Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Author: Wayne Johnson (Page 13 of 19)

Striving to Mimic God’s Love

May 20, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Jesus walked this earth and walked so to do his father’s will. Because of this, we get to see into the heart of God. We get a glimpse of love beyond our imaginations, a glimpse of God’s incredible love for us. An example of what our love should strive to mimic.

In (John 1:1-14) we find Jesus was with God from the beginning, from the creation… “all things were made through him” Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection give us every reason to believe, to have hope, and to choose to follow Jesus in obedient faith.

“but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Matthew 6:20

God First

Our Christian Duty

May 19, 2021 / / 0 Comments

The Bible is the Christian’s training ground, our means of staying the course. In it, we find the power of God, hope beyond measure, our “DAILY” armor. Our weapon of truth, our shield of faith, our protection from Satan, the Bible is our strength for endurance and our connection to Our Creator. The study of God’s Word is our preparation, the sharing of God’s word is our exercise, the ability to defend God’s word is our duty as soldiers of Christ.

The Marines’ motto is Semper Fidelis which means- “always faithful” or “always loyal.” Let’s be Marines for God; let us always be faithful and always be loyal.

In “ALL” circumstances take up the shield of faith… (Ephesians 6:16)

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.“

Ephesians 6:10-20

If God is with us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

God First!

Save yourself with honesty.

May 18, 2021 / / 0 Comments

When good minds and hearts succumb to telling lies and being deceitful, it produces guilt, and guilt is heavy on the heart. When we choose to hide the truth rather than correct the issue with honesty, we carry unnecessary burdens. These burdens of sin allow Satan to set up residence and dwell in our minds. For example, if we lie or deceive someone (like a spouse) regarding an important matter, we carry that unresolved lie with us daily?

Sometimes, rather than confess, we tell ourselves things like ”no real harm done,” it’s better if they don’t know.” ”Why hurt them with the truth?” however, by doing so, we seal that burden of guilt in our hearts and minds, maybe for years or till death when honesty sets us free.

Our cover-up then gives Satan permanent residence in that part of our mind, and guess what? It’s not hidden from God. God knows the truth and has told us to always speak with the truth.

God hates lies!

When we fess up, confess, ask forgiveness and repent, we simultaneously kick Satan to the curb, kicking him out of that permanent dwelling we’ve furnished him in our mind. Don’t let Satan settle in, save yourself with honesty, pray, tell the truth, face the consequence and stop Satan from building a mansion in your mind as one lie leads to two, then three, then four, and many more…

The above thoughts bring to my mind the parable of unclean spirits and following scriptures.

  • John 8:34 – slave to sin
  • James 5:16 – confess
  • Matthew 12:43-45 unclean spirits
  • Philippians 4:8-9 rethink
  • Romans 1:28-32
  • John 8:32 – truth
  • Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconcile

God First!

God wants to hear from you!

May 15, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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

Is Truth Offensive?

May 14, 2021 / / 0 Comments

When something contradicts what you expect to hear, some find it offensive, while it’s a challenge to others.

There are so many misunderstandings and false teachings about what God’s Word says on various topics; however, in God’s infinite wisdom, he gave us His own Words, and He gave us freedom of choice.

We can study independently, Or; we can believe and practice what others tell us is true. I ask; How smart is that?

It’s really difficult to deny the inspiration of scripture when you study and consider that the bible intertwines thousands of years with many different contributors. When you realize it does so without contradiction. When you find out about all the prophecies and science that scripture offers us that we now know as fact.

Of course, It does take an open mind willing to replace what we’ve been told with what we will discover with an intuitive investigation.

With freedom of choice comes accountability for our actions or lack thereof. Rather than choosing to be offended, why not choose to accept the challenge and pursue truth.

Trust God’s Word or man’s, but know; you had a choice.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

God First!

Recognize the lies: Get away from me, Satan

May 13, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Occasionally we can become disheartened and discouraged when things happen out of our control.

Satan will jump on these opportunities to tempt us; He wants us to; throw our hands up in the air, give up, stop trying, sulk, become apathetic, go back to old ways, or try unexplored ways, to live like the worldly.

Satan wants us to believe the LIE that a life with no time for God is a life of fun, happiness, prosperity, and we deserve this. That God, for some reason, does not mean what he says.

God wants us to lean on Him, to cast our burdens on Him, to trust in Him, in His Word and His promises of eternal life. He wants us to understand consequences and keep His Commandments. He wants us to choose to stay the course he laid out for us in His Holy Word.

God gave us the freedom to chose, follow Christ, or follow the world.

Sometimes, we have to trudge through difficult times, but in His wisdom, God gave us a way to call on him through prayer, to approach His spotless throne through the sacrifice of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. To humble ourselves and ask for his help.

By staying the course, we become a light to those around us, Family, friends, children, grandchildren, and even strangers.

So, when we feel disheartened or discouraged, and those temptations try to settle in, recognize who they’re from, push them aside, and pray.

Remember, you are loved, and you are an example to someone who loves you!

1st Peter 5:7-8
Psalm 55:22
James 5:14–16
John 14:15
John 3:16
James 4:10

GodFirst!

 

Would $$$ Change our Motivation to share Christ?

May 11, 2021 / / 0 Comments

If someone offered us $100 for each person who came to worship service based on our invitation (with no limit), How many people would we invite?

1, 10, 100, more?

If our answer is more than we would invite without such a monetary incentive, we have a real question to ponder…

Why would I not be this zealous for the Lord without immediate personal gain?

All Christians are to share the message of Christ and plant the seeds of Truth leading to eternal life in Heaven; Scripture tells us God will provide the growth.

To God be the glory!

  • Matthew 28:19–20
  • Matthew 19:21
  • 1st Corinthians 3:6-7
  • Mark 16:15

God First!

Doing without expectation of reciprocation

May 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

– At some point in life I decided that doing things for others should be done without expectation of any reciprocation. For me, this was the best attitude to have toward helping others.

In reflecting, I think in part it’s because I’m a little selfish. I don’t want to risk feeling that someone owes me something because I did something for them of my own accord. In other words, I don’t want to risk feeling angry or overly disappointed if, for some reason, they are unwilling or can’t help me at a later date.

Rather than calling it selfish, a better word might be “guarded” as in guarding my heart. By purposely deciding ahead of time that nothing is owed due to my effort, not even as much as a simple thank you, my heart is guarded against potential bitterness or disappointment.

By extending help without any expectation of reciprocation, I’m actually protecting my heart from becoming bitter should the situation arise when I could use some help and can’t seem to get it. I remind myself, “I am owed nothing,” which helps me stop my thoughts from going down that bitter path of anger and disappointment. Instead, I trust that God will provide for me if I need it, and then I let it go and dismiss it from my mind.

One thing for sure, whatever my real motivation, I’ve never regretted when I’ve had the opportunity and took the time to help others. That’s always a win for me.

God First!

Mistreating Jesus?

May 9, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Jesus is not our equal; He is God. Jesus’s love for us is not an issuance of permission slips to treat Him as an equal.

According to Scripture, Jesus is the Word…

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:1-5

Jesus is our Messiah, The Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and we should treat him with humble reverence. Jesus is Holy (John 25:26, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Revelation 19:16 )

When one uses terms like ”OMG,” JESUS CHRIST!” or derivatives of these terms, we are mistreating our savior; we are mistreating God, and doing so is not harmless; it’s disrespectful.

This is one thing the Bible says about it:

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.”

Exodus 20:7

Besides, one would think that anyone who knows God understands what God did for us, what Christ did for us, and would “seek” to make every effort to avoid using God’s name lightly.

Instead, we should want to show our love, appreciation, and respect with every word and action.

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31

God First!

God’s Standards are fixed!

May 8, 2021 / / 0 Comments

By what standard do you define good and evil, right and wrong?

We live in a society where a large percentage of people adopt whatever standard is exclaimed at the moment. It’s a variable floating standard with no foundation.

God’s standard is absolute, unchanging, and defined by scripture which is God-Breathed. It’s the only standard by which we can obtain eternal life, living forever in Heaven with the creator of everything we know. The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit.

If you’re looking for righteous discernment, it’s in God’s Word. The best standard by which any can live our lives. God’s Word defines right and wrong. God’s standard is fixed in pure love as God is Love!

God First!

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