The best life is a God First life

Category: Truth (Page 1 of 4)

Satan’s workshop or God’s? our choice

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.

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

God First!

UNSELFISH UNCHANGING LOVE

  • 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, 

Jesus commands us:

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!

250 years later

Our forefathers (for many, these are distant relatives) suffered, fought, and gave their lives in battles for independence, and for “Liberty and justice for all,” and in 1776, America was born. “We the People” celebrate America’s independence on the 4th of July each year.

Fast forward 250 years, and it seems almost half the nation wants to give away the independence our forefathers fought and died for; half the nation appears “Ok” with the idea of socialism, even communism, and would rather whine and have government be our babysitter than take personal responsibility for their role in Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Our country did not become great from our ancestors sitting on their tushes and wallowing in self-pity, expecting a government to provide for them.

NO, our country became great as our ancestors met overwhelming struggles head-on. Dreaming and working to make those dreams a reality. Legal immigrants became Americans, and those Americans came together, working and striving to better their lives through hard work and big ideas. Americans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs made the seemingly impossible possible. They forged wilderness into this country of vast convenience that our families enjoy today.

Our American ancestors worked hard to give us freedom, and we must work hard to maintain it. It’s hard to understand, knowing freedom and wanting to be chained to Socialism.

Sitting on our tush and expecting others to provide for us will destroy our nation. Let’s honor the lives of those who fought and died to give us freedom; let’s take pride in the work we each do as One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Our constitution is under attack, our freedom of speech is under attack, our voting system is under attack, and our freedom of religion is under attack; the list keeps mounting.

While it’s true that the Christian’s ultimate home is not of this world, those of us who live in America have been blessed to live in the land of the free, allowing us to share God’s Word according to God’s Word.  Let us pray, study, learn, and spread the seeds of Christ that God may provide the increase before our children suffer the consequences of only having Satan seed the land. We are so blessed to live in today.

A country with God is a country blessed; A country without God is a country lost.

God First!

In Christ, we have access to the power of God

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!

Judgment Day

Hope Ends – Faith Ends – Belief Ends – All False teachings End

Our Eternal Reality Begins

Are you ready?

On Judgment Day, in a twinkling of an eye, all our Hope, faith, and belief disappear as we face the reality of the choices we face today.

Every Truth we shared that brought someone to Christ or every false teaching we adopted, repeated, or promoted leading us and others away from Christ will become part of our fate, part of our judgment. It is so important that we don’t accept others’ words but rather question and study God’s word. God gave us Truth, Example, Inferences, and References to follow in His Word. If we find a contradiction, it shows our understanding is wrong – seek the truth in God’s word, believing false teaching has serious consequences.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

  • John 5:39
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2
  • Acts 17:11
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • 1 John 4:1
  • Hebrews 5:14
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • Galatians 1:8-9
  • Matthew 7:15-20
  • Jude 1:3-4
  • James 3:1
  • Matthew 18:6
  • Matthew 5:19
  • Revelation 20:12-13
  • Romans 2:6
  • Ecclesiastes 12:14
  • 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12
  • Hebrews 4:12-13

God First!

We really miss out when we predetermine not to listen!

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!

Marines for God -Semper Fidelis

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!

Save yourself with honesty.

When good hearts and minds succumb to lies and deceit, guilt arises, and it weighs heavily on the heart and mind. Choosing to hide truths rather than addressing them honestly places unnecessary burdens on us. Burdens of sin that allow Satan to set up residence and dwell in our minds. For example, if we lie or deceive someone (like a spouse), we carry that unresolved lie in our hearts daily. Rather than confess, we may tell ourselves more lies, like:

  • • No real harm done
  • • It’s better if they don’t know.
  • • Why hurt them with the truth?

However, in doing so, we seal that burden of guilt within our hearts, we entrap our minds and souls with the lie. God knows the deception we carry, and if we cover up rather than confess to our loved ones, asking their forgiveness as well as God’s, we may carry that burden to our death and, maybe, add to our deceit by telling multiple lies over many years in our attempt to keep it hidden. I hope no one carries such a burden, but know some do. We may fear our loved ones’ response, but do we really think living with the lie or lies is better?  Is our relationship with our loved ones and God all it can be when we carry these lies in our hearts and minds? Do we not know we will be held accountable by God?

Our cover-up gives Satan permanent residence in our minds, and as just stated

It’s not hidden from God!

God knows the truth and has always told us to speak it. God hates lies!

When we fess up, confess, ask forgiveness, and repent, we simultaneously kick Satan to the curb, kicking him out of that permanent dwelling we’ve furnished him in our mind.

Don’t let Satan settle in; save yourself with honesty, pray, tell the truth, face the consequences, and stop Satan from building a mansion in your mind as one lie leads to two, then three, then four, and many more. No matter how difficult it is, tell the truth that God may purify, heal, and forgive. Don’t carry the weight of those lies, sins, and burdens into judgment; they squelch the joy in this life and endanger the soul.

  • John 8:34 – slave to sin
  • James 5:16 – confess.
  • Matthew 12:43-45 unclean spirits
  • Philippians 4:8-9 rethink
  • Romans 1:28-32
  • John 8:32 – truth
  • Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconcile

God First!

Would $$$ Change our Motivation to share Christ?

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!

Is Truth Offensive?

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!

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