words of wisdom, they would say no to even the shortest ride, reminding me of my years traveling that path. Their declines began piquing my curiosity and helped me reflect and realize how confused and lost I had become. I found myself admiring their rejection of my offer and started realizing the highways were truly taking me nowhere and becoming less intriguing; I started longing for the peace, comfort, tranquility, and surety I once had on that narrow pathway.

Finally, I realized getting off those entangled spaghetti highways was necessary; the loneliness I felt on the path I once walked was not gone, just hidden for a while; only now it was coupled with emptiness, an emptiness I’d never felt before. My realization meant a dramatic change, but I knew it was the right choice; I needed to get off those highways to become whole again. I started my departure with a commitment to change direction, to exit those highways and never look back, to return to that narrow path to heaven again; so, like never before, I studied and learned more about that narrow pathway that takes us to heaven and its eternal reward. The more I learned, the more I questioned why I allowed myself to accept that first highway ride, for with God we have direction, purpose, and a goal; without God, we have emptiness with no hope of eternal life.

I now have great admiration for those few who have consistently said no to those Highway offers and stayed true to that narrow path for most, if not all, of their lives. My choices taught me that my example and everyone’s examples have tremendous trickle-down effects that influence others. If we truly care about family, friends, or people, we need to be mindful of our influence and do our best to serve God as a Christ-like example so that anyone following our lead will realize we are going somewhere, that we are on a path that leads to a heavenly home with our Creator where there are no tears, sickness, or sorrow. And that Highway, well, the highway eventually ends in eternal darkness with no hope. Utter darkness! Jesus is the light, and without God we are empty.

I am thankful for God’s grace and the path he set for us all to follow. For it is by God’s grace, through our obedient faith in hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins and living faithfully thereafter, that we can walk the eternal pathway that makes us whole and takes us to eternal life with Jesus.

  • Proverbs 3:5-7
  • Proverbs 4:26-27
  • Matthew 3:3
  • John 14:1–31
  • Revelation 21:4
  • Luke 13:24
  • Proverbs 14:12
  • Proverbs 16:25
  • Romans 10:17
  • Mark 16:16
  • Acts 17:30
  • Romans 10:9-10
  • Acts 2:38
  • Acts 22:16
  • 1 Peter 3:21
  • Matthew 5:16
  • 1 Timothy 4:12
  • Titus 2:7
  • James 5:19-20

God First!

Work out your own salvation

No Exceptions Needed: Following Scripture to Heaven

August 7, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I am certainly glad that our eternal salvation does not depend on others. Each individual chooses to live their lives in faith and obedience to God or not; the choices of others do not change my outcome. I heard the following story many years ago: A lady stated: “I don’t attend church services because there are hypocrites there.” Her friend then responded: “I would rather attend services with hypocrites than spend eternity with them.

According to Scripture, we are each responsible for working out our own salvation; no one can work it out for us. Others may share Christ with us, but it’s up to us to study and discern from Scripture if what they shared is truly by God’s authority; in other words, found in Scripture according to God’s word, because if we don’t, are we not putting our faith in that person’s teaching rather than God’s own Words?

We are all individuals, collectively seeking eternal life in heaven, and we need to pick up the Cross to follow Jesus as stated in Scripture. If we do so according to God’s Word, we don’t need to seek or hope for exceptions to His Word not found in Scripture to gain eternal life. Nope, we can know by simply doing His will; heaven is our home. Following the ideas of others over what is actually found in Scripture is dangerous, no matter how widely accepted.

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:22-24

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12

Acts 17:11, Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24, Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:5, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 1:22, John 14:15

God First!

“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” Choosing purity and self-control is not merely personal; it builds others up and seeks their good rather than selfish indulgence

Dear Youth: Guard Your Mind and Cling to Innocence

August 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dear youth, always strive to maintain the purity of your mind, refuse temptations, and cling to the innocence of your childhood. In years to come, you will be happy you did.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God “ Matthew 5:8

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Youth, Regrets are “Unnecessary burdens on our lives” and very avoidable when we train ourselves to make the right choices. Remember, not everything that is ‘lawful’ is helpful or builds others up—so let us seek the good in others and be examples of righteousness for others.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:23

  • Psalm 119:9
  • Proverbs 4:23
  • 2 Timothy 2:22
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • James 4:7
  • Galatians 5:16
  • Matthew 18:3
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20
  • Mark 10:15
  • Luke 18:17
  • Romans 12:2
  • Proverbs 3:5–6

God First!

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