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Month: October 2026 (Page 1 of 3)

Don't Treat God's Word Like Junk Mail God First

Don’t Treat God’s Word Like Junk Mail

October 31, 2026 / / 0 Comments

When I wrote this, I had just read what I usually dismiss as “junk mail.” It was from a natural gas competitor to the company I’ve used for years. Normally I throw such advertisements away, but this one caught my attention. I realized I had no idea what I was paying per therm. I pulled out my last bill and thought I must have misread it, so I called my gas company to check.

I was shocked. Because our contract had expired long ago, we had been automatically switched to a monthly rate that was almost double the locked-in contract rate. I had been paying hundreds of dollars more than necessary simply because I never took the time to sign a new fixed-rate contract.

As I thought about it, I realized it was my fault—not the gas company’s. Notices had almost certainly gone out. The option to lock in a better rate had always been available. I simply paid little attention and eventually forgot. I paid a high price for failing to understand how the system worked.

I have since taken a little time to learn the details and locked in a 24-month contract at roughly half the rate I had been paying.

Although God’s Word is not “junk mail,” it often lies on tables, bookshelves, and cabinets untouched and forgotten by many, as if it were.

As someone who once neglected Scripture but now studies it, I see clear similarities between my gas-bill experience and the way many of us treat the Word of God. We set it aside instead of opening it.

Through God’s Word we can know:

  • His love and desires for our well-being
  • His creative work, past plans, and future purposes
  • That nothing He does is accidental—everything is part of a plan to offer eternal life to those who accept His terms
  • The Son of God, who was with the Father in the beginning and shared in creation
  • That Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make eternal life available to all through God’s grace
  • What obedient faith looks like and how to receive that grace
  • How to discern true teaching from false teaching

The list is endless. Yet if we never take the time to learn what God has actually said, we will miss the offer—just as I missed the lower gas rate.

It is never too late for anyone still on this earth to begin studying and responding to God’s invitation. His offer of eternal life is unmatched, and it is not as complicated as many assume. Spend time in the one book that leads to life with Him. As you do, you will want to act on what you discover.

Whose fault will it be if you ignore God’s offer by failing to learn what He requires?

Hear the gospel.
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Repent of your sins.
Confess Jesus as Lord.
Be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Live faithfully until you leave this earth for eternal life with God and His people.

Supporting Scriptures

Grace: Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:24; Titus 2:11; Acts 15:11
Hearing the Gospel: Romans 10:17; John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24; Romans 10:17; Acts 3:19; Matthew 16:16
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Luke 13:3-5; Acts 17:30
Confession: Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9; Matthew 16:16
Baptism (for the forgiveness of sins): 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Matthew 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 22:16
Live Faithfully: Revelation 2:10; Philippians 2:12
Study and Act: 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22; Acts 17:11

God First!

FOUL LANGAGE “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 God First

Foul Language: A Lesson in Strength Without Cursing

October 30, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I was taught that using foul language often reveals more about a person’s vocabulary and self-control than about the strength of their argument. Disrespectful, hateful, or crude words are frequently a feeble attempt to gain attention or dominate a conversation when clearer, more respectful language would do a better job.

This lesson was driven home for me years ago. A store manager falsely accused me of bringing in stolen Coke bottles for a deposit refund. What he didn’t know was that my dad had sent me with the bottles from his company—that’s why I had so many. When my dad heard about the accusation, he became furious—his face turned red with anger—and he immediately went to the store to confront the manager face-to-face in my defense. As a 16-year-old, I was struck by what happened next. Without using a single curse word, my dad made his points so clearly and firmly that the manager later told me he felt “so low he needed to pull his socks down to see.” The manager was impressed. He apologized to me and asked for forgiveness.

That experience left a lasting impression. Even in justified anger, we can still treat others with respect. My dad made his case powerfully while treating the manager the way he would have wanted to be treated. When we are wrong, we need the humility to own it and make it right—exactly as the manager did.

Scripture speaks clearly on this:

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, ESV)

“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:8–10, ESV)

We will give account for every careless word (Matthew 12:36–37), and we are not to take the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7). Our speech should build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

I’ve not always lived this out perfectly, but the principle remains true: strength is not measured by the volume of our curses, but by the clarity, respect, and self-control of our words.

See also: Colossians 3:8; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:10; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 18:21.

God First!

In the Twinkle of an Eye - Be ready now Jesus IS coming. Only God knows when

In the Twinkling of an Eye: Ready or Not

October 28, 2026 / / 0 Comments

When Jesus comes again, it won’t be on TV or in the news. It will happen too fast for any of that. It’ll be too late for anyone to choose a different path, and only God knows when. But we do know it will happen in the twinkling of an eye. Now that is fast!
The time to show God our love by keeping Jesus’s commands is now. In this moment and every second, we should love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and others as Christ loves us.

IN JESUS’S WORDS…
“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Reference Scripture:

  • “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” ‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭52‬ ‭NASB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
  • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:15 NASB
  • “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
  • “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

See also: Matthew 24:36, 42-44; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:52; John 14:6, 15; Mark 12:30; John 13:34-35.

God First!

IF THE TRUTH WAS ICE CREAME - KEEP IT PLAIN GOD'S WORD NEEDS NO TOPPINGS

Plain Vanilla Truth: Why God’s Word Needs No Toppings

October 27, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Suppose “the Truth” were vanilla ice cream. When you add toppings, the base remains the same, yet it is no longer simply vanilla ice cream. It no longer looks or tastes the same.

God’s Word is the pure Truth our Creator gave us. It should look and taste the same to everyone who receives it. Unity in Christ cannot be achieved by adding preferential toppings. God’s Word is perfect as given. Unity is possible only when we consume it the way God delivered it—without human additions.

In the effort to make worship, praise, and the teaching of God’s Word more exciting or appealing, many have created toppings. Applying these toppings effectively declares that we know better than God, who gave us plain vanilla. No matter how sincere the desire to attract the lost, when we add to God’s Word we are no longer presenting the Lord’s church; we are presenting a version shaped by human preference.

With such toppings, the truth is no longer simply truth. It has been embellished. It no longer looks or tastes the same. You cannot teach variations of the truth and still call it the truth. When anything is added to or taken from what is perfect, the perfect becomes imperfect. God’s Word is our solid foundation; when it is altered, the foundation becomes sand.

Plain Truth is what God gave us. It cannot be improved by the flavor of the month or a sprinkle of crunch.

Scripture severely warns us not to add to or take away from His Word. In the pursuit of followers, many lose sight of sound doctrine and become exactly what the Bible describes:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NASB1995).

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NASB1995).

According to Scripture, there is only one way to the Father—through Jesus. Let us pursue the pure teachings of Christ and resist the temptation to add flavor to God’s Word.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3 (tickling ears)
  • Revelation 22:18-19 (warning)
  • Deuteronomy 4:1-2 (warning)
  • Deuteronomy 12:32 (command)
  • Malachi 3:6 (unchanging)
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (All Scripture)
  • John 1:1, 14 (Jesus was with God from the beginning)

See also: Proverbs 30:5-6; 1 Corinthians 4:6.

God First!

8.32 Billion Souls on Earth Now

God Knows You Among 8 Billion

October 26, 2026 / / 0 Comments

God has approximately 8.32 billion souls on this earth today, and Jesus died for each and every one of us. God knows you and your heart, no matter who you are among the billions.

Through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus (God’s only Son), you and all of us have been extended access to the greatest gift ever offered: eternal life with our Creator. How? By choosing to follow Jesus, learning to keep His commandments, and keeping God first in our lives.

Scripture shows us that as we hear God’s Word and believe, our understanding will lead us to repent of our sins (change direction), confess Jesus as the Son of God, be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of our sins, and then, in our faith, pursue a life of doing God’s will according to His Holy Word—sharing with others through words and deeds the hope that is in us.

God’s Holy Word is how we get to know God; His living Word tells us exactly how to respond to His love and grace.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In the conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus had already spoken of being born of water and the Spirit as the way into the kingdom (John 3:5). True belief is an obedient faith that responds to God’s call.

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself’” (Acts 2:38–39). This was Peter’s direct answer on Pentecost to those who had already heard the gospel and asked, “What shall we do?” Baptism is the point at which forgiveness is received.

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Peter compares baptism to the waters of the Flood that carried Noah to safety. The saving power is not in the water itself, but in the obedient response that appeals to God through the resurrection of Jesus.

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3–4). Paul reminds Christians that their baptism was the moment they died to sin and were raised to walk in newness of life. That burial and resurrection with Christ is the foundation for living free from sin.

Hearing the Gospel: Romans 10:17
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24
Repentance of sin: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 13:3–5; Acts 17:30
Confess Christ: Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:3–4; Matthew 28:18–20

God First!

Protect yourself with forgiveness

Protect Yourself with Forgiveness

October 25, 2026 / / 0 Comments

One of the most memorable pieces of advice my mom ever gave me was, “Don’t go to bed mad,” and Mom lived by her words. Mom was the sweetest, most forgiving person I’ve ever known.

I saw Mom’s feelings hurt many times over the years (by all of us.) Of course, those things happen within families from time to time, but to the best of my knowledge, Mom never burdened herself with grudges. She might go to bed in tears or with some sadness occasionally, but never with bitterness, anger, or the desire for revenge toward others.

If you hurt Mom’s feelings and apologized, she accepted it with joy so that the wounds could heal quickly. On the other hand, if you never apologized, I think Mom just turned it over to God because she knew grudges harm our souls. I wish everone could have known my mom; she was awesome, and we miss her!

Jesus thought it necessary for us not to hold grudges against each other; in fact, in Jesus’s own words, He said: “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Matthew 5:22-24

So, If you have harmed someone, make it right; if you’ve been hurt, do your best to make it right, and don’t let the sun go down on your anger.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18

Be forgiving!

see: Ephesians 4:26–27; Matthew 5:22–24; Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:30–32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14–15.

God First!

Hitting the Mark Matters

Missing the mark so closely can have dramatic results.

October 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

One day, while cutting down a tree on our property, I ”missed the mark.” I missed it by a couple of inches, dropping the large dead tree in the opposite direction of my intention. My cut was slightly below the wedge I’d removed. I realized it when the tree clamped down on my chainsaw, and it became stuck in the tree. I shut it off and walked away with my brother. As we contemplated the next step, a branch fell from the tree. Shortly after, we watched as the whole tree slowly leaned and fell. The bar on my chainsaw then looked like a twisted metal pretzel.

It’s eye-opening to think about how “missing the mark” so closely changed the results so dramatically.

Thankfully, the result of that day’s mistake didn’t matter much, and nobody got hurt, but it sure reinforces the importance of “hitting the mark” when missing so closely can result in disaster.

It’s also important that we “hit the mark” in doing God’s will; being careless can have dire consequences.

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

We really have no excuses for not doing the will of God according to God’s will, as we have the complete word of God (The Bible) readily available. However, scripture does not come by osmosis; We can only know scripture through study. It’s so important that we really can’t allow others to do it for us. We all need to understand Scripture as we are each responsible for working out our own salvation.

“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 ESV.

See also: James 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:15; Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:24–27.

God First!

Turn it over to God God First

Turning It Over to God Is Not Trite—It’s Trust

October 23, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Sometimes, it sounds trite to say, “JUST TURN IT OVER TO GOD,” but this is where our trust in God, faith, and belief come into play. When Christians strive to follow Christ with obedient faith, we are striving towards righteousness. In (Mark 11:24) we are told, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” So, how do we turn it over to God? Well, we pray, we believe, and we trust in God’s answer, which allows us to let it go.

I once became so consumed by my concern for a loved one that it affected everything I did, including my marital relationship, until the day I realized that all my attempts to help this person were nothing more than temporary fading patches. Both I and my loved one needed to know that God was the answer, NOT ME or anything else. I asked myself, who would be there for them if I was gone? As I thought about my question, I realized God was the only answer! So, that night, I got on my knees and fervently prayed through heartfelt tears. I begged and pleaded in anguish and fear, asking God to help them, asking God to put people in their lives who could help them. I know that God’s will is the best will for all of us, so I took my cue from Christ’s example in the garden, and I asked that God’s will be done. I turned my cares over to Jesus.

My prayer that night wasn’t me giving up on that person in any way. I just realized, as never before, that God has complete control, and mine is extremely limited. That night, I literally felt a great invisible weight removed from my shoulders, replaced by a trusting calm.

After this prayer, when I heard from this person about self-inflicted difficulties, I limited my involvement and encouraged them to seek God’s will and pray; I offered to pray with them. To this day, I still pray for this person every day, and they have come a long way from those days and now include God in all that they do.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.”
In summary, don’t allow yourself to be consumed by things you can’t control. Turn them over to God! Pray and seek help from the one who can help when no one else can, the one who created everything you see and know, the one who created you and loves you like no other – The God of Love, who is Love.

When Christians strive to follow Christ with obedient faith, we are striving towards righteousness. When we turn that which we cannot control over to God, it’s not trite; it’s where our trust, faith, and belief come into play and substantiate our trust in God. God is love and will carry us through. For Christians, this world is not our home. Christians look forward to the fact that there will be no tears in heaven. By putting God First in our lives, we make this world a better place by our loving actions.

God’s word tells us to hear, believe, repent, and confess the name of Jesus and be immersed in the watery grave of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. In (Acts 2:38) we find in doing so, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Only by doing so and living righteously theirafter, can live knowing that heaven is now our eternal home.

Hearing: – 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!

God Knows the Election - Pray and Vote God First

Pray, Vote, and Share the Gospel

October 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Our USA election is no surprise to God. He knows all and sees all. At the same time, our prayers are important to Him. We are to pray without ceasing, for understanding, for wisdom, with faith, for our leaders, and for peace. Scripture tells us that the prayers of the righteous have great power. We are also given examples of times when failing to seek God’s counsel or remaining passive was not pleasing to Him (Joshua 9, the Parable of the Talents, Esther).

So let’s pray for our country now. Let’s pray that our choices will not hinder our ability to share the Gospel of Christ, but will help and encourage it. Let’s pray that we vote for candidates who use their voice, policies, and actions to stand against the acceptance of evil as the norm, and whose leadership best aligns with God’s will.

I pray that, during and after this election, all of us who consider ourselves Christians will do a better job of spreading the gospel to the world—especially to the leaders of our own country. God desires that everyone hear the gospel, including politicians. The closer they draw to God, the better they understand His principles and standards, and the better they can discern what is right.

“It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). This promise describes the close fellowship God’s people will enjoy in the new heavens and new earth. Even now, He hears the prayers of the righteous, so we can pray with confidence while we wait for that perfect day.

I urge anyone reading this to pray. Pray now and pray often.

See: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:5–6; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; James 5:16; Joshua 9:14–15; Esther 4:14; Matthew 25:14–30; Mark 16:15; Isaiah 65:24; Romans 13:1; Proverbs 14:34; 1 John 5:14.

God First!

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