The best life is a God First life

Category: God’s Will (Page 1 of 8)

Be closed-minded to Mankind, not God

Are we willing to unlearn to learn more? Sometimes, this is precisely what we need to do because sometimes, we derive conclusions without realizing we don’t have all the facts. Those very conclusions can keep us from accepting and recognizing that there is more to consider. We may think of ourselves as open-minded, but are we really?

When it comes to God’s Word, we owe it to ourselves and those we influence to always seek the truth in our studies and be willing to unlearn and let go when we find evidence in scripture (not our feelings) that shows us there’s more.

Are we able to embrace and replace incomplete thinking at the expense of admitting we were wrong? We need to be.

Is it not crucial that we stand firm on the evidence of scripture, not be swayed by our own wisdom or the ideas of others, but instead rely on God’s Word as our standard for discernment? (Philip 1:9-11, Matt 10:22) God and” God’s Word” are unchanging. The destiny of souls is at stake, not to mention the power of our influence, which can lead others to truth or misinformed, dangerous ideas.

  • Romans 16:17-20
  • Isaiah 40:8
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • James 1
  • Psalms 119:89
  • Malachi 3:15
  • Genesis 13:15
  • Hebrews 12:7-8

God First!

Does your thinking call God a liar?

Sometimes, we let our smarts get in the way of the obvious as we seek hidden meanings behind simple words rather than accepting them at face value. Sometimes, we do this with each other, and it causes issues; sometimes, with God’s word, and it causes issues. However, with God’s word, we can be certain there is only one perfect answer, one answer that will not conflict with other parts of God’s word. God cannot lie, and all scripture is God-breathed, so the Bible will not contradict itself.

“God is not the Author of confusion…” 1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV

“Be not wise in your own eyes; …” Proverbs 3:7 ESV

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:21 ESV

“…God, that cannot lie…” Titus 1:2 KJV

“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.,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB1995

  • Hebrews 6:18
  • Titus 1:2
  • 2 Peter 1:20-21
  • Galatians 1:8

God First!

SEE TO IT

Colossians 2:8 seems to stress we have a personal responsibility to study and know God’s Word so that we are not swayed.

It reads… “SEE TO IT that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8 ESV (Emphasis added)

In short, IT’S ON US! The only way to “SEE TO IT” is to read and study so we can know the words and intent of our Creator for ourselves, God’s Holy Word.

God gave us what He wanted us to know and follow in writing for a reason, didn’t He?

  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Philippians 2:12-30
  • Hebrews 5:14

God First!

GOD -FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY?

As a young adult, I remember thinking and touting that no matter what my plight, I can make the best of any situation. Now, as an aged Adult, my thoughts and words have been severely tested. What I should have been thinking and saying is that with Christ, no matter what my plight, we can make the best of any situation.  Virginia and I lived many of our early years together, treating God as if He were in a drawer labeled ” FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY.”  Looking back, I now recognize many lifelong repercussions from those years. Without Christ and His Church at the forefront and center of our lives, we were broken wrecks, unintentionally causing trickle-down harm through our choices by our examples.

Like us in these early days, many who are not baptized into Christ, who do not put God First in their lives, and who are not an active part of the Church Christ established, may not understand what I am saying here, but I can tell you our lives and relationship became significantly better after we chose to include and live for Christ daily.

Only through understanding, belief, and doing God’s will according to His will, in other words, through our faith in Christ, did we have the strength and comfort needed to endure some of the most difficult times—unexpected losses, financial struggles, and, currently, my wife’s Alzheimer’s. Without Jesus, we are broken; with Jesus, we are whole.

In the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire, a now-famous line is: “You complete me!”

This is what Jesus really does for those who pick up the cross and follow Him. Jesus completes us!

The Apostle Paul had it right…

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11)

We Can Do All Things Through Him who strengthens us.

Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 9:23-26, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Philippians 4:7, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 2:38-41, James 1:2-4

God First!

Faithful Christians in Government

If politicians were faithful Christians, corruption would not be an issue. Lies and Deceit would not be an issue. If we love Christ, we keep His commandments, no matter our role in this world. Love of God and our neighbors are the two Greatest commands.

The keyword to this statement is “Faithful “- those who are continuously striving to be Christ-like, to love others as Christ loved us!

You can’t love two masters, such as greed and God.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Matthew 6:24
  • John 14:15
  • John 13:34

God First!

Judgment Day

Hope Ends – Faith Ends – Belief Ends – All False teachings End

Our Eternal Reality Begins

Are you ready?

On Judgment Day, in a twinkling of an eye, all our Hope, faith, and belief disappear as we face the reality of the choices we face today.

Every Truth we shared that brought someone to Christ or every false teaching we adopted, repeated, or promoted leading us and others away from Christ will become part of our fate, part of our judgment. It is so important that we don’t accept others’ words but rather question and study God’s word. God gave us Truth, Example, Inferences, and References to follow in His Word. If we find a contradiction, it shows our understanding is wrong – seek the truth in God’s word, believing false teaching has serious consequences.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

  • John 5:39
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2
  • Acts 17:11
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • 1 John 4:1
  • Hebrews 5:14
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • Galatians 1:8-9
  • Matthew 7:15-20
  • Jude 1:3-4
  • James 3:1
  • Matthew 18:6
  • Matthew 5:19
  • Revelation 20:12-13
  • Romans 2:6
  • Ecclesiastes 12:14
  • 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12
  • Hebrews 4:12-13

God First!

We really miss out when we predetermine not to listen!

Yes, it can be aggravating when someone disagrees with us on important issues; however, we should not take offense. Simply do your best to present the facts and reasons for your position.

These days, the word “Offended” is widespread and often used to dismiss reason; it’s used to detour discussion rather than find solutions.

In the Bible, we read that Paul went to synagogues to reason with leaders about fulfilled prophecies in Scripture and to tell them of Christ, yet still, many would not listen. Most likely, just as with today, some were predetermined not to listen and instead took offense at what Paul was saying.

God’s Word is important; accepting God’s Grace through obedient faith and acting on that faith is essential. We can’t have obedient faith without understanding. You must know what you’re being obedient to, and such understanding comes from study and reasoning, not osmosis.

Keeping God’s commands and precepts is vital to obtaining eternal life because, as Jesus puts it, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  and, “no one comes to the Father except through me” (ref’s below)

Everyone is encouraged to study and apply the teachings of Scripture to their lives, especially those in the body of Christ. Rather than being set and judgmental, attacking, or building a wall between brethren, strive to teach but be understanding. There is only one truth: help each other learn.

It may be that both believe they represent the meat of Scripture, but neither should be predetermined not to listen; approach the discussion with open ears, as if you were the one on milk, seeking growth, which helps avoid the perception of arrogance. Use a humble attitude and words to help each other understand the facts of Scripture by listening first and reasoning together the Words of God, listen to each other in truth and love, that you may both correctly discern the truth and gain a better understanding of Scripture.

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

  • John 14:6
  • Ephesians 4:25
  • Acts 17:2-4, 10-11
  • Acts 18:4, 6, 24-28
  • John 14:15

God First!

Prayer request – why would you not ask?

I see many prayer requests on social media. Although it’s sad to see so many people dealing with sickness, death, fears, and concerns, I truly appreciate those who recognize the power of praying in Jesus’ name and asking for prayers from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus is our avenue to God’s help, so if we truly believe, why would we abstain from asking others to join us in prayer and praying for us?

When encountering prayer requests, it’s standard for me to pause and pray before moving forward. I don’t always know the recipients of my prayers personally. However, I know that, by their request, they believe in God’s power to help and in Him, as they have asked for prayers. Scripture shows God wants us to pray; God wants to be included in our daily lives. More than that, and with good reason, God wants to be the front and center of our lives. Scripture clearly demonstrates God’s desire to be included in our daily lives, which consists of prayer before action. As those in Christ, we have confidence that when we pray and ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us.

Praying and asking others to pray demonstrate our belief, and belief is vital to having our request granted according to Scripture. So let us pray with thanksgiving, expectations, and humble hearts that show our love, trust, dependence, and desire for God’s help.

What does it say to God about our belief, our trust in Him, when we don’t include Him in our lives until things are dire?  How would you feel if the only time you hear from a loved one is when they need dire help?  God has feelings, too!

  • John 15:7 (Notice conditions)
  • 1 John 5:14
  • James 5:14-16
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11
  • Matthew 7:7
  • Luke 11:9
  • John 16:24
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  • James 1:5
  • Romans 12:2
  • Romans 12:12
  • Isaiah 63:9
  • Ephesians 6:18

God First!

The Best Good we can do

Sometimes, when we try to do good and help others, people will take advantage of our kindness and abuse our love. As a result, we can become disappointed and discouraged; we can feel knocked down and ridiculed, and start questioning our efforts. Don’t. When this happens, shake the dust from your feet and move forward. Many appreciate and need your efforts. The best “Good” we can do is to represent and share Christ’s message through our words, example, and efforts, so that others may see Christ in us and want to know how they can obtain the peace and confidence of eternal salvation we have found through following Christ and keeping His commandments.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

  • Colossians 1:27
  • Hebrews 11:1
  • James 5:20
  • Matthew 10:14
  • Matthew 5:16
  • 1 Timothy 4:12
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

God First!

Boundaries are for our protection

God gave us boundaries like a fence to protect us; when we push through them, we become victims.

  •  “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Don’t become a victim. learn and adopt God’s ways from His Word, put your faith in Jesus, keep His commandments, and trust in God, press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

  • “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Ephesians 6:10-17
  • Philippians 3:14
  • Psalm 46:1
  •  Psalm 91:1–2
  •  2 Thessalonians 3:3
  • 1 John 5:18
  • Matthew 6:25-26. 25
  • Matthew 6:32-33. 32
  • 2 Corinthians 11:23-25

God First!

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