The best life is a God First life
This is not always our first reaction; however, if this were not possible by Christians, God would not have told us to do it.
God knows what’s best for us, and it behooves us to trust Him and keep His commandments.
“To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 ESV
In God we trust
God First!
We were gifted with the morning light as it cast these rainbow colors across our tile floor. As I pointed it out to my wife, I thought, how cool! Its presence then sent my mind down a pathway of thoughts to carry.
Like the rainbow in the sky, this simple patch of colors reminded me of God’s promises. That God cannot lie and will always be with those who love Him. How Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
While sipping my morning coffee, my mind kept highlighting snippets of God’s Word, “God is the God of All Comfort”, “the closer we draw to God, the closer God will draw towards us”, “Ask, and it will be given, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will open”, “Pray without Ceasing!”
It is comforting to remember how much Jesus cares for us and to be reminded to be humble and to cast all our anxieties on Him.
This little patch of light reminded me that Faith includes Trust. “Never give up on doing good.” Lean on Jesus, especially in times of trial when the challenges of life are heavy, and things don’t make any sense.
So much was brought to mind in this little patch of rainbow light.
Jesus has prepared for those who love Him a place with many rooms where tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. It gives me peace to remember this world is but a temporary home; our forever home is, as a song states, “Beyond the azure blue.” Scripture tells us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” All this world and its desires are passing away, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
God First!
I remember a time when my desire to solve “out-of-my-control” situations was so great that it became all-consuming and overwhelming. I had to realize my inadequacy and humble myself to the one person who could help: God!
I am thankful we don’t have to face life’s difficulties alone, aren’t you?
I am grateful that through Jesus we can humbly pray to God, share our concerns, and lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet, trusting that God will provide.
I was feeling overwhelmed by concerns beyond my control when, one night, I decided to turn them all over to Jesus in an in-depth, on-my-knees prayer. It turned into a prayer full of tears and begging. A prayer of repentance for not having already trusted and turned these concerns over to Jesus and God’s loving hands. At the end of that prayer, an unexplained weight lifted from my shoulders. I got up from that prayer, trusting and believing God would help, and He did.
It was NOT a click-of-a-switch change, but rather a ROOT-GROWING change that took time and my trust. From that moment onward, my attitude changed, and I began a lifelong shift that helped me focus on what I could control and pray for what I couldn’t. I came to trust that God’s hands were on my concerns. While I’ve had moments of despair since then, it doesn’t take long to remember and realize I must turn it over to God and Trust God.
There is no better solution!
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
No need to be Anxious
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
God of All Comfort
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ, we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
God First!
The pangs of life can seem overwhelming at times, if only for a few minutes. Our hearts may hurt and feel squeezed and empty, leaving us emotionally consumed and gasping for breath.
Our shield of faith may grow heavy in our arms and, during our human weakness, be carelessly lowered, allowing the darts of evil to strike and drift us into the shadows of a bleak despair.
However, even in these darkest of moments, with Christ, we can overcome.
We must reach out!
Reach out in prayer, reach out to our brothers and Sisters in Christ, spend time in God’s word, and meditate on all the countless reasons we trust in the Lord.
Scripture tells us the closer we draw to God, the closer he draws to us. If we keep God First in our lives, we have what we need to overcome even in our weakest moments.
God First!
The languages of the Bible are unique to their time, and this is excellent!
Here is why
Language scholars can refer to the original writings to clarify meaning. They can discover how the original text was used and written. Often, the words in the original language have several possible meanings. Yet only one of those meanings fits best within the context of how the word was used and stays consistent with the whole of other scripture.
None of the manuscripts or letters are in the original writer’s hand. They were all copied by scribes repeatedly, regardless of the type of paper or stone they were originally written on.
With the “King James Version,” all the manuscripts available at the time were combined into the books of the Bible. The translations were completed by a large group of approximately 50 highly qualified scholars. These scholars checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the letters and manuscripts they had. They tested each piece against a set of rules they created to ensure it had been correctly translated. These scholars also defined the chapters, verses, and punctuation to facilitate reading today, as these were not part of the original language.
More transcripts were found after the “King James” translation. Some of these writings were older than those used to create the KJV. Many modern versions use the King James Version as their base to create versions that are easier for readers to understand. In contrast, other versions compare the manuscripts used to translate the KJV with older manuscripts and then revise the new versions, prioritizing the older manuscripts. Note: In a few cases, an entire verse was removed based on older writings; these changes were minor and did not alter the text of Scripture.
If English is our native tongue, we often think only of these versions as being in Old or modern English; however, many translations of God’s Word have been made in multiple languages.
It’s also true that not all versions were translated with the same care. In fact, some versions are no more than one person’s interpretation, while others are produced by groups with an agenda beyond a strict translation; this is why it’s essential to understand how a translation came about to determine how much credibility we should accord to what we read.
Personally, I like ESV, KJV, NKJ, NASB1995, and the ASV the most. I also use other versions occasionally to help understand some verses. The most meticulous interpretation of scripture undertaken in the 1600s, under the threat of death, was the KJV.
As a follower of Christ and not a scholar of biblical languages, I rely heavily on versions I believe were compiled with the greatest accuracy.
All this said, I trust God
I believe God’s Holy Word is just that: God’s Holy Word. I trust each word and believe it is possible to understand everything God wants us to understand clearly. We just need to set aside our desires and expectations, open our hearts and minds, and pay attention to God’s desires and will.
The Bible is not a book of confusion.
What makes it seem confusing is us. When we try to twist what it says into what we think it should say. We also need to remember that the Bible is a collection of several books that make one book. So, when we look at one verse using the word faith, it does not discount all the verses that include baptism and vice versa.
What’s the whole picture? What do the books combined tell us is necessary for Salvation?
If we’re willing to admit to ourselves that we may have more to learn. The complete answer is available to us in Scripture
The Bible continues to be the #1 bestseller
I cannot fathom God giving us His complete Word in forms we can’t possibly understand. Can you?
I can’t perceive that God went through all this effort, including the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross so that we might have eternal life, spent thousands of years bringing all of this to fruition, only to give us a Bible, we can’t trust to be accurate or understand with a little effort, reasoning, and discernment; this would be ridiculous.
“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
God First!
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.
God First!
The day I wrote most of the following, I had the urge to ask someone if I could pray with them about concerns weighing heavily on their heart, not just pray for them; however, for some reason, I felt awkward about extending this offer of prayer and instead offered to include them in my prayers. After they left, I reflected on that moment and was disappointed in my hesitation. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and that God hears and answers prayers, but I’d missed the opportunity to share that understanding one-on-one.
There are several benefits to praying with someone rather than just for them; here are a few:
Christians care about others!
Praying for others is good, and praying with and for others can have a significant impact.
I’ve personally shared concerns with others and been unexpectedly asked: “Can we pray about this?
Admittedly, I was taken aback by their offer; however, these one-on-one moments are now fondly etched in my mind forever. I believe much good can come from praying with others and making such prayer invitations a habit.
In Acts chapter 4, the disciples prayed for boldness. As I grow stronger in Christ, I pray that God will help me overcome hesitations, great or small, and that I will serve Christ with all boldness.
If I never make a difference, it won’t be because I didn’t try!
God First!
Forgiveness is natural for the good heart, like the heart of a child. Children forgive and move on. But, unfortunately, it’s often not so quick for the adult heart. A Heart cut deep and fractured with lifelong pain needs to know how to lean on Jesus, trust God, petition God in prayer, and have our prayers well heard. We need to let the God of all comfort help us! Let Him mend our brokenness and restore those childhood hearts.
The evil one will do all he can to inflame our wounds and focus our minds on wrongful thoughts; “Satan’s Will” is that we are consumed and devoured by hate. He wants to steal the joy, satisfaction, and hope we get from striving to do “God’s Will” and follow the teachings of Christ. Satan knows there is no joy in a heart consumed by hatred.
We do, however, have a defense! We can become spiritually equipped to cope with wrongs and the injustices of this world, but are we? Only God can truly help us in all situations, but we must be willing to let Jesus be our Shepard. It doesn’t take great physical strength to let Jesus carry our burdens. It takes faith and commitment to follow God’s will, not our will.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 ESV
God’s will, leads to salvation; Satan’s will, leads to destruction. However, we have the freedom to choose, and by God’s grace, we can all have forgiveness by our obedient faith. So – Let go and Trust God.
God First!
“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
When this world is over and Jesus returns, we will “love” for eternity, but “faith and hope” will no longer be needed. Even in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was concerned for his family, showing the love he still had in torment.
When this world is over; We will find ourselves in the moment of truth fulfilled. Then, “Faith and Hope” will no longer be relative.
At this point; The choices we make to follow Christ today according to God’s will, and Not ours, will determine our eternal destiny as we appear before Christ in the reality of our judgment to hear him say: Welcome my loved one or Depart from me, I never knew you.
Believers in God don’t sit around waiting on God to provide everything for them!
No, that would be sluggishness (laziness) and is not the role we find endorsed by God in Scripture; God expects us to work! It would be misrepresentative of scripture to believe it’s all about what God can do for us when so much is about what we can; Go and Do!
God expects us to do our part in providing physical and spiritual nourishment. God has given mankind a working role since the beginning. (Gen.2:15) Throughout Scripture, we find being a sluggard has been condemned while effort has been rewarded. (Matt.25:24-30)
Working towards righteous goals may take much patience; on our part, and we should be mindful of that fact that seeing the full results of our efforts may never happen; even so, in our ongoing, consistent unrelenting effort, we can know that working for good; will reap good in time if we don’t quit.
How can we know this? Because God tells us so.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for, in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
If we do our part, God will always do His!
(Several proverbs address sluggards)
God First!
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