Category: Encouragement (Page 2 of 4)

Flaxseed and Scripture

March 5, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 2 Comments

I have friends who set family goals to read 1,000 books in a year. Personally, I’m a slow reader, so this goal is truly impressive to me. In fact, when I ordered the book in this picture, “The Utterance of God,”

I ordered it based on my interest in the topic and a friend’s recommendation. This book identifies and demonstrates numerous biblical proofs (many of which I was unaware of); which prove that what we read in the Bible is indeed the actual Words of God.

The Bible claims this fact in 2 Timothy 3:16, where God tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed…”.

Recognizing, understanding, and comprehending these many proofs found in Scripture proves God as the creator of everything we know and understand; therefore, we should do all within our power to follow Christ according to what we find in God’s Word.

This book of proofs has a nice-sized font, but when I bought it, I did not realize it was over 500 pages. Likewise, the Bible has over 1,000 pages and 750,000 words. Although large books seem daunting to me, I have learned to take the Flaxseed approach to my reading.

Flaxseed was recommended to me for its several health benefits. When I ordered the Flaxseed, and it arrived, I thought, wow, that’s a lot of Flaxseed; how will I ever get through all this? Yet by using just a teaspoon at a time, I have now consumed several containers and am healthier for it.

I am proud to report that I have read every word in this book, “The Utterance of God.” Parts of it were challenging for me to comprehend, but the largest percentage was very easy and extremely informative and interesting. Moreover, I gained considerably by persistently consuming just a few pages at a time over months.

The result: Studying this information strengthened my understanding of God’s Word, highlighted several passages I was unaware of, increased my confidence, and encouraged and emboldened my faith.

Reading good books can provide several benefits for the health of our minds, and reading God’s Holy Word nourishes both mind & soul; it is life’s best guide!

Following God’s Word according to God’s Word is to follow Jesus, and Jesus is our only way to spend eternity with God. (John 14:6, Acts 4:2, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 10:9, John 1:14)

I encourage anyone reading this writing to set aside time to read the Bible.

Don’t predetermine it’s too hard to understand; instead, be persistent with yourself and commit yourself to at least a spoonful of reading per day. Before you know it, just like with the Flaxseed or this book I now recommend, you will have consumed the whole book. It’s a blessing!

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 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
Confession: – 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
Live Faithfully: Revelation 2:10, Philippians 2:12

God First!

Let us be wise in the midst of darkness

March 3, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

Don’t lose sight of all the good that surrounds you (often in humble quietness).

There is so much evil in this world that distracts our hearts and minds; it’s tempting and easy to lose focus.

Instead, though it may be challenging at times, let’s work to keep our hearts and minds focused on the good; think and practice the words found in Philippians …

“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 ESV

Let us be a light of hope and love to others and recognize the shining lights in our lives.

If we look around us, we can find people whose quest is to live righteously, whose lives encourage and inspire others to do the same. I am grateful for many in my life and hope and pray there are as many in yours.

Many books on business success stress the importance of surrounding yourself with successful people to become successful, and I’m certain there is truth to this.

True success, however, is found in living a life that by example leads us and others to Christ, toward eternal salvation and everlasting life with Jesus. Let us be wise and surround ourselves with those who encourage and inspire us to live for Christ and follow His teachings. Nothing we acquire in this world goes with us to the next.

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” Proverbs 13:20

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV

Luke 12:15 (Be on Guard)
1 Timothy 6:7 (Take nothing out of it)
1 Timothy 4:12 (Set example)
Titus 2:7 (Model of good works)
James 1:22 (Be doers)
John 14:16 (Except through Jesus)

God First!

Starting conversations with a gift of love

February 23, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 2 Comments

Virginia and I walked along a nearby circular, wooded path, doing our thing, saying hello to everyone who passed. We greeted one man, probably in his early 30s, exchanged pleasantries, and continued walking, seeing him again about halfway around the circle. Only this time, we all stopped and chatted for a moment.

His name was Mitch, and during our conversation, I asked if he believed in God. He responded, “Yes,” then said he was about to ask me a similar question because he felt the love of Jesus in us earlier. While speaking, I reached into my backpack, told him I wanted to give him something, and began retrieving a God First cup with its messages. While doing so, explaining, “I don’t want to give this gift to someone who won’t appreciate it, which is why I asked if you believed in God.” As Mitch took the cup of inspiration, he was extremely appreciative.

We spoke briefly about some of the responses I have received sharing these cups with others, and how I have been saddened by the percentage of people who state they don’t believe, maybe as high as 25%. I mentioned one seemingly bitter lady who recently responded: “No, I don’t, and I DON’T WANT TO BE PREACHED TO EITHER!” (She later wanted to know why I asked)

During our very brief conversation, we covered a few topics. Mitch mentioned love and the Holy Spirit a few times, emphasizing his understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives.

I mentioned how we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit by baptism (citing Acts 2:38) and emphasized the importance of studying and learning God’s Word, according to His Word, that we might truly understand and not be swayed from the truth.

How Scripture states, “… each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” Pointing out that I will not be held accountable for his actions, nor will he be for mine; however, we can certainly help each other out along the way.

We mutually agreed that it was important to share God’s word with love, as scripture commands, rather than in a spirit of condemnation.

We discussed that the word ‘Belief’ is often used too loosely. How scripture points out. Even the demons believe—and shudder! So, just saying, “I think there’s someone up there” isn’t enough.

As an example, I mentioned some state: that baptism is not essential to salvation, yet scripture plainly states, “Baptism now saves us.” Though the conversation was short, I also invited Mitch to visit our local congregation, The Buford Church of Christ, where the emphasis is on study and worship that’s modeled on the practices of early Church worship, rather than on entertainment so prevalent in many churches today., so, along with the God First cup, I also gave him a card with the location, Worship and Bible study times, etc.,

(I wrote this synopsis from memory and a few notes made as we walked away from Mitch. Although I did not quote word for word all the verses below in our conversation, I did refer to most of them and explained if we had time, I could find and show him all the scriptures I was referring to.)

Maybe we will meet Mitch again one day and have further discussion, or, better yet, he will visit our Buford Church of Christ congregation, feel the love of Christ so prevalent in the members, and embark on learning more.

Scripture references made:

• Romans 14:12 (each will give account)
• Acts 2:38 (receive the gift of the Holy Spirit)
• Mark 16:16 (believe and be baptized)
• 1 Peter 3:21 (Baptism now saves us)
• 2 Timothy 2:15 (study to Shew thyself approved)
• Matthew 7:21-23 (Not everyone)
• James 2:19 (Even demons believe)
• 1 Peter 3:15 (Share with love)
• Ephesians 6:16-20 (share boldly)

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

God First!

*AI generated photo

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 / Wayne Johnson / 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!

Update on God First Cup efforts,

January 7, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I have now given several cups to strangers and invited them to visit the congregation I attend. In doing so, I have noted what they can expect during their visit, stating: we are not an “entertainment church,” but rather we are a Church that focuses on teaching and studying God’s Word.

This point is made because I have been invited by others to visit their church with the preludes, “It has a great band,” “You will love the band, “The lead singer in the band is awesome,” and so forth. So, I want people to understand that I am not inviting them to be entertained, but rather to worship and learn.

Before giving away a mug with its message, I generally ask one or two questions

Do you believe in God? These answers have been: Yes, No, sort of, I believe in a higher power, and I am a Buddhist. If they are Believers, I often ask, do you go to Church somewhere? Yes, No, I’ve been looking for one, not yet, I’ve been thinking about it, and I don’t believe in God.

I ask these questions to avoid offending the disbeliever by giving them a cup they don’t want; however, for everyone else, my desire is to plant seeds by giving them this cup of inspiration that states, “the best life is a God First life.”

Recently, I talked with a young lady at the carwash who said she did not go to church anywhere and sort of believed in God. I still offered her a cup, pointing out the message of love on and inside the cup, while giving her a Buford CoC card with service times, address, website, and phone number, and invited her to visit and learn more.

Opportunities abound. I stopped and gave mugs to a family down the street with two small children. They are outside a lot and exchange waves with us when we drive by. As they received their cups, they told me they had been looking for a Church. We also have a new family across the street with three small children who currently attend a church. I gave them cups and invited them to visit. We’ve given cups to people on our daily park walks, and yesterday to the receptionist, where we had our dog Casper groomed, and invited her to visit.

It’s my hope that these gifts will inspire some of these people to attend and learn, but at the very least, this God First message is planting seed and being seen in their homes, cars, and hands, so I pray for open hearts and fertile soil.

If you’re interested in using the cups to help you plant seeds or invite others, reach out to me. Although I cannot afford to give all of them away, I am reselling them for pennies above my actual cost and including the paper message inside each cup. By having others purchase some of the cups, I can buy enough to get reasonable prices and do it over and over.

God First!

It’s been over a year!

January 29, 2022 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Well, It has now been slightly over a year since I decided to purchase and create a website called “AdvocateforChrist.com,“ along with the supporting aids needed to help me write and secure the site. I now have 165 posts to date.

I did this for two reasons:

First and foremost, as a means of sharing God’s Word and the beautiful blessings derived from following Jesus. To follow Christ according to His Word is by far the best life one can choose to live and the best advice one can give. However, It is a choice!
- In my writings, I often present my thoughts with supporting Scripture to persuade readers to pursue God’s Word independently. I don’t want readers to simply adopt my thoughts but rather encourage them to go to God’s Word and check them out. God’s Word is where all truth originates.
- The Bible is where one may learn the Truth of God’s Word more fully. Self-Study and self evaluation is essential! Satan has spent thousands of years twisting the truth with partial truths starting with Eve, persuading people to adopt manufactured ideas of God’s Truth. Our best defense to being misled in what God’s Word says is to have personal knowledge of God’s Word.

Secondly, I began this effort as a result of the encouragement I received. So many reading my post on Facebook kept suggesting I do more. I am grateful for all those uplifting and encouraging words. To all who have motivated me to do more, Thank you! I pray and hope my efforts are fruitful to someone, somewhere.

Last year, many of the advocateforChrist.com posts were a combination of new efforts and works I had written in years past. I would review, modify, and use grammar software to improve the previous post. I quickly realized that formulating, writing, and running my thoughts through grammar-checking software takes time, whether new or old ideas. At this point, I have now posted most of my previous social media posts onto the Advocate for Christ site. Going forward, it is my hope to post at least two or three times a week in 2022.

How can you help if you find these posts thought-provoking and beneficial? I’m glad you asked! 🙂

Go to https://AdvocateforChrist.com and sign up to receive the post via email. Reading them on the website is easier than reading them on Facebook, plus; The scriptures link to an online bible for quick review.
Like them, Love them, comment, and share them. (Once in a while, I write one worthy of sharing). With social media algorithms, Your likes, love, comments, and shares help others see them.
If you have accounts with MEWE, Parlor, Aggos, or Instagram, I also post many writings or memes on those sites and welcome your likes and shares.
Reach out in the comments section on Advocate for Christ or social media. Extend your thoughts, questions, and applicable humor.
By all means, If you feel I am in an error of Scripture, contact me. Let’s have a private discussion.

God First!

Wayne R. Johnson

Encourage and build-up

January 12, 2022 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

“_{Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil}.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:11-22‬ (‭NASb)

God First!

God Knows

January 7, 2022 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

“In a world that blames God for disasters, yet credits luck for life’s blessings, we need reminding that the Lord alone is the universal Maestro. Evil and suffering are not from his hand, yet he is mighty enough to work the worst of circumstances for our ultimate good and his own exalted glory. It is ours to choose whether we will cooperate with his unfolding redemptive drama—whether we will submit our lives to his will. Each step taken and a word spoken should be a confession of just who is crafting our life’s story.”

Above is an excerpt from the book: The Epic of God – by Michael Whitworth; the book is an in-depth look at Genesis that I found very interesting. I introduced the book to my wife and happened to reread the introduction when the above excerpt stuck out to me. I posted the above in 2016 on Facebook – I wonder now as I see it in my FB memories if God knew I would need this reminder later in life and that I would share it with all who read my articles (of course, he did).

Psalm 139:4
1 John 3:20
Hebrews 4:13
Isaiah 51:3
Psalm 119:76
Matthew 5:4

Children need interaction more than a distraction.

December 22, 2021 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Our children are the future! So we need to invest in the next generation. Help them be better than us. The investment needed most is our time. Children need our time. We need to teach, lead, listen and pray with them. Children learn not only by our words but largely by our examples. They need to see Christ in us all the time.

In our high-tech world of conveniences and distractions, money is often thrown at children at a very early age instead of our time—money for electronic games and entertainment. Some electronics are marketed and purchased in the name of education. Unfortunately, many adults fall prey to using these electronic gadgets as child sitters. When this happens, what the child learns most, is “how to be alone,” – distracted from human interaction.

Children need us to invest our time. They need us to have listening ears. They need our attention and direction. Of course, we all enjoy games and entertainment, but our play needs to be balanced, not all-consuming.

Children need interaction more than a distraction. They need our personal efforts as much as possible, helping them learn how to study and the importance of balancing priorities. This hands-on effort helps our children realize they are loved.

Children need our time and discipline in love to learn to share it with the next generation and build a better tomorrow.

God First!

We NEED TO “ARM OUR CHILDREN!”

December 2, 2021 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

We need to arm our children; We need to arm them with the teachings of Jesus Christ so that they may learn love, strength, honor, respect, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and thankfulness.

As our children and we grow in the knowledge of God’s love, it creates a natural zeal to love and serve our creator. To keep His commandments with all their Hearts, Souls, Minds, and Strength, and love others as Christ loved us.

We need to Arm our children with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the Word of God. It’s the best way to help our children protect themselves.

As parents, we strive to protect our children, teach them right from wrong, caution, and self-control, and how to be strong yet humble so they can achieve success in life’s challenges.

There is no better foundation to provide them than the foundation of God.

Loving God and having His Word in their hearts as their guide provides our children with the knowledge they need to make better choices throughout life. It helps them know where to turn to find answers and how to seek help from Scripture and through prayers.

In addition, God’s Word helps them make the right choice when they encounter situations where bad choices may have lifelong negative impacts.

Our children need to see the adults around them demonstrate how to love one another as Christ loved us in all our actions. They need to see us show respect for authority, respect for others, love, and compassion.

Our children need to understand that actions have consequences; if we want good consequences, we need to input Good actions. We need to take note of this ourselves.

3 John 1:4
Ephesians 6:17
Proverbs 22:6
Ephesians 6:4
Isaiah 54:13
Deuteronomy 6:7
Psalm 78:6
Romans 9:8
Matthew 22:37
John 13:34

God First!

Category: Encouragement (Page 2 of 4)

Let us be wise in the midst of darkness

Fostering a better attitude.

Encourage and build-up

Children need interaction more than a distraction.

We NEED TO “ARM OUR CHILDREN!”

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