Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Growth (Page 1 of 5)

Social Media not just the devils workshop / Seeds of Truth - Let your light shine for Christ

Satan’s workshop or God’s? our choice

July 14, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Social media turns off many people because freedom of speech is abused with disrespectful, attention-grabbing rants, gossip, foul language, crude and distasteful images, etc.; I’ve heard many refer to social media as “the devil’s workshop.” Well, this may all have some truth to it;  however, it will be what we make of it.

It doesn’t have to be just Satan’s workshop. No, when good, righteous-seeking people who love Jesus decide to post, share, like, and love only good things, we help make social media a better place. The simple truth is that Satan is in this world, his actions are all around us, and we can’t make a difference if we hide rather than let our light shine and try to make a difference (Mathew 5:14-16). Jesus charged His disciples with sharing the gospel with the whole world; we are to plant the seeds of Truth. So, when we choose to walk away from farmland we could cultivate and plant, we leave it wide open for Satan to spread seeds of weeds and destruction.

Why not be engaging instead? We can use social media platforms to encourage and share the soul-saving truth of a better life with Christ. We don’t have to write articles, but we can support those who do with LIKES, LOVES, and encouraging COMMENTS. We can share articles and memes of truth and uplifting thoughts.

On social media, the seeds of truth will be cast on all types of soil; so spread them, God will provide the growth, even if you never see the results. Trust God (1 Corinthians 3:7).

When you encounter negative statements, and you will, don’t take them personally; be compassionate, understanding, and try to be helpful; they stem from the ignorance of God’s Word. Jesus and his disciples cast numerous seeds, and when they were rejected, it was in far worse ways than a negative or hurtful comment.

I personally don’t want to gamble my soul’s eternity on what someone feels scripture says when there is so much understanding to be had by gaining a fuller knowledge of what God’s Word actually says.

God’s word cannot be shared with silence. It is what it is, but it will be what you make of it!

  • Mark 4:1-20
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6-11
  • Mark 16:15–20
  • Matthew 28:19–20

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!

With God's help, today's challenges are tomorrow's victories!

Do not be confused, be wise instead

July 11, 2026 / / 0 Comments

With God’s help, today’s challenges are tomorrow’s victories!

Do not be confused, be wise instead; study and pursue the will of God as if your soul’s future depends on it because it does. You cannot follow Jesus if you don’t understand the conditions. “Then Jesus told his disciples, 

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?“”

You cannot do God’s will if you don’t know His will.

Satan wants us to believe that good is evil and evil is good.

Through the study of God’s Word, we gain understanding, and with understanding, faith, and discernment and how to obtain eternal salvation and help our loved ones to do the same.

  • Matthew 16:24-26
  • Romans 12:2 
  • Ephesians 5:17
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Isaiah 5:20
  • Proverbs 13:20
  • Proverbs 15:21
  • Philippians 1:9–10
  • Hosea 14:9
  • Romans 10:17

God First!

Does your thinking call God a liar?

Does your thinking call God a liar?

June 30, 2026 / / 0 Comments

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!

Why complicate the simple?

Making the right choices IS NOT Rocket Science!

June 23, 2026 / / 1 Comment

We make it seem like rocket science to justify our decisions. We find ways to complicate the simple. Maybe it’s to give ourselves an excuse when repercussions occur, or perhaps we are using the wrong standards. God’s Word is fixed, it’s unchanging Truth. If God’s Word is our standard, rather than what is culturally or worldly accepted, the following is a simple question:

Is there more reason not to do it than to do it? The answers are straightforward!

Controlling our emotions can be difficult; resisting fleeting feelings and momentary selfish desires may seem unsatisfying. However, the more we train ourselves to seek righteousness by God’s standard, the less tempting those situations become and the more control we have. God’s Word is the ultimate standard for living, and we never need to regret making the right decision, as when we choose God’s ways over worldly ways or momentary desires.

  • 1 John 2:24-25
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Romans 12:2
  • 1 John 2:15-17
  • James 4:4
  • Titus 2:11-12
  • Galatians 5:22-23
  • 2 Timothy 1:7
  • 2 Timothy 2:22
  • James 1:25

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!

God knows what we will do, so why Why Test US?

God’s Test – Why test us?

June 18, 2026 / / 2 Comments

God is all-knowing, so if inclined, God has the ability to know what choice we will make when He puts us to the test, so why test us? Maybe the testing is not for God’s benefit but rather for our benefit, and/or for those whom we are examples. Our response to God’s test could help ground our faith or prompt us to seek answers in His Word, to seek Him in prayer, or to cast our anxieties on Jesus, things that solidify our trust and deepen our root system.

Realizing our failures can have the same effect. We may not realize we are being tested, but each of us knows in our hearts whether we are doing right or wrong. Abraham was put to the test with his choice regarding sacrificing Issac.

As Abraham passed the test, he gained from the trial. If God were so inclined, He could know whether Abraham would pass the test, but in Abraham’s case, we learn from his story and his example to this day.

As the rooster crows three times, Peter failed his test, and Jesus knew he would. Still, in his disappointment and sorrow, Peter became even more committed after Jesus returned and later ascended into heaven—another example to all who read his story. Even Jesus was tested, but because He knew scripture, He answered the test with scripture.

Let us study so that we may confront the test with God’s Word in our hearts.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4
  • 1 Peter 1:7
  • James 1:3
  • Deuteronomy 13:3
  • James 1:12-13
  • Matthew 4:1-11
  • 1 John 4:1
  • Genesis 22:1–19
  • Hebrews 11:17-19
  • 1 Peter 1:7-9
  • Acts 1:9-12
  • 2 Timothy 2:15

God First!

Don't miss out

We really miss out when we predetermine not to listen!

June 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

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!

Study brings us closer to God

May 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

In 2013, someone I was trying to study with mentioned Ecclesiastes 7 and how they could not grasp how going to a funeral is better than going to a party, or that the day of death is better than the day of birth. At the time, I was unfamiliar with these verses, so I went home, researched, studied, and wrote a short synopsis, which we later reviewed together.

This effort was one of the best exercises I could’ve done. Why? Because this study helped us both understand the verses in chapter 7 more fully, and studying draws us closer to God.

Since this experience, I’ve studied Ecclesiastes several times and have found it to be full of good food for thought. Most scholars attribute the book of Ecclesiastes to Solomon’s wisdom. As noted in my synopsis, in these verses, Solomon seems focused on what is good for the soul.  

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

“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 ESV

God First!

The Christian's Training Ground

Marines for God -Semper Fidelis

May 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The Bible is the Christian’s training ground, our means of staying the course. In it, we find the power of God, hope beyond measure, our daily armor, our weapon of truth, our shield of faith, our protection from Satan, and our only pathway to eternal life with our creator; the Bible is our connection to God’s will for us, our strength for endurance, and our means for sharing the message of Christ with everyone.

The study of God’s Word is our preparation, sharing God’s Word is our exercise, and the ability to defend God’s Word is our duty as soldiers of Christ.

The Marines’ motto is Semper Fidelis, which means “always faithful” or “always loyal.” Let’s be Marines for God; let us always be faithful and always be loyal. In “ALL” circumstances, let us take up the shield of faith. (Ephesians 6:16)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. “Put on the whole armor of God”

Ephesians 6:10-20

If God is with us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

1 Peter 3:15

God First!

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