Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Category: Thankfulness (Page 1 of 3)

Praying and drawing closer to God

July 4, 2026 / / 1 Comment

Pretty much every night before I go to sleep. I thank God for our blessings, both seen and unseen; I humbly pray for family, friends, and any specific needs I’m aware of; I often pray for forgiveness and mercy and ask for help with my understanding and faith. I pray for those who don’t know God and the dangers many face, especially children in harm’s way. I pray for fellow Christians and God’s help in their struggles and sicknesses. I pray for the Eldership, Deacons, Teachers, and Preachers in our congregation and worldwide that the truth is taught according to God’s Word.

I pray for my wife and God’s help with our situation. I often pray for help in my efforts to bring Glory to God through what I write and share in hopes of planting the seeds of eternal salvation.

As a child, I learned memorized prayers to help me learn to pray. Today’s Prayers are not memorized or rattled off as if I’m in a hurry because I truly relish this time with God and want to demonstrate respect for His Holiness.

Admittedly, there are times when my eyes are extra heavy so that I may shorten my prayers. But prayers are not about their length or eloquent words but about our hearts, and for those who are in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. (Romans 8:26–27)

When possible, I like to pray on my knees, as this practice helps me stay focused in the moment. Once my prayer is over, I may do other things before sleep, but it’s not uncommon for me to say, “Goodnight, Heavenly Father,” just before sleep or “Good morning, Father,” when I awake. To improve my prayer life, I have also worked on the practice of morning prayer with coffee. It’s a great way to start the day.

Prayer life is truly something that brings us closer to God, and Scripture tells us the closer we draw to God, the closer God draws to us. I LOVE THE IDEA OF BEING CLOSER TO GOD

  • James 4:7-10
  • John 15:7
  • 1 John 5:14
  • James 5:13-16
  • John 14:13-14
  • Matthew 7:7
  • Ephesians 2:18

God First!

What's not to love about Christianity?

What’s not to love about Christianity?

June 29, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Unless one’s goals are to do evil, what’s not to love about Christianity?

Christianity promotes: (Goodwill, Kindness, Love, Honesty, Compassion, Mercy, Forgiveness, Sharing, Sanctity of Life, etc.) “All things good!”

Christianity opposes: (Lies, Thievery, Corruption, Greed, Dishonesty, Revenge, Murder, Hatred, Deceitfulness, selfishness, hate, etc.) “All things bad!”

Utopia on earth is NOT possible, but if everyone embraced the teachings of Christ using God’s Word as our standard, we would be much closer.

  • 1 Corinthians 13
  • Ephesians 4:32
  • Mark 11:25
  • Matthew 6:14-15
  • John 13:34-35
  • Acts 2:38-47
  • Romans 12:19

God First!

We do what we do when we need to do it. - It's the way it's always been!

We do what we do when we need to do it. – It’s the way it’s always been!

June 15, 2026 / / 2 Comments

When my father was still alive, I had this dream. We were finishing a project we had been working on together and were about to head our separate ways. In the dream, I asked Dad if he could do the next task on his own.

Dad said, “We do what we do when we need to do it. I responded, “It’s the way it’s always been!” (I then woke up) Reflecting on the dream, those words have enormous truths.

When tasks were daunting or seemed overwhelmingly difficult to accomplish single-handedly on their own, both my dad and his father were known for rolling up their sleeves and finding ways to accomplish seemingly insurmountable or downright impossible tasks. Their determination and ability always inspired me, and one reason I believed my Dad when he told me:

“You can be anything you want to be if you are willing to work at it. “

I am very thankful for the many lessons I learned from my father, and that he had the wherewithal to put God at the forefront of our home and live accordingly, secularly or spiritually, with God; all things are possible!

“We do what we do when we need to do it. – “It’s the way it’s always been!”

  • Matthew 6:33 (seek first)
  • Joshua 24:15 (my house)
  • Luke 1:37 (nothing impossible)
  • Matthew 19:26 (with God)
  • 2 Peter 1:5-6 (perseverance)
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 (to God’s Glory)

God First!

Mistreating Jesus

Mistreating Jesus?

May 9, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Jesus is not our equal; He is God.

God’s love is NOT an issuance of permission slips to treat “God the Son” or “God the Father” as our equals. God’s Love is extended by grace, not to be abused.

According to Scripture, Jesus is the Word… “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)

Jesus is our Messiah, the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and we should treat Him with humble reverence. Jesus is Holy (John 4:26, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Revelation 19:16).

We should be mindful that when we use language without thought to its meaning, like” OMG” or exclaiming terms like “JESUS CHRIST!” and other derivatives, we disrespect our Creator and Savior. We are mistreating the Almighty with our lips. Doing so is not harmless, and according to God’s Word, we will be held accountable for taking God’s name in vain. His name is Holy.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

I cringe when I hear or see such terms being used by anyone, but especially those who claim to love God.

One who loves God should understand what God did for us, how Christ suffered for us, and that this knowledge would make one’s heart extremely conscientious with gratitude and respect. That our heart, soul, and mind would “WANT” to make every effort to treat our Heavenly Creators with the utmost reverence by not using Their name lightly.

Christians should show love, appreciation, and respect with every word and action we take. We are to be an example to the world of Christ-like love, which includes displaying our ultimate respect to the Godhead.

Colossians 2:9

Matthew 12:36-37

Psalm 111:9

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Galatians 2:20

1 Peter 2:9

Ephesians 4:22-24

2 Timothy 1:9-10

Mark 12:29-33

Psalm 119:9

Romans 6:1-23

James 3:9-10                                                          

God First!

Mom's Advice

Mom’s advice

April 29, 2026 / / 0 Comments

My mom’s been in Paradise for years now, but her memories are instilled in me. One such memory was some advice. I’ve not always held true to it, but I have grown to recognize its enormous value.

”Don’t go to bed mad.” Why?

When we harbor anger, it festers and can easily turn into sin, and sin separates us from God. Sometimes we just can’t fix a problem before bed, but we all have access to God’s Word and to God through prayer. We can seek help in scripture and pray about the problem; insomuch as it is within our power, we can take action on our part. We can pray for wisdom and understanding, and be willing to forgive those involved. If the problem is beyond our control, we can turn it over to God, the one who can do anything, and let go, trusting in God.

Although anger (in itself) is not wrong, God knows what’s best for us and tells us in the following scripture.

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 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 ‭4:26-32‬

  • Isaiah 59:2,
  • Hebrews 10:26-31
  • James 1:14-15
  • James 5:16
  • Matthew 5:24

‭‭God First!

On the cosmic scale, nothing is made in the image of God except for us

Nothing in All Creation — Except Us — Is Made in the Image of God

April 20, 2026 / / 0 Comments

This picture is of a space shuttle leaving the atmosphere. It was taken from space by NASA a few years back, where a writer noted: “Amazing, isn’t it? How nano we are in the cosmic scale.” God’s creation is larger than anyone can truly comprehend, and we, even more “Nano” on a cosmic scale than this space shuttle.

God created us in His image!

He loves, knows, and Cares about every single one of us; He knows how many hairs are on our heads. Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7

God sees everything!

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3

“Does He not see my ways And number all my steps?” Job 31:4

“God gave His only begotten Son that we may not perish but have everlasting life, should we choose to love Jesus enough to keep God’s commandments.” John 4:16

Although you are Nano in comparison to all of creation, you and each of us are known and loved by God as if we were the whole of creation.

God loves you!

  • Luke 6:15
  • Luke 12:7
  • 1 Peter 5:7
  • Genesis 1:27
  • John 3: 16-19
  • John 14:15
  • Psalms 147:3
  • Acts 10:34

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!

If the Words from the pulpit step on your toes, Be Grateful

Ouch! If it Strikes-our-core, be grateful!

March 23, 2026 / / 0 Comments

If the words from the pulpit step on our toes, be grateful. If the words from the pulpit never step on our toes, be concerned.

God’s word can ’take us by the ear’ and guide us to better ourselves, or it can be used to” tickle our ears”.

None of us is perfect, so rather than taking offense when lessons strike at our core, why not embrace their intent to encourage us to be better? Why not open our guarded hearts and embrace self-examination, comparing our decisions to God’s expectations in Scripture?

God’s way is the healthy way, it’s the perfect way!

Putting on Christ, Love of Christ, and Trust in Christ are where we find salvation, mental calm, and God’s comfort. It’s how we can have peace in the midst of chaos and Joy in the midst of pain.

With God, we can be certain every word is true and rely on every promise. God offers peace that surpasses all understanding.

All things are possible with God, and every person has the opportunity to be forgiven. Our souls will live somewhere for eternity, and our choices today decide where.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

3 John‬ ‭1:2‬‬‬

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!

Guard the Soil of your Soul

January 7, 2023 / / 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!

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