Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Love (Page 1 of 11)

If you love me, you will keep my commandments ~ Jesus

Your soul is a beautiful thing. Guard it with all your heart. God First

Guard your heart from bitterness

May 18, 2026 / / 0 Comments

“Without expectation of reciprocation,” for me, this is the best attitude we can have toward helping others; it’s also my definition of agape love. If we see an opportunity and jump into action and help, we should expect nothing, not even a thank you. Being able to help is reward enough.

Personally, I have found that NOT expecting any reciprocation helps me avoid the pitfalls of disappointment or frustration that Satan may stir in our minds in his efforts to encourage bitterness should I think someone owes me but is ghosting me.

Should my mind start down such a path, when I want help, and it’s not available, I remind myself, “I asked for nothing and am owed nothing,” which helps stop those thoughts from propagating. Instead, I trust God will provide if I truly need help and let those thoughts go, dismissing Satan’s attempts to inflame my mind in his efforts to jeopardize my soul..

Freely giving of myself or my means helps guard my heart against harboring any animosity if someone can’t or won’t reciprocate in kind. One thing is for sure: I have never regretted time spent helping others. It’s always a win for me; A blessing from God.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

  • Proverbs 4:23-27
  • Hebrews 13:6
  • Matthew 6:4
  • Proverbs 28:27
  • Ephesians 4:1-16

God First!

Would $$$ change our motivation to share Christ?

Would $$$ Change our Motivation to share Christ?

May 17, 2026 / / 0 Comments

A question for thought: If someone were to offer you $100 for every individual who came to a worship service based on your invitation (with no limit), how many people would you invite?  1, 10, 100, more?

If your answer is more than you would invite with NO monetary incentive, then the real question to ponder is: Why would we not be this zealous for the Lord without immediate personal gain?

May the seeds of Truth that lead to eternal life in Heaven be planted and watered; God will provide the growth.

  • Matthew 28:19–20
  • Matthew 19:21
  • 1st Corinthians 3:6-7
  • Mark 16:15

To God be the glory!

God First!

It's God's Standard God's Standards are Fixed

Are God’s Standards Our Standards?

May 10, 2026 / / 1 Comment

God’s Standards are fixed. By what standard do we define good and evil, right and wrong? We live in a society where the majority of people adopt whatever standard is proclaimed at the moment. It’s a variable floating standard with no foundation, a foundation of sand that is ever shifting.

God’s standards are God-breathed, absolute, and unchanging. His Word tells us how we obtain eternal life in Heaven with our creator, the creator of everything we know and understand. His Word gives us the pathway to eternity with the Father, the Son, & The Holy Spirit by following Jesus and keeping His commandments.

“And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:7-12

Righteous understanding and discernment are found in God’s Word—the only true and absolute standard. IT’S GOD’S STANDARD

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Isaiah 40:8
  • Hebrews 13:8
  • Psalm 119:160
  • Judges 21:25
  • Malachi 3:6

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Mistreating Jesus

Mistreating Jesus?

May 9, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Jesus is not our equal; He is God.

God’s love is NOT an issuance of permission slips to treat “God the Son” or “God the Father” as our equals. God’s Love is extended by grace, not to be abused.

According to Scripture, Jesus is the Word… “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)

Jesus is our Messiah, the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and we should treat Him with humble reverence. Jesus is Holy (John 4:26, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Revelation 19:16).

We should be mindful that when we use language without thought to its meaning, like” OMG” or exclaiming terms like “JESUS CHRIST!” and other derivatives, we disrespect our Creator and Savior. We are mistreating the Almighty with our lips. Doing so is not harmless, and according to God’s Word, we will be held accountable for taking God’s name in vain. His name is Holy.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

I cringe when I hear or see such terms being used by anyone, but especially those who claim to love God.

One who loves God should understand what God did for us, how Christ suffered for us, and that this knowledge would make one’s heart extremely conscientious with gratitude and respect. That our heart, soul, and mind would “WANT” to make every effort to treat our Heavenly Creators with the utmost reverence by not using Their name lightly.

Christians should show love, appreciation, and respect with every word and action we take. We are to be an example to the world of Christ-like love, which includes displaying our ultimate respect to the Godhead.

Colossians 2:9

Matthew 12:36-37

Psalm 111:9

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Galatians 2:20

1 Peter 2:9

Ephesians 4:22-24

2 Timothy 1:9-10

Mark 12:29-33

Psalm 119:9

Romans 6:1-23

James 3:9-10                                                          

God First!

It is more blessed to give than to receive

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE

May 7, 2026 / / 0 Comments

In Acts 20:35, Luke records the words of Paul to the Ephesian Elders, where he instructed them to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said,  

“IT’S MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE”

Give What?

In part: • Time • Money • Food • Compassion • Love • Service

Give to whom?

• Spouses • Children • Family • Christians • Widows • Orphans • Elderly • Strangers • Those in need

All commandments are summed up in love.

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” – Romans 13:10

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9

God First!

Life Coach Recommendations

May 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I want to highly recommend my “Life Coach.” We were introduced when I was young. Unfortunately, I moved far away and lost touch with Him for a very long time. Those years were chock-full of unnecessary hurt and struggle that my life coach would’ve helped me avoid had I not chosen to move so far away.

A few years ago, I reconnected with my “life coach,” and He has worked side by side with me ever since, helping me avoid many potentially harmful choices. He also sits with me, listens to me, reassures me, and holds my hand as I navigate through both enticing and difficult times. He has provided me comfort that surpasses any understanding. He is not only my life coach but my most reliable friend.

I highly recommend my “Life Coach,” His name: “Jesus.” He’s not the kind of coach you pay for; in fact, He loves all people so much that He actually gave His life through a horrible death for all of us, so we could choose to follow His lead and be with Him forever. He conquered death, raised by God, that we might have hope for eternal life in heaven. Jesus lives today! He is the King of all Kings; God’s only son who was with God from the beginning. The arms of Jesus are outstretched to anyone who chooses to “put on” Christ and follow Him. We find how to “put on” Christ through God-breathed scripture, the Bible, which is, as someone coined it, our…

Basic

Instruction

Before

Leaving

Earth

Jesus is the Ultimate Life Coach!

  • (John 1:1-5) from the beginning
  • (2 Timothy 3:16) God-breathed
  • (Galatians 3:27) put on Christ
  • (Romans 6:1-23) United in Christ

God First!

Seen by God, Rewarded by God

Seen by God, Rewarded by God

May 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever gone out of your way to do good and help others, only to be overlooked or forgotten? Maybe at some later date, they mention the experience in front of you, and it becomes evident that your efforts or possibly even your presence were completely missing from their memory, maybe even credited to someone else? This type of thing happens, especially in high-stress situations, or maybe you’re so close to them that their minds simply categorize your presence, words, and efforts differently from others.

Does it matter whether our efforts, presence, words, or gifts in a situation are credited to us?  Is praise and credit why we do things for others?  

I don’t believe credit or reward is why followers of Christ strive to do good for others, or even because we are commanded to do good, but rather because we want to, it’s in our hearts to do good, because we love Others as Christ loves us.

 When we do good, it’s not about us. It’s about them!

While our efforts being credited to someone else can be discouraging, if it does happen, know this, it’s unintentional and can occur in both high- and low-stress situations.

One of my favorite Scriptures states:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”.  Galatians 6:9-10

  • Getting Credit doesn’t matter.
  • Being forgotten doesn’t matter.
  • Even a thank-you may be overlooked.

What does matter?

  • Sharing God’s Word by example
  • Continuing to do good
  • Showing love
  • To the glory of God, you were there for them

Jesus tells us: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4         

 God First!

“Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Worldly means vs. The good life!

May 3, 2026 / / 0 Comments

“Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” This verse from Luke 9:62 really stands out to me; Why? Because I spent and regret several years of my life with skewed priorities.

I spent years doing what I wanted, seeking fun, money, adventure, and things. Attempting to find and express my worth to self and others through what scripture refers to as “worldly means.”

During this part of life, I sought wisdom in my own eyes. Self-indulgent, manipulating wisdom. As a result, I spent years treating our Creator as if He only mattered when nothing else did, and one big issue here is, I knew better!  

I already had a good understanding of the life God gives us through scripture, “The Good Life.” I was already aware that much of what I was doing went against God’s will for us. As a result, I lived those years apart from God, not truly realizing the huge negative impact I was having on others.

If I were to look back and pine for those old times or long for that old lifestyle, it would indicate that my love for Christ is neither hot nor cold but rather lukewarm. In doing so, I would NOT be looking toward Jesus, and, as Scripture puts it, the path I plow would become crooked. How, then, would I be fit for the Kingdom of heaven?

I would essentially be longing for a time when I was” apart from God.” I never want to long for those days again; life is so much better with Jesus as my shepherd who leads me beside quiet waters that guide me towards peace within.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6

Jesus Tells Us:

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. “Revelation 3:16-17

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” Hebrews 10:26

  • Proverbs 3:7 (wise in our eyes)
  • Isaiah 59:2 (separation)
  • Hebrews 6:4-12 (Crucify Him again)

The best life is a God First life!

God First

Carried by the Angels

Carried by the Angels

May 1, 2026 / / 0 Comments

During COVID, I saw several posts and news stories of people separated from loved ones in care facilities because of quarantines; they were not allowed to be with loved ones during their final moments on earth. This saddened me, and I empathized with the pain in their hearts, knowing they wanted to be with their loved ones. So, I leave you this thought, which helped me when we lost my father.

Our family was not physically with Dad when his soul departed his failing mind and body for Paradise. Although we were not with him physically the morning of his passing, I’m confident Dad was not alone.

I believe that, just as in Jesus’s illustration of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, the angels of God were with Dad and carried him to paradise. How awesome will that be?

I believe this because Dad was a Christian, a man who lived as a true disciple of Christ, diligently following Jesus and striving to keep His commandments in accordance with scripture. I also expect we will see each other again in new heavenly bodies as we spend eternity with our Lord and Savior.

God is good; God is Love!

  • Luke 16:19-31 (Rich Man and Lazarus)
  • Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:44-49 (new body)
  • 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
  • Revelation 21:1-27

God First!

Smiling eyes

Sharing our hearts with our eyes

April 30, 2026 / / 0 Comments

When Virginia and I go to the store, the post office, the gas station, or walk the dog on our hikes, it is part of our makeup to smile, wave, and say hello as people pass; we enjoy making an effort to acknowledge the presence of others and enjoy seeing those return smiles, waves, and occasional brief conversations with strangers.

Even when masks were mandated, and people were scared to get too close, we found we could greet others with “smiling eyes.” Smiles, waves, and nods of comfort from across rooms and in stores. 

Those smiling eyes are a way to share our hearts and encourage others to smile and share the joy within theirs. Maybe this helps explain why smiles and uplifting words are so contagious.

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes the bones. – Proverbs 15:30

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2

I wonder how many times we have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

God First!

 
 
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