Category: God First (Page 11 of 18)

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

Our Forever Home

August 11, 2023 / Wayne Johnson / 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

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

God First!

A Country with God

May 17, 2023 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

In 2015 a wealthy businessman, not a politician, decided to run for the United States Presidency. Everything I knew of him was contrived from what I had seen on TV, read in news articles and magazines, heard others say, and by watching “The Apprentice.” TV show

Armed with all this “information,” I concluded that I did not like the man.

I considered myself an independent voter, not a party voter, so whenever possible, I listened to him and others give their speeches.

I would watch CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, & FOX News.

In doing so, I noticed commentators repeatedly telling me what to think and feel about his remarks before telling me what he said; This became a problem for me as what I saw and heard in live speech contradicted what I was being told to believe.

In the 2016 Republican runoff, I voted for Ted Cruz. Yet, after Trump’s win, I watched more speeches, interviews, and debates.

Over time, it became evident that his words were being blatantly twisted like a tornado which prompted me to wonder why?

Why such a consorted effort to change the intent of his words? This practice piqued my interest.

I became intrigued by the direction Trump wanted to take our country and that although he never claimed to be a Christian, his message included doing many things that coincide with the principles of love for God, love and concern for others, and Christian beliefs in general. Although Trump’s speech is very coarse at times, he continuously gives recognition to God more than any president in recent history.

Trump: “In America, we don’t worship government; we worship God.”

To me, Trump’s speeches targeted American Growth and epitomized a common-sense approach; building a better America for all Americans.

I liked this message and his repeated recognition of God.

After continually watching his words mutilated into things he did not say or intend, I narrowed my news consumption to FOX; Unfortunately, in my opinion, they have now fallen prey to misleading viewers as well.

Today, NEWSMAX is my station of choice. Newsmax airs many of Trump’s speeches in their entirety. I appreciate being able to make my decisions by seeing first-hand what he says instead of being told what to think and believe by commentators.

Hate has been spewed at Trump from multiple directions, yet he continues to find solutions to problems.

I have been appalled by the relentless attacks and accusations repeatedly proven untrue by people abusing their power, both Democrats and Republicans.

These attacks lend much credence to the “Swamp” concept that several in power feel threatened by this wealthy businessman who has battled tirelessly for the people of our country.

Despite Insurmountable odds and fabrications created by his opponents, President Trump has trudged through the lies and kept most if not all of his political promises bringing strength and respect back to our country. Just imagine how much more good he could’ve accomplished had Trump not been treasonously inundated by the now-proven-to-be Russian hoax. So many people have been misled and taught to hate Trump.

Before Covid, we were starting to thrive; I want to see us on that path again.

President Donald J Trump earned my respect and my future vote because he did much to improve America, not as one nation under Trump, but as One Nation Under God!

A country with God is a Country Blessed a Country without God is a country lost.

Would you believe it!

February 2, 2023 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Would you believe it? These sticks and stones just ended up on the tree stump seen in this picture, looking like this cute face all by themselves. It was simply an accident.

No, me neither. Logic tells us someone definitely laid these sticks into their positions. This face was created by design.

Do you also realize it is far more probable that this artwork all landed into place by accident than to believe that anything other than God created everything we see, smell, breathe, feel, and know?

IN THE BEGINNING, GOD created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

It’s the most logical conclusion, and both science and math support it.

Guard the Soil of your Soul

January 7, 2023 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

We live in the midst of numerous blessings; Those we recognize and many more we don’t. Thank you, God, for All! Satan knows we always want more, so; he relentlessly seeks to prepare the soil of our souls with selfish desires.

Today, I found myself questioning whether a small thing we do to bring others joy is worth the effort. I know it will someday be meaningful to them, yet the effort often goes unacknowledged. Yesterday I began to think, why don’t we just quit; our efforts won’t even be missed. Nobody cares. It was at this point I realized Satan was tilling the soil of my mind trying to make me feel like we were wasting our time. He was attempting to plant seeds of self-pity and discontentment in order to have me waller in sadness and disappointment so I would give up.

Maybe this, in part, is why God’s Word says:

“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)

Well, hear this, Satan; if it is good, I will try to do it!

Doing good is not about me; acknowledgment and appreciation are Not My Goals. Doing good is my goal, even if or when the recipients don’t recognize it!

As Jesus said to Peter: “Go away, Satan!”

When I chose to follow Jesus, I did what we find in Luke 11:24-26 in the story of the demons; I swept my house and put it in order. My mind is my house, and Satan and his friends are not welcome here.

“…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).”

Each of us is engulfed in blessings even if we don’t recognize them. I am thankful for all those blessings. If we pay attention, we can catch satan in the act of tilling our minds and planting seeds of destruction in our souls and say: Get away from me, Satan. However big or small, Never give up on doing good!

“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 du” to change.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭

Thank you, Father God, for loving us!

God First!

Get Mercy

May 13, 2022 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

- - God shows us, love,
  - Encourages us to love,
  - Teaches us to love,
  - Motivates us to love,
  - Expects us to love,
  - Responds to our love,
  - Commands us to love,
  - Yearns for us to love

God want’s our love!

But,

God wants us to freely give it with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as Christ loved us.

Is it any surprise?

The only
gift we
can give God
Is, Our Love

That’s right, our love is all we can give. God can create anything else.

God has extended mercy to mankind through the gift of grace but its up to us to accept this offer of grace by loving him and keeping His commands.

_{Jesus tells us: “If you love Me, you will keep my Commandments.”}_{(John 14:15)}

_{He tells us: …”The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 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. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”}

^{(Mark 12:29-31)}

God First!

Category: God First (Page 11 of 18)

Wiping the dust off our feet

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

No Explanation Makes More Sense

Prayer life