Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Prayer (Page 1 of 3)

Comfort in little things by knowing God’s Word

March 29, 2026 / / 1 Comment

We were gifted with the morning light as it cast these rainbow colors across our tile floor. As I pointed it out to my wife, I thought, how cool! Its presence then sent my mind down a pathway of thoughts to carry.

Like the rainbow in the sky, this simple patch of colors reminded me of God’s promises. That God cannot lie and will always be with those who love Him. How Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

While sipping my morning coffee, my mind kept highlighting snippets of God’s Word, “God is the God of All Comfort”, “the closer we draw to God, the closer God will draw towards us”, “Ask, and it will be given, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will open”, “Pray without Ceasing!”

It is comforting to remember how much Jesus cares for us and to be reminded to be humble and to cast all our anxieties on Him.

This little patch of light reminded me that Faith includes Trust. “Never give up on doing good.” Lean on Jesus, especially in times of trial when the challenges of life are heavy, and things don’t make any sense.

So much was brought to mind in this little patch of rainbow light.

Jesus has prepared for those who love Him a place with many rooms where tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. It gives me peace to remember this world is but a temporary home; our forever home is, as a song states, “Beyond the azure blue.” Scripture tells us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” All this world and its desires are passing away, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

  • Hebrews 6:18 (God’s Promises)
  • Titus 1:2 (Eternal life promise)
  • Proverbs 8:17 (Love and seeking)
  • John 14:15 (love means keeping commandments)
  • James 4:8 (let God to draw near)
  • Romans 8:28 (of those who love Him)
  • Galatians 6:9 (always do good)
  • 1 Peter 5:7 (Cast Anxieties on God)
  • Galatians 6:2 (Bear each other’s burdens)
  • 1 John 2:15-17 (question your desires)
  • John 14:1-3 (A heavenly home)
  • Revelation 21:4 ( no more mourning, tears, or pain)
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (God of all Comfort)

God First!

God is my refuge

The Prayer that led to Root-Growing change

March 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I remember a time when my desire to solve “out-of-my-control” situations was so great that it became all-consuming and overwhelming. I had to realize my inadequacy and humble myself to the one person who could help: God!

I am thankful we don’t have to face life’s difficulties alone, aren’t you?

I am grateful that through Jesus we can humbly pray to God, share our concerns, and lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet, trusting that God will provide.

I was feeling overwhelmed by concerns beyond my control when, one night, I decided to turn them all over to Jesus in an in-depth, on-my-knees prayer. It turned into a prayer full of tears and begging. A prayer of repentance for not having already trusted and turned these concerns over to Jesus and God’s loving hands. At the end of that prayer, an unexplained weight lifted from my shoulders. I got up from that prayer, trusting and believing God would help, and He did.

It was NOT a click-of-a-switch change, but rather a ROOT-GROWING change that took time and my trust. From that moment onward, my attitude changed, and I began a lifelong shift that helped me focus on what I could control and pray for what I couldn’t. I came to trust that God’s hands were on my concerns. While I’ve had moments of despair since then, it doesn’t take long to remember and realize I must turn it over to God and Trust God.

There is no better solution!

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV

No need to be Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

God of All Comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ, we share abundantly in comfort too.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5   

God First!

Focus on the Good

Let us be wise in the midst of darkness

March 3, 2026 / / 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!

Offering to pray with someone.

January 23, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The day I wrote most of the following, I had the urge to ask someone if I could pray with them about concerns weighing heavily on their heart, not just pray for them; however, for some reason, I felt awkward about extending this offer of prayer and instead offered to include them in my prayers. After they left, I reflected on that moment and was disappointed in my hesitation. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and that God hears and answers prayers, but I’d missed the opportunity to share that understanding one-on-one.

There are several benefits to praying with someone rather than just for them; here are a few:

  1. In praying with someone, we step out of our shells and open our hearts to their needs; by doing so, we display Christ’s love for them through prayer.
  2. We show compassion and genuine interest in their situation while demonstrating our faith and trust in God’s ability to help them.
  3. Our relationship with that person builds.
  4. I’ve been told how such an unexpected invitation to pray inspired people to change their lives and move toward Christ dramatically, and I’ve seen them do so.

Christians care about others!

Praying for others is good, and praying with and for others can have a significant impact.

I’ve personally shared concerns with others and been unexpectedly asked: “Can we pray about this?

Admittedly, I was taken aback by their offer; however, these one-on-one moments are now fondly etched in my mind forever. I believe much good can come from praying with others and making such prayer invitations a habit.

In Acts chapter 4, the disciples prayed for boldness. As I grow stronger in Christ, I pray that God will help me overcome hesitations, great or small, and that I will serve Christ with all boldness.

If I never make a difference, it won’t be because I didn’t try!

  • James 5:16-18
  • Ephesians 6:19
  • Ephesians 5:2
  • John 13:34
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

God First!

Prayer, Don’t deprive God, Don’t deprive yourself, Don’t deprive others, Ask for prayers Doing so gives others the opportunity to help and God the opportunity to hear those prayers. Do you truly believe

Depriving self deprives God

January 21, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I was reviewing some of my memories on Facebook. It’s now been 13 years since I had my hip replaced and 7 years since the pulmonary embolism that nearly took my life.

I’m undoubtedly grateful that we live in a time of such incredible medical understanding, doctors, and treatments. I’m also certain that without God’s help, our insurance, and today’s medical advancements, I would probably be suffering greatly or dead by now, and unable to be the caregiver of my beautiful wife. I’m so blessed to be here and thankful to be able to serve.

One of my most valuable memories from these events was having people take time from their busy lives to come to the hospital and pray with me, and knowing that many others were praying as well.

People knew to pray because I had asked for their prayers. I asked for prayers because I believe God answers them, and, thankfully, in these instances, He helped me recover, per many requests. I’m often surprised when someone says they believe in prayer, but later, when they need prayers, they hesitate to ask for them on their own behalf, as if they don’t want to bother others with their problems. By doing this, they deprive others of the opportunity to help and deprive God of the opportunity to hear all those prayers.

Much good came from both of these experiences. God is good, and God is love, all the time!

God wants our prayers, and He wants us praying for others.

In Jesus Name!

  • John 14:13-14
  • James 5:16
  • Philippians 4:6
  • 3 John 1:2
  • Ephesians 3:14–19

Hearing our names

January 14, 2026 / / 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!

Prayer life

March 22, 2024 / / 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

Prayer request

May 31, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Lately, I see more prayer requests on social media than I have ever seen before. Although it’s sad to see so many people dealing with sickness, death, fears, and concerns, I am very grateful that many recognize the power of prayer and know they should ask for prayers from their brothers and sisters in Christ.

As I encounter these requests, it’s quite normal for me to pause and pray before moving forward. I don’t often know the recipients of my prayers personally. However, I know from their request that they believe in God’s power to help and provide comfort as they have asked for prayers.

We can see from Scripture that God wants us to pray and wants to be included in our daily lives. But, more than that, and with; good reason, God wants to be the center of our life. Scripture clearly demonstrates God’s desire to be included in our daily lives, so putting God first would consist of prayer before action.

  • John 15:7 (Notice conditions)
  • 1 John 5:14
  • James 5:14-16
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11
  • Matthew 7:7
  • Luke 11:9
  • John 16:24
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
  • James 1:5
  • Romans 12:2
  • Romans 12:12
  • Ephesians 6:18

Does God love some more than others?

January 18, 2022 / / 0 Comments

As I contemplated this question, I believe God loves the “response” of some more than others.

As with parents and children, one child might do as directed most of the time, while the other doesn’t. Parents do not love the obedient child more than the other; however, they do love the obedient child’s response more than the disobedient response. The obedient response shows a desire to please the parents by doing as told. (love)

In Scripture, we learn Jesus died for everyone in the world and that God shows no partiality. Scripture also tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.

David was considered a man after God’s Own Heart; why? God tells us: “He will do my will.” Saul, on the other hand, lost his kingdom for doing “his own” will, not God’s.

King David made many huge mistakes and was far from perfect, yet he constantly turned to and relied on God; David pursued righteousness. (doing God’s will mattered to David)

We all have the same choice!

Follow God’s will to the best of our ability by studying and following the commands and examples of Scripture or following our feelings, our ideas, or those of others.

When we follow God according to His will, we spend our lives pursuing righteousness. In James chapter 5, we find the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. To have our prayers accomplish much, pursuing righteousness should be our goal so that our hearts may be where King David’s was in devotion to God.

John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” Act 10:34-35

“And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom He testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after My heart, who will do all My will.” Acts 13:22 ESV

“But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over His people because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” Samuel 13:14

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16 NASB

God First!

Children need interaction more than a distraction.

December 22, 2021 / / 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!

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