At one time, the consequence of poor decisions had me living in a tent for a couple of months with my then-wife and our toddler son. It was fall and getting cold. This experience forced me to swallow my pride, learn humility, and accept help from others to get back on my feet. The family that helped us asked one thing of me.

Today, I have over decades of choices, both good and bad. experiencing some successes, failures, and regrets. I don’t dwell on the regrets or let them hamper my attitude, but I don’t forget them either. For me, regrets fuel a desire to help others avoid similar mistakes, which is why I occasionally share stories of my life that can be embarrassing, shameful, or maybe seem boastful and prideful. I’ve achieved small levels of success; however, my most significant success was not business or material gain; it was the decision to put God First, not by words, but by commitment.

The family that helped us had only one request: “When opportunities arise, help others.” I will never forget them, their commitment to God, or their kindness, and have tried to honor this impactful request ever since.

I share experiences for a reason; good or bad, I hope others will gain from them. I hope those who read or hear my messages will avoid similar mistakes and, more than anything else, embrace my most excellent decision.

At the top of that list is my decision to follow Christ and all His teachings to the best of my ability. Although I failed for many years, I now take comfort in knowing God has forgiven me for turning my back on His love and pursuing my own desires. I now know I have an eternal home waiting in Heaven and can’t fathom ever turning my back on God again.

Simply put, NO DESIRES ARE WORTH THE ETERNAL RISK.

All of us have the same opportunity: Everyone!

Scripture points out that we must hear God’s word, we must believe Christ is the risen Son of God (Romans 10:8-17), we must repent (decide to change our life course and follow Jesus), we must confess Jesus as the risen Son of God (Acts 2:38) and, we must be immersed (baptized) in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). It’s at this point (at baptism) that our sins are forgiven. During baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; It is also at this point that we are added to “The Church” (We don’t join, we are added), Acts 2:41.

From this time forward, we are looked upon by God to be as pure as the driven snow because Christ’s blood continues to cleanse us. (1 John 1:7)

It is at the point that we are then “IN CHRIST” with the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us walk in the light, putting God First and doing all we can to show Jesus our love by keeping His commandments and loving others as Christ loved us (John 14:15)

  • John 14:1-6
  • Revelation 21:1-27
  • 1 Cor. 15
  • Gal. 3:26-27
  • Rom. 6:3-5
  • Gal. 3:27

God First!