The best life is a God First life

Tag: God First (Page 1 of 5)

Prayer life

Last night, at our “Band of Brothers” Bible study of Psalms 119, we briefly discussed when each man should set aside time to pray: just before bed, first thing in the morning, etc.

At the time, although my most consistent time to pray is just before bed, I thought starting each day with prayer would be a good habit to add. I’m speaking of purposeful prayers, aside from the situational or sporadic prayer often said throughout the day.

Then, last night, Casper (our dog) woke me up around 1 p.m., needing to go out; this is not typical. When I returned to bed, it dawned on me: I never finished my nightly prayer as I had fallen asleep, so I prayed and then slept.

This morning, I woke up from a dream; in the dream, I was praying. I can’t remember ever having a dream where my action of praying was part of the dream.

Thinking of this dream reminded me of last night’s discussion and sparked me to pray this morning, hopefully, the beginning of setting aside more purposeful time for daily prayer (where I won’t be falling asleep)

I used to get on my knees often for prayers at night rather than lying in bed to do so. I never fell asleep while on my knees in prayers and was always more focused on God and my prayer while on my knees; I think this is a habit I need to restore and highly recommend.

The power of God is beyond our greatest imagination; He loves us enough that He sent His Son as the propitiation for our sins. It doesn’t make sense not to approach God through Jesus’s name often.

God First!

  • 1 John 2:2
  • Psalms 5:3
  • Psalms 42:8
  • 1 John 5:14
  • James 5:16
  • Philippians 4:6-7

More than we can bear alone

Have you ever heard or repeated this phrase: God won’t give you more than you can bear? Do you realize it’s a misrepresentation of Scripture? Life often gives us more than we can bear.

  • The death of loved ones, especially a child (is more)
  • The hopelessness that Alzheimer’s and Dementia bring (is more)
  • The pain and agony of severe illnesses (is more)
  • The lost job and inability to pay bills (is more)
  • The hurt and despair caused by unfaithful spouses (is more)
  • Coping with the suicide of a friend or loved one (is more)
  • Depression, bipolar issues, PTSD, trauma, drugs (all can be more)

This list scratches the surface of the numerous ways we may face more than we can bear alone.

This misquote implies Suckitup; you got this; you don’t need help because God won’t give you more than you can bear. That’s not the intent of someone saying this; however, these words may spur the feeling that we should be able to “go it alone.”

It may prompt someone to reject the help of others when, in fact, God encourages us to come to Him in prayer, to lean on others, and to accept the Love of others. (Unity!)

Scripture teaches us reliance on God and tells us to pray for others and believe our prayers will be answered; it teaches us to bear one another’s burdens, to cast our burdens on Jesus, and to confess our sins to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Scripture also gives an example that even the Apostle Paul was burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that they despaired even of life. Why? So they would NOT rely on themselves but rather rely on God. Paul also told the Church at Corinth and all the Saints in the whole of Achaia that they must help them by prayer. (see 2 Corinthians 1:1-11).

So, What’s this Scripture really about? It’s about sinful temptations and idols, not the struggles and difficulties we suffer in everyday life but rather the temptations to sin that come our way and the escape from temptation God will supply.

Here is the Scripture-

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬

‭‭Remember: Satan is the evil one; God is good, and all things good come from God!

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”

James 1:13

The caregiver of a spouse with Alzheimer’s asked me to address this misquote of Scripture. It was recently stated to them yet again. Consider that, amid their overwhelming daily challenges, someone tells them, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It’s disturbing and not helpful. I am very attuned to the challenges of an Alzheimer’s caregiver and understand the irritation this statement implies. It reminded me that when my family lost our Grandson in 2015, this was said to us, prompting unnecessary discussion during a difficult time. We understand the ignorance in which someone uses these words and give credit to the “intent of heart,” which is why we are mum to the expression when it’s used. We hope that bringing attention to this subject will encourage anyone who uses this misquote to realize the unintended implications, click pause, and try to stop repeating them.

Written In Love,

  • Philippians 6:2
  • Galatians 6:2
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
  • James 5:16
  • Galatians 6:2
  • James 2:14-18
  • 1 John 3:17-18
  • Mark 12:31
  • 1 Peter 3:8-9

God First!

What would your thoughts say about you?

I saw a meme with a handwritten cardboard sign that said: STOP showing me ads about things I just talked about.

This made me wonder (especially with Ai)

If Ads were based on what we THINK about, what would those ads look like?

Would followers of Christ have spiritually minded ads focused on following Christ and doing good for others, or would they primarily be just on us?

Would thought-generated ads be geared towards good attributes like those in Philippians 4:8-9 (I hope so), or would they target acts of the flesh as we find in Galatians 5:19–21? (I pray not)

In all honesty, I fear ads targeting some of my thoughts would make me ashamed.

The good thing is that tempting desires (thoughts) do not become a sin until we act on those desires. So, What does acting on fleshly desires incorporate?

As I thought about this question, I concluded that action would encompass more than the obvious “physical action”; it would include mindful action.

Those times when we choose not to dismiss a thought but rather entertain it in our mind, expand on it, and consciously focus on the fleshly desires for an extended time. This is when I believe the action of thought would become a sin.

i.e.,

  1. Fleshly desires, such as hateful fantasies that concentrate on plans of retribution,
  2. Sexual or other types of fantasies that encourage a sinful desire.

Scripture tells us:

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death”. James 1:14-15

God First!

Take Pause, Keep God First!

Everything good comes from God. Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves of this truism, do some self-evaluation, humble ourselves, and ask: Are we genuinely striving to do God’s will according to God’s will? Are we drawing closer to God by including him throughout our day? In prayer, in words, in our deeds? Does our attitude reflect compassion, love, and understanding towards others?

When we follow Jesus His way, there is no need for regret; instead, God provides us with peace that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts. Regardless of our circumstances, we can trust in God and count it all, Joy.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬
  • James 1:17
  • James 4:8-10
  • Philippians 4:1-23
  • James 1:2
  • Proverbs 3:5–6
  • John 13:15
  • Philippians 2:5
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

God First!

Our Forever Home

In the last few days, I’ve seen several memories once shared on social media of past celebrations, as today would’ve been Dad’s birthday. But in November 2019, Dad went to his forever home. Thankfully, because of Dad’s (and Mom’s) commitment to doing God’s will according to God’s will, our family gets to celebrate with much confidence the hope of eternal salvation that is now no longer a hope but a reality to our Dad and Mom.

Every person on earth has the same offer today.

The Son of God lived the perfect life; in His innocence, Christ was sacrificed on the Cross (The perfect lamb) and was resurrected to what Jesus referred to as His Father’s house, a place with many mansions where He would prepare a place for us.

Jesus tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me”; “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”; “For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

We miss our parents’ presence today but look forward to being with them again in that heavenly home prepared for those who love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and will strive to keep Jesus’s commandments found in God’s Holy Word.

  • John 14:1-31 (the way, keep commands…)
  • Matthew 11:30 (burden is light)
  • Matthew 24:36-51 (No one Knows the Day or Hour)
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 (twinkling of an eye)

Grace:

  • Ephesians 2:8
  • Romans 3:24
  • Titus 2:11
  • Acts 15:11

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

Confess:

  • 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
  1. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
  2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
  3. Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)

God First!

A Country with God

In 2015 a wealthy businessman, not a politician, decided to run for the United States Presidency. Everything I knew of him was contrived from what I had seen on TV, read in news articles and magazines, heard others say, and by watching “The Apprentice.” TV show

Armed with all this “information,” I concluded that I did not like the man.

I considered myself an independent voter, not a party voter, so whenever possible, I listened to him and others give their speeches.

I would watch CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, & FOX News.

In doing so, I noticed commentators repeatedly telling me what to think and feel about his remarks before telling me what he said; This became a problem for me as what I saw and heard in live speech contradicted what I was being told to believe.

In the 2016 Republican runoff, I voted for Ted Cruz. Yet, after Trump’s win, I watched more speeches, interviews, and debates.

Over time, it became evident that his words were being blatantly twisted like a tornado which prompted me to wonder why?

Why such a consorted effort to change the intent of his words? This practice piqued my interest.

I became intrigued by the direction Trump wanted to take our country and that although he never claimed to be a Christian, his message included doing many things that coincide with the principles of love for God, love and concern for others, and Christian beliefs in general. Although Trump’s speech is very coarse at times, he continuously gives recognition to God more than any president in recent history.

Trump: “In America, we don’t worship government; we worship God.”

To me, Trump’s speeches targeted American Growth and epitomized a common-sense approach; building a better America for all Americans.

I liked this message and his repeated recognition of God.

After continually watching his words mutilated into things he did not say or intend, I narrowed my news consumption to FOX; Unfortunately, in my opinion, they have now fallen prey to misleading viewers as well.

Today, NEWSMAX is my station of choice. Newsmax airs many of Trump’s speeches in their entirety. I appreciate being able to make my decisions by seeing first-hand what he says instead of being told what to think and believe by commentators.

Hate has been spewed at Trump from multiple directions, yet he continues to find solutions to problems.

I have been appalled by the relentless attacks and accusations repeatedly proven untrue by people abusing their power, both Democrats and Republicans.

These attacks lend much credence to the “Swamp” concept that several in power feel threatened by this wealthy businessman who has battled tirelessly for the people of our country.

Despite Insurmountable odds and fabrications created by his opponents, President Trump has trudged through the lies and kept most if not all of his political promises bringing strength and respect back to our country. Just imagine how much more good he could’ve accomplished had Trump not been treasonously inundated by the now-proven-to-be Russian hoax. So many people have been misled and taught to hate Trump.

Before Covid, we were starting to thrive; I want to see us on that path again.

President Donald J Trump earned my respect and my future vote because he did much to improve America, not as one nation under Trump, but as One Nation Under God!

A country with God is a Country Blessed a Country without God is a country lost.

After Death

Upon entering paradise, what will our first thoughts be? Will we immediately want to return to our family? Will we first think,” But I’m not finished,” or will we immediately understand; we have no more worries; God is in control?

In the illustrated story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man did not go to paradise; nope, he went directly to torment.

On the torment side of Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham with Lazarus by his side. In his first thoughts, he asked Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with water, for the flames anguished him.

Abraham pointed out the large fixed chasm between them, which cannot be crossed in either direction, and how he had received good things on earth but Lazarus bad things.

Simply put: the rich man’s selfish life had earned him a one-way ticket to his eternal home in torment.

On the other hand, Lazarus’s suffering on Earth was over; he was no longer in pain from sores or hunger. Lazarus would now be comforted forever.

The rich man’s next thoughts were for his family; he wanted to send Lazarus or someone from the dead to warn his brothers of his demise. But alas, Abraham said: if they did not believe Moses and the Prophets, they would not be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.

I don’t know the answer to my initial questions; I suspect I would quickly understand; my opportunity to help others on Earth is over. Maybe, my example or some of my words will carry on briefly, but as always, God is in control!

You see, today, in addition to Moses and the prophets, we have the completed Word of God; we have the New Covenant of God through Christ and are told exactly how to follow God’s Will according to God’s Will.

Scripture tells us: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Twisting God’s Words has happened since the Lord’s Church began; however, the Truth is readily available to those who will take the time to study God’s Word and shew themselves approved.

We will each be held accountable for our salvation, and eternity is a long time to wish we had made better choices.

It is my prayer that all will prioritize the understanding of God’s Word beyond what others have told us. Let God’s Word speak and listen.

God First!

Luke 16:19-31 (Rich Man and Lazarus)

Galatians 1:6-8 (twisting truth)

Philippians 2:12 (work out our own salvation)

Romans 1:16 (Salvation for everyone)

2 Timothy 2:15 (Study)

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will! Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!” Psalm 103:19-22

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

Anybody who knows me should know that I believe in God and that the Bible is 100% God’s Word. I believe Jesus is the son of God who lived the 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 don’t earn forgiveness for our sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us. (Acts 2:38-42) No, we find in scripture; 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 huge advocate of the personal study of God’s Word. Scripture tells us we are to each work out our own salvation. (Philippians 2:12) but we can’t do this without knowledge. (2 Tim. 2:15) This said,

I love sharing God’s Word and the salvation that has been extended to everyone. Scripture instructs believers to lovingly share the love of Christ with the world without adding or taking away from God’s Holy Words.

GOD FORCES NO ONE TO LOVE HIM but gives us thousands of years of history in 66 books as to why we should.

Likewise, I do not push my understanding verbally or in writing on anyone. All have the option to skip my post. Still, instead of ignoring it, 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.

God First!

  • 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
  • Grace: – Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • 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
  • Confess: – 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

Guard the Soil of your Soul

We live in the midst of numerous blessings; Those we recognize and many more we don’t. Thank you, God, for All! Satan knows we always want more, so; he relentlessly seeks to prepare the soil of our souls with selfish desires.

Today, I found myself questioning whether a small thing we do to bring others joy is worth the effort. I know it will someday be meaningful to them, yet the effort often goes unacknowledged. Yesterday I began to think, why don’t we just quit; our efforts won’t even be missed. Nobody cares. It was at this point I realized Satan was tilling the soil of my mind trying to make me feel like we were wasting our time. He was attempting to plant seeds of self-pity and discontentment in order to have me waller in sadness and disappointment so I would give up.

Maybe this, in part, is why God’s Word says:

“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)

Well, hear this, Satan; if it is good, I will try to do it!

Doing good is not about me; acknowledgment and appreciation are Not My Goals. Doing good is my goal, even if or when the recipients don’t recognize it!

As Jesus said to Peter: “Go away, Satan!”

When I chose to follow Jesus, I did what we find in Luke 11:24-26 in the story of the demons; I swept my house and put it in order. My mind is my house, and Satan and his friends are not welcome here.

“…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).”

Each of us is engulfed in blessings even if we don’t recognize them. I am thankful for all those blessings. If we pay attention, we can catch satan in the act of tilling our minds and planting seeds of destruction in our souls and say: Get away from me, Satan. However big or small, Never give up on doing good!

“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 du” to change.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭

Thank you, Father God, for loving us!

God First!

The Power is in the Gospel

“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

“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

“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

Preachers and Teachers are needed to share the gospel. The point here is, don’t put your faith in what you are told or in who shared it with you. We must each study God’s Word for ourselves as, 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.

“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!

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