Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

The pangs of life can seem overwhelming at times

When the pangs of life seem overwhelming

March 10, 2026 / / 0 Comments

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.

  • Ephesians 6:16 (shield of faith)
  • 1st Peter 5:7 (cast your burden on the Lord)
  • Galatians 6:2 (share with one another)
  • James 4:8 (as we draw closer to God, he draws closer to us)
  • Matthew 11:28-30 (I will give you rest)
  • Matthew 6:33 (Seek First)

God First!

Unlimited Time Awaits us in heaven if we choose to follow Christ

Spiritual Edification

March 8, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Before my wife’s illness interfered, the following was my typical schedule for planned edification each month in Bible classes and worship with the Church.

  • 1 hour – Sunday bible class
  • 1 hour – Sunday Worship
  • 1 hour – Sunday eve worship
  • 1 hour – Wednesday bible study
  • 1 hour – 1st and 3rd Thursday for a men’s bible study.

The time adds up to around 22 hrs. per month, yet this is only about 6% of my awake hours in a year.  Does this number surprise you? It surprised me. I thought it would be much more than 6%.

Is God getting our best effort or a minimum effort? In the story of the rich young ruler, the ruler asked Jesus, “What must I do to receive eternal life?”

When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.” Luke 18:22-23 Apparently, he was unwilling to give up all he had to follow Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to give our life savings, but; Would we be willing to if He did?

(Especially if we think giving Him a few hours each week is inconvenient.)

It’s a matter of our hearts!

You and I, every person on earth, are so important to God that He gave us His only son as our pathway to eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Jesus, “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,” Galatians 1:4

How much are we willing to give to Him?

Rhetorically:

  • What example are you giving to those you love by your effort?
  • Is God getting your best or your minimum?

God First!

Let us try!

March 7, 2026 / / 0 Comments

We will each stand in judgment before God.

Let us stand ready to say, “We tried,” rather than, “We did not think we could make a difference.”

Let’s NOT be like the servant who was rebuked and lost everything for not trying in the parable of the talents. (Mat. 25:14-30)

Let’s have God judge us for our efforts rather than our lack thereof.


Let us sow God’s Word
Let us study and learn God’s word
Let us try
Let us pray
Let us believe and demonstrate our faith

Let us plant and water the seeds of truth, knowing and trusting that God will supply the increase. even if we never see it with our own eyes.

Let us do our best to follow God according to God’s Word.

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

God First!

Flaxseed and Scripture The Utterance of God
Brother Template

Flaxseed and Scripture

March 5, 2026 / / 2 Comments

I have friends who set family goals to read 1,000 books in a year. Personally, I’m a slow reader, so this goal is truly impressive to me. In fact, when I ordered the book in this picture, “The Utterance of God,”

I ordered it based on my interest in the topic and a friend’s recommendation. This book identifies and demonstrates numerous biblical proofs (many of which I was unaware of); which prove 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 proves 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 of proofs has a nice-sized font, but when I bought it, I did not realize it was over 500 pages. Likewise, the Bible has over 1,000 pages and 750,000 words. Although large books seem daunting to me, I have learned to take the Flaxseed approach to my reading.

Flaxseed was recommended to me for its several health benefits. 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 several containers and am healthier for it.

I am proud to report that I have read every word in this book, “The Utterance of God.” Parts of it were challenging for me to comprehend, but the largest percentage was very easy and extremely informative and interesting. Moreover, I gained considerably by persistently consuming just a few pages at a time over months.

The result: Studying this information strengthened my understanding of God’s Word, highlighted several passages I was unaware of, increased my confidence, and encouraged and emboldened my faith.

Reading good books can provide several benefits for the health of our minds, and reading God’s Holy Word nourishes 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 writing to set aside time to read the Bible.

Don’t predetermine it’s too hard to understand; instead, be persistent with yourself and commit yourself to at least a spoonful of reading per day. Before you know it, just like with the Flaxseed or this book I now recommend, you will have consumed the whole book. It’s a blessing!

  • 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: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confession: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
  • Baptism by immersion for the 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 Faithfully: Revelation 2:10, Philippians 2:12

God First!

Focus on the Good

Let us be wise in the midst of darkness

March 3, 2026 / / 1 Comment

Don’t lose sight of all the good that surrounds you (often in humble quietness).

There is so much evil in this world that distracts our hearts and minds; it’s tempting and easy to lose focus.

Instead, though it may be challenging at times, let’s work to keep our hearts and minds focused on the good; think and practice the words found in Philippians …

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV

Let us be a light of hope and love to others and recognize the shining lights in our lives.

If we look around us, we can find people whose quest is to live righteously, whose lives encourage and inspire others to do the same.  I am grateful for many in my life and hope and pray there are as many in yours.

Many books on business success stress the importance of surrounding yourself with successful people to become successful, and I’m certain there is truth to this.

True success, however, is found in living a life that by example leads us and others to Christ, toward eternal salvation and everlasting life with Jesus. Let us be wise and surround ourselves with those who encourage and inspire us to live for Christ and follow His teachings. Nothing we acquire in this world goes with us to the next.

  • “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” Proverbs 13:20
  • “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
  • “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV
  • Luke 12:15 (Be on Guard)
  • 1 Timothy 6:7 (Take nothing out of it)
  • 1 Timothy 4:12 (Set example)
  • Titus 2:7 (Model of good works)
  • James 1:22 (Be doers)
  • John 14:16 (Except through Jesus)

God First!

lion, zoo, africa

If Satan Were Lazy

March 1, 2026 / / 1 Comment

I wish Satan were lazy, but unfortunately, he’s not. The Bible says he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. If only everyone who calls themselves Christian had Satan’s determination, only for good rather than evil. Seeking ways to show others the love of God by our actions, just as the Bible tells us we should by loving God first and our neighbors the way Jesus loved us.

When we truly love God, we want to please Him and keep His Commandments; pleasing God becomes a strong desire, as Jesus demonstrated.

Christians should not risk being lazy; a lazy disciple is like lukewarm water to be spewed out, or the one-talent man cast into outer darkness.

Jesus gave every disciple an assignment:

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” 

mARK 16:15-16

If we don’t spread the seeds of truth, only the weeds of Satan are planted. As advocates of Christ, we need to speak up for Christ; souls, including our own, depend on it.

  • 1st Peter 5:8 (Devil prowls)
  • Matthew 25:14-30 (parable)
  • Revelation 3:16 (don’t be lukewarm)
  • 1st John 5:3 (Keep Commandments)
  • Mark 16:15 (share the gospel)
  • Matthew 22:37-39 (greatest command)

God First!

I believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

February 27, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Anybody who knows me should know that I believe in God and that the Bible is absolute, 100% God’s Word.

I believe Jesus is the son of God who lived a perfect life. Jesus allowed Himself to be sacrificed on the cross as it was the only way you and I could be redeemed, forgiven of our sins, and become eligible for eternal life in heaven with our creator.

We cannot EARN forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us.

NO, we are told by scripture (Acts 2:38-42) that it’s through God’s Grace that salvation is offered, and with Great sacrifice.

Nonetheless, to ACCEPT God’s Grace, we must be obedient to God’s will, and the Bible tells us exactly how.

I did not come to these conclusions by osmosis, but rather through much study. I am a strong advocate of personal study of God’s Word and encourage all to set aside what others have told us and seek truth through self-study.

Scripture tells us we are to each work out our own salvation. (Philippians 2:12) Here is the Rub, we can’t do this without truthful knowledge. (2 Tim. 2:15)

This said, I love sharing God’s Word and the salvation God has extended to everyone through Jesus. Scripture instructs believers to share the love of Christ with the world, both boldly and lovingly, and to do so without adding to or taking away from God’s Holy Word.

GOD FORCES NO ONE TO LOVE HIM.

God has supplied us with thousands of years of history (reasons to believe) in 66 books of Scripture, that we may understand why we should want to believe in Him and follow Jesus.

Likewise, I do not verbally or in writing push my understanding on anyone, as all have the option to skip or ignore my post.

Still, instead of ignoring them, I hope you read and find yourself challenged enough to study God’s Word, as my intent is to share God’s Word according to His Word, not as mine, and why I typically include scripture for consideration.

  • * 1 Peter 4:8
  • * 1 Corinthians 16:14
  • * 1 John 1:7
  • * 1 John 3:1-24
  • * Matt. 26:27-28
  • * Romans 6:3-11
  • * John 15:13
  • 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

God First!

Study and live God's Word as if your soul's eternity depends on your choices.

Study Is Worth the effort

February 26, 2026 / / 1 Comment

When we send our kids to school, we intend for them to learn to study and understand the basic curriculum. In college, they pursue degrees, and throughout it all, we will hear them complain, “It’s boring to study, it’s boring to listen, it’s boring to sit through lectures,” yet with effort, they become fluent in new terminology and the details of their chosen professions. In the end, they have accumulated all those boring hours, and it’s worth it!

Reading and studying God’s word can seem boring and daunting. I understand the mindset; It once seemed that way to me.

I looked for answers in what others understood or simply in my reasoning. I had good reason to trust what I was being told. However, it was not until I began studying on my own and attending Bible classes, worship services, and study groups that an accurate understanding of God’s Word began to sink in.

As a result, my once skin-deep faith grew into an all-consuming zeal to share the message of Christ.

Why?

Because our souls’ eternity is decided by our choices.

It’s more important than anything worldly. I need to be able to explain and defend why this is true. (within the pages of scripture), In other words, by sharing God’s Word “as written,” not my words or my ideas.

Regarding God’s word, my boredom with study has become an engaging excitement, with the purpose of sharing. A continuous thirst to grow closer to God with an ever-growing understanding of God’s intent for me and all disciples of Jesus, His commands, His Forgiveness, Mercy, and how we accept His Grace by keeping Jesus’s commands.

I encourage everyone to make a similar effort to grow, as All Truth is in God’s Word.

My quest is to explain, with certainty and boldness, the joy and hope that are in me, with gentleness and respect. Just as we are directed in 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Ephesians 6:20

OUR SOULS ARE WORTHY OF EVERY EFFORT!

  • John 5:39 (Eternal life)
  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (study)
  • John 13:34 (A new command)
  • Luke 10:27 (Love God with all)
  • John 14:15 (Keep Jesus’s commandments)
  • Matthew 19:17 (If you want to enter)
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 (Whole duty)
  • Revelation 22:18-19 (Caution)
  • Matthew 7:22 (I never knew you)

God First!

Clarity is found in Jesus

Clarity is found in Jesus.

February 25, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Doing what’s right is not always the easiest thing to do, but it’s always the best thing to do.

If you’re not sure if something is right or wrong, you have your answer!

Choose wisely, and you avoid regrets.

“and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

God First!

Lies are heavy Weight

Don’t let lies deprive you of true happiness.

February 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

When we carry the weight of sin on our hearts and in our minds, we invite destruction, that is, Satan, to live with us permanently.

For example, we lie or deceive a spouse or other loved one on a significant matter. As a result of that deception, until we fess up and ask for forgiveness, we carry that lie with us; it haunts us from time to time, and we bear this burden. Conversations may occasionally arise, reminding us of the lie, and give us the opportunity to tell the truth. But instead, we often repeat or expand the lie to avoid upsetting our loved ones and rocking the boat.

Rather than confess, we tell ourselves things like

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

The result: we may carry the unnecessary weight of guilt (that God knows) in our hearts and minds for years, maybe even to our death.

In doing so, we have offered Satan permanent residence in that part of our mind. Are we not limiting our relationship with God and that person from being all it can be?

However, when we go to God and to that person, asking forgiveness and repenting of our wrongs, we simultaneously kick Satan to the curb.

Kicking him out of that permanent home we’ve furnished him in our mind, where we can now invite good thoughts to live.

Are we not mending our hearts and minds by removing that permanent dwelling of sin?

The above thoughts bring to my mind the following scripture.

1. (story of the unclean spirits) “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

  • 2. Philippians 4:8-9 (focus)
  • 3. James 5:16 – (confess)
  • 4. Romans 1:21-32 (futile thinking)
  • 5. 1 John 4:9, Mark 11:25 (forgiveness)
« Older posts

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

ADVOCATE FOR CHRIST

Sign up now

We hope you will find our post uplifting and possibly challenging in your pursuit to live a God First life!

We don’t spam!

Contact us:

Contact us: wa***@***************st.com

© 2026 Advocate for Christ

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑

ADVOCATE FOR CHRIST

Sign up now

We hope you will find our post uplifting and possibly challenging in your pursuit to live a God First life!

We don’t spam!