After Ground Zero

What do I mean by After Ground Zero?  Perhaps I should begin with some kind of disclaimer about the content of this writing.  But then again, there is no disclaimer at the beginning of the Bible.  It is truth from beginning to end.

I realize the title is provocative, and what follows is direct and straightforward.  My intention is to capture the attention of those who are searching for truth rather than for a message softened by sugarcoating.

The title is not referring to the point on the earth’s surface directly beneath a nuclear explosion.  Even the thought of such devastation—death and destruction on a massive scale—makes me uneasy.  It is a sobering subject.  Yet there is another subject I avoided discussing for many years because it was equally unsettling.

I once heard a saying that caught my attention: Any day is a good day when you wake up on this side of the grass.  More than once, I have heard people complain about growing older—myself included—until a friend exclaimed, “What’s wrong with you?  When you consider the alternative, growing older isn’t so bad!”

In essence, he was saying, six feet under the ground or another year older—which would you choose?  That conversation led me to interpret the phrase Ground Zero in this title as “Ground Zero—Six Feet Under.”  And after that, then what?

That is the question I want to explore.

I remember rejecting conversations whenever friends brought up death or the hereafter.  If they persisted, I could become downright unpleasant.  Such discussions reminded me of what lay ahead because I was living apart from God.  Deep down, I knew what Scripture taught about those who reject God’s Son, and it was a truth I could neither escape nor comfortably discuss.

I knew that if I continued down the path I was on, there would be no hope for me in the end.  I must admit that fear played a significant role in my resistance to talking about death before I confessed my sins and became a Christian.  From my childhood Sunday School lessons, I understood the penalty of sin.

When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I was freed from that fear and from the warning described in Galatians 6:7-8: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

I knew what the final verdict would be if I waited too long to seek God’s forgiveness: “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

When I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, He gave me peace and joy.  As I continue to walk with Him, I am learning that God’s grace is sufficient in every circumstance and that His love is abundant, unfailing, and freely given.

For those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, what comes after ground zero is everlasting life in heaven.  This is our assurance.  This is our hope.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

A Battle Within

Becoming a Christian does not exempt us from heartaches, struggles, or battles within our souls.  The overwhelming difference between a Christ-filled believer and someone searching for fulfillment is the Comforter who resides within every Christian—the Holy Spirit.  He brings victory to our attitudes and temperaments while continually reminding us of the hope we have in Jesus.  He gives steadfastness to our walk of faith.

Though a battle may be raging within us, we can always cast our burdens and problems at the feet of Jesus.  He never fails to speak, “Peace, be still,” because of the immeasurable love He has for each one of us.  We are precious to Him, and He loves us dearly.

You may wonder, Why do we have to endure battles and heartaches?  If I had never faced a problem, how would I know that God could solve it?  I believe yesterday’s battles become today’s victories.  Yesterday’s trials provide strength for today.  God desires for us to learn to trust Him in all things.

I stand amazed at the grace God bestowed upon you and me through the cross of Calvary.  Even at my worst, Jesus died for me and for all humanity.  The God-Man, Jesus Christ, freely gave His life for our sins—paying a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could never pay.

What greater love is there than this?  Do we really think He would leave us to fight our battles in our own strength?  Absolutely not!

Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have.  For God has said, ‘I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you.’”  This is one of the most comforting and foundational promises in Scripture, reminding us that we are never alone, no matter what we face.

Another powerful promise is found in Deuteronomy 31:8: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Remember this: every battle within us is subject to the name of Jesus.  In Him, victory prevails.  In Him, peace reigns.  In Him, our walk is steadfast and sure.  A battle within is temporary when the Holy Spirit is present and at work in our lives.

The Lord is always loving, always faithful, and always caring for us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

A Step Backward

After experiencing the wonder of the new birth through Jesus Christ—and the peace and hope that come with it—it is difficult to understand why anyone would choose to take a step backward toward the life they once lived.

As I reflect on the “why” behind it, I believe that when a person fails to keep their eyes on Jesus, their spiritual vision can become blurred and unfocused.  Their thinking may begin to justify unwise actions, causing them to become spiritually unstable, like someone standing on sinking sand without a firm foundation beneath their feet.

When a simple glance over one’s shoulder at past pursuits becomes a lingering stare at the life they lived before knowing the Lord, it is time to stop and take notice.  Such a person may be standing on the edge of stepping away from the grace that once set them free from sin.  A shift in desires can slowly impair godly judgment, placing them on dangerous ground.

The truth is, past pleasures can still seem appealing because they once satisfied fleshly desires—if only for a moment.  Yet they never brought anything lasting or fulfilling.  This gradual movement in the wrong direction is known as backsliding, and it rarely happens overnight.  It often begins when a person allows their mind to wander instead of disciplining it to dwell on godly things.

Satan presents enticing distractions that appeal to the senses.  He tempts people to wonder what they might be missing and entices them to touch, taste, listen, look, or indulge “just for a moment.”  But a backward step is already forming on the horizon when we fail to reject what is being presented to our fleshly desires.

Dwelling on past experiences without remembering the heartache and emptiness that accompanied a sinful lifestyle can lead to poor choices and self-justification.  The things of this world can easily entice an undisciplined heart.  When the desire for worldly entertainment outweighs the desire to remain faithful to Christ, it is as though one is trampling underfoot the precious blood Jesus shed on the cross for our redemption.

Yet we need not live in fear or anxiety over these things when we walk in the Spirit.  God gives us the strength to resist temptation when we “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service.”

A step backward does not appeal to believers who continue walking by faith.  Their hope rests in Jesus Christ, who is faithful to sustain us and provide a way of escape in times of temptation so that we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

In Him, we stand firm whenever Satan attempts to deceive us and lead us astray.  A step backward becomes unthinkable when we are standing upon the Solid Rock—Jesus Christ Himself.  He alone is our sure and steadfast foundation.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Best Version of Ourselves

Let’s be honest: people seem like they are becoming increasingly rude.  Rather than responding to rudeness with more rudeness, I’ve been trying to understand why people are not always the best version of themselves.

No doubt the economy plays a major role.  High prices for food, gas, utilities, and rent can negatively affect people’s dispositions and attitudes.

Just this morning, I took my wife to one of our favorite restaurants for breakfast.  Our server seemed distant, inattentive, and not fully present, if you know what I mean.  I began to feel annoyed by her attitude and apparent lack of customer appreciation.  The atmosphere was far from inviting, and I found myself wishing we had chosen another morning to eat there.

As I started to grumble to my wife, she quietly said, “There are only two servers, and they’re having to handle all the tables themselves.”

At that moment, I realized what I was actually witnessing was the pressure our server was under because of the lack of help and the sudden rush of customers.  Perhaps the owner had cut back on staff, or maybe another server had called in sick.  I didn’t know the reason, but I did know one thing: my attitude needed adjusting.

The bottom line was simple—she was overwhelmed and doing the best she could under the circumstances.

Sometimes, when we don’t have all the facts, we are too quick to judge.  Shame on me for falling into that category.

As I looked around, I noticed a table of five, another of six, and several smaller parties scattered throughout the restaurant.  It’s unfortunate when we allow ourselves to sink to the same level of rudeness we dislike in others.

Maybe it would do us good to revisit Galatians 5:22-23 and put into practice the fruit of the Spirit that God expects from us: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”

If you’re like me—and I’m still working on this with God’s help—we need to check our attitudes at the door: at restaurants, workplaces, sporting events, and especially at home, just to name a few.

We become the best version of ourselves when we remember that others may be watching and listening.  We become the best version of ourselves when we set aside poor attitudes while young eyes and ears are observing how Mom and Dad respond to difficult situations.

We can never go wrong by asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?”  The answer will always guide us toward becoming the best version of ourselves.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

What's in a Name

Years ago, while managing projects for a building contractor, I would often write reminders on the palm of my hand so I wouldn’t forget the important tasks before me.  That simple habit reminds me of a powerful truth found in Scripture: God has written our names on the palms of His hands because we matter deeply to Him.

Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

God knows each of us personally.  He knows our names, our struggles, and our need for forgiveness.  He also remembers the great price that was paid so our sins could be forgiven—the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus endured terrible suffering for humanity.  He was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross with spikes through His hands and feet.  A crown of thorns was forced onto His head as soldiers ridiculed Him, calling Him the King of the Jews.  Yet through all of His pain and suffering, Jesus remained committed to fulfilling God’s plan to save mankind.

Before He died, Jesus spoke the words, “It is finished.”  In that moment, the work of redemption was complete.  He willingly laid down His life so we could receive mercy instead of judgment, grace instead of condemnation, and eternal life instead of separation from God.  No one took His life from Him—He freely gave it out of love for us.

Even after His death, a soldier pierced His side with a spear, but the victory had already been won.  God’s purpose had been accomplished.

I often think about the scars in Jesus’ hands and what they represent.  To me, they are a constant reminder of His unfailing love, compassion, and sacrifice for every one of us.

Acts 4:12 tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

So what’s in a name?

There is one name above all others—the name of Jesus Christ, the only name through whom we can find salvation and eternal life.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Shifting Direction

I hope these thoughts do not bore you or leave you with a bad impression after reading them.  I believe the prophecies written in the Bible are indeed unfolding in our world today.  Attempting to overlook, ignore, or hide from this reality does not change the truth of Scripture.

(2 Timothy 3:1-5), “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away.”

The thoughts shared here come from a man who once wandered down the road of despair, taking one uncertain step after another, indecisive in nearly every way.  My direction changed after the Holy Spirit gently beckoned me to “come unto Him.”  I was weary and heavy-laden before God forgave my sins, and He gave me rest.  He showed me the only path truly worth traveling.

Through this writing, I hope to offer insight that may help someone determine which direction is right for them—a direction that brings peace to a troubled soul.

I do not believe it is healthy for anyone to think they are above evil or capable of resisting it solely through their own strength.  Sin is everywhere.  It seeks our attention and attempts to rub shoulders with us every day.  It comes at us from every angle and in forms we often fail to recognize.  We must learn to discern wolves in sheep's clothing and do everything within our power to resist the temptation of taking the “second look.”

This is where the Holy Spirit intervenes on our behalf.

Sinful traps often enter through what we allow ourselves to look upon and can lead a person astray because sin is frequently disguised as something “easy on the eyes.”  Such deception has the power to influence the thinking of those who entertain questionable thoughts.  Uncontrolled curiosity can persuade a person into believing they are missing out on something pleasurable or desirable.

We must guard our minds against the well-crafted lies that whisper within our thoughts.  We must not allow evildoers—or the enemy of our soul—to plant seeds that lead to regret, heartache, and spiritual compromise through satanic lies and demonic manipulation.

This was my struggle during my teenage years and early twenties before I came to know the Lord.  I failed to filter out irrational and destructive influences that misdirected my life.  You’ve heard the phrase, “Garbage in, garbage out,” often used in reference to computers.  Our minds are far more complex, yet they too can be manipulated into believing something is acceptable when it is not.

Because I refused to see what God wanted me to see, my spiritual vision became like tunnel vision.  I only focused on what the adversary wanted me to notice.  I became blind to the godly boundaries that would have guided my life in a worthwhile direction had I not been so stubborn and determined to do things my own way while walking away from God.

In my unstable wandering, I focused only on momentary pleasures as I drifted into places my mother and father had warned me about.  Instead of listening to their voices of wisdom echoing in my heart—telling me to run from sin and resist temptation—I chose to fantasize and fraternize with evil.

Something worth considering is how often Christians are tempted to rationalize something “just for a moment,” convincing themselves it may not really be as harmful as they once believed.  I believe this can become the first step toward justifying sin in one’s mind.

For this reason, we must remain cautious and reject such thoughts before they find lodging within us.  Do not give evil a foothold.  Resist looking at things you know in your heart are wrong.

Uncontrolled thoughts and spiritually blind reasoning, originating from the enemy of our souls, remind me of "the forbidden taste" that took place in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the fruit He commanded them not to eat.  Justification can pull a person into deep waters when they knowingly yield to temptation and partake in sin.

I understand these thoughts may expose behavioral struggles and issues many people would rather avoid confronting.  I also realize this subject touches a broad range of personal disciplines and matters involving the stimulation of the senses.  Yet I believe most people genuinely desire greater stability and peace in their lives.  Often, they simply need direction—guidance that points them toward what their soul is truly searching for.

That, in essence, was my struggle.  I wrestled between the “walk of peace” and the “walk of compromise.”

Walking in peace requires the God-given strength of the Holy Spirit so we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.  Through God’s sustaining grace, those seeking peace are given the strength and courage to separate themselves from even the appearance of evil.  Through the Holy Spirit, they are empowered to resist temptation and walk in obedience.

I am deeply thankful that I shifted direction when I did and chose to follow Jesus and walk in God’s way.  My feet are now planted upon a firm foundation—the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Home Remedy

It is a comforting and deeply gratifying feeling to know we are wanted and loved in a world that can often feel hurried, distracted, and disconnected.  In the busyness of everyday life, many people—young and old alike—struggle to find time for family, meaningful relationships, and genuine connection with others.

It seems that the closeness and togetherness once shared so naturally in many homes are gradually fading.  Life today is far more complex than it was years ago.  Technology, constant activity, and the pressures of modern living have changed the way families spend time together.  Many of the simple joys that once brought satisfaction and lasting memories now compete with endless distractions.

Children and adults live in a world of instant access and constant entertainment, leaving little room for the quiet simplicity that once nurtured family bonds.  Even when families gather in the same room, screens and outside distractions can sometimes replace meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and genuine interaction.

Sadly, the family room can become a place where each person exists in his or her own separate world rather than a place of togetherness.  At times, it feels as though society is losing some of the warmth and affection that strengthen relationships—a loving embrace, encouraging words, shared dreams, and heartfelt conversations that inspire hope and understanding.

Communication between generations can also become difficult.  Parents may sincerely try to offer wisdom and guidance, while younger generations, shaped by a rapidly changing world, may see things differently.  Yet both young and old long to be heard, understood, and valued.

What is happening to family togetherness and appreciation for one another?  What influences are shaping the atmosphere within our homes?  These are questions worth asking ourselves as we consider what truly matters most.

One thing I have come to believe is this: when prayer is neglected and faith is placed quietly aside, homes can begin to lose some of the peace, strength, and spiritual foundation they once held.  I still believe that a family that prays together can remain united—emotionally, spiritually, and lovingly.

It is never too late to seek God with sincerity and humility, asking Him to restore what has become strained or distant.  Through prayer, hearts can soften, relationships can heal, and doors can open to renewed understanding, peace, and love within the home.

God is not distant from us.  He cares deeply about our families and our struggles.  He desires to bring healing between siblings, between husbands and wives, and between parents and children.  Yet lasting change often requires patience, discipline, forgiveness, and a willing heart.

When hearts sincerely seek God, change begins to take place.  The Holy Spirit gives wisdom, courage, and loving words that can help restore broken communication and strengthen relationships.  Those who seek Him will experience His guidance and presence in powerful ways.

Never forget: prayer can change things.

Jesus intercedes on our behalf before Almighty God.  He cares about every burden, every broken relationship, and every challenge that enters the home.  His desire is not division, but restoration, peace, and love.

Change may not come overnight, but healing can come little by little.  God remains faithful, loving us deeply and desiring harmony within our homes.  He alone is the true remedy for hearts and families in need of restoration.

And so I still believe: PRAYER CHANGES THINGS.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Absence of Fear

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “fight or flight,” which speaks to the built-in reaction God placed inside us to either leave a frightening situation or stay and face whatever comes our way.  I don’t know if there is truly an absence of fear when a person stays, or if they simply know how to handle fear in such a way that they use the adrenaline produced to their advantage.  Risk-takers do not know what the final outcome of their bravery may bring, yet some individuals are compelled to remain rather than run.

Fear can produce two results—fight or flight.

I was raised in churches where sermons about “the wages of sin is death” got pretty heated from the pulpit.  Hell was presented as the consequence non-Christians would endure for eternity—a scary message for young ears to hear.  Listening intently, the words were certainly compelling for young minds and adults alike to grasp.  I could almost feel the flames singeing the blond hairs on my skinny little arms as I scooted closer to my dad for protection.

Sitting quietly in the pew, I was ready to take flight and vacate the place—or call the local fire station to come save me—but there were no cell phones back then.

With all kidding aside, the message of the gospel is serious regarding salvation.  It is still presented in the church I attend today as an adult, and the message remains the same—Jesus Christ and Him crucified for the sins of humanity.

The sermons I heard years ago from inspired and anointed preachers often scared people into repentance, whereas today the Good News about Jesus is frequently preached with love and tenderness.  Both styles of preaching produced results, but I wonder how many people chose the “flight” reaction and left rather than the “fight” response of staying to see what would happen.  I also wonder how many pastors still preach hellfire and brimstone, with a touch of damnation thrown in for good measure.

I’m certainly not belittling, condemning, or mocking men of God—shepherds of their flocks.  That’s simply how sermons were delivered in the churches my family attended years ago.  Powerful and vivid messages, for sure, captured the attention of the parishioners.  I know this because it got my dad’s attention the night he gave his heart to the Lord.

But we have to remember, it has always been—and still is—the working of the Holy Spirit that quickens and draws sinners to God, usually without the fear factor.

As it says in Scripture, “No one comes to the Father unless the Spirit who sent Me draws him.”

The message of salvation has not changed.  It is still Jesus Christ and Him crucified for the sins of humanity.  I believe, for the most part—though I’m not completely certain—that the manner in which salvation messages are presented has changed.

Talk about fear—before I became a Christian, I remember walking in fear constantly.  I knew that if I were to die without a reservation in heaven, what the preachers warned about would happen.  “No Jesus; no life.”  Even when I went to bed at night, that worry lingered in my mind.  It must have been those hellfire sermons from my childhood embedded deep within the gray matter of my brain.

Whatever the reason, and whatever it took to get my attention that I was lost and needed a Savior, I’m glad it happened.

I am now a child of God.

Because of Jesus, my reservation has been made in heaven—no more fear.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Echoes of Past Memories

Do you ever find yourself stuck in an endless loop of thought-disturbing memories from the past that cause deep remorse or even pain?  Bad memories can certainly knock the wind out of a person’s sails at times.  It sometimes happens to me when I’m most vulnerable, when my mind is trying to retain some semblance of spiritual awareness.

As I go through my daily activities or pillow my head at night, memories of the past repeat themselves over and over in my mind like an annoying echo that reverberates harsh sounds affecting emotions.  To me, they resemble recurring dreams I have had through the years.   These negative memories reflect the troubled years I experienced prior to meeting Jesus and accepting Him as Lord and Savior.

Scripture tells us, “Old things shall pass away; behold, all things become new.”  I believe these disturbances are meant to disrupt my relationship with God Almighty and the dependence I have on Him as my Heavenly Father.  It feels like warfare is going on inside my mind between good and evil, where the Holy Spirit within me is battling the powers of darkness that seek to create feelings of defeat and regret rather than the hope I now have in Jesus Christ.

I feel the effects in my inner person when lingering memories of my past life—when I was away from the Lord—attempt to remind me of the former person I once was, even though I am no longer that person today.  The born-again experience I had when I surrendered my life to Jesus made all the difference in how I now respond to life, compared to the days when I walked apart from God.

A person who has been made new in Christ and set free from sin through God’s saving grace knows exactly what positive changes that have taken place in their life and the miracles experienced when God forgave their sins—new desires, new goals, and a new life.  Because of Jesus, the old person fades quickly in the light of God’s glory when the burden of sin has been lifted from weary shoulders, bringing peace to a soul where there was once none.

This transformation from death unto life— “the new birth”—includes forgiveness for all sins committed while a person was away from God doing their own thing.  The accuser, the enemy of our soul, the spirit of darkness, would have us dredge up the old nature that God set us free from, doing everything possible to make us focus on the things God has already forgiven.

But Christians are much stronger than our adversary wants us to believe.  He tries to hide the fact that believers are Spirit-filled and endued with power from on high.  He clouds our judgment with negative thoughts and keeps the mind occupied with painful memories, but only if we give in to the deception.  He knows that when we resist him, he must flee, because Scripture says so.

When we walk in the Spirit, Satan is no longer the master deceiver over our lives.  The Spirit of God reveals how subtle past memories can attempt to deceive us and steal our victory.  Yet God gives us the power to overcome the temptation of dwelling on old sins, old desires, and old habits.

1 John 4:4 tells us: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

We are sons and daughters of the Most High God.  We have the Holy Spirit within us to keep echoes from the past from consuming our thoughts or disturbing the abundant life God provided through Jesus, His Son.

When we were liberated at the cross, we were set free from self-condemnation over past sins because of God’s grace.  The Lord prevents bad memories from haunting a person’s mind when they cast their cares upon Him.  He wants us to walk in total freedom and gives us liberty to reject negative thoughts that consume the precious time we have with Him.

When we give Him our all, feelings of remorse are cast away as we plead the blood of Jesus over our lives.  Past memories cease to invade the sanctity of the hearts of those who have been set free by God’s mercy.

No one has the ability to go back in time to redo or change things that God has so graciously forgiven.  We need only believe that ALL shortcomings and ALL acts committed against God are under the blood of Jesus.

The past is in the past; let us leave it there.  Our present and future victories revolve around the new beginning God promised when we invite Jesus into our hearts—the born-again experience.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God's Providence

The wonder of God’s providence and the way He works in people’s lives amazes me.  The way He uses situations and establishes things in proper alignment for the purpose of showing His love toward us sometimes exceeds my mental capacity to grasp just how much He cares—especially when it happens to me.

The more I think about God and His omnipotence, and the way He is instrumental in bringing about His perfect will to those with expectant hearts, the more it establishes an ongoing trust, holy admiration, and childlike faith within me.  It goes beyond my imagination to fully comprehend such kinship with God as my Heavenly Father.

The more I learn of His love through personal experience, the more enamored and deeply intrigued I become with how circumstances come together to bring about positive results and even miraculous answers to desperate prayers.

Though patience and waiting for prayers to be answered may not be some people’s strong point, I am overwhelmed by the times God answers mine.  For me, it is most interesting to look back and see just how things were formatted, formulated, and laid out perfectly, as though they were preordained to happen exactly as they did.

But wait—they were.

Every happening was in God’s plan.

We must not forget that the Creator of all living things, who loves us dearly, is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.  He sees every tomorrow before the sun rises and is constantly at work caring for us.

It is understandable that some people may not fully grasp the reality that God is in control of their destiny when they ask for His direction and desire for His will to be done in their lives.  But He is.

As I continue to grow in the Lord, I am learning more and more that when prayers are answered, the circumstances leading up to those answers are God-ordained.  Without question, they do not happen by chance.

Each thing, each happening, takes place just as God intended.  One by one, because of His providence, things fall into place to produce miracles that cannot be explained away as blind luck. They are miracles from God, brought about by Him through the working of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life.

The odds of things coming together as they do when God wants something to happen are astronomical.  When we pray according to His will and things unfold exactly as they do, it is God.

God’s provisions are limitless.

The interactions and wonderful encounters I have had with God through the years are experiences that everyone can have for themselves.  God is no respecter of persons.  What He has done for me, He will do for you.

As I grow in grace, I am becoming more and more cognizant—even enlightened—about how things come together.  It is because of a higher power at work in my life: God Almighty.

I believe strongly in Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delights in his way.”

A person need not go through life wondering or doubting whether they are walking in God’s will.  They only need to believe that He is aware of their needs and is touched by the feelings of their infirmities.  He desires the very best for their lives.

When we allow our minds and hearts to believe, we can know assuredly that God has everything under control. We do not have to allow doubt to evoke sadness, regret, or deep emotional fear that He may be too busy to see our needs and work them out.

We must remember that God’s providence is not dependent upon our ability to see around corners or behold tomorrow before it arrives.  We must trust that God is willing and ready to provide an abundant life for those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

Faith Without Works is Dead

To go along with my prior writing, Faith Requires Works, I will endeavor to bring the following thoughts a little closer to home and make them more relatable to where the rubber meets the road, so to speak.

This story is not meant to hurt your faith or discourage you in any way.  Rather, it is my desire to encourage you to remain open to what God wants to do in your life and how He can bring about miracles.

As a young boy growing up in the small town of Martinez, California, I was the youngest of four children born to my parents.  Sadly, I suffered from many allergies, which were aggravated by the close proximity of an oil refinery just over the hill.  At times, my allergies became so severe that Dad contemplated moving to a drier climate more suitable for my health.  Phoenix, Arizona, became his final choice.

One winter in Martinez, I became very ill with a bad cough that settled deep into my bronchial tubes.  Mom and Dad did everything they knew to do to help the cough subside.  They used two vaporizers placed beneath a makeshift tent while I breathed in the steam.  They also rubbed Vicks VapoRub, a mentholated topical ointment, on my chest.  My parents believed deeply in prayer and were earnestly seeking God for a miracle.

Finally, they took me to a doctor who diagnosed my condition as a severe case of acute bronchitis.  Dad took me home against the doctor’s advice.  The doctor wanted to hospitalize me immediately, but Dad was a man of faith who believed prayer was the key to bringing about miracles.

Back at home, Mom and Dad continued praying and expecting God to move.  However, when they returned with me to the doctor for another examination, he said I was three times worse than before and now suffering from bronchopneumonia, or viral pneumonia.

Dad’s faith in God did not waver.  He remained determined that prayer would produce the miracle so desperately needed.

But this time, as Dad turned to leave the examination room, the doctor stopped him with a stern voice and said angrily, “If you don’t allow me to put him in the hospital, don’t bother bringing him back to me!”

Dad reluctantly yielded to the doctor’s insistence while questioning God as to why the miracle had not yet happened.

I still remember arriving at the hospital, nervously walking inside, and meeting some of the staff.  I knew I was going to be left there, so I asked Dad if I could give him one more hug before they left.  I wrapped my arms around his neck with all the strength I had and cried, “Don’t leave me!  Don’t leave me!”

It took three nurses to pull me free from his neck.  That must have absolutely broken my parents’ hearts.

The staff immediately placed me in an oxygen tent and began excellent care, comforting me and doing everything possible to make me comfortable.  After a short time, things began to turn around.  The cough subsided, strength returned to my body, and healing came quickly.

I cannot remember how long I remained in the hospital, but when I returned home, I heard Dad tell someone, “It was like a miracle!”

At times, God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.  God is God, and He knows exactly who we are and what our needs may be.  Answers to prayer do not always come in the way we think they should, but we must remain open to God’s perfect will and trust His omnipresent power to bring about miracles as He sees fit—not according to our own dogmatic thinking.

We must be careful not to place God in a box of our own making, expecting Him to work only through the methods we have predetermined.  In my dad’s defense, faith was indeed at work, but he also had to learn something important about God’s providence: faith requires works to follow.

Dad heard God speak through the doctor that day. 

The “works” began when Dad finally said the words, “Put him in the hospital.”

Scripture says in James 2:17, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

My final words are these: call the doctor, take the pills, take the shots, and remain open to wise counsel rather than holding to a biased opinion or a closed mind regarding the workings of God. 

Do not miss His will because you believe a miracle must come only in a certain way.

Before making any decision, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, then move forward in faith with action following behind it.

Me must guard against tunnel vision so we do not miss God’s perfect will for the situation at hand.

Written by, 

Papa Boyd

Faith Requires Works

Allow me to explain what I mean by the title.  I am not referring to the belief held by some that “good works” somehow earn favor with God, as though human effort alone could cause Him to overlook sin and shortcomings.  Many have been taught the false doctrine that self-achievement and moral behavior will gain God’s approval and secure a place in heaven.  They have been deceived into believing that doing good on earth, in itself, is enough.

Scripture is clear that we are not saved by works, lest anyone should boast, and that our righteousness is as filthy rags in the sight of God.  Our own abilities and attempts to please God through good deeds are not the answer to inheriting eternal life.  It does not work that way, no matter how much a person wishes it were so.  Sadly, many have been led to believe this lie, and because of that false teaching, they will one day stand before God weighed in the balance and found wanting.  All their efforts to do good for personal gain will be inadmissible—void.  Their works can never outweigh the blood Jesus shed on the cross for our salvation.

Jesus Christ is the only way to God Almighty—not good works.  Any teaching that suggests otherwise nullifies the sacrificial death of Christ, who died for our sins.  He alone is humanity’s hope of salvation and the only way heaven can become our eternal home.

What I am actually referring to in the title is the trust we place in God while using the intellect, foresight, and understanding He has given us.  We must allow the Holy Spirit to help us make informed decisions and guide us into all truth.  He assists us in accomplishing important matters where faith must be coupled with action.

James said it well in James 2:18: “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’  Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Examples of this principle include listening to sound advice from doctors, therapists, and trusted friends who offer wise counsel—and then acting upon that advice.  Doing goes hand in hand with believing.  The work we do becomes evidence of genuine faith.

James 2:15-17 says, “If a brother of sister is naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be warmed and filled; notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; what does it profit?  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Simply telling someone to “be warmed” or “be filled” accomplishes nothing unless action accompanies the words.  We must do something to assist in bringing about the miracle.  That is called “works.”  Sitting on one’s laurels rarely brings success when miracles are needed or expected.

I believe this applies to nearly every area of life, including staying on top of our health instead of saying, “What will be will be.”  Directives from doctors, taking prescribed medications, exercising, and following other sound health practices should be taken seriously.  This is faith coupled with works.

I am a firm believer in Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.”

I am not saying God is unable to perform miracles without our help—He absolutely can, and He often does.  We have all heard testimonies from caregivers and medical professionals who could not explain certain healings except to say, “It must have been a miracle from God.”  Yet expecting miraculous answers to prayer without doing all we know to do is like standing on the sidelines while hoping to win the game without ever stepping onto the field.

This lack of action can weaken trust and hinder progress.  Believing, and then doing what we know to do, is evidence of true faith.

This does not diminish the fact that Christians should expect miracles when they pray for the sick, lay hands on them, or fervently seek God in prayer believing for breakthroughs.  Nor does it lessen our responsibility to do everything possible to support those prayers with action.  The Bible says that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”  When we combine prayer with action, we are moving in faith.

Follow-through matters to God.  He wants us to trust Him wholeheartedly, but He also wants us to leave passive inactivity outside the door of faith and show our faith by our works.  I believe God desires to honor our petitions and grant us the desires of our hearts.

There is another important aspect of faith: we must not only “do,” but we must also “be” God’s voice to those searching for peace in a world filled with confusion.  If we do not tell people about the love of Jesus and His power to set them free from the bondage of sin, who will?

Can we sit idly by while hurting people perish without hearing the Good News that God forgives sin?  God forbid.

We must move in faith, with works following, positioning ourselves to be used as God’s hands extended to a hurting world.  Being God’s ambassadors requires obedience.  He expects His children to be ready and willing to stand in the gap wherever there is need.

Romans 12:1 says, “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.”

This Scripture beautifully illustrates the partnership of faith and works—our reasonable service unto God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Hear Your Voice

I’ve been fighting a head cold and allergies that have affected my hearing in both ears.  I’ve been praying that God would restore my hearing, but nothing yet.  I believe faith and waiting are synonymous with each other.  Sometimes we just have to be patient and allow God to work in situations, whereas many of us are prone to wanting things now.  When we don’t receive answers as quickly as we think we should, frustration and doubt can overshadow our belief system, and we grow weary in the waiting.

Earlier, I was talking with my wife about her father accepting Jesus as his Savior in his late forties.  He had a rough childhood that carried through his teen years and into adulthood.  For most of his life, he never shed tears because his heart had become hardened like stone—but Jesus changed that.  God softened his heart, and he would weep when the Lord spoke to his inner soul.  He knew the voice of God and was quick to listen to His counsel.

I strive to always remain in a spiritual place where I can receive His words, even when I’m going through difficult times.  I know God hears me when I call on His name—He has never failed me, and He never will.  Though I am under the weather and concerned about my physical hearing, it wouldn’t surprise me if my ears opened by the time I finished this writing.  I guess that’s called faith.  It’s our ability to trust the honesty of God.  If He said He will do something—believe that He will do it.

(Hebrews 11:1), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Although my hearing has not improved thus far, I will keep believing that God has heard my petition for healing, and I will praise Him when He restores it.

(Matthew 7:7-8), “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  (Vs. 8) “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Jesus does not want us to lose sight of the power of His name.  All we have to do is ask and then receive.  Some miracles are instantaneous, while others require time before they reveal themselves.  Don’t lose hope.  Jesus said, “Ask.”

(John 14:14), “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

In the meanwhile, open your spiritual ears and hear what the Lord is saying to your heart. Then you too will be able to say, “I hear Your voice.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Dead Man Walking

The three-word title of this writing was made popular in the 1995 movie Dead Man Walking.  The phrase originated in American prisons during the 20^th century.  It was used to alert staff members that a death row inmate was being led to execution.

I’m not trying to be morbid or cause anyone negative feelings—God forbid.  I simply want to use this phrase to help anyone who may be thinking about life and how they are living it.  Let me explain.

Scripture tells us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  What the Word is saying to you and me is this: all humanity is born with a sinful nature.  We inherited this nature from our ancestors, Adam and Eve.  They willfully disobeyed God’s warning in the Garden of Eden and were banished from the garden because they sinned.

I believe they became spiritually dead in God’s sight after He confronted them and they both “passed the buck” instead of owning their sin.  I believe God would have forgiven them had they repented.  Though God abhors sin, He is certainly willing to forgive it when we sincerely ask for forgiveness.

Rather than taking responsibility for their actions, Eve blamed the serpent, and Adam blamed Eve for their reprehensible act of defiance.  This act of transferring blame is still prevalent in today’s society.  An automatic response of, “It wasn’t my fault,” fills the mouths of sinners and criminals when they are caught doing wrong.  It is always someone else’s fault, or the environment they grew up in that supposedly caused their downfall.

As for me, I cannot pass the buck to anyone else for my misbehavior.  It was all me—a dead man walking.  I was lost in sin, but then the light from Heaven filled my soul.  That light was Jesus, God’s Son.  He bathed me in grace and filled me with His love.  God forgave my sins when I cried out to Him.

I was no longer a corpse walking, but was saturated with life.  I once was dead, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.

Thank You, Jesus, for life—and life more abundantly.  Where once I was dead, I now have everlasting life through the new birth in Christ our Savior.

(John 3:16), “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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

He Wants Us to See Him

The following hymn comes to mind: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Howarth Lemmel.  The lyrics refer to what the Lord desires for us.  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace.”

Positive results occur when we see Jesus face-to-face. I believe it’s the first step to the rest of our life regarding positive blessings that fall our way—one by one—one blessing after another.  God promised, in Scripture, that it would be so for born again believers. 

That experience of the “new birth” and what comes next, reminds me somewhat of a row of dominoes that are waiting for the first domino to be touched.  Though they may not be in a straight line, such is life with its curves. 

For many, the transformation is quiet, with changes in character, pliability, resilience, and purpose.  Yes, life has its bends and turns, or as some would call them, “the ups and downs of life” but God is with us through every challenge.

I’m glad when I saw Jesus and touched the hymn of His garment, as it were, healing began to fall from heaven starting with my sins being forgiven, and then one blessing after another, like a row of dominoes.

Referring to dominoes may be somewhat of a stretch, but God’s promises, like dominoes, will follow one after another for those who obey His statutes.  They may show up as a God-given resilience against temptation, the ability to trust Him in all things, and sense which direction God wants us to go or what decisions need to be made in difficult times.  I have heard it called, “the domino effect” where life has its curves, but the essence of clear vision begins at the cross with a touch.

When we see Jesus face-to-face and touch Him, it is the beginning of a new life.  He gives direction and hope that the world fails to give.  The Lord wants us to see Him for who He is, the Son of the living God. 

When we see Him, it’s like coming out of a dense fog into the brilliance of His forever love—leaving sin behind.  We see Jesus when we look beyond the unfulfilling temptations around us. 

Jesus wanted so badly for us to see Him, that He willingly gave His life on a cross so that our vision would become clear, making it easy to see God’s gift of grace that is free to those who ask for forgiveness.

For many years I’ve sung the following hymn in church: “He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay.  I needed someone to wash my sins away.  And now I sing a brand-new song, Amazing Grace.  Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.”   

Jesus is the One we need to see and invite into our hearts.  He is the only answer to perfect vision—removing blindness in a world of temptation.

(Hebrews 12:1-2), “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (vs 2) “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Secrets Shared

I have a few thoughts that have been quietly pressing on my mind.  When I use the word “secret” in this writing, I do so carefully, because secrets are seldom long-term.  More often than not, they are short-lived—especially when “friends” are involved.

What I mean is this: people often feel safe sharing their deepest thoughts with someone they trust.  Yet that trusted friend may have other friends, and the chain continues.  It doesn’t take long before what was meant to be held in confidence begins to travel.  In many cases, it only takes a little curiosity and a simple promise— “I won’t tell anyone”—to loosen guarded lips.

At the heart of this issue is something small, yet powerful: the tongue.  Scripture speaks plainly about it in James 3:7-10.  “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  But no man can tame the tongue.  It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

There is something about knowing a secret that creates a sense of pressure.  When a person hints that they know something but refuses to share it, it stirs curiosity and suspense.  The unknown can be irresistible.  And for the one holding the secret, there can be an inner urge—a need to release what they know, as if keeping it bottled up is too heavy a burden to carry.  While this isn’t always the case, it happens often enough to be worth serious reflection.

The “rumor mill” is a clear example of how quickly words can spread.  Information moves from person to person at remarkable speed.  What began as a quiet confidence becomes public knowledge before long.  And when that happens, trust is broken.  Relationships are strained.  Integrity is called into question.

The truth is, it is often easier to betray trust than to preserve it.  But the cost of that betrayal is high.  A loose tongue can undo years of friendship in a moment.  What is spoken in haste or carelessness has a way of finding its way back to its source, leaving damage behind.

Scripture warns us again in James 3:6, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”  These are strong words, but they point to a serious reality: our words carry weight, and once released, they cannot be taken back.

There is no real justification for breaking someone’s trust.  While the temptation to share may be strong, discipline must be stronger.  Choosing silence over speech, restraint over release, is not weakness, it is wisdom.

Proverbs 21:23 reminds us, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”  That is not just practical advice; it is a principle for preserving both integrity and relationships.

In the end, it is better to be known as someone who can be trusted than someone who simply has something to say.  Loyalty and integrity are worth far more than the fleeting satisfaction of sharing a secret.  Trust, once broken, is not easily restored.

So, the challenge is clear: guard the tongue, honor what has been entrusted to you, and choose faithfulness over momentary release.  In doing so, you not only protect others, you protect yourself.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Never Lose Sight of Who He Is

Being able to see is one of the most crucial of all the senses.  I can only imagine how difficult life would be without vision.  Everything around us depends, in many ways, on our ability to see.

I once closed my eyes and tried to navigate my house without sight, and it shook my sense of control.  In that small moment, I felt a glimpse of what it might be like to live without vision.  It stirred anxiety, but also deep empathy for those who are blind.  When I opened my eyes again, I had a renewed appreciation for the gift of sight.

Thinking about eyesight leads me to something even greater—the spiritual awakening I experienced the night God saved my soul.  Before that moment, I was blind, struggling to find my way.  But when my eyes were opened, everything changed.  Prior to meeting Christ, I had never known the kind of peace and joy that filled me once my spiritual sight was restored.

I was transformed from death to life—from darkness into light.  I could finally see what I had been missing before Jesus entered my soul.  An overwhelming awareness of His presence filled me after God forgave my sins.  It’s what Scripture calls being “born again.”  I literally felt the burden of sin lift from my shoulders.  I took a deep breath and said out loud, “I can breathe.”  In that moment, I experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

It was as if scales had been removed from my eyes.  When I turned my eyes upon Jesus and looked fully into His face, everything began to change.  Worldly distractions lost their hold, and the things of earth grew strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. 

The transformation wasn’t only internal—my friends noticed it too.  The very next day, they saw a difference in my countenance.  I couldn’t stop smiling as I shared what had happened the night before.

This experience of the new birth is something I will never forget.  I will never lose sight of who Jesus is or what He has done for me.  Even now, I can close my eyes and return to that moment.  It’s like a mental image, an anchor that keeps me grounded.  I see Jesus on the cross, suffering because of my sins.  That image reminds me of His love—the love that led Him to endure torture and crucifixion for me and for all humanity.

I will never lose sight of who He is.  I will always remember the sacrifice made to buy my pardon.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Just Passing Through

There is little hope of spiritual survival in a world of decline were it not for the Holy Spirit going before us in a land struggling to remain in the light of “In God We Trust.”  Yet the Holy Spirit is still at work, calling those who are straddling the fence between good and evil.

God provides a cleansing that the activities of this world can never offer.  Unclean behavior leads to separation from Him and can draw a person into even deeper depths of degradation.  But Jesus helps those who trust in His sovereignty keep their heads above the contamination that is overflowing across our land.

In 1 Peter 2:11-12, Christians are urged to live as strangers and pilgrims on the earth, abstaining from selfish desires that war against the soul, and maintaining honorable conduct among those who do not believe.

The older I get, the more I sense how things are worsening around us.  There seems little need to list every negativity or point out each woe—we see it plainly for what it is: sin flooding in like a ravaging storm, bringing unrest and concern.  Scripture tells us such times would come, yet we can rest in the truth that Jesus is our peace in the midst of confusion and the rise of ungodliness.

Matthew 24:10-13 reminds us: “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.  And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

At times, it can feel as though words about holy living fall on deaf ears—slipping through the cracks of human disregard for God.  But there is hope.  Some are still listening.  Some are still responding to the Good News that Jesus is our hope, bringing calm in the storms that surround us.  Those who accept Him as Lord are no longer lost or without direction.

It is no secret how far our nation has drifted.  One only needs to try to find something wholesome to watch on television, only to see the lack of beneficial influence.  It can feel as though unholy forces are pulling us into a swirling whirlpool of filth, circling the drain of disobedience.  Those who continually allow negative input through the eye-gate risk finding themselves struggling in the sewage of unrighteous living.

But our hope is in Jesus. 

Because of Him, I am an overcomer in a land that desperately needs a Savior.  Had it not been for the saving grace of God, I would have followed the same path as the world.  His Son gave us life when He died on the cross for our sins.  Through Jesus, we are redeemed.

Before I knew Him, I felt like a fish trying to survive in polluted water—surrounded by sin.  My rescue came when I allowed the Lord to relocate my soul to the springs of living water flowing fresh from His throne.  This relocation is what we call being “born again.”

This pure, refreshing water is available to anyone who is tired of swimming in the filth of unrighteousness.  Scripture reminds us that we are not permanent residents of this troubled land—we are simply passing through.  We are pilgrims in an unholy world.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can remain clean from the contaminants of external forces that seek to pull us down into hopelessness.  “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”

As believers, we are washed daily through God’s Word, through prayer, and through honoring Him with our praise.  The flow of His righteousness within us will shine outward, revealing His love to others.  As we keep our garments spotless through His cleansing power, people will begin to see the beauty and peace that come from surrendering to a loving Father.

Being “born again” is not only about becoming a source of clean water for ourselves—it is for all humanity.  The new birth brings clarity, patience, and hope into places that feel dark and murky.

This world is not my home.  I’m just passing through—a pilgrim in an unholy land.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Invisible Shield

When my children were young in the late 70s, after dinner they would crawl up next to me on the couch and we’d watch reruns of the science fiction television series Star Trek.  It first aired on September 8, 1966, and ran for three seasons and 79 episodes. 

The incredible explorations aboard the USS Enterprise were always enjoyable.  Most of the episodes provided exciting entertainment.  The mission of the starship Enterprise was to explore space, seek out new life and new civilizations, and go where no one had gone before.

It brings a smile to my face when I think of the catchphrases: “Beam me up, Scotty,” and “Shields are up and holding.”

If I could see with my natural eyes the things taking place in the invisible realm of spiritual beings, I might be frightened.  I imagine there are ongoing battles between good and evil on a scale far greater than the stories of space exploration and the conflicts faced with dubious characters from distant planets.

In my mind’s eye, I can almost see a Romulan vessel dropping out of warp speed—faster than the speed of light—using its cloaking device to remain hidden from Captain James T. Kirk and his crew.  Though invisible to the naked eye, the crew of the Enterprise always managed to gain the upper hand.  They never wavered in their efforts to protect everyone on board.

In a similar way, I believe I am surrounded and protected by forces of good—unseen, yet fighting for my soul.  Cherubim and seraphim, heavenly beings, stand guard against the attacks of Satan and his minions.  I believe God’s invisible warriors are in constant conflict with fallen angels—the third who chose Lucifer over God.

The Scripture in Ephesians 6:12 tells us: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Make no mistake: God and His heavenly hosts have our best interests at heart, and everything remains under His control.  They are far more powerful than Satan and his angels could ever hope to be.  Yet despite their lesser power, evil persists, seeking to capture our minds and souls while remaining hidden from sight.

Though I cannot see the enemy—or the army of God surrounding me—I am grateful for the invisible shield of protection that keeps me safe from the one who prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  God overshadows my coming and going with the invisible shield of the Holy Spirit.

We walk in victory, day-to-day when we keep shields up through prayer, awareness, kindness, and discipline.

Whom shall I fear when Captain Jesus is at the helm of my vessel?

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Heart Condition

It seems the older I get, the faster the years pass.  I’m often reminded—especially by my caring wife—of the importance of exercise and keeping my heart strong as I age.  Each birthday brings subtle changes to my face and hair, and I’m reminded of the Scripture in James 4:14: “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?  Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

I want to live as long as I can, and I know it’s my responsibility to take care of this body.  Exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding harmful habits aren’t occasional efforts; they must become daily disciplines.  The responsibility rests on each of us to do what we know is right to maintain good physical health.

But as important as physical health is, spiritual health matters even more.

When I came to the Lord, I put off the old man with his destructive habits and discovered that the new man in Christ had been given a new lease on life.  The things I once did, I closed the door on.  How?  The Holy Spirit helps me keep it locked.  He is my strength, enabling me not to fall back into those old ways.

Jesus gave me something worth living for—something real and lasting.  It’s called being born again: salvation through Him, sins forgiven.  It felt like trading a sack full of garbage for a trainload of blessings—peace of mind, joy, and a life no longer weighed down by turmoil.  Hangovers became a thing of the past.  Worry and regret from poor choices faded.  The empty highs that once left me low the next morning were left behind where they belonged.

This sincere heart condition was healed the moment Jesus took up residence within me.  He performed a heart transplant that brought life to what once felt like a walking corpse.  I thank God that my spiritual heart is alive and well because of the Great Physician—Jesus.

Perhaps you are feeling God’s Spirit nudging you to decide that today is the day to call upon the Lord for salvation and not wait until tomorrow.  He will heal your hurting heart when you cast your cares upon Him.  Simply ask God to forgive your sins and healing is yours.  The following prayer has become my anthem of praise since my conversion.  

“God, thank you that through Jesus there is no condemnation for me.  You have removed my sins as far as the east is from the west and cast them into the depths of the sea.  Help me walk as the new creation You made me to be.  Give me the strength to forget what is behind and press forward into the life You have prepared for me.  Amen.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd