Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Joy (Page 2 of 2)

In Christ we find Joy

The prayer that changed my life

November 18, 2021 / / 1 Comment

Life can be tough sometimes, and when we live by our own standards, we are ill-equipped to deal with all the hardships. I lived by my own standards for many years. Yes, as a baptized believer, my standards had been influenced by the teachings of God, but instead of submitting to God’s standards, I strayed and created my own, which DID NOT include putting God first.

Instead, I was wise in my own eyes, putting worldly desires, goals, satisfactions, family fun, sports, TV, etc., before God and His will. Eventually, I found myself in several situations where my standards were inadequate. I had no real answers; my solutions were Band-Aids, not fixes. I found the foundation of “my standards” was rooted in sand, leaving me feeling like a leaf floating in the wind. Fortunately, I knew where to turn as I was introduced to God and his standards when I was younger.

Not only could I pray for God’s help, but I could choose to “CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF MY LIFE” (repent) and follow the standards of life God set before us through Jesus and in His perfect and complete Holy Word. (The Bible) 1 Cor. 13:8-10

I found myself humbled through turmoil beyond my control. Turmoil, I wanted to control, I had to realize that God was the only answer; That ONLY GOD can help in all situations, so I asked myself, if I were gone, who would want to help more than me, and there was only one answer.

So that night, I prayed, I started my change with probably the deepest, heartfelt, and tearful prayer of my life, and as tears flowed, I turned my troubles over to the Lord. I wanted to be a true disciple of Christ. I wanted to pursue righteousness beyond” My Standards.”

I had read in the book of James that: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” And I wanted my prayers to have great power. I wanted God’s help like never before.

That night, I did not give up on any of my concerns; instead, I sought the most powerful help available to mankind by turning to our Creator.

The changes I have made in my life since that night have helped me grow healthy, strong roots in the nutritious soil of God’s Word. As my understanding of God’s intent for all of us has increased, God’s standards have become my standards, and I have found that the best life is a God First life!

Hardships are indeed like rain that falls on the just and the unjust; having God in the forefront of our lives gives us reason and strength to face it all and count it all joy!

There really is a peace beyond understanding that is attainable when we decide to deny ourselves and follow Christ.

I now use “God First” to end many of my writings and wear them on clothing as “Spirit-wear” because I realize that living a God First life is the most crucial decision one can make, and I want to encourage others to do the same.

There’s a reason why loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is The Greatest Commandment.

  • James 5:16
  • Isaiah 41:10
  • Psalm 34:17
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Psalm 55:22
  • 1 Peter 5-7
  • Philippian’s 4:6-7
  • Hebrews 11:6
  • Romans 12:2

God First!

30 Characteristics of Agape love

October 6, 2021 / / 0 Comments
  1. Unconditional
  2. Without expectation of reciprocation
  3. Desiring good for others
  4. It’s eternal
  5. We desire it
  6. It has no evil in it.
  7. It covers a multitude of sins
  8. Provides motivation
  9. Brings peace
  10. It is a choice
  1. Fruit of the Spirit
  2. Not resentful
  3. Love is God as God, is love
  4. It’s forgiving
  5. Selfless
  6. Patient
  7. Kind
  8. Not envious
  9. Not boastful
  10. Not arrogant

  1. Not rude
  2. Does not insist on its own way
  3. Not irritable
  4. Does not rejoice in wrongdoing
  5. Rejoices in the truth
  6. bears all things
  7. believes all things
  8. hopes all things
  9. endures all things
  10. LOVE NEVER ENDS.

Agape love is choosing to love unconditionally; it never changes. We should love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

  • 1st Corinthians 13
  • Galatians 5:22-23
  • 1st Peter 4:8
  • 1st John 4:8
  • Philippians 4:8-9

The eyes of love

September 26, 2021 / / 1 Comment

If you saw the glories of life through my eyes; You would go to sleep with great anticipation! Looking forward to the next morning’s air, its sunshine, its birds, and playful squirrels in the trees. Through my eyes; Each morning brings new opportunity to hear the voice of those I love, to do my best to see them smile and hear their laughs. To tease them, hug them, play with them or even; just sit with them and soak the glories in. Through my eyes; We all miss out when we sleep in late and must rush to start the new day’s race. But even then, I do my best to start their day; it’s very best! To bring that smile upon their face, they can carry through that race. ~Boo boo aka WRJ

We can learn from the attitudes displayed by our loving pets. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone displayed this type of anticipation and attitude of love towards one another as we started each day?

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10 NIV)“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Covid19 and Preparation

September 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

I’ve been enjoying life for almost 62 years, and while this may seem long to a 20-year-old, It’s very short in my mind. From time to time, I’ve seen and experienced many different Illnesses. I’ve either suffered or seen others suffer from diseases like flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility loss, hearing, eye issues, etc. I’ve lost loved ones to accidents, cancer, heart failure, liver problems. I’ve experienced a friend being murdered and know others who have lost loved ones to crime. Life is difficult at times.

Today we have the threat of Covid19, a manufactured virus that brings death and extreme anxiety as we fear the horrible pain, suffering, and loss it causes. Covid’s existence spurs division among family, friends, and countries. Many feel the need to isolate themselves and fear being around others. Hugs and closeness fade from reality into memories as fears of catching or spreading COVID reign and are adopted as the new norm.

Today, a scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever insights worry and fear.

So, What do we do?

We take precautions, use hand sanitizers, wash hands, pay attention to distancing, some wear masks, and some fight over mask effectiveness. I think most who refuse mask mandates object most to the idea of governments’ abuse of power. (I’m not debating this here, just pointing it out)

All this said: I personally refuse to let fear control my life! Instead, I trust in God!

My Trust in God does not mean I will not die of this virus someday. It does not mean I will not lose loved ones to it.

One ICU nurse stated: “lt takes who it takes,” Since this is true of every ailment, it adds perspective.

I contracted Covid a few months ago, and it hit me hard. In 2019 I found myself close to death with blood clots in my lungs, and I’ve had other close calls with accidents. The fact is; We are going to die of something someday, and none of us know when.

So, what actions should we be taking? And what do I mean by “Trust in God”?

Some dare blame God for this evil virus, but no evil comes from God; evil is Satan’s territory. Some blame God for the death of loved ones. However, death is certain, and as stated earlier, “none of us know when,” so; rather than blame, why not prepare? How? By learning, sharing, and teaching others about Jesus. Jesus is the pathway to an eternal life where death, sickness, and pain have no existence. None!

This life is not the end; it’s the beginning!

When we are “In Christ,” We take advantage of the grace God has extended, our sins have been forgiven, and our forever home is with God. If we are in Christ and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death. So why worry? In Christ, we can count it all joy; in James 5:16, God points out the prayers of the righteous avails much so let us live fully using our time to pursue righteousness and have our prayers well heard. There is great comfort in the confidence that our loved ones went on to paradise from this earth.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Always be prepared

  • Matthew 24:36-51 (No one Knows the Day or Hour)
  • 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)

In Christ

  • 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
  • Confession: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
  • Baptism by immersion for forgivness 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

God First!

Praying for the well-being of others

The well-being of others

August 26, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Do you pray for the well-being of others? As I was praying for just that, the following question came to mind: What is the best thing for anybody’s well-being?

I concluded: The testament of Jesus pricks our hearts and opens our minds to God’s grace, His forgiveness, our repentance, and the love of God for us; it brings those who understand what Jesus has done for us an overwhelming desire to do His will and keep His commandments. This understanding stirs our hearts to take action. It makes us want to be “In Christ.”

According to God’s word to be in Christ, we must hear the message of Christ, believe, repent, confess Jesus as the risen Son of God, and be baptized into Christ in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of our sins. We need to realize that when we come up out of that watery grave, we are doing God’s will, we have ratified God’s Grace through Jesus, and by doing so, we are forgiven! At this point, we are free of our past sins, begin a new life as a new creature, and move forward in life as disciples of Christ, enjoying all the blessings that encompass our obedient faith.

Blessings like the knowledge that we now have never-ending life available to us in heaven, a spiritual world not made with human hands, where there is no more pain, tears, or death. That God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are now within us, helping us walk this world without being of this world. We can now take comfort in the knowledge that the blood of Christ continues to wash us even when we make mistakes.

So, What is the best thing for anybody’s well-being? The message of Christ!

With this understanding, I continue to pray that we all take time to learn and share the message of Christ for the well-being of all!

[Scriptures for consideration]

  • 1 John 5:3
  • Romans 10:17
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
  • 2 Peter 3:9
  • Acts 2:37-47
  • Acts 16:30-33
  • Acts 8:30-38
  • Romans 6:23
  • Romans 5:15-18
  • Ephesians 2:1-10
  • Luke 17:10
  • James 2:17-18
  • 1 Peter 1:17-25
  • 1 John 1:7

God First!

Advocate for Christ!

July 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

To be clear to my new friends who are reading my post. Some have made assumptions. I am not a pulpit, preacher; I am not affiliated with any denomination. I am simply a Christian, an Advocate for Christ. I worship and study weekly with my brothers and sisters in Christ at the Buford Church of Christ congregation in Buford, Ga. The use of ”God First!” as my profile or to end many writings is because I believe God should be first in our lives. I believe that with God at the helm those ”In Christ” have God’s promise for eternity in heaven. Comfort and joy are ours to have from the “God of all Comfort,” even during the horrendously sad and difficult stuff.

Many people wear spirit wear to depict their favorite teams, school, sport, etc. My idea of ”spirit wear”- is the term God First! (seen on many of my clothes) Sometimes its presence sparks a conversation and probably curtails language I’d prefer not to hear. While it’s true that I do sell items with “God First!” It’s not for personal gain but rather to help those who love God share that love with the world. I started using the term “God First” because I believe putting God First adds significant Joy to our lives. I care about myself, my family, and others, so why would I not want to share such a message? A message that makes life better for all who choose to live by it, a message that offers the promise of everlasting life with our loving creator.

God has given us every reason to love Him as He first loved us; I am extremely grateful for all of God’s creation and sacrifices that we might have an eternal home with Him. Eternity is a serious matter, and loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is a natural response to those with an understanding of God’s love for us.

I once heard this from Brother Don Blackwell – ”The Lords Church is not a country club for saints; it’s a hospital for sinners.”

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-9
  • Mark 12:28-34
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • 1 John 4:19

God First!

Life,through Boo Boo's Eyes

The glories of life

May 29, 2021 / / 0 Comments

If you saw the glories of life through my eyes; You would go to sleep each night with great anticipation! Looking forward to the next morning’s air, its sunshine, its birds, and playful squirrels in the trees.

Through my eyes; Each morning brings a new opportunity to hear the voice of those I love and do my best to see them smile and hear their laugh. To tease them, hug them, play with them or even; just sit with them and soak the glories in!

Through my eyes; We all miss out when we sleep in late and must rush to start the new day’s race. But even then, I do my best to start their day at its very best! To bring a smile upon their face, they can carry through the day’s race.

~Boo Boo

If only we all lived each day in this way, what a blessing it would be to everyone around us. What Joy we would have in our hearts, what Joy we would bring to others all day long.

Written by: Wayne Johnson

Old Covered Wagon

Choosing Change

January 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

In biblical studies, I’ve noticed many names have unique meanings that identify personality traits and paths of individuals. Some were even given new names that identified new paths.

I’ve always been a little disappointed when I read (as a child) that the meaning of my name, “Wayne,” meant: “Old Covered Wagon.”

I’ve joked about this ever since.

In the last 12 years or so, this “old covered wagon” and his wife embarked on a new journey in life as we began trying to grow closer to God by pursuing a fuller understanding of God’s will, the message of Christ, and how to be disciples of Christ. So far, our journey has been exciting, challenging, and sobering; I repented and returned to the Church, and my wife was later baptized for the forgiveness of her sins and was added to the Church. (Acts 2:38-41) These changes have made the last few years much more meaningful than those before.

Following Christ introduced us to a new level of peace, contentment, and joy, even amidst growing health concerns. In fact, I can’t imagine facing any of the hardships we’ve had to face without our faith and trust in Jesus.

With a mutual love of God, open minds, open hearts, and a desire to do God’s Will, according to God, we all have what we need to build and strengthen our understanding of God’s will, our roles as disciples of Christ, and build friendships in Christ.

I want to encourage you to follow and comment on the posts you find on Advocate for Christ.

God First!

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