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The best life is a God First life

Category: Study (Page 1 of 5)

Foundation of love

Foundations of love

February 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

As we get to know God, we strengthen the foundation of our very being; as we establish roots in His word, they become intertwined with God’s will for us; they weave through every letter of God’s living Word, absorbing the never-ending water that nourishes our souls, guiding us to life ever after with our creator.

When we study God’s Holy Word with the desire to know God, we will draw closer to God, and God will draw closer to us; the more we understand God’s Love, the more we love and WANT to please God.

It’s all in His Word, so why not make the effort to seek to know God personally?

As scripture puts it, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Jesus is our pathway and the only way to eternal salvation, the only way to peace that surpasses all understanding. Get to know God, Store up His word in your heart, and you will find yourself striving to glorify God in every action.

“I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11

”But seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

  • John 4:13-15 (living water)
  • James 4:8 (God draws closer)
  • Romans 8:31(God with us)
  • Matthew 16:13-20(upon this rock)
  • 1 Peter 2:1-10

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The 20-year battle within – Part 2

February 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

We have now been together for 41 years, not long after we married on Feb 14th 2003, I told Virginia I wanted to go back to Church. This literally scared her, and she bawled. In her mind, my desire equated to me not thinking she was good enough. I assured her this was not the case. When I attended, I would arrive late for Worship and leave immediately. I thought that if people got to know too much about my life, they would try to change it, so I stayed very private at first. However, I remained consistent in my efforts to attend and learn, and eventually began attending all the Bible classes and evening services.
I was also a friend of Jimmy Miller, the minister at the time, whom I had known when I was a faithful teenager, so at that time, I mostly only talked with Jimmy.

Though we had corrected the marital part of our lives, there were other parts of my life that, in light of God’s Word, I thought conflicted with a selfless pursuit of following Christ; however, as my faith and understanding grew through study and application, so did my desire and efforts to address or replace those issues with better choices and habits as well.

Although few knew of my past at the time, I decided to repent publicly and move forward, asking the Church for forgiveness for those wayward years. As I attended, I would invite my wife, but only occasionally, as doing so constantly would irritate her. One Sunday morning, Virginia said yes and went with me. She then began attending with me sporadically, but over time, she came with me to every service and Bible study. Jimmy had some one-on-one Bible studies with us, and Virginia concluded she needed to be baptized into Christ.

My wife had been raised Catholic; she had adopted atheism from her previous husband, who was killed in a motorcycle accident, and on March 23, 2010, about 7 years after our marriage, she was immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of her sins and became a disciple of Christ, a Christian. During her immersion, it was noticed that her elbow did not go underwater, so they baptized her twice. I then teased her that her sins were so bad she had to be double dunked. 🙂 There is nothing that could make me waver again!

I pray that anyone reading this who may be in a similar situation will begin now, set it right, and never waver again. It’s comforting to have certainty in our souls’ condition, knowing we will spend eternity with Jesus. 1 John 5:13

  • God’s Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • Hearing the Gospel:– Romans 10:17, John 8:32
  • Belief/Faith: – Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
  • Repentance of sin: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confess Christ: – 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, 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

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Is God part of our daily conversation?

February 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

If you want to become close to someone, do you reach out by ignoring them?

Many people say they believe in Jesus, some will shout it from the rooftops, yet few take time to truly get to know Him. Why?

I’m not talking about feelings, like when you listen to music and become emotional. No, I’m talking about getting to know Jesus through His Father, His life, His words, His example, and His message and commands.

It’s not until we study God’s Holy Word that we truly get to know and understand Our Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because when we study, we draw closer to God, closer to our creator. The creator of the world and everything in it. In John 1:1-2, we find: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, He was in the beginning with God.”

What an opportunity we have to become close to Jesus!

We cheat ourselves immensely when we don’t spend time in God’s Word, when we don’t spend time getting to know our Heavenly Father or make an effort to draw closer to God so that God will draw closer to us.

8 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

If we choose to be in God’s Word daily, it’s only natural that God will be part of our daily conversations. Is He?

  • 1 John 4:8-19 (Love Love Love)
  • Romans 5:8 (showed His Loves for us)
  • 1 John 3:16 (Laid down his life for us)
  • James 4:8 (Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you)
  • John 1:1-17 (Jesus was with God in the beginning)
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 (Do your best and study)

God First!

Every day I wake up is a good day. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. If it is meant to be, it will happen. If it does not happen, then something better is meant to be. If you think that you can or you think that you can't, either way, you are correct.

Fostering a better attitude.

January 31, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The words in this picture are a combination of encouraging, secular statements that I’ve heard, read, and adopted over several years. We all experience wonderful and sometimes terrible moments, but what do we do with them? I typically see the glass as half full and cherish the good memories, finding comfort in them during difficult times. This helps me keep a positive attitude at all times.

Like most, I’ve had to deal with bad, harsh, sad, and challenging times. Nothing, however, has helped me more through difficult times than God, through my faith and trust in Jesus, which is grounded in my study and understanding of God’s word and His love for us. For this reason, I constantly go to God in Jesus name through prayer.

Stating one believes in Christ is good, but there is no substitute for knowing why one believes. We gain that knowledge through study, which is why I encourage everyone to set aside opinions and study God’s word for what it says.

Admittedly, the bad sometimes makes one question the wisdom of these secular statements, but I’m glad I adopted them, as, in my opinion, they foster a better attitude.

A few scriptures:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:17-18

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;” (2 Samuel 22:2)

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” James 2:19

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“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

God First!

Being wise in our own eyes

January 27, 2026 / / 1 Comment

Several years ago, on social media, someone posted this question: What came first, Sin or Law? Without any research, I replied with my explanation as if I knew what I was talking about. This person then pointed to Romans 5:13, which proved my thoughts wrong.

This embarrassed me; however, this embarrassment was one of the best things that could’ve happened to me. It helped me realize I had leaned on my own understanding rather than on my actual study of God’s Word.

It was my fault, I was wrong! I had attempted to be wise in my own eyes.

Since then, I have studied and researched scripture diligently so that I can give a scriptural reason for the hope that is in me and help others understand what God’s Word actually says.

I am especially thankful for this “One post,” which inspired me to study the most essential book in life with all seriousness. (God’s Word) I will always be thankful for the person who posted that question.

Scripture says;

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

None of this means I won’t miss or misconstrue something, but the more we know God’s Word, the better our ability to discern it. And, since we are all responsible for our own salvation, I will always encourage myself and others to self-study; it’s how we gain better discernment of God’s Word. Our souls depend on it.

  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • 1 Peter 3:15
  • Romans 8:28

God First!

Wiping the dust off our feet

December 23, 2025 / / 1 Comment

In sharing Jesus, we must sometimes wipe the dust off our feet and move onward. This does not mean we suddenly stop caring, as we never stop, but it may mean the soil we are working with is not ready for the seeds of truth. I’ve had to do this many times with family, friends, and strangers when my efforts to share scriptural truth were rejected, ignored, or dismissed either kindly or with disdain.

Sometimes people read God’s Word for themselves, understand the context, but on some subjects refuse to believe what they’ve just read because it flies in the face of what they’ve been told, so they dismiss the discussion with words like: “That’s your opinion or interpretation!”

They will state they believe in God and that Scripture is God’s word, yet when confronted with the truth of God’s own words, the soil is not ready to accept the seeds, or maybe it just takes a different approach to get their full attention. Whatever the reason, when truth is rejected, we are in good company; Jesus was rejected, yet died for everyone, including those who rejected him, and even after His resurrection, some of the same rejected Jesus again.

When rejected, I respect their wishes and pray that my efforts will help condition the soil of their mind and heart. Maybe someone else’s approach will plant seeds that take root; perhaps mine or someone’s example will spark a conversation down the road that leads to better understanding. Wiping the dust off my feet doesn’t mean giving up or that we will never speak of the subject again.

In the meantime, I continue to plant seeds of truth, hoping to find those with fertile soil, those seeking to do all they can to follow Christ – even if it means change.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15

“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? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matt 16:24-28

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The Power is in the Gospel - Not in those telling it

The Power is in the Gospel

January 3, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Preachers and teachers are needed to share the gospel. But, be cautious; don’t put your faith in what you are told or who shared it. Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own salvation.

When we each stand before judgment, it won’t matter what someone tells us. We have God’s word at our fingertips. We must each study for ourselves so that we may learn and be able to discern the truth found in God’s Word.

“For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:8-11 (NASB)

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-8 (ESV)

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12 (ESV)

God First!

To God be the Glory!

February 27, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Ever had someone take credit for your accomplishments? How did you or would you feel feel about it? Maybe it was a trivial matter, so you just let it go. I’ve done this too; it still rubbed me the wrong way, even if just a little. Now, let’s magnify the situation.

Suppose you developed a single cure for all cancers and shared it. Yet, instead of being appreciated, praised, and given credit for all your work, credit is taken or given elsewhere. Would you be upset?

I would probably do all I could to Let the world know; THIS IS MY DOING, AND I CAN PROVE IT. Stop giving credit elsewhere; I created this cure! I would assemble all my proof, witnesses’ testimonies, etc., and present them to the world as best I could. But, what if, rather than admit their deception, the unscrupulous attack the Truth with false information and lies to take or give credit elsewhere. How would you like this? How would you respond?

Unfortunately, This is how God is treated repeatedly.

Despite the fact that God’s proof is all around us. That Science, Math, and History truly support what we find in Scripture, and that God is the most logical explanation as the Creator of everything we know many actively work to give credit elsewhere. Sadly, the gullible then fall prey to praising the creations of God rather than God Himself. History shows people inherently desire to worship something; they want to put faith in something they deem greater than themselves. Worship and praise have been given to such things as the moon, the sun, stars, mountains, water, fire, animals. Numerous statues have been made and erected to worship, and numerous theories have been invented and taught.

Today, many give the credit that belongs to God to those touting disbelief under the disguise of science. Technical-sounding words are created and used to create hypothetical theories and then presented as sound science.

Think about it, Theories are taught to our most gullible, our children, and told it is science. Our children are taught to believe our creation was a fluke accident where nothing exploded into something rather than God Created All. That a spec of absolutely nothing too small for our eyes to see exploded into something that created planets in a perfect universal placement to provide life on Earth. Then, over billions of years developed into the perfectly designed world of nature and life, we live in today. That Animal and Human life were some natural phenomena and that our human ancestry is monkeys. If not from God, Where did our intelligence come from?

Were you taught this? Did you or do you currently lend “ANY” credence to these theories today? God gave us free will that we may choose to look at the evidence. God would not have given us so much proof if expected blind faith only.

EVERYTHING CREATED IS GOD’S DOING, AND HE PROVES IT –TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

  • Genesis 1:1
  • Romans 1:20-25
  • Revelation 4:11
  • John 1:3
  • Colossians 1:16
  • 1 Corinthians 8:6
  • Nehemiah 9:6
  • Psalm 33:6
  • Genesis 1:1-37
  • Genesis 1:27
  • Psalm 19:1
  • Hebrews 11:1-3
  • John 1:1-3
  • Exodus 34:14
  • Deuteronomy 5:9
  • Exodus 20:1-26
  • Jeremiah 10:12
  • Isaiah 45:18
  • Romans 10:17
  • Proverbs 3:13
  • James 1:5
  • 1 Peter 3:15-16
  • Isaiah 1:18
  • John 20:31
  • 2 Timothy 2:15

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Flaxseed and Scripture

February 8, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Some friends recently set a family goal to read one thousand books by the year’s end. As I am a slow reader, this goal is truly impressive. In fact, When I ordered the book in this picture, “The Utterance of God,” I ordered based on a friend’s recommendation and my interest in the topic. The book identifies and demonstrates numerous biblical proofs (many of which I was unaware) that what we read in the Bible is indeed the actual Words of God. The Bible claims this fact in 2 Timothy 3:16, where God tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed…”.

Recognizing, understanding, and comprehending these many proofs found in Scripture also solidifies God as the creator of everything we know and understand; therefore, we should do all within our power to follow Christ according to what we find in God’s Word.

This book was not yet published when I placed my order, it does have a nice size font, but still, I did not realize the book was over 500 pgs. Likewise, the Bible has over a thousand pages and three-quarters of a million words. Large books seem daunting to me. However, I have learned to take the Flaxseed approach to my reading.

Like the books above, Flaxseed was also recommended to me as having several health benefits for our bodies. When I ordered the Flaxseed, and it arrived, I thought, wow, that’s a lot of Flaxseed; how will I ever get through all this? Yet by using just a teaspoon at a time, I have now consumed the first container and am starting this new one; and am healthier for it.

Today, I am proud to report that I have read every word in “The Utterance of God.” Although parts of it were challenging to comprehend, much was very easy and extremely interesting. Moreover, I have gained considerably by being persistent in periodically consuming just a few pages at a time over months.

The result: Studying this information strengthened my understanding of God’s Word, increased my confidence when I thought I lacked none, and helped to embolden my faith.

Reading good books can provide several benefits for the health of our minds, and Reading God’s Holy Word provides nourishment for both mind & soul; it is life’s best guide. Following God’s Word according to God’s Word is to follow Jesus, and Jesus is our only way to spend eternity with God. John 14:6, Acts 4:2, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 10:9, John 1:14,

I encourage anyone reading this, take time to read the Bible, don’t decide in advance it’s too hard to understand, be persistent with yourself instead and commit yourself to at least a spoonful of reading per day. Before you know it, just like with the Flaxseed or the book I read, you will have consumed the whole book. It’s a blessing!

God First!

Does God love some more than others?

January 18, 2022 / / 0 Comments

As I contemplated this question, I believe God loves the “response” of some more than others.

As with parents and children, one child might do as directed most of the time, while the other doesn’t. Parents do not love the obedient child more than the other; however, they do love the obedient child’s response more than the disobedient response. The obedient response shows a desire to please the parents by doing as told. (love)

In Scripture, we learn Jesus died for everyone in the world and that God shows no partiality. Scripture also tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.

David was considered a man after God’s Own Heart; why? God tells us: “He will do my will.” Saul, on the other hand, lost his kingdom for doing “his own” will, not God’s.

King David made many huge mistakes and was far from perfect, yet he constantly turned to and relied on God; David pursued righteousness. (doing God’s will mattered to David)

We all have the same choice!

Follow God’s will to the best of our ability by studying and following the commands and examples of Scripture or following our feelings, our ideas, or those of others.

When we follow God according to His will, we spend our lives pursuing righteousness. In James chapter 5, we find the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. To have our prayers accomplish much, pursuing righteousness should be our goal so that our hearts may be where King David’s was in devotion to God.

John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” Act 10:34-35

“And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom He testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after My heart, who will do all My will.” Acts 13:22 ESV

“But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over His people because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” Samuel 13:14

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16 NASB

God First!

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