Category: God First (Page 1 of 12)

Hearing our names

January 14, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I went to my room tonight and immediately heard Virginia say my name over the baby monitor, “Wayne?”

To see what she wanted, I went back downstairs, drawing closer to her so I could hear her better and give her my full attention. Basically, I just comforted her, gave her another peppermint kiss goodnight, and went back upstairs, telling her on my way out of the room how much I love hearing her say my name.

This is also true of my son calling me “Dad,” my grandchildren calling me “Grandpa,” my nieces and nephews calling me “Fantastic Uncle Wayne.”

or even a brother or sister in Christ calling me Brother.

I’m grateful for all these designations, as each one warms my heart in its own unique way.

I believe God and Jesus feel much the same way. They love hearing us say their name with respect, as we do when we approach them in love, through prayer and supplication

Dear Lord, Heavenly Father, Father God, in Jesus Name… All designations of love that reach for the heartstrings of our Heavenly Father, drawing us closer to Him and Him closer to us.

James 4:8, Scripture tells us: ” Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you…” One way we do that is through prayer. We are told to pray without ceasing, and to cast our burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain us.

So, why not take a moment right now and pray, calling upon the name of the Lord, let him hear you call his name.

He wants to hear from you!

1 Corinthians 1:2
Acts 2:38–41
Psalm 145:18
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Psalm 55:22
1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 41:13
Matthew 11:28–29
Philippians 4:6
1 John 5:14
Psalm 116:2

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!

Godly Sorrow, Repentance, Forgiveness, Baptism, Salvation, Accountability, Responsibility

A story Change

January 5, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I caught him stealing; he had broken into our home. I was upset and nervous as I held the gun. Then, he began begging me not to call the police, let him go, insisting he would not come back. We started talking, and he told me the harsh circumstances of his life that led him to this moment of crime. I began telling him about Christ and the forgiveness of sin available to him through Christ, how, if he would repent of his sins, change the direction of his life, and put on Christ in baptism, he could have forgiveness and eternal life in heaven, as well as a better life here on earth.

We sat at the table, opened a Bible, and studied for several hours. He came to understand God’s gift of grace, the Sacrifice of Jesus that offers us eternal life if we will pick up the cross and follow Jesus according to His will, not ours. We also discussed how following Christ does not relieve anyone of accountability for their actions.

During our study, this criminal came to believe in Christ, experienced godly sorrow, and wanted to begin making things right, so he reached into his pocket and handed me the jewelry he had taken. By doing so, he began taking responsibility for his actions and attempted to make things right. He informed me he wanted to be baptized. After hearing the word of God, he repented, confessed Jesus as the Son of God, and we took him to the pool and baptized him for the forgiveness of his sins, immersing him in water in accordance with Scripture.

After baptism, he understood that his decision did not absolve him of the consequences of his actions. His heart had changed; he now wanted to take responsibility and accept accountability, and I applauded his decision. We then called law enforcement.

Because of his sorrow and request that I forgive him; I did so and chose not to press charges. His decision to make things right was admirable, but it would be costly for him, since he had also broken into other homes and entered our country illegally. He knew, in his heart, that he needed also to correct these wrongdoings.

At least now, when he is deported to his country, he takes with him a greater purpose: to spread what he has learned about the message of Christ with others. Maybe he will return to America legally someday. I gave him my study Bible and contact information. I look forward to hearing from him about his efforts to share Christ.

While this story is fictitious, it’s also possible.

Following Christ does not negate accepting responsibility and accountability for one’s actions; it enhances it. If we genuinely love Jesus and righteousness, we will want to do what’s right, even if it means exchanging our loss of earthly freedom for eternal life in heaven. (Matthew 16:24-26, John 14:15, Romans 6:1-14, Mark 16:15, Philemon 1)

Scripture’s definition of Godly Sorrow: (2 Corinthians 7:9-13)

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 of sin: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30

Confess Christ: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9

Baptism by immersion for forgiveness of sin: – Matthew 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Matthew 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!

The best advice

January 3, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 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!

NOT EVEN 10, Maybe toleration led to apathy

January 2, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Not even 10 Righteous were found in Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.”(Genesis‬ ‭18:32‬)

I wonder how many righteous originally built Sodom and Gomorrah; what happened?

Maybe, in the name of love, they began tolerating sinful actions, leading them to exclude and distance themselves from God, calling good evil and evil good.

Maybe as tolerance grew in popularity, fear of standing with God equated to fear of ridicule and fear of physical harm. Maybe, over time, the righteous became silent, and when the righteous are silent, so is their example.

Anything familiar here?

To tolerate everything is to stand for nothing. We cannot spread the truth with silence.

James 4:8 (close or away)
Matthew 12:30 (with or against)
Revelation 3:15–17 (Luke warm)
Matthew 24:10-14 (warning)

God First!

Wiping the dust off our feet

December 23, 2025 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

In sharing Jesus, we must sometimes wipe the dust off our feet and move onward. This does not mean we suddenly stop caring, as we never stop, but it may mean the soil we are working with is not ready for the seeds of truth. I’ve had to do this many times with family, friends, and strangers when my efforts to share scriptural truth were rejected, ignored, or dismissed either kindly or with disdain.

Sometimes people read God’s Word for themselves, understand the context, but on some subjects refuse to believe what they’ve just read because it flies in the face of what they’ve been told, so they dismiss the discussion with words like: “That’s your opinion or interpretation!”

They will state they believe in God and that Scripture is God’s word, yet when confronted with the truth of God’s own words, the soil is not ready to accept the seeds, or maybe it just takes a different approach to get their full attention. Whatever the reason, when truth is rejected, we are in good company; Jesus was rejected, yet died for everyone, including those who rejected him, and even after His resurrection, some of the same rejected Jesus again.

When rejected, I respect their wishes and pray that my efforts will help condition the soil of their mind and heart. Maybe someone else’s approach will plant seeds that take root; perhaps mine or someone’s example will spark a conversation down the road that leads to better understanding. Wiping the dust off my feet doesn’t mean giving up or that we will never speak of the subject again.

In the meantime, I continue to plant seeds of truth, hoping to find those with fertile soil, those seeking to do all they can to follow Christ – even if it means change.

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

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matt 16:24-28

God First!

December 7, 2025 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

My desire in printing these cups is that when seen and read by a good heart, they will provoke thought and seed discussions. That God, through His Word, will provide growth, and with this growth, more people will come to know the Joy, peace, love, comfort, and assurance that come with putting God first by doing God’s will, God’s way.

The message is a reminder that each of our lives has meaning, and our examples impact others. When one follows Christ, it’s inevitable to have great beauty in one’s path.

For me, the cups are a mission to share Christ and the message: A God-first life is the best life one can live. I’m not looking for profit by selling these cups; I paid a few cents less than the $4 selling price. Included in each cup is also a message for the recipient (as seen in the picture below)

Putting God first is both a life- and soul-saving message. “God First” is NOT a slogan; it’s a way of life. I know this is true because of my own choices.

Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandment’s” doing so glorifies God in every aspect of our lives— following Christ is not about completing a checklist of do’s and don’ts, it’s about our hearts and minds desiring to please our creator to the best of our ability showing our love and appreciation for God which in turn demonstrates our belief, trust, and faith in Jesus. God First!

Yesterday, my wife and I went on one of our local park walks. Because of her Alzheimer’s, I try to be prepared for the unknown. I keep a backpack cooler with us wherever we go, filled with supplies and a Bluetooth speaker to play our music, and carry it on every walk.

I’ve mentioned this before, but we talk to, or at least say hello to, everyone we pass, and a large number of them get hugs from Virginia, and she tells them she loves them.

At the end of yesterday’s walk, we came across a young lady with a big white dog named Aries, and as we talked, I asked her if she believed in God. She said yes, so I told her I wanted to give her something and retrieved one of the God First cups with its messages from my pack. She was overjoyed with the unexpected gift and its messages. I loved the Joy it seemed to bring her as she read the cup, and her face lit up. She then asked if she could give me a hug. Virginia, of course, also hugged her and told her she loved her.

Attached is a copy of the message found inside every cup, which finishes with: “You are loved!”

I was risking my soul; I could have lost it!

December 6, 2025 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

In my mind, I began generating a list of people who have impacted my life. The list quickly became too long to count. Most were encouraging, loving, compassionate, and caring, while others were hateful, mean, threatening, and scary. Some vulgar, while others careful and thoughtful.

Some influencers were people users; some rejected friendships, while others worked to create them. Some were dishonest, greedy, and liars, with some constantly seeking their next high on drugs or alcohol. Thankfully, a few lived their lives striving to be like Christ, pursuing righteousness and working as disciples of Christ, believers in God, and students of Scripture. Simply put, our influencers throughout life contribute to who we become.

For many years, selfish desires guided me toward negative influences more than positive ones. I tried to straddle right and wrong, which led to more bad choices than good ones.

I didn’t want to think about my soul’s condition, yet I knew enough scripture to understand that unless I changed the direction of my life, Heaven WAS NOT my forever home.

I was risking my soul; I could have lost it!

I avoided, dismissed, ignored, and distanced myself from any conversation that might prompt me to think about the seriousness of my soul’s condition.

I had convinced myself I was a good person, and though I knew my lifestyle was against the teachings of scripture. I actually entertained the idea that I could plead ignorance before God; Now, that was sheer foolishness, and deep down, I knew it.

Twenty-two-plus years ago, circumstances beyond my control prompted me to rethink my path. First, small changes led to more noticeable ones, and then, in more recent years, many fundamental changes occurred.

The “old person” of my past is now gone, replaced with faith and trust in God. I no longer attempt to straddle fences and take comfort in knowing that my forever home will be in the mansions Jesus has prepared.

Jesus wants us all to hear and respond to the love of His message. God’s offer of forgiveness. He wants us all to believe and repent (change direction), confess Christ as His Son, be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, and then walk through life as a “New person”, knowing our past sins are forgiven and forgotten by God.

Studying God’s word these last few years has significantly improved my understanding, as it can for anyone.

The question I now contemplate is: How can I help someone who is where I was 22-plus years ago?

How can I help others realize the need to make a change today?

How can I help others realize that by gambling their soul, “their influence” contributes to loved ones gambling with theirs?

How can I do my part to help others realize the seriousness of our choices?

Changing direction is easy when you replace your old desires with new ones and lean on the encouragement of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Why gamble with eternity?

Why wait?

God First!

No Explanation Makes More Sense

November 30, 2025 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Despite overwhelming evidence with hundreds of prophecies coming true over hundreds of years, many “scholarly” people fail to truly explore the existence of God, the inspiration of God’s Word, or that Christ is the Son of God. In their desire to be wise, they seek to explain the creations of God with explosive theories of nonexistent matter that designs itself and, by accident, becomes today’s intricately detailed universe of life.

I’m reminded that it wasn’t that long ago that the “scholars” of the world thought the world was flat and misled the world into embracing their theory as fact.

For me, I trust in God, I trust in His Holy Word, I trust in His Son, and the promises of everlasting life to those who pick up the cross and follow Him.

Genesis 1:1
Psalms 33:6-9
Proverbs 26:12
Isaiah 5:21
John 1:1-5
Proverbs 3:5-6
Matthew 16:24-26

God First!

Prayer life

March 22, 2024 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Last night, at our “Band of Brothers” Bible study of Psalms 119, we briefly discussed when each man should set aside time to pray: just before bed, first thing in the morning, etc.

At the time, although my most consistent time to pray is just before bed, I thought starting each day with prayer would be a good habit to add. I’m speaking of purposeful prayers, aside from the situational or sporadic prayer often said throughout the day.

Then, last night, Casper (our dog) woke me up around 1 p.m., needing to go out; this is not typical. When I returned to bed, it dawned on me: I never finished my nightly prayer as I had fallen asleep, so I prayed and then slept.

This morning, I woke up from a dream; in the dream, I was praying. I can’t remember ever having a dream where my action of praying was part of the dream.

Thinking of this dream reminded me of last night’s discussion and sparked me to pray this morning, hopefully, the beginning of setting aside more purposeful time for daily prayer (where I won’t be falling asleep)

I used to get on my knees often for prayers at night rather than lying in bed to do so. I never fell asleep while on my knees in prayers and was always more focused on God and my prayer while on my knees; I think this is a habit I need to restore and highly recommend.

The power of God is beyond our greatest imagination; He loves us enough that He sent His Son as the propitiation for our sins. It doesn’t make sense not to approach God through Jesus’s name often.

God First!

1 John 2:2
Psalms 5:3
Psalms 42:8
1 John 5:14
James 5:16
Philippians 4:6-7

Category: God First (Page 1 of 12)

Hearing our names

A story Change

The best advice

NOT EVEN 10, Maybe toleration led to apathy

Wiping the dust off our feet

I was risking my soul; I could have lost it!

No Explanation Makes More Sense

Prayer life

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