The best life is a God First life

Tag: In Christ

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!

Why?

In the book of Job; Who brought all the calamity to Job? It was NOT God. Who blamed God? It was NOT Job. Who believed Job would NOT turn from God? It was NOT Satan.

Job’s friends were wise, and much of their logic was sound. Their problem was that they misapplied their wisdom by trying to force it into Job’s situation, making assumptions, and leaning on their own understanding. They tried to deduce answers and assign blame, which made God angry with them.

When we lean on our own understanding and try to force it into God’s Word, we find ourselves missing out on the wisdom and love found in God’s Words. We miss out on the understanding and peace that can only come from listening and applying the Words of God rather than applying our own.

Scripture tells us to study. It tells us how to become” In Christ.” Jesus said: if you love me, you will keep my commandments. God’s Word is the way to wisdom, understanding, and peace.

God is Love, God is Good; Satan is the evil one!

  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-17
  • Acts 2:38
  • Romans 6:1-23
  • 1 Corinthians 15:22
  • Job 1:1-42

God First!

Covid19 and Preparation

I’ve been enjoying life for almost 62 years, and while this may seem long to a 20-year-old, It’s very short in my mind. From time to time, I’ve seen and experienced many different Illnesses. I’ve either suffered or seen others suffer from diseases like flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility loss, hearing, eye issues, etc. I’ve lost loved ones to accidents, cancer, heart failure, liver problems. I’ve experienced a friend being murdered and know others who have lost loved ones to crime. Life is difficult at times.

Today we have the threat of Covid19, a manufactured virus that brings death and extreme anxiety as we fear the horrible pain, suffering, and loss it causes. Covid’s existence spurs division among family, friends, and countries. Many feel the need to isolate themselves and fear being around others. Hugs and closeness fade from reality into memories as fears of catching or spreading COVID reign and are adopted as the new norm.

Today, a scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever insights worry and fear.

So, What do we do?

We take precautions, use hand sanitizers, wash hands, pay attention to distancing, some wear masks, and some fight over mask effectiveness. I think most who refuse mask mandates object most to the idea of governments’ abuse of power. (I’m not debating this here, just pointing it out)

All this said: I personally refuse to let fear control my life! Instead, I trust in God!

My Trust in God does not mean I will not die of this virus someday. It does not mean I will not lose loved ones to it.

One ICU nurse stated: “lt takes who it takes,” Since this is true of every ailment, it adds perspective.

I contracted Covid a few months ago, and it hit me hard. In 2019 I found myself close to death with blood clots in my lungs, and I’ve had other close calls with accidents. The fact is; We are going to die of something someday, and none of us know when.

So, what actions should we be taking? And what do I mean by “Trust in God”?

Some dare blame God for this evil virus, but no evil comes from God; evil is Satan’s territory. Some blame God for the death of loved ones. However, death is certain, and as stated earlier, “none of us know when,” so; rather than blame, why not prepare? How? By learning, sharing, and teaching others about Jesus. Jesus is the pathway to an eternal life where death, sickness, and pain have no existence. None!

This life is not the end; it’s the beginning!

When we are “In Christ,” We take advantage of the grace God has extended, our sins have been forgiven, and our forever home is with God. If we are in Christ and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death. So why worry? In Christ, we can count it all joy; in James 5:16, God points out the prayers of the righteous avails much so let us live fully using our time to pursue righteousness and have our prayers well heard. There is great comfort in the confidence that our loved ones went on to paradise from this earth.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Always be prepared

  • Matthew 24:36-51 (No one Knows the Day or Hour)
  • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
  • Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)

In Christ

  • 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
  • Confession:Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
  • Baptism by immersion for forgivness 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

God First!

Worry changes nothing! (Except maybe our health)

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

While it’s true that we need to prepare and be prepared, it does absolutely no good to worry. Worry changes nothing! (Except maybe our health).

With or without worry, we will still have to navigate through each day’s trouble on that day. While this seems easier said than done, all things are possible with God. The key is to be “In Christ” and allow the God of all comfort to be with us in every trial.

Include God in everything: Pray

“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
  • Matthew 6:34 (worry)
  • 1 Peter 5:7 (turn burdens over)
  • 1st Thessalonians 5:16–18 (response)
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (Comfort)

In Christ

  • 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 forgivness 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

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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