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The best life is a God First life

Category: Obedience (Page 1 of 8)

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!

What is the ultimate act of love

UNSELFISH UNCHANGING LOVE

July 10, 2026 / / 0 Comments
  • Our tastes change,
  • Societies change,
  • People change,
  • Governments change,

GOD DOES NOT CHANGE

  • God’s Love does not change,
  • God’s Truth does not change,
  • God’s Word does not change,
  • God’s Promises do not change.

We must NOT conform to worldly changes but rather stay true to God’s unchanging love. His love offers us eternal life in heaven if we choose to accept it and follow Jesus according to God’s will, not ours. Conforming to God’s will is the ultimate act of unselfishness and expression of true love.

Jesus showed us what it is to have unselfish, pure love for God and for us as He walked this earth, staying true to doing God’s Will to the point of becoming the ultimate Sacrifice.

Matthew 26:39: “And going a little farther He fell on his face and prayed, saying, 

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Jesus commands us:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:13-20

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.“

John 14:21-24

God First!

Regrets- I’ve had a few, but now they are fuel.

July 9, 2026 / / 2 Comments

At one time, the consequence of poor decisions had me living in a tent for a couple of months with my then-wife and our toddler son. It was fall and getting cold. This experience forced me to swallow my pride, learn humility, and accept help from others to get back on my feet. The family that helped us asked one thing of me.

Today, I have over decades of choices, both good and bad. experiencing some successes, failures, and regrets. I don’t dwell on the regrets or let them hamper my attitude, but I don’t forget them either. For me, regrets fuel a desire to help others avoid similar mistakes, which is why I occasionally share stories of my life that can be embarrassing, shameful, or maybe seem boastful and prideful. I’ve achieved small levels of success; however, my most significant success was not business or material gain; it was the decision to put God First, not by words, but by commitment.

The family that helped us had only one request: “When opportunities arise, help others.” I will never forget them, their commitment to God, or their kindness, and have tried to honor this impactful request ever since.

I share experiences for a reason; good or bad, I hope others will gain from them. I hope those who read or hear my messages will avoid similar mistakes and, more than anything else, embrace my most excellent decision.

At the top of that list is my decision to follow Christ and all His teachings to the best of my ability. Although I failed for many years, I now take comfort in knowing God has forgiven me for turning my back on His love and pursuing my own desires. I now know I have an eternal home waiting in Heaven and can’t fathom ever turning my back on God again.

Simply put, NO DESIRES ARE WORTH THE ETERNAL RISK.

All of us have the same opportunity: Everyone!

Scripture points out that we must hear God’s word, we must believe Christ is the risen Son of God (Romans 10:8-17), we must repent (decide to change our life course and follow Jesus), we must confess Jesus as the risen Son of God (Acts 2:38) and, we must be immersed (baptized) in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). It’s at this point (at baptism) that our sins are forgiven. During baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; It is also at this point that we are added to “The Church” (We don’t join, we are added), Acts 2:41.

From this time forward, we are looked upon by God to be as pure as the driven snow because Christ’s blood continues to cleanse us. (1 John 1:7)

It is at the point that we are then “IN CHRIST” with the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us walk in the light, putting God First and doing all we can to show Jesus our love by keeping His commandments and loving others as Christ loved us (John 14:15)

  • John 14:1-6
  • Revelation 21:1-27
  • 1 Cor. 15
  • Gal. 3:26-27
  • Rom. 6:3-5
  • Gal. 3:27

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!

Breath-Giving Love of God

In Christ, we have access to the power of God

June 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

In Christ, we have access to the power of God

God: Unseen by the human eye, yet His power and love are evident in all of creation. Through Jesus, we are encouraged to tap into God’s power. Scripture tells us that if we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us, that we should work toward righteousness and demonstrate our love by keeping the commandments of Jesus. Although we live in the world, we should not be of the world, so far as it depends on us, we are to live peaceably with all.

If God is with us, who can be against us!

IN Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who intercedes with our prayers.
IN Christ and through Christ, we can petition God in faithful, fervent prayer.
IN Christ, we have God’s ear; we can turn those” out of our control” burdens over to Him and trust in Him.
IN Christ, the God of all comfort, helps us in times of suffering.
IN Christ, we can have peace that surpasses understanding.

Scripture tells us how to be” IN Christ,”

“for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

They were cut to the heart, and they asked, what do we do? (Acts 2:38-41)

  • Grace: – Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • Hear: – 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, Lu ke 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
  • Live peaceably – (Romans 12:18)

Other Referenced Scripture: Romans 8:26, James 5:16, James 4:8, John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, John 17:14-23, Genesis 1:1, Acts 17:24

Study, Verify, and believe God’s Word!

God First!

If our Children see God as part-time in our lives, how will He become full-time in theirs?

If our children see God as part-time in our lives, how will he become full-time in theirs?

June 8, 2026 / / 2 Comments

According to God’s Word and stated by the Son of God, Jesus is the only way to eternal life: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ – John 14:6

Many parents claim to believe in Jesus; they want their children to know Jesus, but their actions lack priority and commitment, making their words empty.

Our examples are so very important to our children, much more important than stating words. If we say, “Don’t smoke.” Don’t cuss, don’t cheat, don’t steal, don’t do drugs, don’t get drunk, don’t lie, etc., etc., etc., while puffing a cigarette and doing the very things we state are wrong, we contradict ourselves, making our words meaningless.

If we say we believe but don’t take time each week to come together with our fellow believers to sing praises, pray, worship, and remember the sacrifice of Jesus in communion and be involved, what priority are we presenting to our children? If we dismiss portions of Scripture as inconvenient, what example are we giving, and what are we saying to Jesus?

Jesus gave perfect examples in His life; they matched His words in every way. He told us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The apostles likewise set an example that matched their words, prioritizing worship, the breaking of bread weekly, and the sharing of God’s Word.

If our children see God as part-time in our lives, how will he become full-time in theirs?

  • Hebrews 10:24-25
  • Acts 2:42
  • 1 Corinthians 11:17-25
  • Colossians 3:16
  • John 14:15
  • Matthew 6:33
  • James 2:19
  • 1 Peter 2:21
  • Ephesians 5:1-2
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1
  • Philippians 2:5
  • John 13:15
  • Galatians 2:20
  • Acts 20:7 (The first day of the week comes every week)

God First!

IF, indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel

IF – sets important conditions

May 26, 2026 / / 0 Comments

This Verse in Colossians speaks of Jesus

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him,

IF

indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

(emphasis on “If” added as this small word points out important conditions)

(Colossians 1:15-23 ESV)

In thick or thin, Triumph or failure, on top of the mountains or in the depths of valleys, stay true to God, lean on Jesus, and He will carry you through.

  • James 1:12
  • James 1:2-4
  • Philippians 4:13
  • Isaiah 41:10
  • Psalm 23:4
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Matthew 11:28-30
  • Deuteronomy 31:6

God First!

Have you noticed? The Bible contradicts a lot of popular opinion. IS TRUTH OFFENSIVE?

Is Truth Offensive?

May 15, 2026 / / 2 Comments

Have you noticed? The Bible contradicts a lot of popular opinion. Many people become offended when someone or something contradicts their understanding or belief, while others find it challenging. There are so many misunderstandings and false teachings about what God’s Word says on various topics; however, in God’s infinite wisdom, He gave us His Word and freedom of choice. We can hear and study God’s Word independently to see if what we are told is true, or we can accept, believe, and practice what others tell us is true, but I ask: How smart is that?

The Bible is God’s Word, and it should be our foundation for discernment.

  • The Bible spans thousands of years and has many different contributors.
  • It does so without contradiction.
  • The prophecies and science we find in Scripture are now known facts.

The Bible was written over about 1,500 years by approximately 40 authors from widely different backgrounds, cultures, and languages, yet it maintains a cohesive story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. It’s hard to explain all this unity apart from divine inspiration.

Of course, it does take an open mind to replace what we’ve been told with what we will discover through an intuitive investigation. With our freedom of choice comes accountability for our actions or lack thereof.

Rather than choosing to be offended, why not choose to accept the challenge and pursue the truth? We can search and trust God’s Word, or we can accept man’s ideas; the choice is ours, but one we will be held accountable for.

  • “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
  • “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21

John 17:17
Psalm 119:160
Proverbs 30:5
Deuteronomy 30:19
Joshua 24:15
Galatians 6:7

2 Timothy 2:15
Acts 17:11
Job 26:7
Isaiah 40:22
Hebrews 11:3

God First!

Our Souls’ Eternity depends on our Choices

May 13, 2026 / / 1 Comment

Occasionally, we can become disheartened and discouraged when things happen that are out of our control. Satan jumps on these opportunities to tempt us; he wants us to throw our hands up in the air, give up, stop trying, sulk, become apathetic, go back to old ways, or try unexplored ways of living like the world. Satan wants us to believe his LIE that a life with little or no time for God is a life of fun, satisfaction, and prosperity, and we deserve it.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Satan wants us to believe God does not mean what He says. That somehow, there is a way around being held accountable, there is some explanation we can give, and Jesus will say, “Oh, in that case, come on into heaven, ” but that is not what we find in Scripture; we find God tells and gives us example after example that there are serious consequences for not doing things God’s way. By choosing to do things our way, we exclude God; yet by choosing God’s way, we can have a joy-filled life that ultimately rewards us with eternal life with God.

God wants us to lean on Him, cast our burdens on Him, and trust in Him, His Word, and His promises of eternal life. He wants us to stay the course laid out for us in His Holy Word. After all, it is written for our benefit—NO REWRITING TO OUR DESIRES.

God gave us the freedom to choose; follow Christ or the world.

Sometimes we do trudge through difficult times, but if we are “In Christ,” we don’t have to do so alone; through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God provided a way for each of those in Christ to approach His throne through humble prayer, asking for His help in Jesus name, and He will hear our prayers.

By staying God’s course, we become a light to those around us: Family, friends, children, grandchildren, and even strangers. So, when we feel disheartened or discouraged, and those temptations try to settle in, recognize who they are from, push them aside, and pray. Remember, you are loved, and you set an example to someone who loves you! Our choices will determine our souls’ eternity, and our example may have a deep impact on the choices of those we love, family, friends, and children.

  • 1st Peter 5:7-8
  • Psalm 55:22
  • James 5:14–16
  • John 14:15
  • John 3:16
  • James 4:10

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!

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