The Quest for Perpetual Happiness

I could venture to say that the majority of people are looking for something—anything—to bring them happiness.  The problem is, if we are not careful, our quest can lead us in the wrong direction.  We can find ourselves searching for something that promises perpetual happiness—something that will endure forever, but fail in our attempts to find it.

To satisfy this search for something that lasts, we often look in the wrong places.  True, lasting happiness cannot be found in wealth, fame, possessions, or seasonal pleasures.  Even vices such as drugs and alcohol serve only as temporary counterfeits for what we believe is happiness.

I can relate to all of the above.  When I was walking away from God, the environment that surrounded me was not conducive to obtaining what my soul really needed.  I continued to experience perpetual failures in my search for something that would bring ongoing peace and fulfillment.  My heart was lacking what only God could satisfy.  It was a void-filled existence.

That terrible void was initiated by Adam and Eve’s failure to obey God in the Garden of Eden.  Because of their sin, they were responsible for the void within the hearts of humanity.  That void makes it impossible for anything in God’s creation to satisfy the deep longing rooted within the heart of everyone who has not given their heart to Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

Only He can fill that void to overflowing with His ongoing love, peace, and true happiness.

There came a point where I could no longer ignore Him.  The things I was chasing stopped satisfying me even in the moment I was reaching for them.  What once felt exciting began to feel empty almost immediately after I had it.  I was left with the same question over and over again: Is this really all there is?

It was in that place of frustration and emptiness that I began to realize I wasn’t just missing something—I was missing Someone.  God had not abandoned me; I had been the one walking away.  And even in that distance, He was still calling me back.

When I finally turned my heart back toward Him, I didn’t find instant perfection in my circumstances, but I did find something I had been searching for all along—peace.  Not the temporary kind the world offers, but a steady peace that doesn’t disappear when life gets hard.

The following song, “Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul” was written by Lanny Wolfe and was first released by The Lanny Wolfe Trio in 1972.

Stanza 1

The world may try to satisfy that longing in your soul.  You may search the wide world over but you’ll be just as before.  You’ll never find true satisfaction until you’ve found the Lord, for only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Stanza 2

If you could have the fame and fortune, all the wealth you could obtain.  Yet, you have not Christ within, your living here would be in vain.  There’ll come a time when death will call you, riches cannot help you then.  So come to Jesus, only He can satisfy.

CHORUS

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.  Yes, only He can change your heart and make you whole.  He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet joy and love and Heaven, too.  For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.  Yes, only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

 

Maybe you find yourself in that same place right now—searching, trying, and still coming up empty.  If so, I want you to know there is more.  Jesus Christ is not just a concept or a religion; He is the only One who can truly fill that void in the human heart.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Beyond the End of Your Nose

I once heard a person say, “They are so narrow-minded they can hide their face behind a pencil.”  I really can’t remember who “they” represented, but it really doesn’t matter in the context of this writing—or does it?  Let’s see.

It seems that, in general, we can be quick to stand in judgment of others.  I guess it’s the nature of the beast.  We don’t always take into consideration the circumstances, environment, and a person’s station in life that may have shaped the way they think or respond.  Yes, we are influenced by all of these things—and no doubt many more.  Sometimes what appears to be narrow-mindedness may actually be a means of self-preservation, developed through difficult experiences or painful circumstances.

So is it really narrow-mindedness, as that person suggested, or could it be a learned way of protecting oneself?  Perhaps, in some cases, it is the latter.

We have all heard the expression, “They can’t see beyond the end of their nose.”  But isn’t saying that, in a way, another form of judging?  Jesus addressed this very issue when He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  (Matthew 7:1-2)

Sometimes the expressions we use fail to take into account the unseen influences that shape another person’s life and personality.  We are not all alike.  Each of us is uniquely made, carrying experiences that others may never know.  God, however, sees the inner soul of every person.  It is He whom we desire to please.

Perhaps one of the wisest prayers we can pray is that God would place a watchman over our mouths, helping us refrain from speaking words that offend, criticize, or pass judgment too quickly.  Until we ourselves have walked a mile in another person’s shoes, we would do well to guard against a judgmental spirit and instead seek to extend the same grace we hope others will show to us.

Maybe it is even wiser to look beyond the end of our own noses and consider what others see in us.  Are we known more for being judgmental, or for showing consideration?  Do we look for the good in people before noticing their faults?

I try not to, figuratively speaking, point my finger at others, because there are always three pointing back at me.  That simple reminder has helped me remember that I, too, am still growing.

I wonder what lies beyond the end of my own nose.  Perhaps there are things the Lord still wants me to see about myself.  The Holy Spirit is faithful to open our eyes as we continue to grow in His grace, teaching us to see others with greater compassion and ourselves with greater honesty.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God's Providence Guides Our Lives

I do not believe that things simply happen by chance.  Some people believe in karma—that what goes around comes around.  While there may be some truth in that idea, the thought I want to leave with you is this: when we walk with the Lord, God is working in our lives according to His perfect will.  He is able to bring people, circumstances, and opportunities together in ways only He can because His hand is upon those who trust Him.

God can bring good out of even the most difficult situations.  There are times when, as Scripture tells us, we “see through a glass, darkly.”  We do not always understand why certain things happen, but we can rest in the confidence that God sees what we cannot.  His plans are always higher than ours, and His purposes are always good.

What a comfort it is to know that Jesus is our Advocate before the Father.  He is our Savior and our Intercessor, continually praying that God’s perfect will be accomplished in our lives.  Through His intercession, the Holy Spirit faithfully leads and guides us into all truth.  This is God’s providence at work.

Although we may never fully understand every circumstance we face, we can be certain of one thing: God is faithful.  His Word assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love Him.  Our responsibility is to trust Him, even when we cannot see the whole picture.

The words of the familiar hymn still ring true today:

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

When we stand firm in faith, we resist the enemy’s attempts to fill our hearts with fear, discouragement, and doubt.  Satan is a liar and the father of lies.  He wants us to question God’s goodness and His care for us.  But God’s Word reminds us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises up a standard against him.  The Lord has not forgotten His children, nor has He stopped working on our behalf.

Remember, things are not always as they seem.  What appears to be a setback today may very well be God’s preparation for something greater tomorrow.  Even when His hand is unseen, His heart is always toward His children.

When we trust the Lord and walk according to His Word, His providence faithfully guides our lives.  He gives us strength for each day, peace in the midst of uncertainty, and hope that carries us through every trial.  As we remain steadfast in Him, we experience His faithfulness again and again.

Jesus said, “I am the true Vine,” and we are the branches.  As we abide in Him, we bear fruit that brings glory to God.  Our lives become a testimony of His grace, His faithfulness, and His unfailing love.

No matter what season of life you are facing today, remember that the Lord is already there.  He knows the path before you and has promised never to leave you nor forsake you.  Trust Him with your whole heart, rest in His promises, and allow His providence to guide every step.  One day we will look back and clearly see what we can only trust him for today.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Find at Least One Thing

With all the turmoil around the world and the ongoing unrest in our nation, one thing is certain—sin is abundant.  It is easy to wonder whether there is any hope for peace in the world or even within our own communities.

Perhaps the answer begins by bringing our focus a little closer to home.  Instead of allowing ourselves to become consumed by the world’s troubles, we can choose to notice the blessings God places before us each day.  Sometimes we simply need to stop and smell the roses.  Finding at least one thing each day to be thankful for can change our outlook.  Gratitude is a choice, and choosing it can bring joy to our hearts.

My wife and I have been watching the television series Anne with an E.  The main character, Anne, is a young orphan girl who intentionally looks for something beautiful or enjoyable each day, despite the hardships she has endured.  After losing both of her parents as a child, Anne learned to fill her mind with hope instead of despair.  Her example reminds us that our circumstances do not have to determine our attitude.

If we are not careful, constantly filling our minds with the news of the day can weigh heavily on our spirits.  It can leave us asking, “Is all this calamity all there is to look forward to?  Where is the hope for mankind?”

I believe that when we intentionally pause to enjoy God’s wonderful creation, our spirits are refreshed.  Watching a honeybee gather pollen from flowers or marveling at a tiny hummingbird hovering from blossom to blossom reminds us of the beauty, order, and care that God has woven into His creation.  These simple moments can lift our hearts and redirect our thoughts toward Him.

When I was a boy, life seemed much simpler.  Every day was a new adventure, and fear rarely entered my mind.  Today, however, our minds are often saturated with the cares of life and the constant reminders of a world affected by sin.  Yet Jesus died so that we might have abundant life in Him as children of God.  When we dwell only on the things that appear to be falling apart, it is easy to lose our joy.  But as we walk with the Lord, He faithfully provides peace, joy, and purpose each day.

I often think of a story about my father-in-law taking our oldest son for walks when he was just a little boy.  As they walked together, they talked about the Bible while purposely kicking cigarette butts along the sidewalk.  Those simple walks became treasured memories that remain with my son to this day.

Our walk with Jesus is much the same.  The quiet moments spent with Him leave lasting impressions on our hearts.  They lift our minds above the negativity that surrounds us and remind us that His presence is our greatest source of peace and hope.

The apostle Paul gives us this encouragement in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

May we make it our daily habit to find at least one thing for which we can thank God.  As we do, we will discover that even in a troubled world, His goodness is never far away.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

When Words Fail

Have you ever searched for words that simply wouldn’t come when you needed them most?  Trying to explain to a novice how to do something on a computer, cell phone, or another piece of technology can become a struggle when the right words escape your lips.

I’m sure you can recall moments when words fell short of capturing the true essence of an experience or adventure.  Some things are simply difficult to describe.

As a new Christian, there were times when I felt somewhat timid, depending on the situation, about sharing the born-again experience I had with Jesus.  Yet most of the time, the words flowed from my mouth like a river as God gave me both the words to speak and the love with which to speak them.

If you are timid in your faith, I encourage you to pray for boldness.  The Holy Spirit will give it to you.  As you share the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of humanity, each time you tell others about God’s love, it becomes a little easier.

There will also be times when God speaks to your heart and asks you to do something, and your first thought may be, I can’t do that.  But as you yield to God’s Spirit, it will become easier to be the channel through which He flows to meet the needs of others.

Simply have a willing heart to do what God asks.  He will give you the boldness, the strength, the power, and the confidence you need, knowing that He has already gone before you and prepared the way for your message of hope.

Yet there is another time when words escape our lips.  How can anyone find mere words to give the praise and honor that God so richly deserves?  No dictionary contains language rich enough to fully express the glory of the Creator of all things or to give Him the praise He is due.

Even so, God knows our limitations.  He does not measure our worship by eloquent speech or beautiful expressions.  Jesus Himself taught that we are not heard because of our many words.  Instead, He gave us the Lord’s Prayer—a simple, heartfelt model that teaches us how to pray.

God desires our words just as they come from a sincere heart.  As the Spirit of truth dwells within us, we are able to worship the Father in spirit and in truth.  He is not looking for polished speeches but for hearts that love Him.

So don’t worry if the words seem to escape your lips.  Whether you are sharing your faith, praying, or offering praise to God, simply open your mouth, trust the Lord, and let Him fill it.

(Psalm 81), “I am the Lord your God…Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When Every Door Closes, God Makes a Way

One of my greatest joys in writing is sharing the lessons God has taught me through everyday experiences.  My prayer is that something I have learned will encourage your heart, strengthen your faith, and remind you that God is always at work—even when we cannot see what He is doing.

If you’re anything like me, taking “no” for an answer doesn’t come easily.  Over the years, I’ve discovered that perseverance often bears fruit.  There have been times when I sought another avenue because I sensed the first “no” was not the final answer.  Sometimes people decline a request because they don’t have all the facts, or because life’s demands prevent them from giving careful consideration to what is being presented.

Even so, there comes a point when every door I know to knock on has been knocked on, every option has been explored, and every effort has been exhausted.  When that happens and the answer is still “no,” I am reminded that there is One whose wisdom far exceeds my own.  I place the matter in God’s hands and trust Him with the outcome.

I must confess, I can still be a bit hardheaded.  At times I convince myself that if I just try a little harder or think a little longer, I can work everything out on my own. Yet, as I continue to grow in my walk with Christ, I am learning a precious truth: it is far better to invite the Lord into every situation from the very beginning than to wait until all my plans have failed.

God longs to be involved in every part of our lives—not because He needs our invitation, but because He loves us with an everlasting love.  He sees what we cannot see.  He opens doors that no one can shut, and He closes doors that would ultimately lead us away from His very best.  Even when we do not understand His timing or His ways, we can trust His heart.

When circumstances appear hopeless and the future seems uncertain, our hope does not rest in people or circumstances.  Our hope rests in Jesus Christ.  He is faithful, and He never abandons those who place their trust in Him.  The Lord knows every need we have, and He has promised to supply us according to His riches in glory.

So, when every door seems closed and your own strength has reached its limit, remember that God is never out of options.  His plans are higher than ours, His timing is perfect, and His grace is always sufficient.  There is always hope in Him.

May we learn to seek Him first, trust Him completely, and rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good and for His glory.

As Scripture reminds us, “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.”— Romans 8:28

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Count It All Joy

Let’s be real.  When life suddenly shifts from good to unexpectedly difficult, the last thing you want to hear is someone say, “Look on the bright side.”  Easy for them to say, right?

I’m being a little facetious—and perhaps a bit dramatic—to make a point.  From experience, I know it takes restraint and a measure of discipline not to tell someone exactly what you think, especially when they have no idea what you’re feeling or the depth of the emotional pain you’re carrying.  Most people mean well in their own clumsy way, but sometimes they fail to weigh their words before speaking.

My thoughts immediately turn to James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

God’s Word is always meant to encourage believers, never to discourage them or fill them with worry.  These verses give us a meaningful perspective on the trials we face.  They remind us that God is at work, even in our hardships, using them to strengthen our faith and develop perseverance.

Words have great power.  They can encourage, comfort, and strengthen, or they can deepen discouragement and frustration when spoken carelessly.  Jesus desires that we experience the joy of living in Him rather than being consumed by fear or anxiety.  As we place our faith and confidence in Him, His peace begins to flow like a mighty river.

In keeping with the title above, words of encouragement, guided and blessed by the Holy Spirit, can bring joy and hope to those who are overwhelmed by life’s pressures.  May we always strive to be a source of encouragement to others rather than becoming another one of Job’s comforters.

Today, ask yourself: “Will my words lighten someone’s burden or add to it?”  Then choose to speak with the grace and encouragement that Christ has shown you.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Cut the Ties That Bind

I’m sure you’ve seen those Chinese finger traps—simple bamboo or plastic tubes into which you insert your index fingers from opposite ends.  The harder you pull to free yourself, the tighter the trap grips your fingers.  Escape seems almost impossible.

As a boy, I also had a pair of toy handcuffs.  When my neighborhood friends and I played cops and robbers, those handcuffs often held tighter than we expected, making it surprisingly difficult to break free.

Sin has a similar grip on a person’s life.  When it overcomes better judgment, it binds the heart and mind, stealing peace and compromising the soul’s sense of comfort and freedom.  The harder we struggle in our own strength, the more tightly its bondage seems to hold us.

True freedom comes only through the born-again experience made possible by Jesus Christ.  Through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, He paid the price for our sins and broke the chains of bondage.  He willingly sacrificed His life so that we could be forgiven, redeemed, and set free.

Jesus Christ cuts the ties that bind us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

Does Anyone Care? Am I Wanted?

A pastor whose teaching I sat under for many years once shared a story with the congregation about his mother.  Whenever she was discharged from the hospital, she would say, “I feel so bad I’m going to go eat some worms.”

Sometimes we can find ourselves having a similar “pity party.”  Our minds are prone to wander into dark places where unfounded feelings rear their ugly heads, convincing us that things are far worse than they really are.  While this may seem more common among those with a pessimistic personality, even the most optimistic person can fall into the same line of thinking.

Thoughts such as, “Does anyone care what I’m going through?”  may begin to surface.  If we continue down that path, other discouraging questions can follow: “Am I wanted?”  or “Where do I belong?”

If these thoughts visit you from time to time, I encourage you to take every hurtful thought captive and do as my pastor often reminded us: “Allow God to carry those heavy burdens for you.”

God desires for us to live victoriously, free from the accusations and lies that often originate in the dark recesses of our minds.  Shadows of discouragement can arise without warning, but Jesus speaks peace to our souls when we tune our hearts to His voice of authority.

You may ask, “How do I do this?”  Simply ask Him to open your ears to hear His voice and your eyes to see His grace at work on your behalf.  Then cast your cares upon Him.

As 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  This is His invitation to every one of us.  Yet it is up to us to accept His help—not only in times of uncertainty, but every day.

Trust the Lord.  As you lean on Him, His strength becomes your strength.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

On the Other Side of Obedience

Scripture tells us, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”  At its core, this biblical truth teaches that obedience means listening to God’s voice and choosing to follow His commands out of love and trust.  It is far more than simply following rules; it is a wholehearted response to God.

As I see it, obedience is living for God by giving Him what He asks of us—our trust, our loyalty, and our allegiance.  It also includes “presenting your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).  It is taking up our cross daily and following His ways with willing hearts.

Obedience may also mean stepping into the gap where believers are needed to do God’s work, serving without complaint or rebellion against what He desires for His children.  True obedience is giving God what He actually asks for, knowing that His requests are never unreasonable.

Sacrifice, on the other hand, can sometimes mean trying to give God what we want to offer Him, on our own terms, only to discover later that His way was always the better way.  The prayer of Jesus remains the pattern for every believer: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”  There is no better way to live.

On the other side of obedience are the open arms of Jesus Christ.  There we find His presence, His peace, and His words of approval: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  What greater reward could there be than hearing those words from our Savior?

The other day, I saw a beautiful painting online depicting someone’s interpretation of gentleness.  It portrayed Jesus kneeling with His arms outstretched toward a flock of sheep eagerly running into His embrace.  It was a touching reminder of the Shepherd’s heart.

How much greater is Christ’s love for the sheep of His pasture—the redeemed of the Lord.  As Christians, we seek His approval, not to earn His love, but because we long to live in the warmth of His agape love and experience His spiritual embrace.  His love is never limited.  No believer is ever short-changed, for His love is infinite, and His compassion knows no end.

We can be confident that Jesus is waiting on the other side of our obedience.  His promise remains true: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  As we faithfully follow Him, we discover that every step of obedience leads us closer to the heart of our Good Shepherd.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Don't Let It Define You

What does the “it” in the title refer to?  It can represent many things.  Allow me to consider some of the kinds of “it” that can so easily define a person: pride, self-righteousness, ungodliness, evil, hatred, and countless other attitudes and behaviors that are contrary to Christ.  You get the point—anything that reflects a satanic or antichrist spirit.

These are just a few of the “it” bombs that come to mind—things that can shape a person’s identity if left unchecked.  When the enemy comes in like a flood, often disguised in sheep’s clothing, the underlying motivation is eventually revealed to those who are spiritually attuned to the Holy Spirit and alert to deception.  Over time, a person’s true nature becomes evident, because the spirit within them is revealed.

The Bible says, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  What is hidden beneath an outward appearance of goodness is eventually exposed through a person’s words.  The mouth reveals what fills the heart.

(Luke 6:45), ”A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

I tend to read people rather quickly.  I used to call it my “sixth sense,” but I now understand it as likely the gift of discernment—the discernment of spirits—at work within me.  It is one of the nine spiritual gifts God gives to believers as He wills.  In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Paul describes these gifts and reminds us that they are all produced by one and the same Spirit, who distributes them to each person as He determines.

This gift is the special ability given by the Holy Spirit to tell if a spiritual message, action, or teaching comes from God, human deception, or evil forces.

When God saved my soul, He broke the chains that once bound me to sin and to Satan.  I am no longer defined by the sinner I once was.  My soul was cleansed from all unrighteousness.  My speech changed.  My attitude changed.  My sins were forgiven.

The Holy Spirit is not an “it.”  He is a Person—the third Person of the Trinity.  Because of His grace, I desire for Him to define every part of my life.  My prayer is that others will be drawn to Jesus by what they see in me, rather than being repelled by the “it” that once defined me.

(Colossians 3:8-10), “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” (vs 9) “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,” (vs 10) “and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Hope Is Everything

Everyone needs hope in their life, whether young or old.  Without hope, people are truly miserable.  They have little to look forward to because their present-day existence is filled with frustration, unnecessary worry, and a lack of peace.

The first sentence begins with the word everyone.  That includes you and me.  Those who are barely eking out an existence, perhaps trying to survive on the streets of our cities, need hope.  People who live ln mansions—and everyone in between—need hope.

People experience the emptiness that follows temporary highs, whether from drugs, shopping sprees, or other pursuits that promise satisfaction but never truly deliver.  For a brief moment, they are confronted with reality and ask themselves, “Is this all there is to life?”  The things they buy and the vices they pursue may provide temporary satisfaction, but nothing lasting.

I can understand this way of thinking when people are living in cardboard boxes, but how can someone with influence and an abundance of wealth ask the very same question?  The answer is simple.  As I see it, nothing can provide a firm foundation on which to build steadfastness, peace of mind, and lasting joy apart from hope.

You may ask, “How then do I find real hope?”  If it cannot be bought with money stored away in bank accounts or found through drugs and worldly pleasures, where does genuine hope come from?

The answer is found in one name above every other name—Jesus Christ.  He is the hope of the world, regardless of a person’s position in society.  Whether someone moves among the influential or struggles simply to make ends meet, every person needs hope.  No matter one’s status in life, hope is everything—and Jesus is everything.

Without hope, all the temporary highs—accumulating possessions, chasing wealth, or searching for another syringe of drugs or another bottle of alcohol—are ultimately meaningless when it comes to finding lasting fulfillment.  As I have said, money, drugs, and every other substitute offer only temporary relief for the emptiness within the human heart.

Only Jesus can fill that void.  Every other effort to satisfy the soul’s longing is in vain.  The only One who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the heart and provide “joy unspeakable and full of glory” is Jesus Christ.  In Him there is an unshakable hope for the future, for He is the Savior of all mankind.

As Romans 15:13 declares: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Soul-Parching Moments

It is an unforgettable memory when I compare the life I live now with the days when I walked in my own strength.  I was a man searching for springs of living water in all the wrong places.  My soul was spiritually parched, thirsting for a cool drink that could sustain me and keep me from collapsing under the weight of spiritual dehydration.

I call those memories my “soul-parching moments.”  It is not that I dwell on the past, but whenever I reflect on Jesus and what He accomplished for me at Calvary, my soul rejoices because I know firsthand the depth of God’s mercy.  He touched my parched lips with the cup of His saving grace and filled my dry and weary soul with the life-giving water that only He can provide.

I am thankful for every morning I awaken with hope in my soul, where once there was only fear and worry.  There was a time when I dreaded the thought of dying in my sleep because I knew where my soul was headed—and it was not heaven.  But Jesus changed everything.  He revived my dry bones, breathed life into my soul, and awakened me to the riches of His grace.

Never have I experienced a touch as loving and life-changing as the moment I finally unclenched my tightly closed hand and took hold of the hand Jesus had been faithfully extending to me all along.  Since that day, I have walked in the refreshing waters of His presence, fully hydrated by His grace and overflowing with His love.  My once-parched soul has become a testimony to the living water that only Christ can give.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

It's a God Thing

Over the last three or four years, I’ve heard the phrase, “It’s a God thing,” spoken by different people.  Every time I hear it, I smile, because it captures so much truth in just four simple words.

The phrase says it all.  It leaves nothing to the imagination except this: the Almighty has stepped into a situation and accomplished something only He could do.  Four words tell the whole story.

Each time I’ve heard someone say, “It’s a God thing,” they were describing an event that was clearly supernatural—an unmistakable answer to prayer.  I’ve since adopted the phrase myself because I can think of no better way to explain the unexplainable.  When God performs a miracle, opens an impossible door, or answers a heartfelt prayer, the simplest and truest explanation is this: It’s a God thing.

Those four words give Him the glory He deserves.

I don’t believe in happenstance or that life is governed by random circumstances and lucky breaks.  I believe that God is always at work, even when His hand is hidden from our eyes.  His Word assures us that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Still, there are seasons when it’s easy to become discouraged.  We long for something with all our hearts, yet every attempt to reach it seems to end behind a closed door.  We push, we pray, we wait—and nothing changes.

That is often when the enemy quietly whispers discouraging thoughts: “God doesn’t care.  He has left you to weep alone.”  If we listen long enough, the lies become even darker: “God has forsaken you.  You must have done something to make Him angry.  He is punishing you.”

But those whispers are never the voice of our Heavenly Father.

God is love—plain and simple.  His desire is for us to flourish and to experience the abundant life Jesus promised.  Above all, His heart is that no one should perish but that everyone would come to Him with a repentant heart, receive His forgiveness, and enjoy eternal life in His presence.  Heaven is the glorious inheritance awaiting those who place their faith in Him.

When I think back to the day after God forgave my sins, I realize that if I had known this phrase then, I would have said it without hesitation: “It’s a God thing.”  The forgiveness He poured into my life brought such miraculous healing to my soul that no human explanation could ever do it justice.  Only God could have lifted the weight of guilt, replaced despair with peace, and filled an empty heart with hope.

It truly was a God thing.

And what about those doors that refuse to open?

Time and again, I have discovered that when God closes one door, He opens another that is perfectly aligned with His will.  At first, the closed door may feel like rejection, disappointment, or even loss.  But with time comes perspective, and we begin to see that His “no” was often His loving protection, while His “yes” was preparing something far better than we could have imagined.

There is no doubt in my mind that our Heavenly Father desires what is best for His children.  His timing is perfect, His wisdom is flawless, and His love never fails.

So when we pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” we can rest in the confidence that Jesus walks beside us through every valley and every mountaintop.  He is faithfully working behind the scenes, weaving together circumstances according to His perfect plan.  Even when we cannot see His hand, we can trust His heart.

Looking back over our lives, we often discover that the moments we once questioned became the very places where God revealed His faithfulness most clearly.  What seemed impossible became possible.  What appeared to be an ending became a new beginning.  What looked like coincidence proved to be divine intervention.

And when every earthly explanation falls short, there is only one thing left to say:  It’s a God thing.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Hope Has a Name

The amazing reality was not that I found God, though that was life-changing, but that He had been seeking me all along.  I was important to Him.  He loved me deeply.  I was never beyond His reach.

Though I was on the raging sea of despair, far from the peaceful shore of God’s harbor of new beginnings, hope was always there.  I simply needed to reach out and take His hand when the waters grew deep.  Even though the crashing waves of sin and degradation surrounded me, threatening to sink the vessel God had created—a vessel marked by human frailty and fear of what might come next—there was still hope.

When the uncertainty of tomorrow weighs heavily on us and we struggle to find a place of rest, Jesus remains present in the midst of our storm.  He is ready to speak, “Peace!  Be still!” over the winds and waves that awaken fear, pain, and unanswered questions within our hearts.  In those moments, we may find ourselves crying, “Does anyone care that I am perishing?  Is this thought telling me the truth, or is it leading me into deception?”

Then, in the stillness of our spirit, we hear His gentle voice: “Hope is more than a feeling or a wish for better days.  True hope has a name.  My name is Jesus.  I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

When I reached out my hand to receive God’s life preserver—Jesus Christ—I finally understood that He had been in control all along because of His unfailing love.  From the cross of Calvary, He was calling my name, reaching out to me through the corridor of time.  He saw my desperate condition and lovingly said, “Take My hand and live.  I will save you, My child.”

I have learned that every promise of God, every assurance of peace, and every confidence for tomorrow are found in Him.  By His grace I stand against the storms of life, not in my own strength, but in His.  I walk in hope, because hope has a name—Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.  He alone is the answer to life’s deepest struggles.  He is our Harbor of Rest and our assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven when we come to God in repentance and place our faith in Jesus Christ.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Echo of a Memory

There is a sacred memory that often echoes through my heart—a moment from the past that forever changed the course of my life.  It was the night I knelt before God and asked Him to forgive my sins.  In that life-changing moment, I experienced the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit as He lovingly broke the chains of sin that had held me captive.  What happened that night was more than an emotional experience; it was the miracle of new life.

The memory returns to me time and again, like a gentle echo that never fades.  There is nothing unusual about that.  If someone rushed into a burning building and rescued you from certain death, you would never forget the day your life was spared.  You would cherish that memory because another willingly risked everything to save you.

How much more should I remember the day Jesus Christ became my Savior?  He willingly went to the cross and gave His life to pay a debt I could never repay—the debt of my sin.  Through His sacrifice, I found what I had searched for all along: forgiveness, peace, contentment, and the assurance of eternal life.  In a single moment, God accomplished what years of striving and self-effort never could.

The beautiful truth is that what He did for me, He desires to do for you.  The moment you turn to Him in faith and ask Him to forgive your sins, He breathes spiritual life into your soul and makes you His own.  The joy of that encounter is so profound that it will become a treasured memory—a beautiful echo that continues to resound throughout your life, reminding you of the glorious day God’s grace found you and you became His beloved child.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Hope That Never Fails

My thoughts are becoming more focused as I consider what to write next—something that I hope will encourage you in some way.

I carry a few cards in my wallet with my blog address printed on them.  Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I hand one out, hoping the person who receives it will visit my blog and be blessed by what they read.  At the top of the card are the words, THOUGHTS FOR TODAY, and at the bottom, Writings of Hope.  Today I will focus on the word: hope.

First, I would like to share my blog address with you:

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

I believe you will find words of hope there—hope that is needed now more than ever.  The central theme of most of my writings is: Jesus Christ, the Hope of the world.

If you have tried everything and still cannot find the peace your heart longs for, I encourage you to turn to Jesus.  He cares deeply for you and desires to be your faithful Friend, the One who “sticks closer than a brother.”

The Scriptures invite us to taste and see that the Lord is good.  Those who surrender their hearts to Him discover the immeasurable blessings of His agape love.  Jesus said in Luke 6:38:

“Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Giving ourselves completely to the Lord is the greatest investment we will ever make.

When I came to know the Lord several years ago, I experienced a peace so profound that words can scarcely describe it.  The apostle Paul expressed it perfectly in Philippians 4:7:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I share this hope with you because I know it is real through personal experience.  God filled my heart to overflowing with His peace—the peace that comes through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace—when He forgave my sins and came into my life.

God shows no favoritism.  What He has done for me, He is willing to do for you.

Jesus, and He alone, is the hope of humanity.  No person, philosophy, or earthly pursuit can provide the gift of eternal life.  That gift is found only in Jesus Christ, through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead for the sins of all mankind.

My prayer is that you will come to know Him personally and discover the same hope, peace, and everlasting love that He has so graciously given to me.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Like a Stone Skipping Across Water

I remember, as a boy, visiting my Grandpa John’s house after church on Sunday afternoons.  Most of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and our family would gather there for wonderful family get-togethers and huge potluck dinners.

A short distance down the hill from Grandpa’s house was a pond.  I loved challenging my cousins to rock-skipping contests to see who could get the most bounces from a single stone.  A smooth, round, flat rock was always the best choice if you wanted the longest skip.

After the meal was finished, Grandpa loved to pitch horseshoes, and my uncles enjoyed joining him.  Those afternoons were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the simple pleasures that brought our family together.

It was a wonderful feeling to stand by that pond, with the afternoon breeze gently blowing against my face, watching the ripples spread across the water from each stone thrown.  Life was simple back then.  My cousins and I enjoyed one another’s company as we took turns skipping rocks and watching them hop across the water.  Laughter filled the air as we tried to outdo each other with every throw.

Those carefree afternoons remind me of the importance of Christian fellowship.  Just as my relatives treasured gathering together on Sunday afternoons, God designed the church to be a family where we encourage one another, carry one another’s burdens, and grow together in faith.

Life brings seasons of disappointment, discouragement, and uncertainty.  During those valley experiences, it can be tempting to withdraw from others or make decisions while our hearts are hurting.  Yet God often strengthens us through the prayers, encouragement, and loving support of fellow believers.  The church becomes a place where we are reminded that we do not have to walk through life’s struggles alone.

When we remain connected to a healthy church family, we find people who will pray with us, encourage us, and gently help us keep our eyes on Christ.  We have all needed that kind of support at one time or another.  God frequently ministers to us through the love and faithfulness of His people.

There are certainly times when changing churches is necessary because of sound biblical reasons or significant life circumstances.  However, when we move from church to church simply because of disappointments, unresolved conflicts, or unmet expectations, we may unintentionally miss the deeper work God wants to accomplish in our hearts.

In some ways, that reminds me of a stone skipping across the surface of the water.  With each bounce it continues moving, but eventually it loses momentum and settles beneath the surface.  Likewise, if disappointments are never addressed, they can gradually give way to discouragement and even doubt.  God desires to heal those wounds rather than have us continually carry them from one place to another.

My desire in sharing these thoughts is simply to encourage anyone who may be struggling.  One concern I have is the effect frequent church changes can have on children.  Just as they begin building friendships, connecting with teachers, and finding their place in a youth group, another move may require them to begin all over again.  Children thrive when they experience loving relationships and healthy stability, and a faithful church family can become an important part of that foundation.

Our lives are interconnected.  None of us lives entirely unto ourselves.  What we say and do influences those around us.  Our attitudes, actions, and decisions leave impressions—either positive or negative—upon our families, our fellow believers, and those who quietly observe our lives.

As I close my eyes, I can almost hear those stones slapping against the water, each bounce becoming quicker until the rock finally disappears beneath the surface.  That image reminds me how easy it can be to keep searching for something different without ever finding the peace we are looking for.  Sometimes the answer is not found in another church, but in allowing God to bring healing, wisdom, and renewed hope where we are.

When families leave a church after only a brief stay, it can also be difficult for the congregation and for the pastors and leaders who are prayerfully seeking to build a living, stable church family.  Healthy relationships often take time to develop, and perseverance can produce lasting fruit.

If we are searching for a perfect church, we will never find one because every congregation is made up of imperfect people—including ourselves.  Yet within an imperfect church, God continues His perfect work of shaping His children.  Through faithful pastors, caring church leaders, devoted prayer warriors, and loving brothers and sisters in Christ, He provides guidance, encouragement, correction, and hope.

As long as a church faithfully teaches God’s Word and honors the Gospel, it is wise to prayerfully consider our concerns before making a decision to leave.  Rather than allowing emotions alone to guide us, we can seek God’s direction, trusting Him to provide wisdom for each step.

Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds us: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”  

May we continue encouraging one another; remaining faithful to Christ, and valuing the gift of a church family that God has graciously given us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Shadows of Darkness

There are moments from childhood that remain as vivid today as if they happened yesterday.  For me, many of those memories come from growing up in the small town of Martinez, California—a close-knit bedroom community where neighbors knew one another, children played freely, and life seemed wonderfully uncomplicated.  Major crimes were almost unheard of.  Petty theft may have occurred from time to time, but nothing that caused people to live behind locked doors or constant fear.  Looking back, it feels like a different world.

Halloween was one of my favorite nights of the year.  Armed with nothing more than a costume and a pillowcase, I would wander the streets by myself, going from house to house as neighbors cheerfully filled my bag with candy.  Parents didn’t worry about poisoned treats or hidden razor blades because such stories simply didn’t exist in our community.  Trust was the fabric of everyday life.

It was also perfectly normal for me to walk the two blocks to our neighborhood store after dusk.  No one thought twice about it.  The streets were quiet, the people were familiar, and home never felt far away.

Yet there was one thing that stirred my young imagination—the darkness.

I remember whistling as I walked home, almost as if the sound reassured me that everything would be all right.  The shadows cast by trees and porch lights seemed mysterious, and every dark corner invited my imagination to invent dangers that weren’t really there.  As I reached our front porch, I would hurry to open the unlocked door, jump inside, and quickly shut it behind me.  In those fleeting moments, I was convinced that someone—or something—might grab me before I made it safely indoors.

You might ask, “How in the world could your parents allow you to do such things?  Didn’t they care what happened to you?”  They absolutely did.  They loved me deeply and cared about my safety and well-being.   But times were different back then.  Children were precious, and people looked out for one another.  The saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” truly reflected the heart and character of the good, honorable people who lived there.

Today I smile at those childhood fears, knowing they existed only in my imagination.  Yet as I have grown older, I have come to realize that while those imagined shadows disappeared, another kind of darkness has spread across our world.

The darkness we face today is no longer confined to childhood fears or the absence of sunlight.  It reveals itself in broken families, violence, hatred, addiction, abuse, deception, and a growing rejection of God’s truth.  The innocence that once characterized so many communities has steadily faded, replaced by uncertainty and fear.

I often hear people ask, “What has happened to our country?  Where have honor, integrity, and respect gone?”

From my understanding of Scripture, the answer is spiritual before it is social misbehavior.  The Bible teaches that we are living in the last days before the return of Jesus Christ.  Satan continues his relentless work to deceive, divide, and destroy, while many have chosen to set God aside in pursuit of their own desires.  As sin becomes increasingly accepted, the shadows grow darker.

Yet darkness has never been able to overcome God’s light.  That is the beautiful message of the Gospel.

Jesus Christ entered a dark world to bring hope where there was despair, forgiveness where there was guilt, and life where there was death.  Every one of us has sinned.  Scripture declares that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

No amount of good works, kindness, or personal effort can erase our guilt before a holy God.  That is why Jesus willingly went to the cross.  He bore the punishment we deserved, died for our sins, rose victorious from the grave, and now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for those who place their faith in Him.

Because of His sacrifice, no one has to remain in spiritual darkness.

When we confess our sins, repent, and place our trust in Jesus Christ, He forgives us completely.  His light begins to transform our hearts, replacing fear with peace, guilt with grace, and hopelessness with everlasting hope.

As believers, we are called to live in this world without becoming part of its corruption. We are pilgrims on a journey, citizens of a heavenly kingdom, passing through this temporary life while looking forward to the eternal home Christ has prepared for those who love Him.

For that reason, I believe we should pray daily, asking God to surround ourselves and our loved ones with His protection and grace.  We can face an increasingly dark world with confidence because we never walk through it alone.  The Lord Himself walks beside us.

I still remember those childhood evenings when I hurried through the shadows toward the safety of my father’s house.  Now I see those memories differently.

The shadows I feared as a little boy have become a reminder of a far greater spiritual truth.  Every person must one day decide whether to remain in darkness or step into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ. 

The invitation has never changed.

Jesus loves beyond measure.  He does not desire that anyone should perish but that all would come to repentance and receive the gift of eternal life.  Through His immeasurable love, He clothes us in His righteousness, calls us His children, and welcomes us into His eternal family.

When Christ dwells within us, the shadows may still surround us, but they no longer define us.  The darkness cannot overcome the Light, and because He lives within us, we can walk forward in faith, hope, and confidence until the day we finally arrive home.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Breath of Life

The Breath of Life…it is what every person is truly searching for deep within the depths of the soul.  People try to fill the emptiness within themselves with the material things they buy, hoping they will satisfy that gnawing hunger inside.  Some become workaholics, striving to earn more money so they can buy more things they believe will fulfill their deepest longings.  Yet the emptiness remains.

Others pursue false doctrines that contradict the truths of God’s Word.  These teachings are nothing more than pipe dreams, leading people down the wrong path—antichrist in nature—having never received the Breath of Life breathed upon them by the Holy Spirit.

One such teaching is, “Name it and claim it.”  When taken to its extreme, it places confidence in self rather than In God.  I know the Scriptures say, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).  Faith requires action; it is not sitting back and doing nothing.  But this teaching can run dangerously close to suggesting that we become equal with God, leaving Him out of our decisions because all we have to do is “name it and claim it.”  In my humble opinion, that is a subtle deception.

God prospers those who call upon His name and ask according to His will.  His blessings are never detached from His wisdom or His purpose.  Every teaching that substitutes self for Christ is just that—a substitute for the Real Thing, Jesus Christ.  Turn away from such teachings.  Ignore them.  Do not allow them to captivate your heart, for they offer only momentary solutions to an everlasting longing for true peace.

Many people are not even aware that the only true Breath of Life is just a prayer away—forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.  He alone is the answer to the deep longing hidden within every soul.

Instead of turning to Him, people are persuaded to believe that success lies within themselves—in their own abilities, achievements, and ambitions. They have been deceived into believing that their own way is the only path to happiness and fulfillment.  But no matter how hard they strive, no matter how much they possess, nothing they do or buy can satisfy the emptiness within.

Many fail to recognize just how skillfully they have been manipulated and separated from the truth of God’s Word.  Evil lurks in the shadows of darkness, working day and night to keep people blinded to the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Those words may sound frightening, but Jesus casts out fear from those who follow Him.  His hand of protection rests upon His children.  He is the Light that darkness cannot overcome, the Truth that exposes every lie, and the perfect answer to the enemy’s manipulation of God’s truth.

Jesus is the Breath of Life.  He breathes life into those whose souls have become like dry bones.  He calls the dead to life.  He brings hope where there was despair, light where there was darkness, and peace where there was unrest. 

From death unto life—this is God’s promise to all who repent of their sins, place their faith in Jesus Christ, and follow Him.  In Him alone is found the Breath of Life for which every heart has been searching all along.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Log

I knew a godly man who spent many years working in the gold mines of Grass Valley, California.  When the mines closed in 1956, he had to find another way to provide for his family.  He became a logger, felling towering trees in the forests of Northern California.

Logging is dangerous work, and one day tragedy nearly struck.  A massive log rolled over his leg, leaving him seriously injured.  By God’s grace, however, his life was spared.

After months of recovery, he made a life=changing decision.  He packed up his family and moved south to the city where I lived.  There he found work as a security guard at a nearby retirement community.  It may have seemed like an ordinary move prompted by difficult circumstances, but God was quietly arranging events that no one could have imagined.

Dad, as I later called him, had two sons and a young daughter who was in the seventh grade when they relocated.  Nine years later, I met that young lady when a woman in her church played Cupid and introduced us.  I was attending another church at that time.  We fell in love and, six months later, we were married.  A year after that, our first child was born.  Eventually God blessed us with three wonderful children.

Looking back, I cannot help but marvel at God’s providence.  Had the mines remained open…had he never become a logger…had the accident never occurred…had the family never moved south…had that woman not introduced us…our paths may never have crossed.  What appeared to be a series of hardships became the very means God used to bring us together.

How true are the words of Scripture: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”  (Psalm 37:23).  My wife would quickly remind me that the Lord orders the steps of godly women as well.  I certainly believe that.

Now, before you remind me that the title of this writing is called The Log, let me gently steer us back to the point.

Not long ago, my wife and I were enjoying dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.  At the table beside us sat a group of people celebrating together.  Unfortunately, one gentleman seemed determined to make the evening entirely about himself.

He talked without interruption.  Story after story poured out as he described his travels, financial success, influential positions with well-known companies, and ambitious plans for the future.  No one else had an opportunity to contribute to the conversation.  Every attempt to speak was swallowed by another tale of his accomplishments.

As the evening wore on, the conversation became even more uncomfortable.

He began pointing out where others at the table had failed.  He analyzed their decisions, highlighted their shortcomings, and confidently explained what they should have done differently.  His words carried the unmistakable tone of someone who believed he had mastered life while everyone else had somehow fallen behind.

Listening from the next table, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ words: “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the log in your own eye?”  (Matthew 7:3).

That illustration has always fascinated me.  The speck is tiny.  A log in enormous.  Yet pride has a remarkable way of blinding us to our own faults while magnifying the faults of others.

I believe Jesus was teaching far more than proper manners.  He was exposing one of the deepest tendencies of the human heart.  We are often eager to correct others before allowing God to correct us.  We readily offer advice before examining our own attitudes.  We can become so convinced of our own wisdom that we stop recognizing our need for humility.

Proverbs 16:18 warns us plainly: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  Those words are timeless because pride remains one of humanity’s oldest temptations.

As followers of Christ, we must be especially careful.  It is possible to know Scripture well and still fail to reflect the heart of Christ.  We may have good intentions, yet our words can become harsh, self-righteous, or condescending.  Most people do not respond to condemnation.  They respond to genuine love.

Jesus never compromised truth, but He delivered truth with compassion.  He was firm without being arrogant, honest without being cruel, and holy without being unapproachable.

When we speak to others about the Lord, they should encounter more than correct doctrine.  They should experience the gentleness, kindness, patience, and love that the Holy Spirit produces within a surrendered heart.  A humble spirit often opens doors that forceful words can never unlock.

Perhaps that evening in the restaurant served as more than an uncomfortable interruption to our dinner.  Perhaps it was a quiet reminder from the Lord to examine my own heart before evaluating someone else’s.  After all, logs are much harder to see when they are in our own eyes.

The Lord is still in the business of removing logs.  If we will humbly allow Him to search our hearts, He will replace pride with humility, criticism with compassion, and self-importance with Christlike love.

Love truly does conquer all.  May that love be the defining mark of our lives as we share Jesus and His wonderful plan with those He places in our path.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Am I Concerned for Lost Souls

My wife and I recently attended a baseball game with our daughter and son-in-law in a nearby city.  The stadium was packed with fans cheering for their favorite team, hoping for a big win.  It was an enjoyable time away with family.

But when the final out was recorded and the crowd began filing out of the stadium, a sobering thought suddenly overwhelmed me: “How many people in this crowd are saved and on their way to heaven?”

My heart grew heavy as I watched the faces around me.  Some were smiling from ear to ear because their team had won, while others walked away disappointed because their team had lost.  Eventually, we reached our car, which seemed to be parked in the “north forty” of the parking lot.

As we walked, my wife shared what was weighing on her heart.  She wasn’t troubled because our team had lost; she too had sensed the spiritual hopelessness within that massive crowd.  She quietly asked, “How many of these people are lost and without God?”

As the crowd disappeared into the night, and the stadium lights faded behind us, I was spiritually numb to think: “Where are these people going to spend eternity?”  My other thought: “How many people will stand before Almighty God one day and give an account for the deeds they did on earth?”  It will be too late for believers to witness and tell them about Jesus.  My heart was heavy and troubled.  I pray that God will send someone their way to share the plan of salvation while there is yet time.

My wife’s question gives rise to several others that every Christian should ask:

** Am I truly concerned and burdened for lost souls?

** Have I become content simply knowing that I am going to heaven?

** Have I adopted an “us four and no more” mentality?

** Do I attend church each Sunday only to complain about the sermon or grumble because there is another guest speaker?

** Where is the brokenness of spirit I once felt for those who were without Christ when I was first saved?

** Have I become complacent, satisfied with the status quo of my Christian life?

I believe God desires His children to be actively involved in bringing others to Christ.  Jesus said, “The fields are white unto harvest.”  Souls are all around us in need of a Savior—but where are the laborers?

All of heaven rejoices when one sinner repents and gives their heart to Jesus.  But people cannot believe the Good News unless they first hear it—that Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and offers eternal life.  There is heaven to gain and hell to shun.

As ambassadors for Christ, we must remind ourselves that the time for redemption is drawing near.  The signs of the times are everywhere.  We need to open our eyes, recognize the lost souls surrounding us, and respond with compassion and urgency.

Think about those God has already placed in your life: the neighbor next door, the coworker you eat lunch with, the teammate you play sports with, the mail carrier, or the loved one whose heart has grown cold and wandered away from Christ.

When I was first saved, I often prayed, “Lord, where do You want me to go tonight?”  I believed He was already preparing someone’s heart to receive the Words of Life that He wanted me to share.

If we have become spiritually sleepy, it is time to awaken.  There is still time to reach those who are perishing.  May we once again become deeply rattled when we see people drowning in sin.  Instead of walking by, may we throw them the only Lifeline that can save them—Jesus Christ, the only hope for lost souls.

Written by,

Papa Boyd