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The best life is a God First life

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It's not just your life Your Choices reach those who love you

“It’s My Life”? Think Again

September 1, 2026 / / 0 Comments

What teenager hasn’t made a similar statement? What adult has never said a similar statement? At Church services in our congregation, someone would hand out a list of prisoner prayer requests gathered by those working in prison ministry. Later, as I prayed and read the requests, I noticed a high percentage of requests from prisoners were for loved ones. Many were concerned about how their absence due to incarceration had caused hurt, physical stress, pain, and financial burdens to those who loved them—their parents, wives, children, grandparents, etc.

Behind bars, their concern for loved ones seems heightened and at the forefront of their minds. I don’t know what got these people behind bars, but I do know: OUR ACTIONS AFFECT THOSE WE LOVE, and we should consider this when we start thinking, “It’s my life; I’ll do what I want.”

No matter what time of life we’re in, young or old, we are examples to those around us, and when we make bad choices, those choices can easily create unnecessary burdens on our loved ones. Jesus knew what He was talking about when He commanded us to love others as He loved us. Jesus is the ultimate example for our lives, and when He walked this earth, He lived accordingly.

If we follow the command to “love others as Christ loved us,” then “living our life like we want to” means living with the understanding that what we do affects those we love.

  • John 13:34
  • Matthew 5:16, 22:39.
  • 1 Timothy 4:12
  • Ephesians 5:1-31
  • Romans 14:7-8, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 6:7-8, Philippians 2:3-4, Matthew 5:16, Matthew 22:37-39, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 3:16-18, Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, Colossians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 5:15.

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

God First!

Life's bombs fall... Refuge is in Christ

The Bombs Fall on Everyone—Hope Belongs to Those in Christ

August 29, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I’ve seen films of war where airplanes dropped bomb after bomb after bomb, maiming, destroying, and taking lives. It seems life hits our families or us much the same way now and then, only the bombs are labeled “health”, “financial”, “stress”, “betrayal”, “loss”, etc. These bombs are not precise; they may hit once in a while or come as a barrage, landing on both those close to God and those far away. One minute, life is excellent; then suddenly, it’s a roller coaster (John 16:33).

For those in Christ building a firm foundation (Galatians 3:26-27), there is hope and assurance that these heartaches and concerns will all pass away, as they are not carried into eternity (Revelation 21:4). For those in Christ, there is always a bright future, a light in our bomb shelter of faith, in Christ our Savior (Romans 6:3-4, Romans 13:14).

Those in Christ who keep Jesus’ commandments always have refuge in God’s promises (Psalm 46:1), knowing this world is only a temporary home.(Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:1)

Whether our troubles are few or continually bombarding our lives, what really matters is Jesus’s promise of eternal life. In heaven, the challenges of this world will be gone forever. So, no matter what, we need to keep God First in our lives, follow Jesus ’ commands, follow the examples we find in God’s Word so that, as we trudge through the mud of life, we can be content in knowing we will eventually walk the streets of gold in new heavenly bodies for eternity. No tears in heaven, no sorrows given. All will be glory in that land.

Scripture tells us how one comes to be ‘in Christ’ and to ‘put on Christ’: we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and as many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27; see also Romans 6:3-4).

“In Christ” is where one finds peace beyond our understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

1 Corinthians 12:13, Colossians 2:12, Matthew 7:24-25, Psalm 16:1, Psalm 46:1-5, Mark 8:34, John 14:27, John 15:19, John 18:36, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:18, Romans 8:28, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26-28, Hebrews 11:13-16, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 John 2:15, 2 John 15:19

God First!

Not my will, but yours be done The key to unity - Peace, Harmony and Love

Not My Will, But Yours: The Key to Unity and Eternal Life

August 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours, be done.” This demonstrates the importance of putting God’s will above our own. Doing so is key to eternal life with Jesus and the thread that binds us together as disciples of Christ in peace, harmony, and love.

Doing God’s will, as revealed in God’s Word, is how we achieve unity.

  • Unity with God’s Word is unity with God.
  • Unity with God’s Word is unity with others.

We find unity when we cumulatively do God’s will, when we seek and adhere to God’s Word as our standard.

Unity among believers is not found in doing our will; It is not found in dismissing any of God’s Word as unnecessary or not applicable today. Unity is not found by trying to improve on what God told us to do.

Unity is, however, key to our spiritual growth; it’s a thread that binds us together as disciples of Christ in peace, harmony, and Love.

Unity in Truth is important! Let us therefore seek and obey God’s will as revealed in His Word, that we may walk in true unity.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus (John 14:15)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“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.” Matthew 7:21:

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17

  • Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Acts 4:32; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 18:19-20; John 13:35; 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:2-3; Colossians 3:13-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 17:23; Galatians 3:26-28; Matthew 23:8; Psalm 133:1; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:17; John 17:17; Ephesians 4:3–6; John 6:38; Matthew 12:50; 1 John 5:3; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 10:36; James 1:22; John 15:10
66 Books of God's Absolute Truth - Learn them all

66 Books of Absolute Truth: Why We Must Learn Them All

August 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The Holy Bible contains 66 Books of God-breathed wisdom and instruction that our Creator assembled for our betterment and understanding. The Old Testament has 39 books of “before Christ” history, including hundreds of prophecies about Christ written hundreds of years before His birth. The New Testament has 27 books about the Son of God, Jesus, and how our souls can obtain eternal life with God in Heaven through Christ. Together, these books show how anyone can accept God’s offer of grace through obedient faith in Christ, and how we can each “Put on” Christ and be “In” Christ.

Scripture defines “obedient faith.” It tells us how to lay up treasures in heavenly places and have our souls live forever in a heavenly home not made with hands. God’s Word shows us how God extended grace to us through Christ.

Scripture states and gives examples that when we hear the message of Christ, this understanding leads us to believe in Christ. Still, Scripture also shows that belief alone is not enough, as it states, “demons believe and shudder” (James 2:19) Hence, our belief leads us to repentance (a decision to change direction and follow Christ), We then find we are to confess Christ as the living Son of God before others however; to have our sins forgiven we must also be immersed into the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins, This according to to God’s word rather than mans idea’s is when we are forgiven of our sins and begin our walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-11; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21) New Testament scripture also stresses the importance of sharing the gospel and teaching others.

However, how can we teach what we do not know? – We need to study!

Our children need us to study! Why? – So we can accurately teach them God’s word and share the message of eternal salvation with them and to the whole world, according to God’s Will. Only through understanding and obedient faith can we know peace beyond our comprehension and have confidence in eternal life with Jesus. Don’t we want that?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

  • Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • Hear the Gospel – 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 forgiveness of sin: – Mark 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, 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

Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12; John 3:5; Ephesians 4:5; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 John 3:7; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Matthew 28:19-20

God First!

Comfort in Painful Anniversary's

Finding God’s Comfort on Painful Anniversaries

August 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Some dates, like birthdays, bring us happiness and Joy, while some dates bring heart-wrenching memories of shattered hearts, terrible life-changing events, death, and accidents. I often pray for the emotional strength and comfort that only God can provide for all my loved ones during these times. I once prayed, ”Father, please help all my family and us in these coming days, as I don’t know what to do.” As I said, “I don’t know what to do.” It dawned on me—I was doing it! Nothing is more powerful than God’s help; God can comfort our hearts and minds beyond understanding and place people in our lives who help us overcome despair. His approach may not be simply the love and compassion of good friends, but rather God may be helping by providing us opportunities to help others in need; opportunities that, if we pursue them, focus our minds and time on others, which distract us from the temptation to wallow in sorrow. Look for opportunities to do good; these are blessings to the heart. (Galatians 6:9-10)

Praying is so simple that we might diminish its value and forget just how powerful communicating with our Creator truly is. Scripture tells us: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” So, pursue righteousness with all we have to give.

Scripture also states: “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 So, Let’s pursue righteousness and pray often with righteous prayers from loving hearts, then trust God!

Galatians 6:9-10; James 5:16; James 4:8; Mark 11:24; Zechariah 1:3; Philippians 4:6-7; John 15:7; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Psalm 34:18; 1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 5:4; Psalm 147:3.

God First!

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:12-17‬ ‭(NASB)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

How We Become Friends of Jesus

August 18, 2026 / / 0 Comments

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:12-17 (NASB)

God First!

The Mirror of Reflection and Growth James 1:15 and Matthew 6:21

The Mirror of Reflection and Growth: Examining Our Hearts Daily Before God

August 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Our dual battle between good and evil starts with the desires of our hearts and minds. (see James 1:14-15) When we act with goodness, we glorify God, and when we act on evil desires, we sin against God. Our actions show our hearts, so why not seek to better ourselves by embracing the mirror of reflection and growth and ask ourselves daily:

  • Are my actions demonstrating where I know my heart’s desire should be?
  • Am I proud of my actions?
  • Would Jesus be proud of my actions?
  • Did I reject temptation?

If the answer is “Yes,” you’re doing well. If your answer is “No,” remember that God forgives and then chooses to remember no more the sins of those who repent, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus according to His will and keep His commands. There is never a better time to change direction than the moment you realize you need to, and reflection helps you get there.

If bad habits have formed, replace them with good habits.

 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

God’s word tells us how to focus our minds and hearts and overcome the temptation to sin. (Philippians 4:5-9)

References: Matthew 5:44; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 22:37–39; Hebrews 8:12; Matthew 6:21; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 12:2; Luke 9:23; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 3:5–10; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18–19; John 14:15; Galatians 5:16–24; Ephesians 4:22–24; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Isaiah 43:25.

  • Hear the Gospel: 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!

Not my will, but yours be done. Ultimate Control through love our salvation Follow Christ example - Love your enemy's

Exercising Control in the Face of Injustice

August 14, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Sometimes, controlling anger at injustice is a real challenge, and exercising control isn’t what we want; it can feel as if we’re choosing to absorb pain instead of doing something to stop it. The pain can feel unbearable at times, but with God, all things are possible, and it’s well worth staying the course and following Christ’s example.

Jesus exercised ultimate control; at any moment, Scripture says He could have called 12 legions of angels, and a Roman legion numbered about 6,000 men. The point is, Christ could have stopped absorbing all the pain He suffered, but he didn’t; Christ’s love for God and mankind was greater than every temptation to lose control or call it quits. Consumed with love, Jesus was determined to do His Father’s will; for this we should all be eternally grateful, for without His loving sacrifice we have no hope for eternal life in Heaven.

The trickle-down effect of Christ absorbing all that pain was our salvation. Jesus’s life, death, burial, and resurrection demonstrate God’s love for us. Every soul has the opportunity and promise of eternal life if we accept God’s grace with our obedient faith; Heaven becomes our home.

Jesus could have gotten angry and lashed out, as many of us might. He could have ended all of us at any moment, but instead, Jesus, being consumed with love and compassion, exercised ultimate control.

Jesus had experienced rejection before, and He knew what He was about to suffer was far beyond anything He had experienced. Knowing what was about to happen, Jesus was sweating blood on the Mount of Olives. He even prayed for a different solution, but if not, he wanted to submit to God’s will, not his own.

“And He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. And when He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father if you are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” LUKE 22:39-44

Jesus submitted to God’s will, but instead of showing anger, He demonstrated love and restraint; Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I admit this is difficult sometimes, but if it were not for our betterment, Jesus would not have told us to do so.

Also, remember what Jesus says in Romans 12:14-21 and trust Him.

  • Matthew 26:53 (12 legions of angels)
  • Matthew 19:26 (all things possible)
  • Luke 1:37 (nothing’s impossible)
  • Philippians 4:13 (Christ who strengthens me)
  • Matthew 5:39-44 (love your enemies)
  • Matthew 22:37-40 (Encompassing)
  • Romans 12:14-21 (I will repay, says the Lord)
  • 1 Peter 2:21-23 (Christ’s not retaliating when reviled or suffering)
  • Isaiah 53:7 (the silent Suffering Servant who opened not His mouth)
  • Philippians 2:5-8 (Jesus humbling Himself, obedience even to death)
  • Hebrews 12:2 (enduring the cross for the joy set before Him)
  • John 15:13 (greatest love is laying down one’s life for friends)
  • Matthew 26:39 (praying “not as I will, but as You will”)
  • Romans 5:8 (God demonstrating His love while we were still sinners)

God First!

Work out your own salvation

No Exceptions Needed: Following Scripture to Heaven

August 7, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I am certainly glad that our eternal salvation does not depend on others. Each individual chooses to live their lives in faith and obedience to God or not; the choices of others do not change my outcome. I heard the following story many years ago: A lady stated: “I don’t attend church services because there are hypocrites there.” Her friend then responded: “I would rather attend services with hypocrites than spend eternity with them.

According to Scripture, we are each responsible for working out our own salvation; no one can work it out for us. Others may share Christ with us, but it’s up to us to study and discern from Scripture if what they shared is truly by God’s authority; in other words, found in Scripture according to God’s word, because if we don’t, are we not putting our faith in that person’s teaching rather than God’s own Words?

We are all individuals, collectively seeking eternal life in heaven, and we need to pick up the Cross to follow Jesus as stated in Scripture. If we do so according to God’s Word, we don’t need to seek or hope for exceptions to His Word not found in Scripture to gain eternal life. Nope, we can know by simply doing His will; heaven is our home. Following the ideas of others over what is actually found in Scripture is dangerous, no matter how widely accepted.

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:22-24

“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

Acts 17:11, Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24, Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:5, 2 Timothy 2:15, James 1:22, John 14:15

God First!

“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” Choosing purity and self-control is not merely personal; it builds others up and seeks their good rather than selfish indulgence

Dear Youth: Guard Your Mind and Cling to Innocence

August 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dear youth, always strive to maintain the purity of your mind, refuse temptations, and cling to the innocence of your childhood. In years to come, you will be happy you did.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God “ Matthew 5:8

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Youth, Regrets are “Unnecessary burdens on our lives” and very avoidable when we train ourselves to make the right choices. Remember, not everything that is ‘lawful’ is helpful or builds others up—so let us seek the good in others and be examples of righteousness for others.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:23

  • Psalm 119:9
  • Proverbs 4:23
  • 2 Timothy 2:22
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • James 4:7
  • Galatians 5:16
  • Matthew 18:3
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20
  • Mark 10:15
  • Luke 18:17
  • Romans 12:2
  • Proverbs 3:5–6

God First!

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