Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: soul

We study hard for our jobs. Why not study even harder for our souls?

We Study Hard for Our Jobs — Why Not Study Even Harder for Our Souls?

July 18, 2026 / / 2 Comments

To become proficient in our professions, we study and practice to become Doctors, Nurses, Accountants, Engineers, Firefighters, Carpenters, Bricklayers, etc. Learning and skills are not developed by osmosis. To do our profession to the best of our ability, one must be studious and committed to learning every aspect possible about our endeavor.

Shouldn’t we put even more effort into getting to know God and keeping his commandments? The less we know of God’s Word and the message of Christ, the less we know of God. Yet our souls’ eternity depends on our submitting to God’s will, not ours.

How can we do what we do not know how to do? We should make ongoing efforts to deepen our understanding.

Today, many around the world are denied access to Bibles by their governments, even though they would love to have scripture to study; in some cases, even having a bible can be dangerous to their well-being. However, in our country (the United States), most homes have more than one. So, for us, there is really no excuse for choosing ignorance when God’s Word is so readily available. Understanding comes through study, and there is no better time to begin study than right now. Why not grab your closest Bible or download a Bible app and read it daily starting now?

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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Social Media not just the devils workshop / Seeds of Truth - Let your light shine for Christ

Satan’s workshop or God’s? our choice

July 14, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Social media turns off many people because freedom of speech is abused with disrespectful, attention-grabbing rants, gossip, foul language, crude and distasteful images, etc.; I’ve heard many refer to social media as “the devil’s workshop.” Well, this may all have some truth to it;  however, it will be what we make of it.

It doesn’t have to be just Satan’s workshop. No, when good, righteous-seeking people who love Jesus decide to post, share, like, and love only good things, we help make social media a better place. The simple truth is that Satan is in this world, his actions are all around us, and we can’t make a difference if we hide rather than let our light shine and try to make a difference (Mathew 5:14-16). Jesus charged His disciples with sharing the gospel with the whole world; we are to plant the seeds of Truth. So, when we choose to walk away from farmland we could cultivate and plant, we leave it wide open for Satan to spread seeds of weeds and destruction.

Why not be engaging instead? We can use social media platforms to encourage and share the soul-saving truth of a better life with Christ. We don’t have to write articles, but we can support those who do with LIKES, LOVES, and encouraging COMMENTS. We can share articles and memes of truth and uplifting thoughts.

On social media, the seeds of truth will be cast on all types of soil; so spread them, God will provide the growth, even if you never see the results. Trust God (1 Corinthians 3:7).

When you encounter negative statements, and you will, don’t take them personally; be compassionate, understanding, and try to be helpful; they stem from the ignorance of God’s Word. Jesus and his disciples cast numerous seeds, and when they were rejected, it was in far worse ways than a negative or hurtful comment.

I personally don’t want to gamble my soul’s eternity on what someone feels scripture says when there is so much understanding to be had by gaining a fuller knowledge of what God’s Word actually says.

God’s word cannot be shared with silence. It is what it is, but it will be what you make of it!

  • Mark 4:1-20
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6-11
  • Mark 16:15–20
  • Matthew 28:19–20

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It is better to be closed minded to the words of mankind than to be close minded to the Word of God God's Word is Eternal

Be closed-minded to Mankind, not God

July 5, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Are we willing to unlearn to learn more? Sometimes, this is precisely what we need to do because sometimes, we derive conclusions without realizing we don’t have all the facts. Those very conclusions can keep us from accepting and recognizing that there is more to consider. We may think of ourselves as open-minded, but are we really?

When it comes to God’s Word, we owe it to ourselves and those we influence to always seek the truth in our studies and be willing to unlearn and let go when we find evidence in scripture (not our feelings) that shows us there’s more.

Are we able to embrace and replace incomplete thinking at the expense of admitting we were wrong? We need to be.

Is it not crucial that we stand firm on the evidence of scripture, not be swayed by our own wisdom or the ideas of others, but instead rely on God’s Word as our standard for discernment? (Philip 1:9-11, Matt 10:22) God and” God’s Word” are unchanging. The destiny of souls is at stake, not to mention the power of our influence, which can lead others to truth or misinformed, dangerous ideas.

If our beliefs or practices contradict or can’t be found in Scripture, who are we following?

  • Romans 16:17-20
  • Isaiah 40:8
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • James 1
  • Psalms 119:89
  • Malachi 3:15
  • Genesis 13:15
  • Hebrews 12:7-8

God First!

HATRED IS NOT FUNNY!

Take a stand, be the example

June 19, 2026 / / 0 Comments

In 2026, several Hollywood elites, TV shows, and news personalities seem to believe and justify the idea that hatred, disrespect, and often foul language are now funny, even required to make their points and get attention. Of course, they would never agree with this assessment, yet their actions and words show how true it is.

HATRED IS NOT FUNNY

Hateful actions are not funny, Hateful pictures are not funny, Hateful words are not funny. Hateful videos are not funny. Laughing and sharing hateful things encourages hateful things. Stop it, please! Instead of laughing at and justifying gossip and hate, encourage kindness, make a positive difference, inspire positive change, and help remove hate from the overall equation.

We have a choice!

Don’t laugh, don’t justify, don’t encourage, change the channel, walk away, take a stand, and protect your heart and soul. “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (See Philippians 4:8)  

It is what it is, but it will be what you make of it!

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV

Romans 12:18, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 22:39, Ephesians 5:2, John 15:12, Jeremiah 31:3

God First!

IF, indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel

IF – sets important conditions

May 26, 2026 / / 0 Comments

This Verse in Colossians speaks of Jesus

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the Church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him,

IF

indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

(emphasis on “If” added as this small word points out important conditions)

(Colossians 1:15-23 ESV)

In thick or thin, Triumph or failure, on top of the mountains or in the depths of valleys, stay true to God, lean on Jesus, and He will carry you through.

  • James 1:12
  • James 1:2-4
  • Philippians 4:13
  • Isaiah 41:10
  • Psalm 23:4
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Matthew 11:28-30
  • Deuteronomy 31:6

God First!

A Walk in the Park

March 25, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Smiles, laughter, beauty, and sounds bring an epiphany of joy to our hearts as we walk in God’s creation.

We pause from time to time to listen and breathe; we feel the cool air as it caresses our skin, as it moves the leaves of the trees; our eyes, overwhelmed by the beauty of morning light as it speeds, seemingly still, warming our faces and bringing sparkles to our eyes.

It’s all perfect!

With each step, God conducts a combination of peaceful, calming sounds for us to hear.

It’s all perfect!

As squirrels rustle through the limbs of the trees and the leaves on the ground, water flows calmly through the nearby creeks, over rocks and tiny waterfalls, accompanied by crickets and tree frogs, creating a symphonic, heavenly background of sound to feature the birds as they sing and whistle in the trees.

A beautiful symphony of God, it is perfect!

~Wayne R Johnson

God’s perfection surrounds us daily; it helps quiet our souls, take time, make time, to soak it all in. We are so blessed to be part of and amid His creations. Let’s notice what we often overlook, the peace and love our Heavenly Father provides.

God is perfect, Love never ends, it is well with my soul.

Psalm 119:24 Psalm 104:1, Psalm 19:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11,

God First!

Study and live God's Word as if your soul's eternity depends on your choices.

Study Is Worth the effort

February 26, 2026 / / 1 Comment

When we send our kids to school, we intend for them to learn to study and understand the basic curriculum. In college, they pursue degrees, and throughout it all, we will hear them complain, “It’s boring to study, it’s boring to listen, it’s boring to sit through lectures,” yet with effort, they become fluent in new terminology and the details of their chosen professions. In the end, they have accumulated all those boring hours, and it’s worth it!

Reading and studying God’s word can seem boring and daunting. I understand the mindset; It once seemed that way to me.

I looked for answers in what others understood or simply in my reasoning. I had good reason to trust what I was being told. However, it was not until I began studying on my own and attending Bible classes, worship services, and study groups that an accurate understanding of God’s Word began to sink in.

As a result, my once skin-deep faith grew into an all-consuming zeal to share the message of Christ.

Why?

Because our souls’ eternity is decided by our choices.

It’s more important than anything worldly. I need to be able to explain and defend why this is true. (within the pages of scripture), In other words, by sharing God’s Word “as written,” not my words or my ideas.

Regarding God’s word, my boredom with study has become an engaging excitement, with the purpose of sharing. A continuous thirst to grow closer to God with an ever-growing understanding of God’s intent for me and all disciples of Jesus, His commands, His Forgiveness, Mercy, and how we accept His Grace by keeping Jesus’s commands.

I encourage everyone to make a similar effort to grow, as All Truth is in God’s Word.

My quest is to explain, with certainty and boldness, the joy and hope that are in me, with gentleness and respect. Just as we are directed in 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Ephesians 6:20

OUR SOULS ARE WORTHY OF EVERY EFFORT!

  • John 5:39 (Eternal life)
  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (study)
  • John 13:34 (A new command)
  • Luke 10:27 (Love God with all)
  • John 14:15 (Keep Jesus’s commandments)
  • Matthew 19:17 (If you want to enter)
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 (Whole duty)
  • Revelation 22:18-19 (Caution)
  • Matthew 7:22 (I never knew you)

God First!

Clarity is found in Jesus.

February 25, 2026 / / 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

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The 20-year battle within – Part 2

February 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

We have now been together for 41 years, not long after we married on Feb 14th 2003, I told Virginia I wanted to go back to Church. This literally scared her, and she bawled. In her mind, my desire equated to me not thinking she was good enough. I assured her this was not the case. When I attended, I would arrive late for Worship and leave immediately. I thought that if people got to know too much about my life, they would try to change it, so I stayed very private at first. However, I remained consistent in my efforts to attend and learn, and eventually began attending all the Bible classes and evening services.
I was also a friend of Jimmy Miller, the minister at the time, whom I had known when I was a faithful teenager, so at that time, I mostly only talked with Jimmy.

Though we had corrected the marital part of our lives, there were other parts of my life that, in light of God’s Word, I thought conflicted with a selfless pursuit of following Christ; however, as my faith and understanding grew through study and application, so did my desire and efforts to address or replace those issues with better choices and habits as well.

Although few knew of my past at the time, I decided to repent publicly and move forward, asking the Church for forgiveness for those wayward years. As I attended, I would invite my wife, but only occasionally, as doing so constantly would irritate her. One Sunday morning, Virginia said yes and went with me. She then began attending with me sporadically, but over time, she came with me to every service and Bible study. Jimmy had some one-on-one Bible studies with us, and Virginia concluded she needed to be baptized into Christ.

My wife had been raised Catholic; she had adopted atheism from her previous husband, who was killed in a motorcycle accident, and on March 23, 2010, about 7 years after our marriage, she was immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of her sins and became a disciple of Christ, a Christian. During her immersion, it was noticed that her elbow did not go underwater, so they baptized her twice. I then teased her that her sins were so bad she had to be double dunked. 🙂 There is nothing that could make me waver again!

I pray that anyone reading this who may be in a similar situation will begin now, set it right, and never waver again. It’s comforting to have certainty in our souls’ condition, knowing we will spend eternity with Jesus. 1 John 5:13

  • 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

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