Who, Where, When, and Why

I have a grandson, now in his late twenties, who spent time with our family during his early, formative years.  How that boy could talk!  Whenever we took short trips, he would talk nonstop from the time we left until the time we returned.  I loved it.  I simply let him talk and enjoyed every minute of it.

I think he took after his uncle, our youngest son of three children.  Because he was the last of three, his older siblings often talked for him.  But when he found his voice—well, let me tell you, he found it!  Once he started talking, he carried the conversation.  It was an endless, one-sided conversation, always beginning and ending from his side.

Again, I loved it—up to a point.  After a while, either my wife or I would have to say, “It’s time to rest your voice, son.”

He was always good about coming up for air, figuratively speaking, and giving his voice a rest.

I remember that when the talking finally stopped for a moment, there were always questions: How?  When?  Where?  Why?  They were both inquisitive.  They wanted to know things, and I believe that is a wonderful trait.  Both our grandson and our son are very intelligent individuals, and that gift of gab has certainly served them well in the jobs they now have as adults.  I am extremely proud of both of them.

But let me take a little side road here.

When a person decides to begin reading God’s Word, the Bible, something wonderful begins to happen.  The Bible is inspired by God, and when God is incorporated into and involved in something, there is always something good to discover.

Curiosity leads to learning. Learning leads to understanding.  And understanding creates an excitement that makes you want to keep reading.

The Bible truly comes alive when we read it, meditate on it, and apply the truths we discover to our daily lives.  It is good for the soul.  As the psalmist reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” –- Psalm 119:105

God’s Word helps us see where we are, where we are going, and how we should get there.

Perhaps that is why those four questions—how, where, when, and why—have such a special place in my thinking.  When we genuinely seek God, we begin asking questions.  We want to know more.  We want to understand His Word, His will, and His purpose for our lives.

When I collect my thoughts and compose my writings, those thoughts inspire me to publish them.  When I get alone with God, I can’t wait for the next word, the next sentence, and the next paragraph to resonate in my mind.  I literally get excited as I jot down the thoughts that are pouring into my mind.

Before I know it, another piece of writing is ready to post on my blog.

I am not only thrilled by the thoughts that come to me; I am also humbled and grateful to know that people around the world are reading my blog each day.  Through these writings, I am able to share some of the how, where, when, and why of my faith and explain why it means so much to me since becoming a born-again Christian.

Since God forgave my sins, He has given me something truly good to write about.  I believe many of these thoughts are inspired by the Holy Spirit, who encourages me to put them into words and share them with others.

My sincere prayer is that the thoughts captured in my writings will permeate minds and find lodging in the souls of people who are searching for answers in a world that often takes rather than gives.

We all need words of hope.  We need reminders that there is something greater than the confusion, disappointment, and uncertainty we encounter in this life.  We need to know that God is still speaking, still guiding, still forgiving, and still offering hope to those who seek Him.

So, if you haven’t found my blog yet, I invite you to visit.  wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

You may find a thought that answers a question you have been asking.  You may find a word of encouragement when you need it most.  Or perhaps you will simply find another reason to ask: How?  Where?  When?  Why?

And then, perhaps, you will begin searching for the answers in the greatest source of truth we have—God’s Word.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Power of the Resurrection

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” — John 11:25  

When I think about someone being resurrected from the dead—especially after their body has decayed, or is beginning to decay after three or four days—it boggles my mind how such a thing can even happen.  It is absolutely a miraculous act of God.

A man in the Bible named Lazarus was a friend of Jesus.  He became sick and died while Jesus was away.  By the time Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had already been placed in a tomb, and he had been dead for four days.

Jesus said to those who were grieving, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Then, when they reluctantly removed the stone from the entrance of the tomb, Jesus cried out, “Lazarus, come forth!”  Instantly, life returned to Lazarus’s body.

I visualize him coming out of the tomb, still bound in burial cloths, with pieces of linen wrapped around his arms and legs and a cloth covering his face.  I can also imagine the astonishment on everyone’s faces as they witnessed the impossible.

But it happened because the One who has power over death commanded it to happen.  Death had to obey.

Years ago, I heard an evangelist preach a thought that has stayed with me ever since: Had Jesus not specified Lazarus’s name when he commanded, “Lazarus, come forth!” but had simply said, “Come forth!”, perhaps all those who were dead in the area would have risen from the dead.

That thought sounded exciting to my young ears as a new Christian.  Yet, as I listened, I understood the deeper point of his message, and it has remained with me throughout all these years.  What incredible power it took to overcome the finality of death!

That night, I began to understand that God is omnipotent.  He possesses all power—unmatched power—and He can simply speak, and resurrection takes place.

And resurrection is not merely a story from the pages of Scripture.  For those who belong to Christ, it is a promise that includes me and all Christians.

I realized that if I were to die as a believer, going the way of the grave rather than being caught up to meet Christ when He returns for His bride, I too will be raised from the dead.  The Holy Spirit who dwells within us is God’s guarantee that death is not the end.  Because we belong to Christ, we have the promise of seeing God face to face, living with Him throughout eternity, and joining all the saints of God in His presence.  That is the power of the resurrection.

It is the power that called Lazarus out of a tomb after four days.  It is the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  And it is the same resurrection power that will one day call every believer out of the grave.  I can imagine that glorious day.

I can imagine Jesus appearing in the clouds in all His majesty and glory, and His voice calling His people home.  The dead in Christ will rise, and those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord.  In an instant, we will be transformed and clothed in immortality.  We will ascend to be with Him forever, dressed in robes of purest white, receiving crowns of righteousness and hearing those precious words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  What a day that will be!

The grave will have lost its power.  Death will have lost its sting.  The corruption of these earthly bodies will be replaced with incorruption.  What seems final to us will be temporary in the hands of an omnipotent God.

(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (vs 17) “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air.  And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.”

And on that day, we will understand in its fullness the promise Jesus made: “I am the resurrection and the life.”

The One who spoke life into Lazarus’s dead body will speak again.  The One who conquered the grave will complete His promise to all who belong to Him.

And when that moment comes, Scripture gives us the triumphant conclusion to the story in 1 Corinthians 15:51-55:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—” (vs 52) “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (vs 53) “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” (vs 54) “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ” (vs 55) “O Death, where is your sting?”

Written by,

Papa Boyd  

Beyond the Veil

I don’t know all there is to know about the tearing of the temple veil when Jesus, the Son of God, walked among the people of that day.  This supernatural event is recorded in three of the Gospels: Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, and Luke 23:45.

I understand that beyond the veil—a huge, heavy drape made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn—was the Holy of Holies, where the very presence of Almighty God dwelled.  It was the most sacred area of the ancient tabernacle of Moses and the temple in Jerusalem.  The Holy of Holies was accessible only to the Israelite high priest.  The holiness of God could not be accessed by anyone but the high priest, lest they forfeit their lives.

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest was permitted to enter this small enclosure to burn incense and sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial animal on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant.  By doing so, he atoned for his own sins and the sins of the people.

Today, as sin continues to abound, there is only one hope of atonement—salvation through Jesus Christ, the sacrificial Lamb of God.  He alone is the atonement for the sins of all mankind.

Yes, the high priest faithfully performed his appointed duties and carried out that all-important ministry each year, but I am convinced that when he stepped beyond the veil, he did so with great trepidation and unwavering reverence.

The moment Jesus died on the cross for our sins; He took upon Himself the sins of the world.  Were it not for Jesus, there would be no hope of salvation for humanity.

An amazing thing happened just as Jesus cried out with a loud voice from the cross, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!”  Having said this, He breathed His last.  The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom—not by man, but by the supernatural power of God Himself.

His unmerited love for humanity caused the veil to be torn because He wanted an intimate, Father-son and Father-daughter relationship with His children, with no barriers of separation.

Every person who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior is privileged to enter into the very presence of the Creator—God the Father.  His children can now approach the throne of God with boldness because of who we are in Christ Jesus.

We can present all of our petitions before God in the name of Jesus, who is our High Priest.  We need not fear or be vexed with trepidation.

This is because of whose we are.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Step Beyond the Shyness

For the most part, I’m leaning toward the thought that there are fewer take-control, “follow me” type personalities out there than those who would rather follow than take charge and lead because of shyness.

My personality is more like the latter—shy and wanting to find a corner and drink my soda rather than converse with people.  But something happened when Jesus gave me something real to talk about: when God forgave my sins.

When I experienced the new birth and became a born-again believer, I was emboldened.  God didn’t necessarily change my personality—He gave me courage within my personality.  He took me from passiveness to becoming a warrior for Christ when it came to the things of God.

I am able to witness for Him and tell others of His incredible love and that God’s amazing grace is available to everyone who sincerely repents of their sins.  I am able to step beyond my shyness when it comes to sharing the story of my conversion to Christianity.  God really gave me a boldness I never had before meeting Jesus.

Am I still shy when meeting strangers and trying to find common ground with them?  Yes, but there is a “but” that follows.  I received power to witness from the Holy Spirit when He indwelled this shy vessel.

Jesus said: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” – Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit helps me push beyond my shyness.  He fills my mouth with words that are not my own.  At times, I marvel at what comes out of my mouth.  It seems as if I’m listening to God speaking directly to others, using my vocal cords and tongue.  It’s hard to find the words to explain the phenomenon.

When I write “Thoughts for Today,” I am amazed at what comes to my mind to share, in different ways, the good news of God’s love.

We each have our own unique personalities.  God created us to be who we are, even in our mother’s womb.  How boring it would be if we were all alike!

My wife’s personality is opposite from mine.  She is outgoing, friendly, and knows no strangers.  We are definitely at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to our personalities.  Her humor, love for people, and ability to talk to people goes without saying.

Since childhood, I’ve been shy.  But when an opportunity to share Christ presents itself, I rarely shy away.

Are you shy?  Do you wish you had more boldness?

The Bible tells us: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray and ask God to set you free from timidity, call upon the name of Jesus.  I believe you will find comfort rising from deep within you.

It is wonderful to become an ambassador of Christ—to experience the freedom that comes from stepping beyond our shyness.

Even a strong believer can experience apprehension.  Yet we can still ask God for courage to proclaim Christ.  We don’t have to become someone else to be bold for Jesus.  We simply need to allow Him to use who He created us to be.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

It Doesn't Matter

The three words in the title, “It Doesn’t Matter,” are words Satan uses to pacify our subconscious.  Subtly, he infiltrates our minds and causes us to somehow justify something we want or something we want to do.  It’s his way of deceiving our better judgement.  It’s a deception straight from the bowels of hell.

Doing what is right in the sight of God matters.  Living a Christian life matters.  Loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul matters.  When God gives us an opportunity to reach someone for Christ, that opportunity matters.  And what we choose not to do matters. 

The command to “love your neighbor as yourself” appears in both the Old and New Testaments, spoken by Jesus in Matthew 22:39.  To love our neighbors as ourselves really matters.

In my mind, this last commandment is sometimes harder to put into action than it is to write about—how we could do better.  It takes courage to witness about Jesus’ love.  Sometimes it’s easier to procrastinate than to wade out into the depths of the unknown: How will they receive my attempt to share the Good News that Jesus died on a cross for their sins?

I say again, it takes courage to be His voice and His hands, outstretched to those who need salvation.  But this is our promise: the Holy Spirit will fill our mouths with exactly what people need to hear.  And remember this: God has already prepared their hearts to receive the Words of Life.

(Matthew 10:20), “…for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”

I believe it is a Christian’s duty and responsibility to be ready and willing to stand in the gap when the time to share God’s Word presents itself.  God will never leave us to witness in our own strength.  As we yield to His leading, we will be astounded by the power our anointed words can have.  I have experienced this, firsthand.

(1 Peter 3:15), “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”

You know what they say: “Action speaks louder than words.”  Doing nothing to win others for Christ may reveal our weakness as believers, reminding us that we need to pray for more boldness.

We can easily become too busy doing our own thing and miss opportunities to share the magnificence of Jesus Christ and the difference He makes in our lives.  Sharing Christ gives others the opportunity to receive Him as their Lord and Savior. 

We can do it.  The Holy Spirit enables us to do so.  We simply have to be willing vessels that He can flow through.

(2 Timothy 2:21), “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the Master of the house, ready for every good work.”

It does matter that we become aware of those who are lost—those who are without Jesus in their hearts. 

When I read the following Scripture in James 4:17, I find myself wanting to breeze right over it and hurry on to another verse.  It gives us a warning that is quite clear—but do we really hear it?  I have to stop and consider the truth of this verse and allow myself to take in all that it is saying to me, personally.

It becomes real to me that it matters to God that we give of ourselves to others and love them with the love He has shown us.  We cannot simply say, “It doesn’t matter,” when we read these words: “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” 

Those words leave little room for us to excuse our inaction.  If we know what is right and have the opportunity to do good, God calls us to respond.  What we choose not to do matters, too.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Standing in Grace--Unmovable

What does the title “Standing in Grace—Unmovable” actually mean to you and me, especially in the day in which we are living?  Allow me to share some thoughts that have been coming to me.

We know what it means to stand for something so strongly that changing our viewpoint simply is not an option. I believe this is the kind of unmovable frame of mind I am talking about.  Perhaps you can remember a time when you were so adamant about something that nothing could change your mind.  No one could budge your thinking because you felt so strongly about what you believed.

I would say that a person with this kind of positive determination should not be taken lightly when they feel so intensely about something.  They are probably not a double-minded individual.  Scripture tells us that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways.  This is not the case here.

Yet, saying that we should forego listening to godly counsel when life-altering decisions need to be made would not be wise.  There is safety in counsel as Scripture tells us in Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

Seeking guidance is simply an expression of wisdom when confirmation may be needed.  It is not a sign of weakness.  There is nothing wrong with hearing another person’s viewpoint and perspective, as long as that person is a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led Christian who is walking with the Lord.  When this is the case, we can have confidence in their counsel.

I call this display of wisdom—standing up for what is right and having the courage to stand one’s ground—“having backbone.”

People can shrink in their own strength and allow their convictions to become altered when they are confronted by others with strong personalities who push their own agendas.  Who does this sound like?

Yes, you’re correct—Satan.

He is always trying to subdue our minds and send us off track.  But we have Scripture to encourage us in our faith: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”—1 John 4:4

As God’s children, we have been given the power to stand tall in our faith without fear.  We have Jesus making intercession for us as we walk in God’s statutes.  Our made-up minds to serve Him should go without saying as we stand in His strength—unmovable in His grace.

The Holy Spirit prompts us and helps us know right from wrong.  There should be no question about that.  As Christians, we have the authority and the ability, through Christ, needed to refuse to compromise our faith or our beliefs because of some kind of drummed-up scare tactic or intimidation from our adversary, the devil.

He is a fallen foe who has only his roar to try to frighten us or persuade us to change our minds concerning the things of God.  But we are God’s children!

“Get thee behind me, Satan!”

That is the command we need to speak when the enemy attempts to intimidate, deceive, or move us away from what we know to be true.  The Holy Spirit does the rest because of whose we are in Christ Jesus.

Scripture gives us boldness in James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

When we submit ourselves to God and resist the enemy, we can stand firm.  We do not have to be shaken by fear, intimidation, strong personalities, or the pressures of the world.

We can stand.  We can remain steadfast.  We can refuse to compromise.  And we can be unmovable—not because of our own strength, but because we are standing in the grace of God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Not My Way to Go

I will begin these thoughts with the word “But.”  It is such a small word, yet sometimes it carries the greatest truth. 

But God knows which way is best for our spiritual growth.

“Come on,” you may be thinking.  “There’s got to be more to this thought.”  Yes, there is.

We cannot see around the corner of life, but God can.  He sees all, He knows all, and He desires good things for His children.  We must believe this.  It is absolutely true!

God desires an abundant life for us, despite what the devil tries to feed us.  God’s omnipotent power gives Him all authority and the ability to know what is best for us.  Yes, there are times when He says, “No.”  No to the direction we want to take.  No to the road we think will bring us happiness.  No to the plans we have carefully made.

And sometimes, His “no” is the very thing that protects us.

He redirects us for our betterment—not only for our spiritual growth and protection, but also for our physical well-being and mental clarity.  What does that mean, exactly?

It means that we are finite.  We are limited in our ability to know what is best for our own lives, our welfare, and our prosperity.  God, however, is infinite and omniscient.  He sees what we cannot see.  He knows what lies around the corner—what may be waiting to deceive, discourage, or devour us.

We must trust God with our coming and going because He knows best.  It really is as simple as that.  And as we trust Him, we walk in victory.

Peace becomes our companion as we travel His way, because Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  When we insist on going our own way, we are often moving in our own strength, like a lone wolf.

But wait. Didn't Jesus say, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”?  Yes, He did.  Then why do we sometimes feel so alone?

Perhaps it is because we have persisted in going our own way, refusing to heed the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit when He whispers, “Go this way.”

We learn through our mistakes.  And God is patient.  God is loving.  God is God.  He knows the way that leads to the best outcome, the right resolution, and the purpose He has prepared for us.

We may feel dissatisfied—even completely disappointed—when God says, “No.”  We may not understand why He has closed a door or changed the direction we thought our lives should take.  But He is our Heavenly Father, and we can trust Him with our lives.

Why?

Because through past experiences and prior encounters with the spirit of darkness, we have learned that God truly cares about what happens to us.  He cares when we struggle because we insisted on going our own way.  He cares enough to gently bring us back when we wander.

Remember the story Jesus told about the shepherd who had one sheep wander away from the ninety-nine?  The shepherd went looking.  He searched until he found the one who was lost.  And when he found it, he lovingly picked it up and carried it home.

You’ve heard of “Footprints in the Sand.”  Perhaps those footprints are not ours at all.  Perhaps they are Jesus’ prints.

When we are too weary to walk, He carries us close to His heart.  When we have wandered too far, He comes looking for us.  When we have lost our way, He does not abandon us.  He brings us home.

We are the sheep of His pasture.

And sometimes, the way we wanted to go is not the way He intends for us to go.  But God knows best.

So, when He says, “No,” let us learn to trust Him.  When He says, “Wait,” let us learn to be patient.  When He says, “Go this way,” let us follow.  Because the road He chooses for us may not always be the road we would have chosen for ourselves—but it is the road where He walks beside us.

And if Jesus is with us, we are never truly alone.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Poetry in Motion

What came to your mind when you read the title Poetry in Motion?

Was it the image of a beautiful ballerina gracefully moving across a stage?  Maybe it was watching a child take those precious first steps, or hearing their first words spoken.  Perhaps you thought of the overwhelming tenderness you felt the first time you held a newborn baby in your arms.

When I penned the title Poetry in Motion, my thoughts went somewhere much deeper.  I thought about my own born-again experience—the moment my life was forever changed and I was set free to worship God in spirit and in truth.

For me, it was poetry in motion when the Holy Spirit—eternal, holy, and perfect in every way—came to dwell within this vessel, mortal and imperfect in every way.

How can I adequately describe what it felt like to know that God had chosen to make His dwelling place within me?  I cannot fully explain it.  I can only testify to what I experienced.

I took my first steps as a babe in Christ when His nature began to become my nature.  Something inside me had changed.  The person I had been was no longer the person I wanted to remain.  The desires of my heart began to shift as I surrendered myself to Him.

It was the miraculous transformation that began the moment I repented of my sins and God forgave me.  In that moment, I experienced a mercy I could never have earned and a love I could never have deserved.  Nothing compares to the beauty of becoming a child of the Most High God.

When the blood of Jesus broke me free from Satan’s clutches and the chains that had bound me, I ran into the welcoming arms of Jesus.  I wanted nothing more than to rest in the loving embrace of my Savior—to bask in the warmth of His presence and know that I was finally free.

Free.  That word means something different to me now.

I know what it is to be bound, and I know what it is to be released.  I know what it feels like to carry the weight of sin, and I know what it feels like to lay that burden at the feet of Jesus.  I know what it is to wander, and I know the joy of finally finding my way home.

That breakaway was, indeed, poetry in motion.

And it was made possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He willingly went to the cross—not only for my sins, but for your sins and the sins of all humanity.  He gave His life so that we could have life.  He endured the cross so that we could experience freedom.  He rose again so that our story would not have to end in bondage, brokenness, or despair.

(John 3:16-17), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (vs 17) “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

When I think about the title Poetry in Motion, I think about redemption.

I think about what happens when a soul finally chooses to go God’s way.  I think about the person who has been wounded, weary, lost, and broken by sin and discovers that there is still hope.  I think about the miraculous new birth that brings healing to a sin-sick existence—spiritually, physically, and mentally.

I think about myself.  I think about the man I was and the man God is continually transforming me to become.

The journey has not meant that I became perfect.  I am still mortal.  I am still imperfect.  I still stumble.  But I am no longer walking alone, and I am no longer who I once was.

His grace keeps drawing me forward.  His love keeps calling me closer.  His Spirit keeps moving within me.  And with every step I take toward Him, I am reminded of where He brought me from.

So when a soul chooses to go God’s way, that move is more than a decision.  It is surrender.  It is transformation.  It is freedom.  It is redemption.

And that, my friend, is truly—Poetry in Motion.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Are the Love of His Heart

With all of the unrest and hatred that is filling the world, it is becoming more and more difficult to recognize—or even find—a smile on someone’s face.  There is so much hurt and worry surrounding the unknown factors that tomorrow may bring that it can be difficult for people to live in peace today because of that uncertainty.

Scripture tells us that in the last days, “the love of many shall wax cold.”  I see it happening everywhere I go.

Yet, in the midst of all the turmoil around us, I am profoundly grateful for the knowledge that those of us who are born again are the love of God’s heart.  I am in awe that the God of all creation loves me so dearly.  I would like to think that I am the apple of His eye.

I remember the awesome experience I had the day God forgave my sins.  In that moment, I experienced His love in a way I had never known before.  There was no feeling like it.  His love permeated every corner of my heart, and I literally sensed an overwhelming joy flood my soul.

To this day, I still say the words, “You and me, right, Lord?”

And it seems I always hear Him say, “That’s right, son.  It’s you and Me.”

Are you looking for love in a world that offers very little to satisfy that deep longing within your heart?

God’s love is all we need to fill the emptiness within us.  His love is simply there for the asking.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Needing love?  Jesus is the answer.

His love is coupled with hope—and amazing hope that tomorrow can be an even brighter day than today.  Every day is a good day, a glorious day, when we walk hand in hand with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yes, trials will come our way.  There will be moments of sorrow, disappointment, and loneliness.  There may even be times when friends and family members leave us to weep alone.  But His love sustains us through it all.

The Bible tells us that the Lord wipes away our tears and sticks closer than a brother.  He will never leave our side.  We can lean on Him in every situation and every season of life.

His love is eternal.  It never fades, never fails, and never ends.

When God speaks to our hearts through the love He has for us, stress and doubt begin to subside.  We can rest in the assurance that we are not forgotten, abandoned, or alone.

We are the love of His heart.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Element of Surprise

There are amazing times when surprises come our way that rock our world in the best possible way.  Then there are the unwanted surprises—the ones we could do without.  Personally, I dislike anything that brings discomfort, worry, or stressful moments of any kind.

When the unexpected happens, I immediately begin evaluating the situation.  Subconsciously, I start visualizing how things might have been done differently to prevent the bad surprise from happening in the first place—or what could be done to guard against it happening again.  Just after an unexpected event occurs, as it does with many of us, I can be knocked back on my heels until I fully grasp what is happening.

That is when I call out to God for strength, an attitude check, and the grace to subdue the anger that wants to take over my personality.  Sometimes that takes a little while.  I am thankful that, through the years, God has shown me that His grace truly is sufficient in all things.

No one likes bad news or unwanted surprises.  But such is life.  The unexpected will come, and I believe it is how we respond to those surprises that can either strengthen or weaken our relationship with God.

Casting blame does nothing to improve our situation or our attitude.  In fact, when we point our finger toward God and cry out, “Why did You let this happen?” we can unknowingly take a step backward from the very One who is greater than the problem itself.

Yet the Lord remains near, even in spite of ourselves.  He will never leave us.

God knows us, and He knows exactly how to handle every situation.  He can bring good out of what appears to be bad.  We simply cannot see the whole picture.  God can.  He has everything under control, and He will not forsake us.

This is where faith and trust go hand in hand.  We must believe that God will rise to the surface of every situation, just as cream rises to the top of fresh cow’s milk.  What may look like chaos to us is never chaos to God.

In the title, The Element of Surprise, the word “element” refers to a single action or occurrence—something that suddenly enters a situation and catches us off guard.

We know that good comes from God, while evil comes from our adversary, the devil.  But we must always remember that God is greater than the devil.  All power rests in the Creator of all things.  He is above everything He has created.

It was no surprise to God when Lucifer, the most beautiful of the angels He created, attempted to usurp His authority.  God is all-knowing.  Nothing catches Him off guard.

That means nothing that comes our way slips beneath His radar, so to speak.  No attack, temptation, deception, trial, or unwanted surprise can come against us without God knowing about it.

What we do with those things is what truly matters.

As Christians, we stand upon the power of Almighty God.  We are more than conquerors through the Holy Spirit who strengthens us.  The enemy may use the element of surprise, but surprise does not equal victory.

We have been given the whole armor of God to help us stand firm—to protect our minds, our bodies, and our spirits so that we are not defeated by whatever unexpected circumstance comes our way.

The element of surprise may catch us off guard, but it never catches God off guard.  And that makes all the difference.

When the unexpected comes, we may stumble.  We may become frightened, angry, confused, or overwhelmed.  We may need a moment—or several moments—to regain our footing.  But we do not have to face the surprise alone.  God is always there.

He was there before the surprise happened.  He is there while we are walking through it.  And He will still be there when we reach the other side.

Our responsibility is not to understand every surprise that comes our way.  Our responsibility is to trust the One who already knows the outcome.

The enemy may have the element of surprise.  But God has the victory.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Plain and Simple

I’m not stepping behind a pulpit or climbing atop some kind of soapbox to preach a sermon.  I’m simply sharing a few thoughts for today—thoughts that I hope, in some small way, will help someone facing hardship to find the courage and perseverance to keep going.

That is the heart of what I’m trying to say.

As children of God, we are blessed beyond measure with a very special Comforter and confidant—the Holy Spirit.  He was sent to draw us to Christ, encourage our hearts when we are struggling, strengthen us when we feel weak, and gently smooth out the rough edges that life so often leaves behind.

Sometimes life hurts.  Sometimes the road ahead looks uncertain, and the burdens we carry seem far too heavy for us to bear.  In those moments, it may be easy to wonder where God is or whether He truly understands what we are going through.

At this point, you may even be thinking, “This sounds too plain and simple to help me with the situation I’m facing.”

Perhaps that is exactly why I’m writing these thoughts.

“But how can I experience this Comforter?” you may be asking yourself.

I can only tell you what I have experienced personally and what countless born-again Christians have experienced after coming out of darkness and into the marvelous light of Jesus’ love.

The plain and simple truth is that God made it easy to come to Him—not hard at all.

He is not far away.  He is not hiding from us.  He is ever-present, ready to hear the sincere prayer of a repentant heart.  When we come to Him honestly and ask Him to forgive our sins, He forgives.

What an amazing thought—that the Creator of all things is willing to hear us when we call upon Him.

Scripture tells us that God’s plan of salvation is so plain and simple that even “the wayfaring man, though fools, shall not err therein.”

Yet the enemy would have us believe something entirely different.  The devil would have us believe that we are too unworthy for God’s grace, too sinful for His forgiveness, or somehow beyond the reach of His love.

The truth is, none of us is worthy on our own.  But that is where Jesus changes everything.

Through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for our sins, God made a way for us to be reconciled to Him.  Jesus willingly gave His life, died on the cross, and then, in a miraculous demonstration of God’s power, rose from the dead.

That is the Gospel.  That is grace.  And that is hope.

Were it not for Jesus, the outcome of our existence would be no different from those who reject His sacrifice and His amazing love.  But because of Jesus, our story does not have to end with this life.

The plain and simple bottom line is this: through the new birth, we have the promise that one day we will see Him face to face—the majestic Creator of all things.

Think about that for a moment.

The One who created the heavens and the earth, the One who knows every sorrow, every fear, every tear, and every burden we carry, has made a way for us to spend eternity with Him.

Because of Jesus, we have the hope of heaven.  We will spend eternity with Him rather than facing eternal separation from God and His goodness—a place where there is no ending, no second chance, and no escape.

So when life becomes difficult, when the road seems too long, and when you wonder whether you have the strength to take another step, remember this: You are not alone.  The Comforter is near.  God is listening.  Jesus has already made the way.

Sometimes the greatest truths really are the plainest and simplest.  And today, that truth is enough for me.  I thank God for Jesus.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Come Walk With Me

In past writings, I have used the expression “crossroads” to describe the experience I had when I made the decision to follow Jesus Christ.  I have said that I was standing at a crossroads, but the more I reflect on that life-changing moment, the more I realize that it was not so much a crossroads as it was a fork in the road—a place where I encountered the Lord and had to choose which path I would take.

This morning, at 1:30 A.M., I was awakened from a deep sleep.  My mind immediately became flooded with memories of that all-important night—the night when God forgave my sins and I became a born-again Christian.

With my eyes closed, I could see it clearly in my mind’s eye: a fork in the road.

At the entrance to each road stood a sign.

The road on the left was wide and inviting, but its sign was anything but welcoming.  It was made from a rough-hewn slab of wood, scorched and discolored as though it had been exposed to the intense heat of a raging fire.  The lettering was difficult to make out, but I could see what it said:

ROAD TO DESTRUCTION.

The road on the right was straight and narrow.  Its sign was entirely different.  It appeared to be a tablet of stone, clear and unblemished, with words etched into it as though by the very finger of God:

ROAD TO ETERNAL LIFE.

As I lay there, captivated by what my mind’s eye was showing me, I noticed someone standing just beyond the sign on the narrow road.  He was waving His hands above His head, trying desperately to get my attention.

The closer I looked, the more clearly I could see the jagged scars in His hands.

He was quietly calling to me, but the noise and calamity coming from the road on the left seemed determined to drown out His voice.  There was confusion, corruption, and every kind of worldly distraction competing for my attention.

Then, in the background, I heard something else—a growl, a roar, like that of a lion moving back and forth, searching for unsuspecting prey.

I could almost hear the words of Scripture: “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

It seemed as though that roaring lion was mocking the One who stood on the narrow road, calling me to follow Him.

Yet, despite all the noise, despite the confusion and worldly corruption that sought to keep me from hearing His voice, I could still make out what He was saying:

“Come walk with Me.”

In that moment, I realized the significance of the decision before me.  I was about to make a choice what would affect not only the rest of my life, but where I would spend eternity.

This vision of the fork in the road brought to mind the words of Scripture found in Galatians 6:7-8:

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

I had a choice to make.  Life or death.  The narrow road or the wide road.  One path led toward destruction.  The other led toward eternal life.

I am eternally grateful that I chose the road on the right.  For that is the road where Jesus walks with me—not only at the fork in the road, but every day of my journey.

And now, with each step, He leads me farther from the world and closer to home.  Home to heaven.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

White Swans

I haven’t seen too many swans in my lifetime, but I’ve watched videos now and then that made me smile as I appreciated their majestic beauty.  Even now, I visualize them as God’s beautiful ballerinas, gliding across picture-perfect ponds like miniature angels moving peacefully with seemingly minimal effort.  What wonderful creations of God!

I became aware of the noticeable change that takes place as swans grow from gray, fluffy newborns—called cygnets—into beautiful adult swans.  Like their parents, they eventually become the beauty of waterways in nature while growing stronger and learning the art of survival in a prey-versus-predator environment.  From birth, they follow closely behind their father and mother, doing their very best to emulate them in every way.

A cygnet does not wake up one morning and suddenly become a swan.  The transformation takes place gradually as it grows, matures, and becomes what God created it to be.  What a beautiful picture of new birth, living life, growing stronger, and surviving enemy attacks.  It reminds me of God’s transforming power of grace and forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit transforms babes in Christ into beautiful creations.  We are born again by His grace, but then we spend our lives growing, learning, following, and becoming more like our Heavenly Father.  The change may not happen all at once, but as we surrender ourselves to Him, He patiently works within us, transforming what was once stained by sin into something beautiful for His glory.

People may not always see the transformation taking place within us, but they can see the evidence of it.  What was once gray and stained by sin can become renewed and washed clean—white as snow through the grace and forgiveness of God.

Christians follow their Father in every way they can and do their best to become more like Him.  Like a young cygnet staying close to its parents while learning how to live, we must stay close to our Heavenly Father.  The Holy Spirit leads, comforts, corrects, and teaches us how to withstand temptation while learning to recognize the deceptions of our enemy and how to live in victory.

Like baby swans, believers learn how to survive spiritually in the environment around us through the love, guidance, and direction of God the Father.  We grow healthy and strong—physically, mentally, and spiritually—as children of the Most High Creator.

We may not always recognize the transformation taking place within us, but God does.  He sees the finished creation while He is still working on us.  He knows what we will become even while we are still growing, learning, and being transformed by His grace.

One day, the gray, fluffy cygnet becomes the beautiful white swan gliding peacefully across the water.  In much the same way, God takes lives stained by sin and, through His grace, transforms them into something beautiful.  We follow our Father, learn from Him, grow stronger through His Spirit, and become more like Him.

We walk in His beauty.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Asleep at the Switch...

It’s most important that we don’t fail to keep our ends tucked in when it comes to our relationship with Jesus.  When we guard against shirking our responsibility as Christians to keep in step with the Holy spirit as He leads us into all truth, we can walk in victory each and every day.

Staying submerged in His love is a sure way of remaining in His grace.  There is nothing worse for our spiritual awareness than to doze off at the wheel of responsibility or go to sleep at the switch of godly outreach.  There are souls all around us who are searching, hurting, and longing for the very grace we have received. 

A willingness to remain cognizant of those needing God’s grace goes hand in hand with the following Scripture in Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

I believe that when we take up our cross and follow the Lord, there are always opportunities to share the good news that Jesus Christ loves us dearly and is willing to carry our burdens when we cast our cares upon Him.  Sometimes those opportunities may seem small—a conversation, a kind word, a listening ear, or simply letting someone know that Jesus cares.  Yet God can use the smallest opening to make an eternal difference.

I believe Christians will not grow weary in well-doing when we keep our eyes upon God and allow His compassion and love to radiate and flow through us.  When His love is flowing through us, we don’t have to force anything; we simply become willing vessels through which His grace can reach someone who desperately needs it.

“Alertness” becomes our middle name as we stay busy doing the work of the Lord.  He never has to be concerned about our lack of faithfulness, our falling asleep at the switch, or our dozing off at the wheel as long as we, like the song says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full ln His wonderful face.”

Oh, what a privilege it is to remain awake, watchful, and ready when the Lord places someone in our path!  Remaining alert and sensitive to His leading allows those lost souls we encounter to find their way to the cross and become children of the most loving God.

May we never be found asleep at the switch when there is kingdom work to be done.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Strip me...

You might be thinking, “Wait a minute!  I think you’re getting a little off track and carried away with the title, aren’t you?”

You may even be asking yourself, “What is the title saying, exactly?”

I know it sounds a little off-color and out of left field compared to most of my other writings, but stay with me.  Although you may be interpreting the title as heading into some unsavory territory, please rest your mind.  All is well.  I’m not talking about a strip search, stripping down, or anything of that sort.  I’m not even referring to stripping off old paint down to bare metal in order to repaint a car.

I’m talking about the day when God stripped me of the old nature I was walking in and blessed me with a fresh, new coat of Holy Ghost primer and paint, while clothing me in a garment of praise.

God stripped my soul of the sin and degradation that were keeping me enslaved—bound to the enemy of my soul.  The Lord set me free to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

I suppose I could have used a title like “Cleanse Me,” but I wanted to catch your attention with the title I chose.

Cleansing—or stripping, in this context—is referring to the amazing gift that God, the Creator, gave to lost and dying people who needed a Savior: you, me, and all of humanity.

How many of us would give our only child to be tortured, beaten beyond recognition, and nailed to a cross in place of sinners who hated us?

But this is exactly what God did for us because He loved us as we were—sinners without any hope whatsoever of making heaven our home.

Jesus cleansed me from all sin when He stripped away the old habits, the old nature, and the old person I had become, replacing them with newness of life after I bowed my knees before Him in prayer and asked Him to forgive me of my sins.

He stripped me clean—fresh as the driven snow.

The following statement is more than a metaphor.  When Scripture says that we are cleansed from sin by the shedding of blood, this is true because God says it is true.  No one can be saved without the shedding of blood—the blood of the Lamb.

Jesus, and Jesus alone, bought our freedom when He died for our sins.  And because He was resurrected from the dead, we have the hope that we, too, will be resurrected should we go the way of the grave.  We will meet the Lord in the sky when He returns for His bride—all born-again believers.

This will happen because He stripped us of all unrighteousness when He saved our souls from corruption.  He cleansed us when He shed His blood on the Cross of Calvary.

So, yes—“Strip Me.”

Strip away everything that keeps me bound.  Strip away the old nature, the old habits, the sin, and everything that separates me from You.

Then clothe me in Your righteousness, fill me with Your Spirit, and give me that garment of praise.

Because when Jesus saves us, He doesn’t simply cover up the old life.  He makes us new.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Restored by the Master Restorer

I know people who are car collectors and enjoy tinkering with vintage automobiles, restoring them to their original factory specifications. The paint jobs on some of these “beauties” are outstanding—painted with love and painstaking attention to detail.  Those who care deeply about their hobbies take their time with their projects.  They don’t rush the process of restoration.

That dedication and long-suffering are a picture of our Heavenly Father.  He is dedicated to making us “new” and conforming us to the image of His dear Son, Jesus Christ.  He doesn’t rush the process.  He knows that with patience and perseverance, the finished work will eventually reveal itself.

The rusty bucket of bolts, the dented panels, the faded paint, and the tarnished chrome can all be refined in the hands of the Master Restorer.  Eventually, people begin to notice the changes.  They see something beautiful emerging from what once appeared to be a hopeless wreck, and they may begin to desire the same restoration for their own broken lives.

God brings people into our renewed lives who are also in need of restoration.

He restores us to His intended purpose—to reflect His image, which was marred by the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Sin corrupts and ages us in many ways.  It leaves dings in our character, creates fading and sin-baked exterior finishes, and wears out our tires as we travel over the potholes of sin on the wide road that leads to destruction.

But God offers us a complete makeover.  The old, decrepit wreck can become a new creation when we place our broken and battered souls into the hands of the Master Restorer.

God makes all the difference when we trust Him with the restoration process.  He patiently works out the dents, repairs the damage, and fills our blemished places with the healing balm of His grace and mercy.

We can shine like new after being renewed through the transformation of the new birth.

Jesus provided this promise when He died on the cross for our redemption.  Because of His sacrifice, we don’t have to remain the wreckage that sin has made us.

Thanks be to God that He doesn’t throw us onto the heap of incorrigible wrecks and says, “There’s no hope for this one.”

I was that wreck.

I was a broken-down life headed for the garbage heap of discarded and forgotten things. But God saw something worth restoring.  He rescued me from the garbage can of broken pieces and I found myself in the hands of the Master Restorer.

And He is still restoring me.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I've Got It

The “it” in the title could represent many things.  I am not talking about the Holy Spirit, because He is not an “it.”  Rather, I am talking about the power He represents and makes available to every man, woman, boy, and girl who says “yes” to Jesus and becomes a Christian.

When we surrender our lives to the Lord, we walk in that power.

After Jesus was miraculously resurrected from the dead following His crucifixion, He ascended into heaven.  But before He left, He promised to send another Comforter—the Holy Spirit.  He would empower believers with power from on high to be His witnesses and to do mighty works in Jesus’ name.

If Christians would stop for just a moment and allow that truth to resonate within them, we would move through life differently.

Think about what happens at the new birth.  Our sins are forgiven, and we become sons and daughters of Almighty God.  Through Christ, we have direct access to the Father.  The veil has been torn, and we can boldly enter His presence because of who we are in Christ.  Jesus made this possible.

We do not have to compromise our faith.  We do not have to hang our heads in defeat.  We do not have to live defeated lives.

And we certainly can resist the powers of darkness because, as Scripture says, “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”

We can shout, “I’ve got it!” in the face of trouble.

We can stand against the enemy.  We can pray for the sick and believe God for healing.  We can resist the lies of darkness and stand tall, holding our heads high when confusion knocks at our door.

“We’ got it!”

We have the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our omnipotent Father has provided His children with everything we need to stand firm when Satan whispers, “That power was only for Christians in biblical times.”

Remember who is speaking.  Satan is a liar and the father of lies.

We are God’s children.  What, then, can ultimately stand against us when God is for us?  When Christians truly believe that God is all-powerful and that He will never leave us nor forsake us, we begin to walk in victory.

Born-again believers need not be afraid to step out in faith and trust God to move mountains of despair, mountains of depression, mountains of sickness, and mountains of doubt.  Jesus told us that faith can move mountains—and we can pray and believe in His mighty name.

Peter and John were flesh and blood, just like you and me.  Yet they were well acquainted with the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.

At the Gate called Beautiful, Peter encountered a man who had been lame from birth and who was begging for alms.  Peter looked directly at him and said: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

And a miracle happened.

The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles in those days is the same Holy Spirit who dwells within every child of God today.

I believe what Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion applies to all believers:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”— John 16:33

Trials and tribulations will come our way.  Jesus never promised us a life without trouble.  But He did promise us His presence, His peace, and the victory He has already won.

So when trouble comes, when doubt whispers, when fear knocks, and when the enemy tells us that we are powerless, we must remember who lives within us.

We belong to God.  We have the Holy Spirit.  We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ.  We have the authority to stand in faith.  We have the promise of God’s presence.

So, when the storms of life come, we don’t have to shrink back in defeat.  We can stand tall and declare: “I’ve got it!”

There’s something about the power of the Holy Spirit.  I can’t fully explain it.  But I’ve got it.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Please, I Want More...

My wife makes some of the best spaghetti in town.  There is always room for more—it’s just that good.  Pasta made with love satisfies my hunger so completely that I usually skip dessert when she serves me a second helping.

Some people want a little more money.  Others want more recognition at work.  When there are those who desire more fame and fortune in Hollywood.  As for me, I want more of Jesus.

I want to walk as He walked, hearing the voice of God speaking gently to my heart.  There is a chorus our church once loved to sing, “More of You.”  The words express a longing that reaches far beyond the temporary things of this world: “More of You; more of You.  I’ve had it all, but what I need is more of You.  Of things I’ve had my fill, but yet I hunger still.  Empty and bare; Lord, hear my prayer, for more of You.”

When we compare the Lord to the riches of this world, positions of authority or the luxurious lifestyles of those who live in penthouses atop towering skyscrapers, none of these things—with all their glitter and fanfare—can provide lasting joy or true satisfaction like Jesus does for those who desire more of Him.

Scripture expresses this thought well in Mark 8:36: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

That verse certainly gives a person pause, doesn’t it?

This life is temporary.  Nothing in this world lasts forever—not like eternity.  The things we have accumulated will one day be left behind when we die.  We cannot hook a U-Haul trailer to our soul and take our possessions into the afterlife.

As we came into this world, so shall we leave it.  What, then, should be our greatest priority?

We should focus on living a Christian life and laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.  Jesus reminds us of this in Matthes 6:19-21:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The question, then, is not simply, How much more can I have?  Perhaps the better question is, How much more of Jesus do I want?

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Rounding Third and Heading Home

 

It’s exciting to sit in a stadium and cheer for your favorite baseball team.  It’s even more special when one of your players connects with a fastball and sends it out of the ballpark.  I can picture it now: the player rounding third base as his teammates wait at home plate, smiling, jumping up and down, and celebrating with joyful hugs when he finally touches home.

I imagine heaven having a similar kind of celebration when a born-again believer finishes the race and heads home after faithfully serving the greatest Coach of all—the One with nail-scarred hands.

All of heaven rejoices when one of God’s faithful players crosses home plate after a successful season of serving Jesus here on earth.  I can picture loved ones who have gone before, eagerly waiting to embrace them and welcome them home with words of praise and adoration.  Together, they enter the City of Everlasting Life— “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10)—walking the streets of pure gold.

The celebration that follows must surpass anything we have ever experienced here on earth.  Even winning the pennant after a victorious season filled with ups and downs, hard knocks, disappointments, and frustrations cannot compare with the joy of finally arriving home.

In the end, it pays to choose the right team—the team of God Almighty.  His team doesn’t always have an easy season, but the final outcome is already decided.

Victory is assured.

So keep running the bases.  Keep your eyes on the Coach.  Keep serving Jesus faithfully.

One day, you’ll round third, head for home, and hear the greatest welcome of all: “Well done.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd