Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Tag: Philippians 4:8

Focus on the Sunshine of God's Love God First!

Finding Sunshine When Gloom Settles In

November 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Sometimes I get a little gloomy inside. When this happens, I try to focus on the sunshine. There is a lot of it in our lives if we take a moment to notice the light rather than focus on the darkness.

For me, I find sunshine in:

  • My knowledge of God’s love
  • My knowledge of His Word
  • My wife (whom I call Sunshine)
  • My son and his family
  • My brother and his family
  • My church family
  • Neighborhood friends, Business-friends, lifelong friends, and Facebook friends
  • My grandchildren, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and all our relatives

I reach out to many on my sunshine list each year to try to keep in touch and say hello. I want each of you to know that I’m grateful for every single one of you. If I’ve not reached out recently, please feel free to pick up the phone and call me.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…” (2 Corinthians 1:3-11).

See: John 13:34; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Philippians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:15-17

God First!

The Mirror of Reflection and Growth James 1:15 and Matthew 6:21

The Mirror of Reflection and Growth: Examining Our Hearts Daily Before God

August 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Our dual battle between good and evil starts with the desires of our hearts and minds. (see James 1:14-15) When we act with goodness, we glorify God, and when we act on evil desires, we sin against God. Our actions show our hearts, so why not seek to better ourselves by embracing the mirror of reflection and growth and ask ourselves daily:

  • Are my actions demonstrating where I know my heart’s desire should be?
  • Am I proud of my actions?
  • Would Jesus be proud of my actions?
  • Did I reject temptation?

If the answer is “Yes,” you’re doing well. If your answer is “No,” remember that God forgives and then chooses to remember no more the sins of those who repent, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus according to His will and keep His commands. There is never a better time to change direction than the moment you realize you need to, and reflection helps you get there.

If bad habits have formed, replace them with good habits.

 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

God’s word tells us how to focus our minds and hearts and overcome the temptation to sin. (Philippians 4:5-9)

References: Matthew 5:44; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 22:37–39; Hebrews 8:12; Matthew 6:21; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Lamentations 3:40; Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 12:2; Luke 9:23; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; 1 John 1:9; Colossians 3:5–10; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18–19; John 14:15; Galatians 5:16–24; Ephesians 4:22–24; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Isaiah 43:25.

  • Hear 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
  • 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

God First!

“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” Choosing purity and self-control is not merely personal; it builds others up and seeks their good rather than selfish indulgence

Dear Youth: Guard Your Mind and Cling to Innocence

August 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Dear youth, always strive to maintain the purity of your mind, refuse temptations, and cling to the innocence of your childhood. In years to come, you will be happy you did.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God “ Matthew 5:8

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Youth, Regrets are “Unnecessary burdens on our lives” and very avoidable when we train ourselves to make the right choices. Remember, not everything that is ‘lawful’ is helpful or builds others up—so let us seek the good in others and be examples of righteousness for others.

“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

” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:23

  • Psalm 119:9
  • Proverbs 4:23
  • 2 Timothy 2:22
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • James 4:7
  • Galatians 5:16
  • Matthew 18:3
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20
  • Mark 10:15
  • Luke 18:17
  • Romans 12:2
  • Proverbs 3:5–6

God First!

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