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The best life is a God First life

Category: Children (Page 1 of 2)

To Tolerate Everything Is To Stand for Nothing: Why We Must Teach Our Children to Care and Stand for Righteousness — God First!

July 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Pursuing “the right things” only matters to those who care. We need to teach our children to care so they will want to stand up for what is right. When we fail to take a stand and do nothing, we teach our children apathy, which is the same as teaching them that wrong is okay; look the other way. IT’S NOT!

Doing wrong doesn’t matter to the unconscientious, so we must train our children to be conscientious, to care. We need to teach righteousness in our homes and by our examples. The best source for lessons in righteousness, love for others, and selflessness is God’s Word.

Training Children in Righteousness

  • Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.“
  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
  • Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.“
  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17- “and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (emphasis added)

Rejecting Apathy

  • James 4:17 – “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
  • Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Deliver those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?

Not Tolerating Evil

  • Ephesians 5:11 – “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;” (emphasis added)
  • Revelation 3:15-16 –‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.’

Caring for Others & Christ’s Attitude

  • Philippians 2:3-5 – Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,“

Putting God First

  • Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God First!

SnackelFrackle

Rather than break a habit, Change it!

July 13, 2026 / / 0 Comments

It’s almost impossible to break a bad habit. However, it’s very possible to replace it! For example, when I was young, my dad suggested replacing any profanity that surfaced in my mind with his made-up word: Snackelfrackle.“

Admittedly, this has gotten some strange looks from people, some questions, and a few laughs, all of which are better than any profanity or using the Lord’s name in vain. However, it also sends the soft message that I don’t use that type of language.

In today’s world, a large percentage of people use, condone, and even defend their use of profane language and taking the Lord’s name in vain. However, so far, most are respectful of my stance when they realize that I do not appreciate its usage, and I very much appreciate their efforts to control their language at least when around me or children.

I personally don’t understand the need to use vulgar or profane language, and I know what God’s Word says about it. So, whether it’s one word that has become a bad habit or a slew of them, I know “if a person wants to,” they can replace these habits with good ones.

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:8-10)

Ephesians 5:4
Matthew 12:36-37
James 1:26
Exodus 20:7
Romans 12:2
Romans 12:21

God First!

Broken hearts, pain, and turmoil can be avoided with better choices.

Broken hearts and pain, for what?

July 3, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Our hearts and the hearts of family and friends can be broken, torn apart with sadness and pain by the actions of one alcoholic drinker. One drinker behind the wheel can take a life. One drinker with loose lips can destroy relationships; one drinker not exercising self-control can start a fight that ends or maims a life.

To many, drinking is harmless and often associated with socializing, fun times, relaxation, romance, and parties (I used to think this way). Sip by sip, one loses their ability to react swiftly in emergencies. Many who drink will never admit they’ve been affected negatively. Instead, they tout, “It’s only one beer or one glass of wine.” They may exclaim, “I don’t get drunk,” or “I function fine on just one or two drinks,” etc.

Maybe, just maybe, that’s because they’ve never faced a real emergency when drinking; never faced a situation where their best was required, and they didn’t have it. When their reaction was slightly slower, their words were unwise and led to devastating results. Heartache, pain, and lives turned upside down in avoidable and unnecessary turmoil.

It’s been a while since the van of a niece was hit by a drunk driver and flipped: her husband and one of her children were with her. At that time, my niece went through much pain, and the rest of her family was seemingly OK. It’s scary to realize that we could’ve lost them all; they could’ve been horribly injured, maimed for life in some manner, all because of a social drinker. One person who thought they were in control, who drank just enough to impair their ability and cause an accident, an accident that now labels them “a drunk driver.”

I quit drinking alcohol several years ago because I came to this conclusion: “If there are more reasons not to do something than to do it, then why do it?”

There are many logical, biblical, and common-sense reasons not to drink. I started asking myself, why do I need to drink alcohol? I found no good reason! I still have a good time; I still enjoy my friends; I can still be silly and do all of this without alcohol; plus, as a great big bonus, I get to remember more about the fun I had.

Please, don’t risk being labeled a drunk driver; the consequences can be severe.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,”

Philippians 1:27 ESV

God First!

Prayer and the hearts of children

June 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The heart of a child is so pure, and hearing them pray is such a great blessing, as those little but enormous hearts shine with their words of love. Every parent who believes in Jesus should take time each day to teach, listen, and encourage their children to pray.

It’s a true gift to experience the thoughts and words of the pure heart as our children pray for people, topics, and concerns that come to those little minds. While they repeat what you taught about approaching God in Jesus’ name, encourage them to add their own thoughts rather than a cut-and-paste memorized prayer, and you will find these moments are both precious and informative. Just listen, learn, and absorb as they share their hearts with our Heavenly Father. Listening to them pray can easily become some of the best memories you ever experience as you share the love of Jesus with them; it is downright inspirational.

We can learn so much from the hearts of children. Make and prioritize this time, and you’ll never regret it!

  • Matthew 19:14
  • Matthew 18:3
  • Mark 10:15
  • Luke 18:17
  • Matthew 18:4

God First!

If our Children see God as part-time in our lives, how will He become full-time in theirs?

If our children see God as part-time in our lives, how will he become full-time in theirs?

June 8, 2026 / / 2 Comments

According to God’s Word and stated by the Son of God, Jesus is the only way to eternal life: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ – John 14:6

Many parents claim to believe in Jesus; they want their children to know Jesus, but their actions lack priority and commitment, making their words empty.

Our examples are so very important to our children, much more important than stating words. If we say, “Don’t smoke.” Don’t cuss, don’t cheat, don’t steal, don’t do drugs, don’t get drunk, don’t lie, etc., etc., etc., while puffing a cigarette and doing the very things we state are wrong, we contradict ourselves, making our words meaningless.

If we say we believe but don’t take time each week to come together with our fellow believers to sing praises, pray, worship, and remember the sacrifice of Jesus in communion and be involved, what priority are we presenting to our children? If we dismiss portions of Scripture as inconvenient, what example are we giving, and what are we saying to Jesus?

Jesus gave perfect examples in His life; they matched His words in every way. He told us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The apostles likewise set an example that matched their words, prioritizing worship, the breaking of bread weekly, and the sharing of God’s Word.

If our children see God as part-time in our lives, how will he become full-time in theirs?

  • Hebrews 10:24-25
  • Acts 2:42
  • 1 Corinthians 11:17-25
  • Colossians 3:16
  • John 14:15
  • Matthew 6:33
  • James 2:19
  • 1 Peter 2:21
  • Ephesians 5:1-2
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1
  • Philippians 2:5
  • John 13:15
  • Galatians 2:20
  • Acts 20:7 (The first day of the week comes every week)

God First!

If the world embraced God the way we love our sports, we would excel at learning everything about our Creator, and Jesus would be prominent in daily conversations.

Love of Sports, Love of God

April 11, 2026 / / 0 Comments

A lot of people get very excited about sports. It’s a topic of numerous conversations. Seldom am I with a group of men where sports is not immediately part of the conversation or dominates it.

Many parents rightfully recognize the benefits of raising their children to embrace the positive principles of sports and starting them in sports at a very early age. Lifelong friendships form as parents help each other with rides and mutually encourage their children and one another. As a result, Money, Time, and Schedules are eagerly managed so that parents can support events, practice meets, or games by attending, and the value of teamwork is fortified.

Families unite over sports talk, laughs, and jokes, discuss sports greats, sportsmanship, and teamwork, and often spend countless hours watching professional sports together. These bonding moments are excellent training and help build solid friendships and good character in our young adults, helping them navigate life.

Isn’t this precisely how we should prioritize, teach, and share Christ in our lives?

Shouldn’t our conversations and social media presence include glorifying and sharing the blessings of Christ, and showing concern for others?

If we showed our love for God the way we show our love for sports, how would our lives change?

What would it look like if our interest in God took priority over our interest in sports?

  • Would we start our children attending bible classes early in life?
  • Would we prioritize our schedules to ensure committed involvement in Church activities?
  • Would we prioritize teaching our children the love of Christ?
  • Would we encourage their understanding and development of leadership skills?

Imagine how excellent this world would be if the same effort we put into sports were put into following and sharing Christ’s message with everyone we interact with?

  • We would excel at learning everything we could about our creator. Jesus would be prominent in daily conversations and taking His name in vain, absent.
  • We would seek to be as Christ-like as possible, making every effort to do God’s Will according to what God tells us in scripture, and we would arrange our time so that we could be involved in as many good works as possible.
  • If everyone embraced God the way many embrace sports, we would put our service to God above all else, and our children would take notice. Just as they will notice, if we make exceptions, making exceptions sends the message that we believe it’s ok to deprioritize God from Time to Time, and that’s never ok!

Sports may bring a lifetime of happy moments, but they should never take priority over God. With God, our blessings go far beyond this lifetime and lead us to our eternal home, a glorious place without tears, pain, or woes, forever Joy!

  • Acts 20:32
  • Jude 1:25
  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26
  • Philippians 3:21
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Romans 1:12
  • Ephesians 4:15-16
  • John 3:16-17
  • John 17:3
  • Matthew 6:23-24
  • 1 Timothy 1:17
  • 1 Corinthians 2:9
  • 1 Corinthians 8:6
  • Luke 15:7
  • Matthew 7:21-23
  • Matthew 25:46
  • Philippians 3:20-21
  • Revelation 21:9-12
  • Revelation 12:4

God First!

Be the Rock

Jesus is our Rock, our foundation.

April 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments
  • Let us mimic Christ
  • Let us be the rocks of faith set firmly on the cornerstone of Christ!
  • Let us be the stability of Christlike love that others can count on
  • Let us not waver from righteousness when the winds of desire or difficulty blow.
  • Let us be the example of Christlike love in all that we do

Stand Firm!

Study and learn God’s word so you can know God’s will for yourself rather than relying on someone else.

Pursue God’s will, for if God is with you, who can be against you?

(see Romans 8:31)

Be the Rock of faith that inspires others to learn and become rocks of faith themselves, especially to our little ones who see you as their examples.

Love others as Christ loves you.

Be mindful of this fact: The closer we draw to God, the closer he draws to us. (see James 4:8)

Trust in God!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “

John 13:34 ESV
  • Ephesians 2:20
  • Matthew 7:24-27
  • Proverbs 10:22
  • 2 Timothy 2:22
  • 1 Corinthians 10:1-6

God First!

In 2021, my sister-in-law and her two teenage children would meet with some brothers and sisters in Christ for evening walks. On one ride, she tried to spark a conversation with her son and asked him, “If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you had gotten done today?”

The unexpected answer

April 4, 2026 / / 1 Comment

In 2021, my sister-in-law and her two teenage children would meet with some brothers and sisters in Christ for evening walks. On one ride, she tried to spark a conversation with her son and asked him, “If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you had gotten done today?”

She expected a secular answer, but his response was: “Be Baptized.”

This question led to further discussion of God’s Word and what scripture tells us is necessary for eternal Salvation. That night, my nephew made the best decision we can ever make in life. He chose to be baptized into Christ and follow Christ for the rest of his life.

Michael believed, repented, confessed Jesus as the Son of God, and was baptized into Christ in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of his sins, and was added to the Lord’s Church, as we find in Scripture.

Later, Michael Jr. told me he had been thinking about it for a while. You never know what’s on someone’s mind.

The timing of his mother’s question and a follow-up question of “Why wait?” Seemingly perfect.

Self-Study Scriptures:

  • 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: 2 Corinthians 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’s Accomplishments – should be praised

March 20, 2026 / / 2 Comments

Have you ever had someone take credit for your accomplishments? If so, how did you feel about it?

God is treated this way repeatedly as “Scientists” seek, and people believe everything was created by accident rather than by God.

God’s proof is all around us, in Science, Math, and History, which support what we find in Scripture, and that God is the most logical explanation as the Creator of everything we know.

Many actively work to give credit elsewhere. Sadly, the gullible then fall prey to praising the “creations of God” rather than God Himself.

History shows that people inherently desire to worship something; they want to put faith in something they deem greater than themselves. Worship and praise have been given to such things as the moon, the sun, stars, mountains, water, fire, and animals. Innumerable statues have been made, erected, and worshiped, and theories invented, taught, and believed.

Today, many give the credit that belongs to God to those touting disbelief under the disguise of science. Technical-sounding words are coined and used to construct hypothetical theories, then presented as sound science and taught to our children.

Think about it: Theories are being taught to the most gullible, our children, and told it is science.

Our children are taught to believe our creation was a fluke accident where nothing exploded into something, rather than God created everything, that a spec of absolutely nothing, too small for our eyes to see, exploded into something that created planets in a perfect universal placement to provide life on Earth. Then, over billions of years, this accidental mass developed into the perfectly designed world of nature and life we live in today, where animal and human life are natural phenomena, and our human ancestry is monkeys.

– Were you taught this?

– Do you currently lend credence to any of these theories?

– If not from God, where did our intelligence come from?

God gave us free will and said, “Look at the evidence around you.” God would not have given us so much proof if He expected blind faith; nope, God gave us brains, the ability to question, weigh, comprehend, and conclude that the only logical answer is that Design Requires a Designer.

Every woven and intricate detail of this world requires design; thus, the most logical conclusion, supported by science and math, is not an accident but rather that Everything created is God’s accomplishment, and the proof is all around us; any other explanation is fabrication.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

  • Genesis 1:1
  • Romans 1:20-25
  • Revelation 4:11
  • John 1:3
  • Colossians 1:16
  • 1 Corinthians 8:6
  • Nehemiah 9:6
  • Psalm 33:6
  • Genesis 1:1-37
  • Genesis 1:27
  • Psalm 19:1
  • Hebrews 11:1-3
  • John 1:1-3
  • Exodus 34:14
  • Deuteronomy 5:9
  • Exodus 20:1-26
  • Jeremiah 10:12
  • Isaiah 45:18
  • Romans 10:17
  • Proverbs 3:13
  • James 1:5
  • 1 Peter 3:15-16
  • Isaiah 1:18
  • John 20:31
  • 2 Timothy 2:15

God First!

Does God love some more than others?

January 18, 2022 / / 0 Comments

As I contemplated this question, I believe God loves the “response” of some more than others.

As with 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. (love)

In Scripture, we learn 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 was far from perfect, yet he constantly turned to and relied on God; David pursued righteousness. (doing God’s will mattered to David)

We all have the same choice!

Follow God’s will to the best of our ability by studying and following the commands and examples of Scripture or following our feelings, our ideas, or those of others.

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

God First!

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