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The best life is a God First life

Category: Accountability (Page 1 of 2)

How often must God say something in Scripture for it to be true?

How often must God say something for it to be True?

April 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

From the beginning of creation, God’s Word has been Truth and nothing but Truth, and it will continue to be so to the end of time as we know it. God is Unchanging, God is Love, God is Good, God does not Lie! When someone discounts the importance of Scripture or flat-out dismisses it, they dismiss God, effectively deciding they know better than God. According to God’s Word, all of scripture is God-breathed. In other words, all of Scripture is inspired by God, giving us what God wants us to know and follow (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If someone says they don’t believe “ALL” scripture is from God, or that it really means something other than what is stated, are they not calling God a liar or implying God goofed? If scripture tells you something is wrong one time, yet society, someone, or a culture tells you it’s ok or meant differently than what you can read, who’s right? — My answer is God!

When Scripture is pointed out, many respond: “Well, that’s your interpretation.” However, scripture tells us: “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20) In other words, Scripture is from God.

In 1 Corinthians 14:33, scripture states: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

God did not provide us with a book of confusion.

Some try to reinterpret the Greek to force an interpretation that yields their desired result; however, in this effort, the problem is not with God’s Word.  No, the problem is with the individual seeking an answer different from what’s in God’s Word. God’s Word is true, as written for our understanding, not our confusion.

We don’t need to be Greek scholars to understand God’s face value meaning. So, if one believes in God and that the Bible is God’s Word, they should also understand that Scripture has only one correct answer, the one that God intended, and that answer will not contradict any other scriptures.

“The unfolding of the words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” Psalms 119:30

Scripture also gives us a STARK WARNING:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

  • Hebrews 6:17-18
  • Titus 1:1-2
  • 1st John 4:16
  • Psalm 136:1

God First!

Let your light shine

Scully Cursed Worse Than a Sailor

April 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The term “curses like a sailor” is often used to describe people who use a lot of foul language. Scully was a friend of my grandparents, and one year, as we visited my grandparents for the summer, my grandmother pulled us aside and let us know he was coming over and what to expect, warning us that Scully cusses worse than a sailor, but also pointing out he was a really good-hearted man and friend for many years. She hoped he would not do so in front of us; however, she knew it was just part of his makeup. When we met him, he was very kind, and they all sat around for a long visit. He may have been mindful of his language at first, but quickly fell into his habit.

What I remember most about Scully, whom I think we only met twice, was his friendliness towards my grandparents, his kindness, his tall, rather thin appearance, and his laughter. I remember he did cuss a lot, but I don’t remember what specific words he used most. As my grandmother pointed out, it was part of his makeup.

My ears were not so offended by his use of foul language that I could not appreciate all the good in the man, of which I believe there was much.

As I grew into adulthood, I never adopted foul language as a norm. Dad used it sometimes when I was little. He drank beer and even smoked some, but as he began taking us to church, I was about seven, Dad began viewing things differently, and over time, found Scripture in God’s Holy Word that made him want to stop, and he did.  Cold turkey, he stopped smoking, never to return; the beer and cussing were habits that changed over time as he grew to appreciate God’s intent for us.

In later years, I used a curse word in front of dad, who then pointed out to me that foul language points out one’s inability to articulate well, that using disrespectful, foul, and hateful words is no more than a feeble attempt at attention when you lack a better vocabulary to command it. This thought helped me look for better ways to communicate rather than resorting to cussing. Dad also suggested I replace those types of words with something like Snacklefrackle (a word he made up), one I have used several times over the years, that people then ask, “What!”

I am glad that I never adopted curse words as part of my makeup and that Dad’s suggestions worked for me. I am thankful that I learned enough about God’s Word to know that God expects so much more of his disciples. (See Matt. 15:11, 5:22, Eph. 4:29, 5:4, James 3:2, Col 3:8)

I live in a neighborhood of 530 homes. I have many neighbors and friends who use foul language. I don’t condone its use; I don’t like hearing or reading it, nor the use of the Lord’s name in vain, which non-believers commonly use. The non-believer being one who is unwilling to study, learn, and do God’s Will, because if we believe, we follow and strive to live according to Christ’s example. Matthew 16:24-26 non-believers don’t strive to do His will. (James 2:14-26)

When opportunities arise, I voice my understanding of God’s Word, but I don’t live in a bubble; I know this is part of their makeup and habits. I also don’t join in with the habit.

I understand that if people truly believe in and understand God’s word, they don’t use it.

How can we be Christlike examples by living standoffish lives?

Doesn’t standoffish come across as “I think I am better than you” when we don’t?  I know some of my friends abstain from using such language around me, and I appreciate their effort and the respect they show me in doing so.

As Christians, we have an opportunity to teach and share God’s Word in all that we do and speak. We have an opportunity to be a light in a world of darkness; let us not hide our light in fear but rather shine and encourage others to live for Christ.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:16

  • Exodus 20:7
  • Deuteronomy 5:11

God First!

After Death: Your first thoughts in Paradise?

After Death: First Thoughts?

April 15, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Upon entering paradise, what will our first thoughts be? Will we immediately want to return to our families? Will we first think,” But I’m not finished,” or will we immediately understand, we have no more worries; God is in control?

In the illustrated story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man did not go to paradise; nope, he went directly to torment. Scripture says nothing of the rich man being carried by angels, only of Lazarus.

On the torment side of Hades, the rich man saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. At first, he asked Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with water, for the flames were anguishing him. Abraham pointed out the large, fixed chasm between them, which cannot be crossed in either direction. He pointed out how he had received good things on earth, but Lazarus had bad things.

Simply put: the rich man’s selfish life had earned him a one-way ticket to his eternal home in torment.

On the other hand, Lazarus’s suffering on Earth was over; he was no longer in pain from sores or hunger. No longer would he be considered less than anyone else, and would now be comforted forever. In asking Abraham to send Lazarus with water or to his family, the rich man still seems to view Lazarus as a servant.

The rich man’s next thoughts were for his family; he wanted to send Lazarus or someone from the dead to warn his brothers of his demise. But alas, Abraham said, if they did not believe Moses and the Prophets, they would not be convinced even if someone rose from the dead.

I don’t know the answer to my initial questions; I suspect I would quickly understand. My opportunity to help others on Earth is over. Maybe my example or some of my words will carry on briefly, but as always, God is in control!

You see, today, in addition to Moses and the prophets, we have the completed Word of God; we have the New Covenant of God through Christ, and are told exactly how to follow God’s Will according to what God wants.

Scripture tells us: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)

Twisting God’s Words has happened since the Lord’s Church began; however, the Truth is readily available to those who will take the time to study God’s Word and shew themselves approved.

We will each be held accountable for our salvation, and eternity is a long time to wish we had made better choices. It is my prayer that all will prioritize the understanding of God’s Word beyond what others have told us.

Let God’s Word speak and listen.

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will! Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

Psalm 103:19-22 ESV

  • Luke 16:19-31 (Rich Man and Lazarus)
  • Galatians 1:6-8 (twisting truth)
  • Philippians 2:12 (work out our own salvation)
  • Romans 1:16 (Salvation for everyone)
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 (Study)

God First!

Do you ever ask yourself why?

Do you ever ask yourself why?

April 9, 2026 / / 0 Comments
  • Why did I respond this way?
  • Why did I do that?  
  • Why did I say that?
  • Why did I get mad at them? It was my fault.

Many years ago, while in my mid-twenties, I rented a house. After being there for close to a year, I fell behind on my rent. The landlord, Mr. Blackwell, a very nice man whom I liked very much, sent me my first pay-or-get-out eviction letter. For some reason, rather than understanding that this letter was necessary and that it was my fault, I got embarrassed, upset, and angry with him, and moved out. During my anger, I retaliated by leaving the water running in every sink and at every outside spigot. My intent was not to destroy but to cost him money in wasted water.  

I was the one in the wrong, yet for some reason, I retaliated against the innocent, as we see many do today.

I got upset when I was told to pay or leave. I would later talk with Mr. Blackwell, who asked me, why did you leave the water running everywhere? I had no answer other than to apologize for my misplaced anger. I have remembered this bad decision many times over the years as I disrespected this good man with anger that should have been directed only at myself.

I certainly remembered this story when, many years later, as a landlord myself, a tenant fell far behind and skipped out, leaving our house in shambles and smelling of animal urine. I spent my recovery from a hip replacement tearing out carpet, removing and replacing pee-soaked subflooring, etc., so we could sell the house. I kept telling myself as I worked each day of those two months, I had this coming, although Virginia did not deserve the stress.  

Unfortunately, it seems this type of misdirected anger is all around us every day, where self-accountability and common sense are discarded, and those in the wrong become angry at those doing the right things.  When we can’t pay our rent or mortgage, it’s not our landlords’ fault. If we break a law and are held accountable, it’s not the fault of the police or our justice system.

In my scripture-based opinion, each person is responsible for their actions. I would much rather be held accountable here on earth than for eternity. I know that forgiveness for all things is possible if we will pick up the cross and follow Jesus by keeping His commandments, and that God is capable of mercy and of forgetting our sins. Still, I don’t believe Scripture teaches that forgiveness releases anyone from accountability.  

Matthew 6:12, Proverbs 28:13, Romans 8:1-3, Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 12:36, Luke 12:48, Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 5:12, Jeremiah 31:34

God First!

Satan loves lies and liars, distorting and twisting is lying

March 18, 2026 / / 0 Comments

If I wrote a book full of incoherent words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs and threw in a few random pictures, I could have a best-selling book, a book of incoherency.

A book that simulates watching the news today, where the goal seems to be to purposely complicate the uncomplicated by twisting every word and distorting every sentence to completely destroy its original intent, where the simplest truth cannot be heard and understood because of the useless but loud chatter of deceptive talking heads.

Simply put, purposely twisting words to apply narratives other than their original intent is lying, and only Satan loves lies.

God tells us:

• “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” (Proverbs 12:22)

• “Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My own accord, but He sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.’” (John‬ ‭8‬:‭42‬-‭47‬ ‭ESV‬‬)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

• “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.” Revelation 21:8

• Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. (Matt 5:37)

God First!

Choices are Real, regret is lifetime.

We have two lines

February 12, 2026 / / 0 Comments

One line promotes the murder of babies, and the other line promotes the protection of life. Our decision is black and white, not gray.

One line promotes evil, the other stands with pure love.

There is no evil in God! God is Love, God is Good, All the time

It’s been pointed out that God is not a Democrat or a Republican. Amen to that! Abortion is not a political decision; it is a right-or-wrong choice.

Jesus is pure love.

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


Choices are real, and regrets are lifelong. 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

God First!

The 20-year battle within – Part 1

February 5, 2026 / / 0 Comments


“I really need to go back to church,” I carried this thought in my mind for over 20 years; however, after my first marriage failed, I made destructive choices, destructive to my soul and my example to others. Choices that pulled me away from the teachings of God’s word. I met the woman who would one day become my wife, and though we were not yet married, we moved in together with my three-year-old son, who was in my custody.

I knew enough of God’s Word to recognize my choice was wrong, but I ignored God and spent the next 20 years living in direct opposition to Christ’s teaching. Arrogantly and foolishly thinking that if I died, I could claim ignorance, or use the perceived loophole of justification, that since we had the commitment of marriage, we didn’t need the paper. In my arrogance, I thought that if I came before Christ at Judgment, I’d be able to explain the circumstances that led to my situation, and Jesus would make an exception for me and respond: Oh, that makes sense and not hold me eternally accountable, yet Scripture points out that Jesus will and must treat everyone equally. “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.

I was not doing what I knew was right, and by following my own desires, I was dismissing God’s Word, which means I was dismissing God.

There are no words to truly express how sorrowful I am today for these ungodly decisions, and my example during those years, nor for how grateful I am that I lived through them to the point of correction and repentance.

During this time, I deliberately stopped laying claim to the name “Christian” or attending services, thinking that my absence somehow made me less of a hypocrite. I look at these words now and think HOW SAD, how could I have been so foolish? I then avoided Christian friends, influences that might prompt my repentance or lead to any conversation about my salvation. By doing so, I ignored everything I knew to be true about my soul’s condition. I even prayed occasionally that it would not take a major heartache to prompt my return home, thinking I would set things right. However, if I had lost my life during those years, Jesus would have had no choice but to say, “‘I never knew you; depart from me, you worker of lawlessness.’ See Matt 7:21-23

Although I thought, in those early years, that I had faith and believed, my understanding was built on sand; I was no better than the demons mentioned in James 2:19, who believed and feared.

Had I truly understood, as I do today, the gravity of my decisions and the destructive power of my example, I would never have allowed myself that first inch into such a lost position so far away from hope.

Jesus’s message of love and forgiveness does not grant me special privileges in the name of forgiveness. I had no right to ignore His teachings and live as I wanted. Those commands, those teachings we find in Scripture, are there for a reason. I thought I knew God’s Word, but after I returned to the fold, I attended every class I could and discovered how little I truly understood.

I pray that anyone reading this who may be in a similar situation will begin immediately, set it right, and never waver again. It’s comforting to have certainty in our souls’ condition, knowing we will spend eternity with Jesus. 1 John 5:13

Acts 3:17-19, James 4:17, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Matthew 12:36, Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Ephesians 5:5, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Matthew 15:19

God First!

The Crux of God’s Forgiveness is our Repentance

January 28, 2026 / / 0 Comments

In my writing, I’ve been known to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of my life at times. I do this in hopes of encouraging others to seek their answers where I found mine, in the knowledge of Scripture.  This knowledge helps us realize that if we follow Jesus according to His will, not ours, we will come to experience peace far beyond our own understanding. Our lives have many Satan-crafted pitfalls designed to inch us away from our Creator and towards a valley of eternal death.

As a young man, I was baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and lived faithfully for many years. Faithfulness does not mean being without sin; rather, it means making every effort to pursue righteousness by following Jesus’ teachings and keeping His commandments. Sometimes we fail; however, if we know Scripture, it helps us recognize our failures, return to our creator, repent of our sins, and ask for forgiveness. Since we know from scripture that baptized believers are in Christ, God will forgive us when we repent.

The crux of God’s forgiveness is our repentance.

To truly repent of sin is to turn away from those sins as we experience Godly Sorrow, dedicating ourselves from that point to the correction of our lives using the Word of God as our foundation. Scripture defines Godly Sorrow this way: “For Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

With Godly grief, we repent of sinful ways; this means we change direction and stop indulging in those temptations that go against God’s Holy Word. Scripture lets us know that baptized believers who choose to indulge and continue doing what we know to be wrong are crucifying Christ once again.

 “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.  For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

also see: Hebrews 6:4-6, James 5:19-20, Hebrews 10:26-27

Although a baptized believer, I ended up spending 20 years with my soul in a lost condition as I had succumbed to a series of temptations and pitfalls designed by Satan.

I thought my faith was strong, but my decisions after a failed marriage proved my knowledge was weak, and my commitment shaken.  I allowed myself, inch by inch, to pursue worldly desires over following Jesus. These infractions stacked and built to the point that during those 20 years, I feared correction could jeopardize my adopted lifestyle and possibly put my relationship at risk.

I was, however, acutely aware that my choices had me living in sin. This bothered me. Satan had successfully painted me into a corner, forcing me to choose between following Jesus according to His will or losing my soul.

Indeed, as scripture states, I was crucifying Christ to myself. Years I can’t get back, a bad example to family and friends that can’t be unset, where soul-risking damage was done. Today, I draw on those years as fuel for my efforts to never give up on encouraging others to grow in Christ, and I often pray that, if they won’t listen to me, God will put people in their lives they might.  I cannot imagine ever allowing Satan to turn me away from God again.

I pray that if you’re reading this and reflecting on your own life, you find yourself right with God; but if not, I pray you will experience godly grief that produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret, rather than worldly grief that produces death.

God First, forever and ever, Amen!

If you’re not yet in Christ as a baptized believer:

  • God’s 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
  • Repentance of sin: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confess Christ: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
  • Baptism by immersion for forgiveness of sin: – Matthew 16:15-16, 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

Being wise in our own eyes

January 27, 2026 / / 1 Comment

Several years ago, on social media, someone posted this question: What came first, Sin or Law? Without any research, I replied with my explanation as if I knew what I was talking about. This person then pointed to Romans 5:13, which proved my thoughts wrong.

This embarrassed me; however, this embarrassment was one of the best things that could’ve happened to me. It helped me realize I had leaned on my own understanding rather than on my actual study of God’s Word.

It was my fault, I was wrong! I had attempted to be wise in my own eyes.

Since then, I have studied and researched scripture diligently so that I can give a scriptural reason for the hope that is in me and help others understand what God’s Word actually says.

I am especially thankful for this “One post,” which inspired me to study the most essential book in life with all seriousness. (God’s Word) I will always be thankful for the person who posted that question.

Scripture says;

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

None of this means I won’t miss or misconstrue something, but the more we know God’s Word, the better our ability to discern it. And, since we are all responsible for our own salvation, I will always encourage myself and others to self-study; it’s how we gain better discernment of God’s Word. Our souls depend on it.

  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • 1 Peter 3:15
  • Romans 8:28

God First!

Does God love some more than others?

January 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

As I contemplated this question, I concluded 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. Parents do not love the obedient child more than the other; however, they do love the obedient child’s response more than the disobedient response. The obedient response shows a desire to please the parents by doing as told. (its a response of love)

In Scripture, we learn that Jesus died for everyone in the world and that God shows no partiality. Scripture also tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.

David was considered a man after God’s Own 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, unlike Christ, was far from perfect, yet David constantly turned to and relied on God; David pursued righteousness. (Respecting God and doing His will mattered to David)

We all have the same choice!

We can choose to follow God’s will by study, learning, and following the commands and examples of Scripture, to the best of our ability, or we can choose to follow our feelings, our ideas, or those adopted from others, then woefully expecting that if we are wrong, God will be ok with us because we had good intent. However, that is not what Scripture tells us, and when we do this, we set examples that mislead others from following Christ according to the directions God gave us in His Holy Word.

When we follow God according to His will, we spend our lives pursuing righteousness. In James chapter 5, we find the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. To have our prayers accomplish much, pursuing righteousness should be our goal so that our hearts may be where King David’s was in devotion to God.

John 3:16 tells us: “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.” Act 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 ESV

“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 NASB

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