The best life is a God First life

Tag: spiritual growth

Help Others See What They Can Become in Christ

I am very thankful for all the encouragement I’ve received, both directly and indirectly, over the years. I’m thankful for those whose examples made me long to be more like them, as they lived lives that glorified Christ. It was obvious in their actions and words, in their concern for others, and in how and where they spent their time. Their efforts exemplified Christ’s life and personified selflessness.

These examples of good people made me want to examine myself, study God’s word, and deepen my understanding. These few people who affected me so much are now many in my life—many because I now choose to surround myself with them and others like them. In my opinion, their encouragement and edification have helped me become a better person.

I miss seeing many of these people weekly, as we did before Alzheimer’s affected our lives in such a way that we couldn’t. However, I still follow many of these outstanding examples on social media.

The people I speak of here are part of the Lord’s Church and helped me realize the importance of biblical study and of becoming and living as a Christian—because it doesn’t happen through osmosis! NO, these people continuously challenged me to study God’s Word together and independently, and now I strive to help others “see what they can become” in Christ, and through Christ, so we can all become better Me’s.

“Help others see what they can become” ~Philip Sanders

1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:15-16; Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Peter 2:12.

God First!

Not My Will, But Yours: The Key to Unity and Eternal Life

Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours, be done.” This demonstrates the importance of putting God’s will above our own. Doing so is key to eternal life with Jesus and the thread that binds us together as disciples of Christ in peace, harmony, and love.

Doing God’s will, as revealed in God’s Word, is how we achieve unity.

  • Unity with God’s Word is unity with God.
  • Unity with God’s Word is unity with others.

We find unity when we cumulatively do God’s will, when we seek and adhere to God’s Word as our standard.

Unity among believers is not found in doing our will; It is not found in dismissing any of God’s Word as unnecessary or not applicable today. Unity is not found by trying to improve on what God told us to do.

Unity is, however, key to our spiritual growth; it’s a thread that binds us together as disciples of Christ in peace, harmony, and Love.

Unity in Truth is important! Let us therefore seek and obey God’s will as revealed in His Word, that we may walk in true unity.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus (John 14:15)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21:

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17

  • Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Acts 4:32; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 18:19-20; John 13:35; 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:2-3; Colossians 3:13-14; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 17:23; Galatians 3:26-28; Matthew 23:8; Psalm 133:1; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 2:17; John 17:17; Ephesians 4:3–6; John 6:38; Matthew 12:50; 1 John 5:3; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 10:36; James 1:22; John 15:10

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

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!

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