Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Faith & Trust

Cast your cares on Him Write them out. Pray them through. He cares for you. God First

Write It Down, Cast It on Him

September 26, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I once found myself extremely stressed as multiple concerns snuck up, combined, and weighed me down. I remember feeling so distraught and so overwhelmed I knew not what to do. Then I decided to write down my thoughts. Not for the purpose of sharing them with others, but to take those muddy thoughts in my mind, organize them, and put them somewhere else—like on paper. For some reason, this helped me think more clearly in the following days. It helped me prioritize my thoughts and clear away the mud in my mind.

I still do this from time to time. In fact, if you’re reading this, you see that I share some thoughts on social media and web platforms, but certainly not all.

I have also found that it’s just as important to read those thoughts back later as it is to write them down, even if what I wrote looks like incoherent Babel. That can be embarrassing if I have shared it publicly, but that doesn’t matter.

What matters is this: writing my thoughts down and rereading them helped clear my mind. It helped me identify the issues and separate what I could control from what I could not.

If you’re struggling in some way, writing might help. Take a little time and write for yourself, even if no one else ever reads it. Writing may help you think more clearly, as it did for me. But remember, writing is only a tool. Paper holds words. Jesus carries the burden if we will pray, turn those cares over to Him, and trust Him to help.

Scripture tells us to humble ourselves by casting our anxieties on God. So pray first, or pray as you write. You may even write out the prayer itself, telling God what is on your mind. That helps you recognize the anxieties you cannot control so you can turn them over to the One who can: Jesus. Then trust Him to carry that load.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6–7

See also: 1 Samuel 1:10–18; Psalm 13:1–6; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 3:5–6; Lamentations 3:19–24; Matthew 6:25–34; Matthew 11:28–30; Luke 12:22–31; Philippians 4:4–7; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 5:5–9.

God First!

This life is not the End: Heaven is the Beginning In Christ Death has lost its Sting

Death Is Certain. So Is Heaven for Those In Christ

September 17, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I’ve been enjoying life for almost 66 years. This may seem like a long time for a 20-year-old, but in my mind, it’s very short. I’ve also seen and suffered from various types of diseases such as flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility, hearing, and eye issues. During this time, I’ve also lost loved ones to accidents, cancers, heart and liver failures. I even lost a friend to murder and know others who have lost loved ones to such crime.

Life is difficult at times.

In recent years, a virus (COVID-19) brought horrible deaths and extreme anxiety to this world, and we feared the horrendous pain, suffering, and loss it caused. Its existence spurred division among family, friends, and countries. Many felt the need to isolate themselves and became afraid to be around others.

For many, hugs and closeness faded into memories as fear of catching or spreading the disease became the new norm. A scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever incited worry and fear. We were told to take precautions, use hand sanitizer, wash our hands, and practice distancing. Some wore masks, while others argued over their effectiveness.

All said, I personally refused to let fear control my life! Instead, I put my trust in God! This does not mean I would not die of the virus someday or lose loved ones to it.

One ICU nurse stated: “It takes who it takes.”

This is true of every ailment and adds perspective. I contracted this disease for the first time in 2021, and it hit me hard. In 2019, I found myself close to death with a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in my lungs and both legs). Throughout my life, I’ve had other close calls with accidents. Here’s the bottom line: We are all going to die of something, and none of us know when or how. So what actions should we take? What do I mean by “Trust in God?”

Some dare to blame God for the death of loved ones, murders, and accidents. God is never the author of moral evil; that is Satan’s domain. Yet disease, accidents, and death exist because we live in a world broken by sin since the Fall in Genesis 3. Scripture shows that God ‘sends rain on the just and the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45), and Jesus warned that those who died in disasters were not worse sinners than others (Luke 13:1–5). Death is inevitable, and none of us know when. Rather than blame, be prepared.

How? By learning what God wants you to know and following Jesus.

Jesus is everyone’s pathway to eternal life, where death, sickness, and pain have no existence. None!

This life is not the end; it’s the beginning!

When we are “In Christ,” we have chosen to take advantage of the Grace God offered us. In Christ, God has forgiven our sins, and our forever home is with Him. If we are “in Christ” and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death; we can live instead with peace that surpasses understanding as heaven awaits. So why worry? In Christ, we can truly count it all joy!

In James 5:16, God points out that the prayers of the righteous avail much, so let us live fully by pursuing righteousness and praying with confidence that our prayers are heard. It is a great comfort to know our loved ones in Christ who lived accordingly are in paradise.

Scripture tells us: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Always be prepared

  • * Matthew 24:36-51 (No one knows the Day or Hour)
  • * 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
  • * 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
  • * Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)

How to be In Christ


Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17; John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24; Romans 10:17
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 13:3–5; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19
Confess: Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33;  Luke 12:8–9
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; 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

Additional references: Matthew 6:25–34; Luke 12:22–32; Philippians 4:4–7; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 56:3–4; Psalm 94:19; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 12:25; John 14:27; John 16:33; Colossians 3:15; Hebrews 13:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:31–32; Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 9:27; John 14:6; Romans 8:18, 8:28, 8:38–39; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; Revelation 21:4; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21, 1:23; Hebrews 2:14–15; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 4:7–8.

Worry Changes Nothing God's peace guards the heart in Christ Matthew 6:34, Philippians 4:6-7

Worry changes nothing!

September 12, 2026 / / 0 Comments

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27, ESV) While we need to prepare and be as prepared as possible, it does us “no good” to worry. WORRY CHANGES NOTHING (and it may harm our health). Worry cannot add an hour to life. The Father’s care, not our anxiety, sustains us. With or without worry, we still have to meet each day’s trouble on that day. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, ESV)

While this seems easier said than done, God is able to guard what we cannot control. The key is to be “in Christ” and allow the God of all comfort to be with us in every trial. Pray without ceasing.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, with 5:6)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

Blessed be “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ESV)

Jesus’ answer is not merely “stop worrying.” It is to put God first:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

The peace that surpasses understanding is promised to those who are in Christ Jesus. Peace is God’s gift, not something we manufacture.

The following Scripture tells us how we become “in Christ.”

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:3–11) We are saved by grace through faith, we can’t earn God’s peace.

The gospel does call us to respond:

Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17; John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24; Romans 10:17
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 13:3–5; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19
Confess: Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33; Luke 12:8–9
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; 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

Additional references: Matthew 6:25–34; Luke 12:22–32; Philippians 4:4–7; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 56:3–4; Psalm 94:19; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 12:25; John 14:27; John 16:33; Colossians 3:15; Hebrews 13:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:31–32; Ephesians 2:8–9.

God First!

His purpose stands Trust and Obey the Gospel

HIS PURPOSE STANDS

September 5, 2026 / / 0 Comments

We are incredibly blessed to have the Bible!

When we study God’s Word, we find that those involved often know only what is right in front of them, but as readers we get to see God’s plans come together again and again.

We have 66 books of God-breathed evidence to help us understand that putting our faith, hope, and trust in God is the best commitment we can make and share with our friends and loved ones.

The evidence that God is in control abounds. His purpose does not change, and He works all things according to the counsel of His will. That same Word shows that by trusting and obeying the gospel of the New Covenant—hearing the word of Christ, dying to sin, and being raised to walk in newness of life—we can have eternal life in heaven.

This world is not our forever home.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (God-breathed Scripture)
2 Timothy 2:15 (handle the word accurately)
Romans 10:17 (faith comes by hearing)
Hebrews 6:17 (God’s purpose is unchangeable)
Ephesians 1:11 (God works all things according to His will)
Matthew 6:33 (seek first the kingdom of God)
Romans 6:1–4 (baptized into Christ’s death and raised to new life)
Hebrews 13:14 (we seek the city that is to come)

Romans 10:9–10; Hebrews 6:17–19; Ephesians 1:7–11; Matthew 6:19–21; Romans 6:1–4; Hebrews 8:6–13; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 11:13–16; Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 46:9–10; Psalm 33:11; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12; Philippians 3:20–21; John 14:1–3; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 1 Timothy 5:18; 2 Peter 3:16

God First!

When death was on everyone's mind COVID19

Fear Not: Be Prepared Instead – COVID-19

July 31, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Fauci, taking the Fifth 111 times, took me back in time, when social media blocked our content if we referred to the names of certain medicines already on the market that many said helped. Where doctors who disagreed with Fauci were dismissed and banned by mainstream media and referred to as quacks by that media. A time when friends lost family and death was on everyone’s mind; many were kept from family in their last days, and one friend spent months on a ventilator as this man claimed science while discarding science, harming many, yet being lifted as if a hero when, in fact, all indications are he was lying to gain. People screamed at others for not wearing a mask. A time when I remember telling someone I was not vaccinated, and they seemed to become quietly disgusted—a time when I wrote the following.

“I’ve been enjoying life for almost 62 years, and while this may seem long to a 20-year-old, It’s very short in my mind. From time to time, I’ve seen and experienced many different Illnesses. I’ve either suffered or seen others suffer from diseases like flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility loss, hearing, eye issues, etc. I’ve lost loved ones to accidents, cancer, heart failure, and liver problems. I’ve experienced a friend being murdered and know others who have lost loved ones to crime. Life is difficult at times.

Today we have the threat of Covid19, a manufactured virus that brings death and extreme anxiety as we fear the horrible pain, suffering, and loss it causes. COVID’s existence spurs division among family, friends, and countries. Many feel the need to isolate themselves and fear being around others. Hugs and closeness fade from reality into memories as fears of catching or spreading COVID reign and are adopted as the new norm.

Today, a scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever instills worry and fear.

So, what do we do?

We take precautions, use hand sanitizers, wash hands, pay attention to distancing, some wear masks, and some fight over mask effectiveness. I think most who refuse mask mandates object most to the idea of governments’ abuse of power. (I’m not debating this here, just pointing it out)

All this said: I personally refuse to let fear control my life! Instead, I trust in God!

My Trust in God does not mean I will not die of this virus someday. It does not mean I will not lose loved ones to it.

One ICU nurse stated: “It takes who it takes.” Since this is true of every ailment, it adds perspective.

I contracted COVID a few months ago, and it hit me hard. In 2019, I found myself close to death with blood clots in my lungs, and I’ve had other close calls with accidents. The fact is, we are going to die of something someday, and none of us know when.

So, what actions should we be taking? And what do I mean by “Trust in God”?

Some dare blame God for this evil virus, but no evil comes from God; evil is Satan’s territory. Some blame God for the death of loved ones. However, death is certain, and as stated earlier, “none of us know when,” so rather than blame, why not prepare? How? By learning, sharing, and teaching others about Jesus. Jesus is the pathway to an eternal life where death, sickness, and pain have no existence. None!

This life is not the end; it’s the beginning!

When we are “In Christ,” We take advantage of the grace God has extended; our sins have been forgiven, and our forever home is with God. If we are in Christ and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death. So why worry? In Christ, we can count it all joy; in James 5:16, God points out that the prayers of the righteous avail much, so let us live fully, using our time to pursue righteousness and have our prayers well heard. There is great comfort in the confidence that our loved ones went on to paradise from this earth.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Always be prepared

  • Matthew 24:36-51 (No one knows the Day or Hour)
  • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
  • Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)

In Christ

  • Grace: – Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • 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: – 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!“

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