Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Comfort (Page 1 of 3)

Prayer Request

Prayer request – why would you not ask?

May 30, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I see many prayer requests on social media. Although it’s sad to see so many people dealing with sickness, death, fears, and concerns, I truly appreciate those who recognize the power of praying in Jesus’ name and asking for prayers from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus is our avenue to God’s help, so if we truly believe, why would we abstain from asking others to join us in prayer and praying for us?

When encountering prayer requests, it’s standard for me to pause and pray before moving forward. I don’t always know the recipients of my prayers personally. However, I know that, by their request, they believe in God’s power to help and in Him, as they have asked for prayers. Scripture shows God wants us to pray; God wants to be included in our daily lives. More than that, and with good reason, God wants to be the front and center of our lives. Scripture clearly demonstrates God’s desire to be included in our daily lives, which consists of prayer before action. As those in Christ, we have confidence that when we pray and ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us.

Praying and asking others to pray demonstrate our belief, and belief is vital to having our request granted according to Scripture. So let us pray with thanksgiving, expectations, and humble hearts that show our love, trust, dependence, and desire for God’s help.

What does it say to God about our belief, our trust in Him, when we don’t include Him in our lives until things are dire?  How would you feel if the only time you hear from a loved one is when they need dire help?  God has feelings, too!

  • John 15:7 (Notice conditions)
  • 1 John 5:14
  • James 5:14-16
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11
  • Matthew 7:7
  • Luke 11:9
  • John 16:24
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  • James 1:5
  • Romans 12:2
  • Romans 12:12
  • Isaiah 63:9
  • Ephesians 6:18

God First!

Carried by the Angels

Carried by the Angels

May 1, 2026 / / 0 Comments

During COVID, I saw several posts and news stories of people separated from loved ones in care facilities because of quarantines; they were not allowed to be with loved ones during their final moments on earth. This saddened me, and I empathized with the pain in their hearts, knowing they wanted to be with their loved ones. So, I leave you this thought, which helped me when we lost my father.

Our family was not physically with Dad when his soul departed his failing mind and body for Paradise. Although we were not with him physically the morning of his passing, I’m confident Dad was not alone.

I believe that, just as in Jesus’s illustration of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, the angels of God were with Dad and carried him to paradise. How awesome will that be?

I believe this because Dad was a Christian, a man who lived as a true disciple of Christ, diligently following Jesus and striving to keep His commandments in accordance with scripture. I also expect we will see each other again in new heavenly bodies as we spend eternity with our Lord and Savior.

God is good; God is Love!

  • Luke 16:19-31 (Rich Man and Lazarus)
  • Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2, 1 Corinthians 15:44-49 (new body)
  • 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
  • Revelation 21:1-27

God First!

Smiling eyes

Sharing our hearts with our eyes

April 30, 2026 / / 0 Comments

When Virginia and I go to the store, the post office, the gas station, or walk the dog on our hikes, it is part of our makeup to smile, wave, and say hello as people pass; we enjoy making an effort to acknowledge the presence of others and enjoy seeing those return smiles, waves, and occasional brief conversations with strangers.

Even when masks were mandated, and people were scared to get too close, we found we could greet others with “smiling eyes.” Smiles, waves, and nods of comfort from across rooms and in stores. 

Those smiling eyes are a way to share our hearts and encourage others to smile and share the joy within theirs. Maybe this helps explain why smiles and uplifting words are so contagious.

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
    and good news refreshes the bones. – Proverbs 15:30

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2

I wonder how many times we have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

God First!

 
 

Comfort in little things by knowing God’s Word

March 29, 2026 / / 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!

A Walk in the Park

March 25, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Smiles, laughter, beauty, and sounds bring an epiphany of joy to our hearts as we walk in God’s creation.

We pause from time to time to listen and breathe; we feel the cool air as it caresses our skin, as it moves the leaves of the trees; our eyes, overwhelmed by the beauty of morning light as it speeds, seemingly still, warming our faces and bringing sparkles to our eyes.

It’s all perfect!

With each step, God conducts a combination of peaceful, calming sounds for us to hear.

It’s all perfect!

As squirrels rustle through the limbs of the trees and the leaves on the ground, water flows calmly through the nearby creeks, over rocks and tiny waterfalls, accompanied by crickets and tree frogs, creating a symphonic, heavenly background of sound to feature the birds as they sing and whistle in the trees.

A beautiful symphony of God, it is perfect!

~Wayne R Johnson

God’s perfection surrounds us daily; it helps quiet our souls, take time, make time, to soak it all in. We are so blessed to be part of and amid His creations. Let’s notice what we often overlook, the peace and love our Heavenly Father provides.

God is perfect, Love never ends, it is well with my soul.

Psalm 119:24 Psalm 104:1, Psalm 19:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11,

God First!

If the Words from the pulpit step on your toes, Be Grateful

Ouch! If it Strikes-our-core, be grateful!

March 23, 2026 / / 0 Comments

If the words from the pulpit step on our toes, be grateful. If the words from the pulpit never step on our toes, be concerned.

God’s word can ’take us by the ear’ and guide us to better ourselves, or it can be used to” tickle our ears”.

None of us is perfect, so rather than taking offense when lessons strike at our core, why not embrace their intent to encourage us to be better? Why not open our guarded hearts and embrace self-examination, comparing our decisions to God’s expectations in Scripture?

God’s way is the healthy way, it’s the perfect way!

Putting on Christ, Love of Christ, and Trust in Christ are where we find salvation, mental calm, and God’s comfort. It’s how we can have peace in the midst of chaos and Joy in the midst of pain.

With God, we can be certain every word is true and rely on every promise. God offers peace that surpasses all understanding.

All things are possible with God, and every person has the opportunity to be forgiven. Our souls will live somewhere for eternity, and our choices today decide where.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

3 John‬ ‭1:2‬‬‬

God First!

Every day I wake up is a good day. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. If it is meant to be, it will happen. If it does not happen, then something better is meant to be. If you think that you can or you think that you can't, either way, you are correct.

Fostering a better attitude.

January 31, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The words in this picture are a combination of encouraging, secular statements that I’ve heard, read, and adopted over several years. We all experience wonderful and sometimes terrible moments, but what do we do with them? I typically see the glass as half full and cherish the good memories, finding comfort in them during difficult times. This helps me keep a positive attitude at all times.

Like most, I’ve had to deal with bad, harsh, sad, and challenging times. Nothing, however, has helped me more through difficult times than God, through my faith and trust in Jesus, which is grounded in my study and understanding of God’s word and His love for us. For this reason, I constantly go to God in Jesus name through prayer.

Stating one believes in Christ is good, but there is no substitute for knowing why one believes. We gain that knowledge through study, which is why I encourage everyone to set aside opinions and study God’s word for what it says.

Admittedly, the bad sometimes makes one question the wisdom of these secular statements, but I’m glad I adopted them, as, in my opinion, they foster a better attitude.

A few scriptures:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:17-18

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer;” (2 Samuel 22:2)

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” James 2:19

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God First!

Offering to pray with someone.

January 23, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The day I wrote most of the following, I had the urge to ask someone if I could pray with them about concerns weighing heavily on their heart, not just pray for them; however, for some reason, I felt awkward about extending this offer of prayer and instead offered to include them in my prayers. After they left, I reflected on that moment and was disappointed in my hesitation. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and that God hears and answers prayers, but I’d missed the opportunity to share that understanding one-on-one.

There are several benefits to praying with someone rather than just for them; here are a few:

  1. In praying with someone, we step out of our shells and open our hearts to their needs; by doing so, we display Christ’s love for them through prayer.
  2. We show compassion and genuine interest in their situation while demonstrating our faith and trust in God’s ability to help them.
  3. Our relationship with that person builds.
  4. I’ve been told how such an unexpected invitation to pray inspired people to change their lives and move toward Christ dramatically, and I’ve seen them do so.

Christians care about others!

Praying for others is good, and praying with and for others can have a significant impact.

I’ve personally shared concerns with others and been unexpectedly asked: “Can we pray about this?

Admittedly, I was taken aback by their offer; however, these one-on-one moments are now fondly etched in my mind forever. I believe much good can come from praying with others and making such prayer invitations a habit.

In Acts chapter 4, the disciples prayed for boldness. As I grow stronger in Christ, I pray that God will help me overcome hesitations, great or small, and that I will serve Christ with all boldness.

If I never make a difference, it won’t be because I didn’t try!

  • James 5:16-18
  • Ephesians 6:19
  • Ephesians 5:2
  • John 13:34
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

God First!

There has to be a better way

The best advice

January 3, 2026 / / 0 Comments

So often, the best advice is not what we want to hear, as it does not give us what we “think” we want. So, we reject it!

We view our situation as unique; the biblical answer; too simple.

Biblical advice would require us to change our mindset, which, in a sense, implies the problem is with us. It requires effort on our part to correct our understanding and change direction.

God’s word points out that there is nothing new under the sun (in this world) and that if we humble ourselves to the Lord, He will lift us up.

God’s word is full of the best advice!

God’s advice may not be what we think we want. However, the best answers are found in God’s Word, and if we strive to follow it according to His will, God will bring us joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. He is, after all, the God of all comfort.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

  • Ecclesiastes 1:9
  • 1st Peter 5:6
  • Philippians 4:7

God First!

Brother Template

Our Forever Home

August 11, 2023 / / 0 Comments

In the last few days, I’ve seen several memories once shared on social media of past celebrations, as today would’ve been Dad’s birthday. But in November 2019, Dad went to his forever home. Thankfully, because of Dad’s (and Mom’s) commitment to doing God’s will according to God’s will, our family gets to celebrate with much confidence the hope of eternal salvation that is now no longer a hope but a reality to our Dad and Mom.

Every person on earth has the same offer today.

The Son of God lived the perfect life; in His innocence, Christ was sacrificed on the Cross (The perfect lamb) and was resurrected to what Jesus referred to as His Father’s house, a place with many mansions where He would prepare a place for us.

Jesus tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me”; “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”; “For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

We miss our parents’ presence today but look forward to being with them again in that heavenly home prepared for those who love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and will strive to keep Jesus’s commandments found in God’s Holy Word.

  • John 14:1-31 (the way, keep commands…)
  • Matthew 11:30 (burden is light)
  • Matthew 24:36-51 (No one Knows the Day or Hour)
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52 (twinkling of an eye)

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 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
  1. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
  2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
  3. Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)

God First!

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