The best life is a God First life

Tag: God

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!

Would you believe it!

Would you believe it? These sticks and stones just ended up on the tree stump seen in this picture, looking like this cute face all by themselves. It was simply an accident.

No, me neither. Logic tells us someone definitely laid these sticks into their positions. This face was created by design.

Do you also realize it is far more probable that this artwork all landed into place by accident than to believe that anything other than God created everything we see, smell, breathe, feel, and know?

IN THE BEGINNING, GOD created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

It’s the most logical conclusion, and both science and math support it.

To God be the Glory!

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 ITTO 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

God First!

Little by little

Have you ever opened your mouth and said things you didn’t really mean to come out the way they did? Well, I did this recently. I listened to a presentation regarding the ongoing efforts of one of the missionary works our congregation help’s support and was amazed at all the accomplishments of this ministry. It touched my heart with the desire to help them continue and do more to the glory of God.

In talking with the missionary, I asked what the best way to give additional help is? right after his answer, I made my regretted statement to the effect: “I was not as blessed as others, “financially, but….”

Instantly, I did not like my statement and how it sounded as I am fully aware that I am very blessed, including financially, when compared to many in this world, and I thank God daily for every blessing.

I was trying to convey that I realized there was a great need for the help they were providing and appreciated seeing how they were helping. Recognizing this made me wish I had thousands upon thousands I could offer to help meet the overwhelming needs.

I didn’t want my question to be misleading as to what I meant by: “additional.” So, I attempted to clarify my question poorly and decrease any expectation of grandeur I may have accidentally implied. I hope I never make such a foolish statement again!

This scenario did remind me of a question my wife once asked me. I had just recently started going back to Church services, and she was not yet going but saw a check I had written, and asking very pointedly, she said;

What are you trying to do, buy your way into heaven?

Well, honestly, no, but my donations at that time were very sporadic, so for us, the check she saw looked big. My wife began attending, studying the bible, and later chose to be baptized according to Scripture.

As our faith and understanding grew, we realized although sporadic giving was helpful, it was not nearly as much as it seemed when we wrote the occasional check. So together, we budgeted a small amount for weekly giving. In comparison to previous years, we found that by doing this, we were helping far beyond those periodic checks just by giving a small amount each week that we could manage.

I should have remembered this lesson before my regretful statement to Mani. And, I pray God continuously blesses those who can write the large checks and that they will never give up doing so.

I need to keep in mind that if I budget small amounts, I can still help in significant ways, and if others do the same, we can all humbly make a vast difference within our abilities. Then, as our blessings increase, so can our help.

In the end, those small amounts can help spread God’s Word, Save lives and bring soul-saving truth to the masses.

Galatians 6:9-10 says:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

To God be the glory,

God First!

God wants to hear from you!

When things seem out of my control, who better to go to than God? Who better to ask for help than our creator?

Although I may say several short prayers during the day a good while back, I decided to set time out for prayer every night.

Every day, I now look forward to this time when I diligently share my gratitude, joys, and concerns for Self, family, and friends. I am convinced God answers prayers as he has surely answered mine.

Pray often – God wants to hear from you!

God First!

  • 1 John 5:14
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  • Mark 11:24
  • Romans 12:12
  • Psalm 145:18

Carried by the Angels

Many people have been separated from loved ones in care facilities because of Covid-19, powerless to be with their loved ones during those final moments on earth; this saddens me. I empathize with the hurt and pain of their hearts as they wanted to be with their loved ones. So, I leave you this thought in hopes that you will find comfort in it, as I do.

Our family was not physically with my dad when his soul departed his failing body and mind on that trip to Paradise back In Nov 2019; Although we were not physically with him when he passed that morning, I’m confident dad was not alone. I believe angels of God carried his soul to Paradise just as they did Lazarus in the illustration story that Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:22).  Jesus said: “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.”…

Dad was a Christian. He lived the life of a Christian, so we look forward to that day when we see each other again apart from physical bodies and mind and get to spend eternity together.

God First!

written by: Wayne Johnson

What do I mean by “God First”?

God’s Greatest commandment is that we love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Scripture tells us to do everything to the glory of God. That, “…from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

When I use the term ”God First,” I intend to encompass ALL of God (the Trinity), Our Heavenly Father, Jesus (The Son), and the Holy Spirit. I use these two words, “God First,” to state my belief that God should be First in our lives every second of every day.

Scripture tells us that as we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us.”(talk about inspiring motivation)

However; It’s impossible to put ”God First” if we chose not to do God’s will and keep His commands which we find in ”The Holy Bible”

The Bible is God’s completed Word, the same Bible that tells us ”All Scripture is God-Breathed”  and where Jesus tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Mark 12:30

1 Cor 10:31

Romans 11:36

John 14:15

James 4:8

2 Timothy 3:16

1 Corinthians 13:12

God First!

Mike the Baker

by: Wayne R Johnson

Mike is your new friend who happens to be a baker, you mention to Mike that you have the perfect cake recipe. Mike knows your Birthday is coming up and offers to bake it. You give Mike the recipe and write across the top.

“IMPORTANT! Follow the recipe as written, Don’t add or leave anything out of it”

The recipe specifies the types of ingredients, the order to mix them, even what brands to use. You reiterate the importance of following the directions and Mike, agrees! While at the store Mike decides (in his mind), some of the ingredients specified are not the best so; he makes the choice to get what he believes is better for all. When Mike arrives home, he begins mixing all the ingredients together according to your directions, well almost. The directions say to mix ingredients in a certain order, but that doesn’t fit with Mike’s ideas on baking, plus, it will take longer. The recipe could use one more ingredient, so Mike adds it. He then invites your family over to enjoy this special cake. Mike is so pleased with his efforts he is grinning ear to ear, he just knows you’re going to love it.

The moment has arrived, the cake looks awesome and you and your family are finally digging in. Hmm, The cake is not moist, in fact, it’s dry. It’s bland and is not at all what you expected. You have no idea why, when you notice, the cake has nuts in it, you immediately look at your daughter and see her gasping for air and you call 911 for help.

In this scenario, you have knowledge Mike does not have but you gave him a detailed recipe with very specific instructions and said; don’t add or take away from this recipe. You had your specific reasons.

Sound familiar?

1) Mike exercised free will and did things his way, although he agreed to do them your way. Was that the right decision?

2) Were you pleased with Mike’s efforts on the cake? He did not follow your instructions. He changed things, He added things, Mike’s choice ruined your afternoon and harmed your loved ones, His intentions were good, does that matter?

3) Rather than being sorrowful and humble for not following your recipe as He agreed, Should Mike blame you, for not giving him more information?

God’s instructions were given for specific reasons, God has knowledge; we do not have, Scripture tells us God’s recipe has serious consequences if we add or take away from His Word.(Rev. 22: 18-19)

God knows what’s best for us, He cares! God is love and wants us all to take advantage of the ultimate sacrifice that was made for us and, all of mankind. He gave us both examples and commandments on how to best live our lives. On how to be “In Christ” and heaven-bound. How to show God we love Him. Shouldn’t we strive to follow God’s recipe? His will not ours be done. (John 14:15)

If we are Grinning ear to ear it should be in the joy we get from doing God’s will according to His will which does not change.

  • [Belief]
    • John 3:16 ‬, Heb 11:6, Mark 16:16‬, Acts 8:36-37, Acts 16:31 
  • [Confess]
    • Matt 10: 32-33, Rom 10:9-10, Acts 8:37 ‬
  • [Repent]
    • Luke 13:3, Matt 4:17, Acts 2:38, Acts 17:30‬
  • [Baptized (Immersed)]
    • Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Pet 3:21, Gal 3:26-29, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 22:16, Rom 6:3-4
  • [Live faithfully]
    • John 14:15, Rom 6:4, Matt 7:21, Matt 28:20 

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