Author: Wayne Johnson (Page 2 of 22)

Do you ever ask yourself why?

April 9, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Why did I respond this way?
Why did I do that?
Why did I say that?
Why did I get mad at them? It was my fault.

Many years ago, while in my mid-twenties, I rented a house. After being there for close to a year, I fell behind on my rent. The landlord, Mr. Blackwell, a very nice man whom I liked very much, sent me my first pay-or-get-out eviction letter. For some reason, rather than understanding that this letter was necessary and that it was my fault, I got embarrassed, upset, and angry with him, and moved out. During my anger, I retaliated by leaving the water running in every sink and at every outside spigot. My intent was not to destroy but to cost him money in wasted water.

I was the one in the wrong, yet for some reason, I retaliated against the innocent, as we see many do today.

I got upset when I was told to pay or leave. I would later talk with Mr. Blackwell, who asked me, why did you leave the water running everywhere? I had no answer other than to apologize for my misplaced anger. I have remembered this bad decision many times over the years as I disrespected this good man with anger that should have been directed only at myself.

I certainly remembered this story when, many years later, as a landlord myself, a tenant fell far behind and skipped out, leaving our house in shambles and smelling of animal urine. I spent my recovery from a hip replacement tearing out carpet, removing and replacing pee-soaked subflooring, etc., so we could sell the house. I kept telling myself as I worked each day of those two months, I had this coming, although Virginia did not deserve the stress.

Unfortunately, it seems this type of misdirected anger is all around us every day, where self-accountability and common sense are discarded, and those in the wrong become angry at those doing the right things. When we can’t pay our rent or mortgage, it’s not our landlords’ fault. If we break a law and are held accountable, it’s not the fault of the police or our justice system.

In my scripture-based opinion, each person is responsible for their actions. I would much rather be held accountable here on earth than for eternity. I know that forgiveness for all things is possible if we will pick up the cross and follow Jesus by keeping His commandments, and that God is capable of mercy and of forgetting our sins. Still, I don’t believe Scripture teaches that forgiveness releases anyone from accountability.

Matthew 6:12, Proverbs 28:13, Romans 8:1-3, Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 12:36, Luke 12:48, Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 5:12, Jeremiah 31:34

God First!

“Oops, I almost forgot to take my eyes out.” Or “Got to put my eyes in.”

April 7, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

This type of language is called “hyperbole.” It can engage the listener by bringing more attention to an otherwise dry statement. In today’s culture, especially in our news, hyperbolic language is often distorted and twisted to be” Literal Language,” no matter how obvious the exaggeration. By treating hyperbolic statements literally, one might call someone a liar or twist the intent of their statement to make it sound disrespectful when there was no such intent.

My point is: We would do well to pay more attention to the intent of messages rather than getting caught up and inflamed by spin. Generally, the intent of a hyperbolic statement is obvious; unless you’re looking to change the message to further a different agenda, you should get it.

In my example, which I often use, I’m referring to putting in or taking out my contact lenses. No thought of disrespect or inconsiderate intent is aimed at or considered toward anyone in such a situation where they have literally lost an eye, and it would be wrong to accuse me of such.

I have used hyperbolic language naturally for many, many years. Long before I learned, it had a name and definition.

Jesus taught with hyperbolic language:

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

Jesus was not lying about a log; He used hyperbole to make a point, yet many in today’s media would call Jesus a liar if his teachings contradict their agenda.

We need to exercise much discernment in what we see and hear today, and then be slow to speak or judge, lest we join in spreading lies rather than be certain of spreading truth. It’s just way too easy to be gullible with all the untruth in media and Artificial Intelligence.

Definition: hy·per·bo·le [hīˈpərbəlē]

NOUN * Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

“being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,” Romans 1:29

“He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.” Proverbs 20:19

“If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26

“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36-37

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Jesus is our Rock, our foundation.

April 6, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Let us mimic Christ
Let us be the rocks of faith set firmly on the cornerstone of Christ!
Let us be the stability of Christlike love that others can count on
Let us not waver from righteousness when the winds of desire or difficulty blow.
Let us be the example of Christlike love in all that we do

Stand Firm!

Study and learn God’s word so you can know God’s will for yourself rather than relying on someone else.

Pursue God’s will, for if God is with you, who can be against you?

(see Romans 8:31)

Be the Rock of faith that inspires others to learn and become rocks of faith themselves, especially to our little ones who see you as their examples.

Love others as Christ loves you.

Be mindful of this fact: The closer we draw to God, the closer he draws to us. (see James 4:8)

Trust in God!

“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 ESV

Ephesians 2:20
Matthew 7:24-27
Proverbs 10:22
2 Timothy 2:22
1 Corinthians 10:1-6

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Walking with Jesus at Calvary

April 5, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Imagine being taken back in time, way, way back. You are walking beside Jesus, yet unseen by anyone as He carries the cross to “Golgotha.” You are seeing and hearing firsthand all the hatred toward our Savior. You can’t hold back the tears as they begin to seep from your eyes as you witness all the cruelty and dripping blood from His torn flesh. Watching Him struggle to carry that heavy cross. You understand the words being yelled and touted as Jesus is being mocked and ridiculed. You are helpless to do anything more than watch as the innocent Son of God is spat upon with disdain and disrespect.

You see the sign, smugly placed above His head, in laughter. “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

The spikes are then driven through His hands and feet, and you hear the heart-wrenching thud of the cross as it is stood up and dropped into place, tearing again at His hands and feet. Jesus is in agony, His flesh ragged and torn from beatings, bleeding, and scabbing. You listen intently to His every word. Then, just before He proclaims, “It is Finished,”

Jesus looks directly at you!

Tears in His eyes, and you hear Him say: I’m doing this for you!

Will you love me? Will you, keep My commandments?

Today, God’s Word is at our fingertips. Shouldn’t we try our best to live according to God’s will? Through God’s wisdom, everything we need to know to keep the commandments of Jesus is found in the God-Breathed Words of the Holy Bible.

Let’s put our wisdom aside and pursue the Wisdom of our Creator. It’s not found in one verse or chapter; it’s found in the 66 inspired books God gave us!

“If you love me, keep my commands.”
John 14:15

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
1 Peter 3:21-22

2 Timothy 3:16
Matthew 27:1-66
Ephesians 5:15-21
Isaiah 5:21

God First!

In 2021, my sister-in-law and her two teenage children would meet with some brothers and sisters in Christ for evening walks. On one ride, she tried to spark a conversation with her son and asked him, “If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you had gotten done today?”

The unexpected answer

April 4, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

In 2021, my sister-in-law and her two teenage children would meet with some brothers and sisters in Christ for evening walks. On one ride, she tried to spark a conversation with her son and asked him, “If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you had gotten done today?”

She expected a secular answer, but his response was: “Be Baptized.”

This question led to further discussion of God’s Word and what scripture tells us is necessary for eternal Salvation. That night, my nephew made the best decision we can ever make in life. He chose to be baptized into Christ and follow Christ for the rest of his life.

Michael believed, repented, confessed Jesus as the Son of God, and was baptized into Christ in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of his sins, and was added to the Lord’s Church, as we find in Scripture.

Later, Michael Jr. told me he had been thinking about it for a while. You never know what’s on someone’s mind.

The timing of his mother’s question and a follow-up question of “Why wait?” Seemingly perfect.

Self-Study Scriptures:

God’s Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
Hearing the Gospel: Romans 10:17, John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 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

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Wow, if only the Apostle Peter knew

April 3, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

On the day of Pentecost, when Peter preached the first gospel sermon, do you wonder why? Why is it that when Peter and the other Apostles (in Acts 2) were asked by the crowd whose hearts had just been pierced by the message of Christ,” Brothers, what do we do?”

Why did Peter NOT answer the crowd’s question with: “Accept Jesus into your heart and recite with me these words in a prayer, and you will be forgiven, you will be saved.”

WOW, if only the Apostle Peter, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, had known what many people claim today. That they could “just” accept Jesus into their hearts and recite a prayer to be saved; however, that’s “NOT” how Peter answered.

Peter never said, “baptism is an outward sign of an inward decision.” In fact, no such prayer is found in God’s Word. INSTEAD, Peter (filled with the Holy Spirit) tells them exactly what God wanted them to do… “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 ESV)

None of Peter’s responses indicates that any of God’s instructions were mutually exclusive.

In verse 41, God’s Holy Word says: “So those who received His word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41 ESV)

So, right after they received the message of Christ, they immediately followed the Apostle’s instructions and were immersed in the waters of baptism. They could have set appointments; they could have done so in small groups over weeks, but instead, we find urgency is implied: “So those who received His word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

That day, about 3000 souls were added to the Church! (Don’t you know that took a while?)

These scriptures show us that hearing, believing, repenting, and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is how we obtain the Holy Spirit.

Who did the adding? Who was being saved? Verse 47 “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47 ESV)

Please, don’t take my word for it. Take God’s word for it. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20)

Below are several passages on Grace, belief, repentance, confessing Jesus’ name, and baptism for study.

• 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: – 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!

Phone calls of love

April 2, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Being the recipient of brotherly or sisterly love reminds us we are loved, whether the love expressed is on a grand or minuscule scale, whether it’s a card, a visit, a gift, or simply a caring wave from across the way.

Showing our love for others can make a positive difference in someone’s life while also adding Joy to ours. Don’t discount the little stuff, like a simple phone call. It says we care enough to call.

Make time to reach out; don’t think of the call as obtrusive but rather inclusive.

You’re not making a sales call; you’re making an “I Care Call.

”Why wait for sickness or turmoil to make a call? If they can’t answer, leave a short message; if they are busy, simply let them know you are thinking of them. The call says: You care!

Phone calls are such simple, easy ways to do good and express Christ-like love for others; you never know how much your phone call could mean in someone’s day, or even how it could provide comfort precisely when someone needs it most.

Time is one of the most precious gifts we have to offer; Making an “I care call” reminds others they are loved; who wouldn’t want to do that?

Hebrews 13:16
Philippians 2:4
Galatians 6:2
John 15:12
Proverbs 3:27
Acts 20:35
Galatians 6:9-10
Matthew 5:161
Thessalonians 5:15
Hebrews 10:24
1 Corinthians 11:1

God First!

“OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD”

April 1, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

This is not always our first reaction; however, if this were not possible by Christians, God would not have told us to do it.

God knows what’s best for us, and it behooves us to trust Him and keep His commandments.

“To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 ESV

In God we trust

God First!

Comfort in little things by knowing God’s Word

March 29, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

We were gifted with the morning light as it cast these rainbow colors across our tile floor. As I pointed it out to my wife, I thought, how cool! Its presence then sent my mind down a pathway of thoughts to carry.

Like the rainbow in the sky, this simple patch of colors reminded me of God’s promises. That God cannot lie and will always be with those who love Him. How Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

While sipping my morning coffee, my mind kept highlighting snippets of God’s Word, “God is the God of All Comfort”, “the closer we draw to God, the closer God will draw towards us”, “Ask, and it will be given, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will open”, “Pray without Ceasing!”

It is comforting to remember how much Jesus cares for us and to be reminded to be humble and to cast all our anxieties on Him.

This little patch of light reminded me that Faith includes Trust. “Never give up on doing good.” Lean on Jesus, especially in times of trial when the challenges of life are heavy, and things don’t make any sense.

So much was brought to mind in this little patch of rainbow light.

Jesus has prepared for those who love Him a place with many rooms where tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. It gives me peace to remember this world is but a temporary home; our forever home is, as a song states, “Beyond the azure blue.” Scripture tells us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” All this world and its desires are passing away, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Hebrews 6:18 (God’s Promises)
Titus 1:2 (Eternal life promise)
Proverbs 8:17 (Love and seeking)
John 14:15 (love means keeping commandments)
James 4:8 (let God to draw near)
Romans 8:28 (of those who love Him)
Galatians 6:9 (always do good)
1 Peter 5:7 (Cast Anxieties on God)
Galatians 6:2 (Bear each other’s burdens)
1 John 2:15-17 (question your desires)
John 14:1-3 (A heavenly home)
Revelation 21:4 ( no more mourning, tears, or pain)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (God of all Comfort)

God First!

SATAN IS THE EVIL ONE

March 28, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

– If you feel farther away from God today than you have in the past, the question becomes, WHO MOVED? HINT: it was NOT God.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 ESV

It stands to reason that the opposite is also true if we move away from God.

“And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,” Romans 1:28 NASB

– If there is any evil in it, it is not from God

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” James 1:13 NASB
“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all.” (1 JOHN 1:5 NASB)

– God is Love

“The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 JOHN 4:8 NASB)

– God is Good

“For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” PSALMS 100:5 ESV

– All the Time

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” ISAIAH 5:20

Sometimes, we are tempted to blame God when our hearts are torn in anguish and pain. We struggle to reason why tragic things happen to good people, innocent children, loved ones, or maybe to ourselves. We might ask, why me? Why us? Why them? We may experience a tragic loss or have other life-altering events we don’t understand. Crime, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Covid, Heart issues, Blood or Breathing issues, accidents, Lyme disease, to name only a few.

We want an explanation, we want to assign blame, but blaming God is misplaced.

As we see from the scriptures above, there is NO evil in God. There is, however, refuge, hope, and prayers answered. There is the possibility of eternal life in heaven for those who choose to become “In Christ” and keep His commandments according to God’s will, NOT our own.

“For He makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

Satan is the evil one; take refuge in Jesus. When we move away from Jesus, we are moving closer to Satan; closer to forever tears.

Jesus is our only hope for eternal life, where there are no illnesses, pain, or tears. Where our souls will live with new bodies, and our hopes become reality forever in heaven with pure love.

Acts 2:38-41, 1 Peter 3:20-21, Colossians 2:11-13, Romans 6:4-5, John 3:5, Mark 16:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 3:5, Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 10:48

God First!

Author: Wayne Johnson (Page 2 of 22)

Do you ever ask yourself why?

“Oops, I almost forgot to take my eyes out.” Or “Got to put my eyes in.”

Walking with Jesus at Calvary

The unexpected answer

Wow, if only the Apostle Peter knew

Phone calls of love

“OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD”

Comfort in little things by knowing God’s Word

SATAN IS THE EVIL ONE

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