Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Choosing (Page 9 of 11)

When “Faith and Hope” are history

November 12, 2021 / / 0 Comments

“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

When this world is over and Jesus returns, we will “love” for eternity, but “faith and hope” will no longer be needed. Even in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was concerned for his family, showing the love he still had in torment.

When this world is over; We will find ourselves in the moment of truth fulfilled. Then, “Faith and Hope” will no longer be relative.

At this point; The choices we make to follow Christ today according to God’s will, and Not ours, will determine our eternal destiny as we appear before Christ in the reality of our judgment to hear him say: Welcome my loved one or Depart from me, I never knew you.

  • Isaiah 26:9
  • James 4:12
  • John 3:17-18
  • Matthew 12:36
  • Matthew 7:19-29
  • Proverbs 21:2
  • Revelation 20:12-13
  • John 5:30
  • Luke 16:19-31
  • Romans 6:23
  • 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Why?

November 11, 2021 / / 0 Comments

In the book of Job; Who brought all the calamity to Job? It was NOT God. Who blamed God? It was NOT Job. Who believed Job would NOT turn from God? It was NOT Satan.

Job’s friends were wise, and much of their logic was sound. Their problem was that they misapplied their wisdom by trying to force it into Job’s situation, making assumptions, and leaning on their own understanding. They tried to deduce answers and assign blame, which made God angry with them.

When we lean on our own understanding and try to force it into God’s Word, we find ourselves missing out on the wisdom and love found in God’s Words. We miss out on the understanding and peace that can only come from listening and applying the Words of God rather than applying our own.

Scripture tells us to study. It tells us how to become” In Christ.” Jesus said: if you love me, you will keep my commandments. God’s Word is the way to wisdom, understanding, and peace.

God is Love, God is Good; Satan is the evil one!

  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-17
  • Acts 2:38
  • Romans 6:1-23
  • 1 Corinthians 15:22
  • Job 1:1-42

God First!

Doing our part – takes work!

November 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Believers in God don’t sit around waiting on God to provide everything for them!

No, that would be sluggishness (laziness) and is not the role we find endorsed by God in Scripture; God expects us to work! It would be misrepresentative of scripture to believe it’s all about what God can do for us when so much is about what we can; Go and Do!

God expects us to do our part in providing physical and spiritual nourishment. God has given mankind a working role since the beginning. (Gen.2:15) Throughout Scripture, we find being a sluggard has been condemned while effort has been rewarded. (Matt.25:24-30)

Working towards righteous goals may take much patience; on our part, and we should be mindful of that fact that seeing the full results of our efforts may never happen; even so, in our ongoing, consistent unrelenting effort, we can know that working for good; will reap good in time if we don’t quit.

How can we know this? Because God tells us so.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for, in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9

If we do our part, God will always do His!

  • Proverbs 18:9
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10
  • Proverbs 26:14
  • Proverbs 26:16
  • Proverbs 24:30–31
  • Mark 16:15-16

(Several proverbs address sluggards)

God First!

Be Prepared to Protect and Fight!

November 4, 2021 / / 0 Comments

If we don’t know what tools we have or how to use them, It’s like taking a water hose to a house fire and telling a fireman you have it under control.

Satan’s easiest targets are those ill-prepared to fight. Satan has been honing his skills, enticing, tempting, and deceiving us to the point that many don’t even recognize sin, but call evil good and good evil. Being prepared does not come by osmosis; it takes action on our part. God’s Word is our tool, sword, and shield of armor against the evil one.

Taking time to hear the gospel of Christ and practice it in our daily lives is how we build our faith. It’s how we help our children, friends, and families and build our country towards a better tomorrow.

Faith comes by hearing, which leads to understanding and increases our desire to do God’s will in every way. When we have God’s will in our hearts, souls, and minds, we will have every desire to love God with all of our strength and keep his commandments.

We DON’T have to be easy targets for Satan if we will pick up our sword (The Bible) and take action for good, one day at a time. In doing so, we learn how to apply the defenses of God’s love to our lives and be examples that will help others do the same.

Small ants carry tiny pieces of dirt, and by themselves, this could seem so daunting and pointless, yet in time as more ants carry, they build large mounds of protection for the colony. Knowing God’s Word is our protection; let’s learn and share piece by piece helping to protect ourselves and those we love.

  • Isaiah 5:20
  • Ephesians 6:13-20
  • 2 Timothy 3:16
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Romans 10:1

God First!

Wipe that smirk off his face!

November 2, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever wanted to wipe the smirk right off of someone’s face? You both know they did you wrong, and they think it’s funny; they think they got away with it. (So they grin)

This grin or smirk is what I imagine is on Satan’s face when he thinks he’s winning. 

But, I know there is a way to wipe that smirk right off his face. That’s when We focus on God’s Word. When We do God’s Will; when We live as the Christians were taught to live in the New Testament. When We humble ourselves to the Will of Our Heavenly Father rather than our own will.

When WE overcome temptations, depression, anger, etc., by focusing on good things and studying that which is perfect, “God’s Holy Word,” applying the teachings within to our daily lives, sharing them with others, making this world a better place.

This is when We wipe that smirk right off satan’s face with the most powerful weapon ever known.

——- LOVE ——-

God’s love for us and our love for God united with the blood of Jesus

  • 2nd Timothy 2
  • Philippians 4:8-9
  • 1st Corinthians 13
  • 1st John 4:8

God is love, God First!

Why would you want to cheat yourself like that?

August 25, 2021 / / 2 Comments

As I pondered my answer, I realized; this is exactly what we do when we don’t take advantage of opportunities to grow in Christ and build on our relationship with Him.

What happens when we make time to attend as many studies as possible? We draw closer to God, and He draws closer to us; we get to know God and fellow seekers of truth better and our actions demonstrate where our heart’s desire resides.

My heart’s desire once demonstrated my love for; time, eating, tennis, TV, relaxation, fun, laughter, etc. I made time for all these things because my heart’s desire once put them on a pedestal. During that period of life and without realizing it, I was not putting God First, but rather at My convenience.

In a discussion about not attending Sunday bible classes, Worship service, and other growth and edification opportunities such as Sunday evening or midweek bible studies, a friend asked me: Why would you want to cheat yourself like that?

As I thought about his question, I realized the validity of his point. That’s exactly what we do. If I don’t prioritize these opportunities, I’m cheating myself. But, that’s not all; I’m cheating others, starting with my family, those who may follow my lead or depend on me to get them to and from services. So, bottom line, I asked myself, What kind of example am I being?

By not prioritizing my attendance at every opportunity, am I not short-changing family, friends, and myself by not leading us toward spiritual growth? When we don’t attend, we miss out on knowledge, better understanding, fellowship, and growth opportunities. In addition, we miss out on being examples to others. Examples that demonstrate our gratitude, understanding, and belief that God should be first in our lives.

I now look forward to every opportunity to increase my understanding of Scripture and to grow through the uplifting unity of fellow believers by sharing and growing in the truth of Christ with one another.

If you are not attending at every opportunity, I offer this for your consideration…

Why would you want to cheat yourself like that?

God First!

I wrote most of this before the COVID-19 virus, which forced us into our homes to worship online. Yet, the point is still the same. Are we prioritizing our worship time and Bible study? Are we taking advantage of every opportunity for spiritual nourishment? Do our loved ones get to see our commitment by our actions? If not, Why would we want to cheat ourselves like that?

Want to Save America?

August 7, 2021 / / 0 Comments

I would love to see America saved from the direction it’s currently headed. Hope is not lost if we each take action to change direction.

Scripture tells us in James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…” It stands to reason that the opposite is also true; the further we are from God, the further He is from us.

We must embrace and share the Goodness and Love of God found in Scripture. We must learn to be and teach others to be as Christlike as possible. It sounds too simple to be the answer but putting God First really is The Answer!

A Country without God is a Country lost; a country with God is a Country Blessed!

God First!

We either stand with Jesus or we stand against God.

August 2, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Jesus is the Word and part of the Godhead. (see: John 1:1-18)

In 2 Timothy 3:16, we are told that all scripture is breathed out by God so when we elect to disbelieve or discount any part of scripture we are discounting and disbelieving God. To do so is to call God a liar.

I WILL NOT, call God a liar! Nothing about God’s Word has changed. Our societies, our culture and the acceptance of sin may have changed but only for those who do NOT use God’s Word, as a standard; Nothing of God‘s word has changed. So; if we call ourselves Christians but feel we are on the fence of any issue, consider this: When we Tolerate Everything, We Stand for Nothing. We must stand for the truth which God gave us. “God’s Holy Word” should be our standard not our feelings or pressure from society. We should remember Christ’s very own words in Revelation 3:16 and Matthew 12:30

I often pray as I study that I will share God’s word according to God’s Word and I pray we will all put God First in our lives.

God First!

Snackelfracle!!!

July 14, 2021 / / 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, most are respectful of my stance when they realize that I do not appreciate its usage. I very much appreciate their efforts in controlling their language while around me.

I personally don’t understand the need for using vulgar or profane talk 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. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator”

Colossians 3:8
  • Ephesians 5:4
  • Matthew 12:36-37
  • James 1:26
  • Exodus 20:7
  • Romans 12:2
  • Romans 12:21

God First!

You brighten my day, don’t cheat me, please!

June 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

As I looked around the auditorium in our Wednesday night bible study, I saw many familiar faces. People I see at Sunday evening worship, Sunday Morning Bible study and, Sunday morning worship. This is a great encouragement to me. I look forward to each gathering and learning more from God’s Word. I look forward to seeing these amazing people several times a week.

I also miss those who did not make it. I realize some watch from home for various reasons, but when we do so, we miss out on the enjoyment of each other’s company. We miss out on seeing each other’s smile, hearing each other’s laugh, or learning from the thoughts we share.

The attention of Christians often brightens my spirit. If I’m struggling, their love and kindness help lift me up, and I’m reminded I’m not alone, and maybe, my love for God and them can do the same. When Christians gather together, Christ is with us and, we bind in spiritual love through songs of praises, prayer, and study.

When Christians are together, we have the opportunity to share in the strength of Jesus. The strength that helps us fight the good fight and overcome temptations. Together, we help fit and secure the armor of Christ. The armor and shield of faith that helps protect us from the schemes and flaming darts of Satan.

What would happen if everyone decided it was more convenient to stay home when we could be present with the saints? In doing so, we cheat ourselves, and we cheat our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our examples, our actions make a difference!

How long would it be before we decided it’s more convenient to watch at a later time rather than live? How long before our armor becomes loose or laid aside? How long before we made no time. It’s how Satan Works, Little by little helping us to build an invisible wall between us and God, one pebble, stone, or brick at a time.

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
  • John 3:13
  • Matthew 18:20
  • Hebrews 6 10-20
  • Hebrews 7:25
  • Romans 12:5
  • Hebrews 10.25
  • 1 Corinthians 12:13-27
  • Ephesians 3:16

God First!

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