Category: Goodness (Page 1 of 4)

It's God's Standard God's Standards are Fixed

Are God’s Standards Our Standards?

May 10, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

God’s Standards are fixed. By what standard do we define good and evil, right and wrong? We live in a society where the majority of people adopt whatever standard is proclaimed at the moment. It’s a variable floating standard with no foundation, a foundation of sand that is ever shifting.

God’s standards are God-breathed, absolute, and unchanging. His Word tells us how we obtain eternal life in Heaven with our creator, the creator of everything we know and understand. His Word gives us the pathway to eternity with the Father, the Son, & The Holy Spirit by following Jesus and keeping His commandments.

“And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:7-12

Righteous understanding and discernment are found in God’s Word—the only true and absolute standard. IT’S GOD’S STANDARD

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Isaiah 40:8
Hebrews 13:8
Psalm 119:160
Judges 21:25
Malachi 3:6

God First!

Seen by God, Rewarded by God

May 4, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Have you ever gone out of your way to do good and help others, only to be overlooked or forgotten? Maybe at some later date, they mention the experience in front of you, and it becomes evident that your efforts or possibly even your presence were completely missing from their memory, maybe even credited to someone else? This type of thing happens, especially in high-stress situations, or maybe you’re so close to them that their minds simply categorize your presence, words, and efforts differently from others.

Does it matter whether our efforts, presence, words, or gifts in a situation are credited to us? Is praise and credit why we do things for others?

I don’t believe credit or reward is why followers of Christ strive to do good for others, or even because we are commanded to do good, but rather because we want to, it’s in our hearts to do good, because we love Others as Christ loves us.

When we do good, it’s not about us. It’s about them!

While our efforts being credited to someone else can be discouraging, if it does happen, know this, it’s unintentional and can occur in both high- and low-stress situations.

One of my favorite Scriptures states:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”. Galatians 6:9-10

Getting Credit doesn’t matter.
Being forgotten doesn’t matter.
Even a thank-you may be overlooked.

What does matter?

Sharing God’s Word by example
Continuing to do good
Showing love
To the glory of God, you were there for them

Jesus tells us: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4

God First!

“Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Worldly means vs. The good life!

May 3, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

“Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” This verse from Luke 9:62 really stands out to me; Why? Because I spent and regret several years of my life with skewed priorities.

I spent years doing what I wanted, seeking fun, money, adventure, and things. Attempting to find and express my worth to self and others through what scripture refers to as “worldly means.”

During this part of life, I sought wisdom in my own eyes. Self-indulgent, manipulating wisdom. As a result, I spent years treating our Creator as if He only mattered when nothing else did, and one big issue here is, I knew better!

I already had a good understanding of the life God gives us through scripture, “The Good Life.” I was already aware that much of what I was doing went against God’s will for us. As a result, I lived those years apart from God, not truly realizing the huge negative impact I was having on others.

If I were to look back and pine for those old times or long for that old lifestyle, it would indicate that my love for Christ is neither hot nor cold but rather lukewarm. In doing so, I would NOT be looking toward Jesus, and, as Scripture puts it, the path I plow would become crooked. How, then, would I be fit for the Kingdom of heaven?

I would essentially be longing for a time when I was” apart from God.” I never want to long for those days again; life is so much better with Jesus as my shepherd who leads me beside quiet waters that guide me towards peace within.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear noevil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6

Jesus Tells Us:

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. “Revelation 3:16-17

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” Hebrews 10:26

Proverbs 3:7 (wise in our eyes)
Isaiah 59:2 (separation)
Hebrews 6:4-12 (Crucify Him again)

The best life is a God First life!

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!

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!

More than we can bear alone

March 22, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

Have you ever heard or repeated this phrase: God won’t give you more than you can bear?

Do you realize it’s a misrepresentation of Scripture? Life often gives us more than we can bear.

The death of loved ones, especially a child, is more)
The hopelessness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia is more)
The pain and agony of severe illnesses is more)
The lost job and inability to pay bills is more)
The hurt and despair caused by unfaithful spouses is more)
Coping with the suicide of a friend or loved one is more)
Depression, bipolar issues, PTSD, trauma, drugs, all can be more)

This list scratches the surface of the numerous ways we may face more than we can bear on our own.

This misquote implies Suck it up; you got this; you don’t need help because God won’t give you more than you can bear. That’s not the intent of someone saying this; however, these words may spur the feeling that we should be able to “go it alone.”

It may prompt someone to reject others’ help when, in fact, God encourages us to come to Him in prayer, to lean on others, and to accept others’ love. (Unity!)

Scripture teaches us to rely on God, to pray for others, and to believe our prayers will be answered; it teaches us to bear one another’s burdens, to cast our burdens on Jesus, and to confess our sins to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Scripture also gives an example that even the Apostle Paul was burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that they despaired even of life. Why? So, they would NOT rely on themselves but rather rely on God. Paul also told the Church at Corinth and all the Saints in the whole of Achaia that they must help them by prayer. (see 2 Corinthians 1:1-11).

So, what’s this Scripture really about? It’s about sinful temptations and idols, not the struggles and difficulties we suffer in everyday life, but rather the temptations to sin that come our way and the escape from temptation God will supply.

Here is the Scripture-

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

Remember: Satan is the evil one; God is good, and all things good come from God!

JAMES 1:13“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”

The caregiver of a spouse with Alzheimer’s asked me to address this misquote of Scripture, as it has been stated to them repeatedly. Consider that, amid their overwhelming daily challenges, someone tells them, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It’s disturbing and not helpful.

I am very attuned to the challenges of an Alzheimer’s caregiver and understand the irritation this statement implies. It reminded me that when my family lost our Grandson in 2015, this was said to us, prompting unnecessary discussion during a difficult time.

We understand the ignorance behind someone using these words, and we give credit to the “intent of heart,” which is why we are mum about the expression when it’s used.

I hope that bringing attention to this subject will encourage anyone who uses this misquote to recognize its unintended implications, pause, and try to stop repeating it.

Written In Love,

Philippians 6:2

Galatians 6:2

2 Corinthians 1:8

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

James 5:16

Galatians 6:2

James 2:14-18

1 John 3:17-18

Mark 12:31

1 Peter 3:8-9

God First!

Clarity is found in Jesus.

February 25, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Doing what’s right is not always the easiest thing to do, but it’s always the best thing to do.

If you’re not sure if something is right or wrong, you have your answer!

Choose wisely, and you avoid regrets.

“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 12:30-31

God First!

The Best Part of our Story

February 16, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I don’t like giving “Off-the-cuff” answers to questions, as my response often seems inadequate; I prefer to think before responding, but sometimes we must.

Case in point-
At a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, in 2024, a young man asked:

“What do you think is the best part of being married for so long?” (We must have really looked old to him) We had just met the lad about 90 minutes earlier when Virginia and I were at a restaurant reviewing the menu, trying to decide whether to stay or leave.

As mentioned, it was Valentine’s Day and our Anniversary.
The evening was not unfolding as I had planned. I had intended to have an early dinner at a nice Italian restaurant, but we got a late start. The restaurant’s website indicated they were NOT booking reservations, so I assumed “first-come, first-served,” but when we arrived, I saw the dreaded sign at the doorway: “Call for reservations.” It was about 5:30 PM; the place was almost empty, but they would not seat us. This plight pressured me to find someplace quickly; Virginia was hungry, and I still hoped to beat the main crowd. We found a restaurant we had never tried. It was not fancy nor the type of food we typically eat; In fact, it was entirely out of the norm for us.

It was a family-style Cuban Restaurant called Papis. We entered and talked with a young man behind the counter. We mentioned it was our Anniversary, looked at the menu, got his recommendations, and decided to stay. They sat us in a quiet booth where we enjoyed some flavorful dishes. Although we were apprehensive at first, stepping outside our norm made the evening even more enjoyable and memorable by night’s end. We showed our waitress a FB picture I’d recently posted of us over the years. Then, before we left, she presented us with a complimentary dessert, one of our favorites, “Flan.” As we were leaving, Virginia went to the ladies’ room as I waited at the counter. I thanked the young man for his food suggestions and began a casual conversation when he asked:

“What do you think is the best part of being married for so long?”

I was not prepared for that question. I thought briefly, looking for a quick answer, and said: Contentment – We are both very content with each other now. A moment later, I added: When you’re as young as you are, jealousies and things like that often get in the way, but with a good wife, you don’t have to worry about that.
Shortly after that response, I finally hit the nail on the head and stated:

“But actually, the best part was when we decided to include God in our lives and live that type of lifestyle.” The young man acknowledged my final answer and said, “Really?” Yes, Really!

Putting God first is by far the best thing we ever did for our marriage.

The young man then thanked me and said, “I really appreciate it!”

I wish my last response had been my first, so I could have expanded on it, as choosing to make God’s Word “The Standard” for our lifestyle has indeed been the most important decision Virginia and I ever made in our marriage. I could expand for hours on all the facets of why our marriage is strong, but the bottom line is that the decision to put God First has been the best part of our story by far!

Matthew 5:6
Acts 5:29
Proverbs 16:3
Matthew 6:24
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 6:9-10
2 Corinthians 8:6
Acts 10:35
Matthew 13:44-46
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 19:14
Proverbs 31:10
Ephesians 5:44-33

God First!

Category: Goodness (Page 1 of 4)

Are God’s Standards Our Standards?

Worldly means vs. The good life!

Phone calls of love

“OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD”

SATAN IS THE EVIL ONE

More than we can bear alone

Have you ever heard or repeated this phrase: God won’t give you more than you can bear?

Clarity is found in Jesus.

The Best Part of our Story

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