A Smile Can...

Obviously, the title leaves something to the imagination.  A smile can do what?  I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase the power of suggestion.  One example that comes to mind is when I see someone yawning.  Without thinking, and before I know it, here comes a yawn of my own!  Or if someone nearby starts coughing, it sometimes seems as though I have an urge to cough, too.  That’s the power of suggestion at work.

A smile can affect another person’s mood in much the same way, often compelling them to smile back.  A smile usually begets a smile!

It’s a shame that our society seems to be becoming more hesitant when someone shows kindness or respect, or even attempts to step into another person’s three-foot, no-trespassing zone to offer a high-five in the name of friendship.  All the more reason to smile, even if the other person wonders, “What’s their angle?”

A smiling face is like the sun coming out on a dreary day.  It’s contagious and can encourage others to respond in kind.  So, what do you think a frown produces in those who see it?  Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

A smile can go a long way toward making someone’s day.  Think about this: Don’t we all like to look younger than we really are as we age?  That question may not mean much to someone who hasn’t yet turned twenty-one!  But for the most part, those of us who are getting older usually enjoy hearing comments such as, “You don’t look that old!”

I’ve heard it said that smiling uses fewer facial muscles than frowning.  Whether or not that’s true, here’s my suggestion: If we want to look younger, let’s start smiling more!

After all, aren’t Christians supposed to have the joy of the Lord in their hearts?  I believe so!  Then why don’t we smile more at those around us who may be discontented, going through hard times, or feeling discouraged?

A smile can brighten someone’s day, offer encouragement to a hurting soul, or communicate love without saying a word.

No doubt you’ve heard the familiar saying, “Smile, and the whole world smiles with you.”  While we can’t control how others respond, our smiles and the attitudes behind them can positively influence the people within our immediate sphere of influence.  In a society where so many people seem unhappy or discouraged, we can make a difference simply by making an effort to wear a smile each day.

Matthew 5:16 tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

A smile may seem like a small thing, but in God’s hands, even a small act of kindness can make a difference.  So, the next time you encounter someone who looks discouraged, don’t underestimate the power of a smile.  You may never know how much that simple gesture means to them.

A smile can do more than change a face; it can help brighten a heart!

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Dark Overcast

I’ve been watching In the Eye of the Storm on television.  It amazes me to see the power of Mother Nature as a dark, overcast day can turn into a horrific tornado in a surprisingly short amount of time.  The devastation these storms leave behind is mind-boggling.

Have you ever felt as though you were living beneath a dark spiritual overcast, with the winds of calamity blowing your way?  Sometimes it feels as though our heads are going to explode if one more negative thing happens.  The turmoil can mount with each new occurrence, leaving us feeling overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control.

But as Christians, we have the Lord to lean upon during times like these.  The Holy Spirit comforts our hearts and speaks peace to our troubled souls.  I believe most of us have experienced this kind of pressure at one time or another.

There’s nothing like a splitting headache to make a person’s day!  But seriously, this kind of pressure reminds me of the orange juice squeezer my mother used when I was young.  She believed a glass of orange juice each morning would help ward off the colds and flu that circulated among the children at school.

I know I’m dating myself, but her squeezer had a long handle that she pressed down to extract the juice from the orange halves.  I can still picture the pressure she applied to those oranges.  It makes me think of those times when life’s pressures seem to squeeze us from every direction.

Getting back to those dark, overcast days when the pressures of life seem unbearable, we need not face them alone or depend solely upon our own strength.  We can cast every one of our cares upon the Lord.  This is the enduring hope available to every Christian: we have a Savior who cares about what we are going through and invites us to bring our burdens to Him.

1 Peter 5:7 reminds us: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.”

The next time you feel the onset of another dark overcast beginning to form, stop and listen.  Take a moment to consider what God may be speaking to your heart.  Then rest in Him, surrendering your circumstances and your will to His care.  Let your prayer be: “Not my will, but Yours be done.  In the name of Jesus, deliver me.”

Even when the storm clouds gather and the pressure mounts, remember that you do not have to weather the storm alone.  The Lord is our refuge when the skies grow dark, our peace when the winds howl, and our strength when we feel we can bear no more.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Home at Last

Jesus told a parable about a lost son in Luke 15:11-32.  The younger of two sons said to his father, “Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.”  The father divided to him his livelihood.  A while later, the son gathered his belongings and set off for a distant country.  After living a riotous lifestyle and eventually finding himself starving, he came to his senses and headed back home.

From a father’s perspective, I can only imagine what was going through the mind of the boy’s father when he saw a familiar-looking figure in the distance.  I picture the boy with his head bowed low, as if the weight of the whole world rested on his shoulders.  I can almost hear the father exclaiming aloud, “Could it be?  It looks like…!  It’s him!”  I imagine he could hardly believe his eyes.

Even though his son had left home and squandered his inheritance on riotous living, none of that mattered now.  His boy had finally returned!  The son hoped that his father might at least allow him to become one of the household servants in exchange for something to eat.  He was home at last!

He is known as the prodigal son.  Rather than rejecting him for leaving home and wasting his wealth, his father was overjoyed and ran to meet him with open arms.  He had compassion on his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.’”

His father then had a feast prepared in his son’s honor.  The one who had been lost was now found.  His wandering son was home at last!

Likewise, when a wayward individual finally recognizes the depths of their sinful condition, comes to Father God with a repentant heart, and asks Him for forgiveness, God welcomes that person into His family with open arms.  He lifts the burden of sin from their shoulders because He cares deeply for them.

I can relate to the prodigal son.  I, too, reached the end of my rope, needing to feel the loving embrace of my Heavenly Father.  He did just that.  It is called amazing grace!

God does not reject a sincere, remorseful heart that seeks His forgiveness.  Instead, He welcomes the repentant sinner with love, mercy, and grace.

One day, all of God’s children will rejoice at the great celebration in heaven made possible through Jesus Christ, who opened the way for believers to enter into the joy of the Lord.  What a glorious day that will be when the family of God is gathered together in His presence!

The day is coming when every redeemed child of God will be home at last!

(Revelation 21:3-4), “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.  God Himself will be with them and be their God.’” (vs 4) “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Amazing Grace...

The name Grace is quite lovely.  It means “kindness,” “elegance,” or “God’s favor.”  I would like to think that individuals named Grace are amazing people with pleasing personalities.  My mind immediately goes to the little girl who lives a few houses down from us.  Every time she and her mom or dad walk by while my wife and I are outside in front of our home, she stops and strikes up a conversation with us.

She’s adorable!  Her little personality draws you in, making you want to hear what she has to say.  She is an amazing little girl, full of kindness, but so are her mother and father.  And yes, her name is Grace.

Allow me to explore with you the deeper meaning of the word grace.  I’m not talking about the female name Grace, but something far more profound.  When I think of the song “Amazing Grace,” I am reminded of the wonderful gift God offers to each of us.  It is fitting that we take a closer look at the biblical meaning of these two words and better understand the impact God’s amazing grace can have on our lives.

God’s grace is more than a beautiful expression.  It is His undeserved favor toward us, freely given because of His love.  This grace reaches into the depths of our souls, bringing forgiveness, renewal, and transformation.  It can change our behavior, shape our personalities, influence the way we interact with others, and, most importantly, bring about a new life in Christ.

What do I mean when I speak of the renewal of our souls?  I am referring to the transformation that takes place when we repent of our sins, confess them to God, and receive His forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  As Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, when we are in Christ, we become a new creation.  The old life passes away, and a new life begins.

We do not deserve this gift.  We cannot earn it through our good deeds or become worthy of it through our own efforts.  God extends His mercy and grace because He loves us.  Through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, we can receive the gift of salvation and become children of God, born again through the work of His Spirit.

Consider what Jesus did for us.  He willingly gave His life on the cross of Calvary, bearing the penalty for our sins and making a way for us to be reconciled to God.  He took our place, paying the price for our redemption so that we might receive forgiveness and eternal life.

God’s amazing grace does not merely forgive us; it begins to transform us.  When we turn away from our sinful ways and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, His work within us begins to show outwardly.  We become more mindful of how we treat others.  Kindness becomes more than a pleasant personality trait.  We learn to forgive others because God has forgiven us.  Love becomes more than words we speak.  These things begin to reflect the work God is doing in our hearts.

This does not mean that we become perfect overnight.  Rather, as we continue walking with the Lord, He teaches us, corrects us, and shapes us into the people He desires us to be.

Perhaps the little girl named Grace, with her sweet personality and kindness, can serve as a gentle reminder of a much greater grace.  While a person’s name may remind us of kindness, God’s amazing grace offers us something far more wonderful: forgiveness for our sins, a new beginning, and the opportunity to become more like Jesus.

That is the amazing grace of God—His unmerited, undeserved favor freely offered to us through Jesus Christ.  We need only come to Him in repentance and faith, trusting in His Son as our Lord and Savior.

Amazing grace, indeed!

Ephesians 2:8-10, captures my full attention when I read these Scriptures: “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” (vs 9) “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (vs 10) “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Can Afford to Be Generous...

If we find ourselves withholding God’s love from people who need it, failing to minister to them as we should, I believe it is much like deliberately turning our backs on someone about to step into traffic at a crosswalk because they failed to see the sign that reads WAIT!  We might hesitate because we fear being accused of something bizarre.  Or imagine a nurse or doctor walking away from someone who needs CPR simply because they are too busy or have a pressing dinner engagement.  Would we consider that acceptable?

I ask myself, “Am I becoming so occupied with the cares of life that I fail to take a moment to share the good news that God loves the unlovable?  Do I hesitate because someone smells unpleasant or appears unkempt?”  If we see a house engulfed in flames but refuse to call 911 because we fear being charged for emergency services, would that not be wrong?

These are just a few examples of the importance of giving of ourselves when opportunities arise to help others, even when doing so costs us something.

What is a soul worth, anyway?

All of heaven rejoices when a sinner turns to Jesus and is born again.  Think about this: Even if you or I had been the only person who had ever sinned, Jesus would still have gone to the cross to make our salvation possible.  That is how deeply He loves us.  That is how precious one soul is to God.  And that is how precious you are to Him.

If our efforts to share Christ could help even one person find the way to heaven rather than remain on the road to destruction, would those efforts not be worth it?

Sometimes, we need to shake ourselves awake from the humdrum, lethargic state that can overtake us.  When we find ourselves growing weary in spirit, we need to refocus and look around us.  Many people are groping for hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances.

Every once in a while, I hear the phrase “Proof of Life” on television.  I believe that when we look beyond our own safe havens and make ourselves available for God to use, things can happen.  Lives can be saved!

We will begin to recognize the signs of spiritual death taking hold through drug abuse, alcoholism, and the many other vices that destroy lives.  These things rob people of the joy and purpose that God intends for them, leaving them vulnerable to the one who goes about like a roaring lion. 

1 Peter 5:8 tells us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

If we need to shake ourselves awake so that we can see more clearly those who are hurting and minister to those who need spiritual CPR, then we need to do so.

If we need to extend a helping hand or offer an arm of support to someone in danger of being pushed into calamity and spiritual destruction by Satan, then we need to do so.

If we need to grab the water hose of salvation, so to speak, and help extinguish the flames of deception arising from spiritual wickedness in the shadows of darkness, then we need to do so.

We must be willing instruments in God’s hands, speaking words of encouragement and extending His hands to others by sharing spiritual food with hungry souls.  We must tell them that Jesus died for their sins and that forgiveness and new life are available through Him.

We have so much love within us that we can afford to be generous with it.  God’s love is without end—boundless, infinite, and merciful.  Whoever comes to Him in repentance, He will not cast aside.  Instead, He welcomes those who turn to Him into His family, adopting them as His sons and daughters.  He loves them with an everlasting Father’s love.

God is generous with His blessings and does not withhold good things from His children.  Matthew 7:11 reminds us: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him.”

If earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much greater is the love of our heavenly Father!

God has been generous with us, extending His love and grace and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.  Should we not be willing to extend that same love and grace to others?

We can afford to be generous—not because we have an endless supply of our own goodness, but because the love God has poured into our hearts is more than enough to share.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

A Paculiar People

What is peculiar?  I looked up the meaning of the word so that we could begin on the same page regarding the focus I want to present in this writing.  The word peculiar primarily means strange, odd, unusual, or uncommon.  It can also mean belonging exclusively to a particular person, group, or thing.  For clarity’s sake, let us focus on the latter meaning, particularly as it relates to a person or group.

In Scripture, the phrase a peculiar people refers to God’s special possession—a people who belong to Him.  It does not mean people who live without a moral compass to guide them in the ways of righteousness.  Some live according to the dictates of their fleshly desires, believing that if something feels good, that is all that matters.  They would rather rebel against God than abide by His statutes.

But I prefer not to spotlight our attention on those who are running from God’s love.  The message I hope to convey is that it is okay to be different.  We do not have to look, sound, or behave like the general public around us simply to fit in or meet everyone else’s expectations.  Too often, society promotes a self-centered, me, me, me mentality that seems more prevalent than ever.

Let’s face it: Christians are a peculiar people.  We are called to turn away from the empty promises of worldly pleasures and the turmoil and discord that accompany a life contrary to God’s Word.  Our calling runs counter to a world that often embraces what conflicts with the holiness of Jesus Christ.

Those who follow Jesus’ teachings are pilgrims passing through this present world, looking toward a heavenly home not made with hands.  Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for His own.  What a glorious promise for God’s children—for those who have been born again and have accepted Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as their Lord and Savior!

1 Peter 2:9 declares: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Being a peculiar people does not mean Christians should deliberately act strangely to attract attention.  Rather, our lives should reflect that we belong to the Lord.  Our values, conduct, speech, and choices should distinguish us from the ways of the world whenever those ways conflict with God’s Word.

We do not become God’s peculiar people merely because we are different from the world.  We are to be different because we belong to Him.

Can people recognize that we belong to Christ by the way we live, even before we tell them we are Christians?

Consider what this looks like in our daily lives: loving instead of hating, forgiving instead of seeking revenge, walking in truth rather than deception, and living in holiness rather than accepting sin.  We are called to follow Christ even when doing so makes us different from those around us.

We are a peculiar people—not because we strive to be different, but because we belong to the One who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Maranatha--The Word Is Out!

I remember years ago when “the word” was on the lips of many Christians.  A song was even written about it.  The word is Maranatha!  But what does Maranatha mean, you may be wondering?

I haven’t heard this word spoken or sermons preached about it in quite some time, but that does not alter or negate the reality of what it points to.  Maranatha is commonly understood as “Our Lord, come!”  or “The Lord is coming.”  Although translations and interpretations may vary slightly, the message of longing for our Lord’s coming remains.

This word has nothing to do with what the world has to offer, but everything to do with the promise of Jesus Christ returning for His own—to receive His bride, the church of the living God, made up of born-again believers.  Expressions such as “caught up” and “the Rapture” have been used to describe this anticipated event.

A few days ago, the title of this writing, “The Word Is Out,” came to mind.  I jotted it down in my phone’s Reminders, anticipating that thoughts pertaining to those four words would come to me sometime in the future.  They did!

Today, I scanned my reminders and saw the title.  Immediately, the word Maranatha came to mind like a drumbeat.  I hadn’t thought about this word in years, but there it was!

In 1 Corinthians 16:22, we read, “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed.  Maranatha!”  The word expresses the longing, “Our Lord, come!”

Our love for Jesus Christ is not a minor detail of our faith; it is central to it.  And the expectation of His coming reminds us that our relationship with Him is a matter of eternal importance.

I believe this writing may mark a renewed emphasis on the fact that Jesus is coming again.  Maranatha!

We need to get the word out and spread the good news of His coming like never before.  When people ask what Maranatha means, the explanation can open the door to witnessing about God’s amazing grace and everlasting love.

Most importantly, we need to share the story of redemption—that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and made a way for us to be reconciled to God.  We should also encourage others to be ready for His return in all His glory, recognizing that the event we anticipate is not something to take lightly or postpone preparing for.

Every Christian needs to get the word out.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” — Revelation 22:20

What a beautiful promise to hold close to our hearts!  May we be found faithful, walking in His ways, sharing His love, and looking forward to His glorious appearing.

Maranatha—our Lord, come!

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Wherever I Go, He's There...

Can anyone be in two places at the same time?  A simple “no” answers that.  So, how is it that God can be everywhere at the same time?  He just is—He’s God.  He is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere at the same time.

If anyone can provide understandable answers that clarify the unknowns in my head, I want them to write a book of explanations, and I’ll buy one.  Oh, wait!  There’s already a book in print addressing God’s omnipresence (present everywhere), omnipotence (all-powerful), and omniscience (all-knowing)—the Holy Bible!  It provides answers to many of our questions, guidance for those wandering aimlessly through a self-indulgent, self-induced wilderness of want, and help for those desiring a closer walk with God.

There is nowhere we can go beyond God’s presence.  Whether we find ourselves in a place of joy, sorrow, uncertainty, or loneliness, we are never beyond His reach.  We may sometimes feel alone, but feeling alone does not mean we are alone.  God’s presence is not limited by our circumstances or our feelings.  

Jeremiah 23:23-24 tells us: “ ‘Am I a God who is only close at hand?’ says the Lord.  ‘No, I am far away at the same time.  Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?  Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?’  says the Lord.”

If God fills heaven and earth, His presence is not something we must find our way into as though He were far away.  Rather, we can turn our hearts toward Him, wherever we are.

This is a sobering thought, yet it is also a comforting truth—one that gives us confidence, strengthens our trust, and assures us that we are never beyond God’s reach.  We can bring our prayers, concerns, and innermost thoughts before Him, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight.

Psalm 139:7-10 tells us: “I can never escape from Your Spirit!  I can never get away from Your presence!  If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I go down to the grave, You are there.  If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me.”

What more could we ask for?  God loves us dearly, and He invites us to draw near to Him.  He is there to love us, care for us, guide us, and be involved in every aspect of our lives.

Wherever we go, whatever we face, and however alone we may feel, God is there.  We cannot escape His presence, nor do we need to search for Him as though He were beyond our reach.  The God who fills heaven and earth is also the God who invites us into a personal relationship with Him.  What a wonderful assurance to carry with us each day: wherever I go, He’s there!

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Awakened to Life

It was a wonderful, life-changing experience the night I surrendered my will to God’s will.  In a moment of time, after asking Him to forgive my sins, I experienced an awakening of my dormant soul.  I had been like a dead man walking—lifeless, with passive ideas about life and blindness to boot.

I couldn’t see what God, through His Holy Spirit, had been showing me about His love for many years.  But I rejected the warmth of His love, choosing instead to allow the cold, dank surroundings of sin to encapsulate my soul like a tomb or crypt.

To put it bluntly, so that you understand exactly where my emotions and state of mind were at that time, I was like one of those skeletons you see at Halloween outside someone’s house—dead man’s bones—without life.  That’s how I was before the joy of the Lord filled me.

To see me then, without God in my life, compared to now, with Him in my life, would be like heaven and hell.  The comparison goes without saying.

Was I perfect in every way that night when salvation entered my soul?  I think not.  It has been a process of putting off the old man with his old ideas of trying to make sense out of life, and putting on the new man, with the Holy Spirit prompting me as to what is godly and what is not.

It’s like the old saying: “Inch by inch, anything’s a cinch.”

I have been learning that I don’t need ungodly things to make it seem as though I was happy for a time, while being full of confusion.  Instead, I’m finding that the things of God bring lasting peace and harmony.

There is a word that may explain it better.  The word is sanctification.

What is sanctification?  In the Bible, sanctification means being set apart for God and made holy for His purposes.  When a person comes to Christ, he or she is set apart as belonging to God.  But sanctification is also an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer—a lifelong process in which God changes us from the inside out, teaching us to turn away from sin and increasingly reflect the character of Christ.

Paul writes, “You are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” — 1 Corinthians 1:30.  And Scripture tells us that “this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

I believe sanctification is the ongoing process of learning more about God, desiring more of Him, and becoming more like Christ as the Holy Spirit works within us.  It means gradually letting go of the things that once had a hold on our lives—things that were sucking the life out of us and, in a sense, producing dead man’s bones.

It doesn’t mean that we become perfect overnight.  It means that, day by day, God continues His work in us.  Inch by inch, step by step, the Holy Spirit teaches us, corrects us, strengthens us, and draws us closer to God.

And if God is for us, who can ultimately be against us?

No one and nothing can compare to the power, love, and presence of God.  His forgiveness reaches as far as the east is from the west, and His greatness extends beyond anything our finite minds can comprehend.

That is what it means to be awakened to life—not simply to have been changed once, but to continue being changed by God, inch by inch, day by day.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Light or Dark?

I’m not talking about color schmes, whether they lean toward light or dark hues, nor am I visualizing someone’s hair color—blond or brunette.  And I’m not talking about separating the light-colored clothes from the dark ones when doing the laundry.

Here’s another angle to consider: Perhaps you or someone you know has experienced the need for a soft light shining in the bedroom at night because of a fear of the dark.

Or consider this: Dark, dank, and dreary days are just that—dark, dank, and dreary.  They can be somewhat depressing at times, especially when I was a kid wanting to go outside and play.  But my susceptibility to colds and winter illnesses made that a difficult decision for my parents.  They wanted to say yes but were compelled to keep me indoors for health reasons.  It seemed I was allergic to everything—my allergies were allergic to my allergies!

I was even allergic to my own hair when Dad would cut it.  I would start sneezing and coughing, my eyes would begin to tear up, and, depending on how long it took Dad to finish, I would sometimes start wheezing.

I was a different boy altogether when the sun shone brightly on a warm summer’s day.  I loved seeing the sunshine outside!  My parents had fewer worries about my being exposed to whatever illnesses might be going around.  I had my fair share of hospital stays because of allergies and asthma.

But enough about my woes.  God brought me through it all!  Today, I’m very healthy, with no allergies or asthma to speak of.

Let’s explore, for a moment, the difference between light and darkness in the spiritual realm.

The Bible tells us that our struggle is not merely against what we can see in the natural world.  Ephesians 6:12 explains that we wrestle against spiritual forces of darkness: “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.”

We may not see these spiritual forces, but we must remain alert to their influence.  Just as allergies can affect our physical well-being, temptation and spiritual deception can affect our spiritual health if we are not watchful.

The Word of God provides the strength and wisdom we need to stand firm against the enemy of our souls.  It is the light we need to see clearly in the darkness and to keep us from fearing what we cannot see—much like the nightlight I mentioned earlier.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105

The three words in our title, Light or Dark, are words we need to consider carefully rather than simply let them pass through our minds without a second thought.  When we face a situation that brings this question to mind, we need to Stop, Look, and Listen to what is happening around us and within us.  Could we be facing a spiritual struggle that requires discernment?

Is it a temptation that could turn a day spent walking with the Lord into one overshadowed by the enemy’s influence?  Could we be allowing darkness to creep in where God’s light should be shining?

For me, I choose to walk in the light of God’s love rather than dwell in an atmosphere of darkness that promotes fear and dread.  The light of God’s love nurtures us in mind, body, and spirit as we keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him.

The dark, dreary surroundings of life can discourage us and weigh us down, but we do not have to allow them to determine how we walk through each day.  The light of God’s love will never dim, and His truth will continue to guide us as long as we keep our eyes on His Son.

Through Him, we can live victoriously, warmed and strengthened by the light of His unfailing love.

So, when life presents you with a choice, remember to ask yourself: Light or Dark?

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Was, but Now I'm Not

What in the world am I talking about in the title?  Stick with me.  These six words cover a lot of territory.

I was lost, but now I’m found.

I was a sinner, but now I’m saved by God’s grace.

I was bound by habits, but now I’m not, because Jesus broke the chains that held me fast.

He gave His life on a cross for you, me, and all of humanity, so that we might be set free from Satan’s grasp and enjoy a life of freedom.

I was miserable, but now I’m not, because Christ filled me with His love.

Like the song says, “It is joy unspeakable and full of glory.  And the half has never yet been told.”

Let me say this: Since I bowed my knees before God late one lonely night, my life has never been the same.  I was seeking some kind of lasting stability in my life.  Peace was certainly not following me down the path I had chosen to travel.  Peace evaded my every attempt to find it.

True and lasting peace is not offered or found in the things of this world.  The things of this world are passing fancies—counterfeits for the real answer to life’s quest for peace and happiness.

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.  He alone offers the peace that a searching soul longs for when it calls upon His name.

“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

I was one of those people who finally realized I needed something more out of life than the life I was living—something or Someone.

Clarity and purpose for living became clear before my very eyes the moment I surrendered my life to God.  The Holy Spirit quenched my inward thirst to belong and filled my hungry soul with His love.

I was once a needy and cantankerous individual, but now I’m not.

Jesus made all the difference in my life.

I was lost, but now I’m found.

I was bound, but now I’m free.

I was miserable, but now I have joy.

I was searching, but now I have found the One I was searching for.

I was—but now I’m not.

Jesus changed my life, and He can do the same for you if yo are searching for newness of life.

Confess your sins before God, turn to Him, and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  There really is hope for a changed life—because there is hope in Jesus Christ.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Walk in the Spirit

There is a quiet work taking place within us that others may never see.  The Holy Spirit knows what is happening in the deepest areas of our hearts, even in those places we may not want anyone—including ourselves—to examine too closely.

For this reason, we need to remain close to the Holy Spirit.  He helps us discern what is true and what is false when we come in contact with others and when we examine our own hearts.  We don’t want to be led astray by false pretenses, persuasive words, or rehearsed rhetoric.  When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we are better prepared to recognize deception and resist the spirit of evil.

The Bible warns us that in the last days many will be deceived into believing a lie.  Jesus gave us this warning: “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” — Matthew 24:24

We cannot afford to become spiritually careless.  Satan is a deceiver, and he will use whatever means he can to turn our hearts and minds away from God.  We must remain vigilant and wise as children of God.

I don’t know about you, but I refuse to fall into that number of deceived individuals.  I want to walk in the Spirit each day so I will not fall prey to Satan’s temptations.

But walking in the Spirit involves more than recognizing deception around us.  It also means allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal what is happening within us.

God sees beyond the surface.  He sees beyond our words, our appearance, and even the things we may successfully hide from other people.  He sees deeply within the hidden areas of our hearts—the areas we may want to hold on to and keep hidden.

Perhaps we need to ask ourselves: “Is there something I am hiding that I need victory over?”

God is faithful and just to forgive our sins when we confess them to Him.  The Holy Spirit may reveal things within us that need to change.  But once He reveals them, we have a choice.  Are we willing to surrender those things to God, or do we want to continue holding on to them?

Perhaps another question we should ask ourselves is: “Do I really want these areas revealed?”

That may be an uncomfortable question, but it is an important one.

Sometimes we want God to bless us, strengthen us, and lead us, while at the same time we want to keep certain areas of our lives under our own control.  Yet God already knows what is there.  He is omniscient—He knows all things.  We cannot hide anything from Him.

So how can we walk in the Spirit and move the mountains that challenge us each day if we are constantly wavering in our minds?  A vacillating mind can leave us standing dangerously close to the edge, where one wrong step may send us plunging into a trap that Satan has prepared.

There is safety in God’s Word.  There is freedom in surrender.  And there is strength when we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, our choices, and our desires.

Let us walk in God’s power, with His Word hidden in our hearts, so that we will not sin against Him.  Let us be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to search those hidden places and show us what needs to change.

We don’t have to live in fear of what God may reveal.  What He reveals, He can help us overcome.

Let us walk in freedom.  Let us walk in victory.  Let us walk by faith.  Let us walk in the Spirit of the Living God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Doers--Not Pretenders of the Faith

What am I talking about here—doers, not pretenders?  What is a doer of the faith?  It must have to do with something pertaining to a divine nature, or walking in some kind of positive attitude and disciplined behavior.  It sounds to me like it could be at the opposite side, or opposite end, of a pretender.

A pretender is someone who pretends to be something they are not.  They may look the part, talk the part, and even convince others that they are something they are not.  But what happens when the pressure is on?  What comes out of a person then?

Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

Our actions often reveal what is truly within us.  It is one thing to say we have faith, but another thing altogether to live it out.

James 1:22 tells us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

That is pretty straightforward.  We can hear the Word of God, read the Word of God, and even talk about the Word of God—but are we doing what it says?

I believe being a doer of the faith means putting our faith into action.  It means allowing what we believe to influence how we live, how we treat others, how we respond to difficult situations, and even how we conduct ourselves when no one else is watching.

It does not mean we will never make mistakes.  We are still human, and we will stumble from time to time.  But there should be a desire within us to get back up, ask God for forgiveness when we need to, and continue moving forward with Him.

What comes out of us when life squeezes us?

James 3:11 asks, “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?”

That question makes me think.  What is flowing from my life?  Am I allowing the things of God to flow through me, or am I allowing the things of the world to contaminate what should be coming from within?

Perhaps the real question is not whether we call ourselves Christians, but whether our lives demonstrate that we are following Christ.

Are we doers—or merely pretenders?  Are we living what we say we believe?  Are we allowing God’s Word to change us from the inside out?

I don’t believe God is happy with people who simply pretend to have faith.  He is looking for people who will trust Him, obey Him, and allow Him to work through their lives.

Being a doer of the faith is not about putting on a show for other people.  It is about having a genuine relationship with God and allowing that relationship to affect every part of our lives.

The world may not always understand us.  People may question why we believe what we believe or why we choose to live differently.  But our responsibility is not to pretend.  Our responsibility is to remain faithful.

If we truly belong to Christ, shouldn’t our lives reflect Him?

Perhaps we should occasionally stop and examine ourselves—not to condemn ourselves, but to honestly ask God to show us what needs to change.

So, let us not merely be hearers of the Word.  Let us be doers.  Let us put our faith into action.

Let us allow God to work in us, through us, and around us so that others can see something genuine—not a performance, not a pretense, but the evidence of a life being changed by God.

Then we can travel the road to heaven with Jesus, with our heads held high as children of the Most High God—not pretending to be His, but living as those who truly belong to Him.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Mercy and Grace

I’ve written many thoughts regarding God’s amazing grace and the wonderful changes that take place when He forgives our sins.  But I realized this morning that I seldom mention the mercy God showed me before my conversion, when I became part of the family of God.

I look back and marvel at how God overshadowed me and protected me from numerous close calls when the possibility of injury or death seemed to be at the door, banging, wanting to devour me in whatever way the spirit of darkness could contrive.  But God said, “No!”

I believe the Lord not only heard the prayers of my parents and older siblings; He honored their prayers, providing me with mercy and undeserved grace by sparing my life, even while I was totally separated from Him.

To show you how much God loves us, He showed me mercy even during the years I was running from Him.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were working together in my life, even when I thought I was totally on my own.  All three had a part in overshadowing my coming and going, even though I thought I was making my own decisions.

Were it not for God’s mercy and unmerited grace, I might have continued my trek down the lonely road to destruction, where total heartache exists.  Because of God’s eternal love, His blessings sustained me during my rebellious years when I was not serving Him.

It wasn’t by chance.  God’s love and mercy were with me before I first loved him, even though I was lost in sin.  He knew where I was at all times, even though I thought I was hiding from Him.

I’m a true believer that prayer changes things.  I believe the prayers of my parents and siblings mattered.  God heard them, and in His mercy, He answered them in ways I may never fully understand.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Had it not been for His mercy and grace, hope would have eluded me.  But God is a merciful God who always goes the extra mile in His desire to bring us into the light of His love.

God’s mercy was reaching for me long before I realized I was lost.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Don't Wanna Hear It

I was not very gracious to my dad when I spoke the words in the title to him.

I went over to Mom and Dad’s house to visit one evening when Dad started in.  What he was saying went over like a lead balloon.  If my memory serves me right, his words began with, “You’ve got to get in church!”

But the one-way conversation didn’t stop there.  He continued with more finger-pointing when I interrupted him.

“I don’t wanna hear it!”

I should have stopped there, but I didn’t.  “If I have to listen to this every time I come over, I’m not coming back!”

I should have replied with more finesse and respect, but I was rough around the edges at that time.  I usually spoke my mind without considering the impact my words might have on those on the receiving end.

Dad didn’t have to tell me.  I already knew I was running from God.  I knew the miserable state I was in, but I wasn’t ready to face it or change direction.  In my heart, I knew God was the answer to my troubled life, but I didn’t want to hear it.  Nor was I ready to do His way.

Everything went quiet.

I saw the look on Mom’s face and immediately regretted my words.  Dad wasn’t trying to condemn me.  He was concerned for my well-being and wanted me to go to heaven.

I was a young man who thought I had all the answers.  Those who knew me would probably say I was hardheaded, brash at times, and determined to do my own thing—with or without someone’s permission.

I was strong-willed and incorrigible.

The people I associated with were certainly bad influences, yet I wanted to be like them, and I was succeeding.  I had been deceived by Satan into thinking that being tough was macho.

But it wasn’t.

It didn’t take long for that environment to change my personality.  I was becoming someone I wasn’t meant to be—angry, frustrated, and increasingly distant from God.

As I look back on my past failures, I can see how my life was teetering on a cliff overlooking a deep pit of despair and anguish.  I took out my frustration on everyone I rubbed shoulders with.

Sadly, I felt the pangs of sorrow most every day.  I desperately needed spiritual support and guidance, but I refused to give in to the gentle call of the Holy Spirit.

I didn’t want to hear it.

When everything else failed to satisfy that gnawing, empty feeling inside me, I finally found Jesus.  Or, more precisely, He found me—sinking in the cesspool of iniquity, going down for the third and last time.

When He cleaned me up, inside and out, everything changed!  Peace like a river flooded my soul.

Can you guess who I called after God forgave my sins?  Yes!  My dad!

Mom and Dad’s prayers had finally been answered, and they were thrilled beyond words.  The Prodigal Son had found his way home after wandering in the wilderness of heartache.

I thank God for praying parents and praying siblings who didn’t give up on me.

Looking back now, I realize something I could not see then: my parents’ persistence was not condemnation—it was love.  They saw what I could not see.  They knew I was heading in the wrong direction, and they kept praying.

If God could redeem my lost soul, He can do it for anyone.

Perhaps you are praying for a loved one right now.  Maybe that person seems as far from God as I once was.  Maybe they don’t want to hear it.

Don’t give up hope.  Don’t stop praying.  Prayer changes things.

James 5:16 says, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

One day, you too may rejoice over that lost soul who came home because of God’s mercy and saving grace.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Stranger in My Own Body

Before I experienced the new birth, after praying for God to forgive my sins, my body was aging before its time.  Allow me to explain.

Putting the wrong things into one’s body can cause negative reactions, just as sin can bring negative consequences to one’s soul.  Both can take a toll on a person’s mind, body, and spirit.  I believe our lifestyle can have a direct influence on our health.

A person who is allergic to tobacco smoke, yet continues to smoke, runs the risk of bringing negative consequences upon the body.  Someone who chooses to put their liver at risk through alcohol use is, in my opinion, choosing unwisely.  I am certainly not judging those who indulge.  I am a man who was headed down that same road when God spoke to my heart and asked, “Is it worth it?”

My dad was a slave to tobacco and alcohol before God delivered him from those habits that had him bound, as though he were in chains and couldn’t break free.  Sadly, I was heading down the same road he had traveled.

I can say that it was a wide road to the destruction of my body.

I usually use the illustration of the two roads to bring attention to the two roads regarding our souls.  One road, the narrow road, leads to everlasting life with God, while the wide road leads to destruction and eternal separation from Him.  But I don’t think I’ve ever written about the wide road leading to the destruction of the body through substance abuse.

I’ve heard the expression, “You are what you eat.”  But what about the things we take into our bodies that can harm us?  Couldn’t that also be a wide road to unnecessary suffering?  I believe it can.

I thank God often that He showed me a better way—the right way—to travel.

No longer do I have a chronic cough or have to worry about my liver.  I’m like a stranger in my own body.

My soul has put off the old man—the old way of living—and I now live in a healthier body with a new outlook on life.  I’m living life with gusto rather than depending on habits to get me through the challenges of each day.  My intake of those “get-me-byes” was unnecessary in the first place. 

I am a new creation.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

The new birth is about bringing life to our minds, bodies, and spirits rather than allowing the darkness of destructive habits to destroy our bodies, relationships, and so much more.

Like my dad, God broke the bonds that had held me captive for so long.

I’ve been getting used to my new body ever since Jesus saved me.  No longer do I find it necessary to influence it with toxic things in an attempt to find some kind of lasting satisfaction.  Take it from someone who knows both sides of the story: the Lord satisfies me just fine.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I couldn’t ask for anything greater than being a child of Almighty God.  I want more of Him each day.

Scripture tells us, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8

The more of Him I receive, the less I am influenced by Satan’s temptations to ever return to the life that gave me nothing but grief.  The door to that horrific life is closed and locked.

Before I became a Christian, I asked my dad how he stopped smoking and drinking.  He exclaimed, “I put them down and never picked ‘em up again!”

The Holy Spirit gave him the ability and power to overcome and resist temptation.  He had a made-up mind—a new mind and heart in Christ.

I’ve experienced that same power, and I thank God for it.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

I’m loving being like a stranger in my own body now that God has set me free from the bondage of temptation.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Bits and Pieces

Whenever my wife gets home from shopping, she kicks off her shoes.  I wear mine from “can’t to can’t,” as my dad would say—from the time I can’t see in the morning until I can’t see at night.  I only take them off then I go to bed.  All three of my kids and their spouses take off their shoes whenever they visit.

Why am I boring you with all this?

One evening, while getting myself a glass of water, I dropped the glass on the kitchen floor, and it shattered into bits and pieces.  Sharp shards were everywhere.  Immediately, I thought about my wife’s bare feet.  What a clumsy move!  I was upset with myself, wondering if I would be able to sweep up all the bits and pieces scattered across the floor.

So far, so good—no cut feet.

Thinking back, and hoping my wife and kids wouldn’t step on a piece of glass I had missed, it reminded me of the times I mistreated people with bits and pieces of my own brokenness—not in good ways.  I was unhappy and took it out on most everyone around me.  As they say, “I was not a happy camper.”

It seemed that life was throwing me nothing but lemons.  And in the state of mind I was in, I was not ready—or even willing—to make lemonade.  I was plagued with discontentment each and every day.  My whole mind, body, and spirit were suffering.

I needed a drink of clean, refreshing water to wash away the sour taste of sin that lingered in my mouth, so to speak.  Peace of mind and steadfastness in the face of adversity were missing.  I was like a dead man walking—not able to rid myself of the stench that followed me everywhere.  It was the rotten smell of sin.

Try as I might, in my own strength, I couldn’t escape the habits that possessed my better judgment.  This boy was in bondage.

Bits and pieces of sin seemed to mound up like you would see at a city dump—stinking to high heaven.  But in my case, the One in heaven was not pleased with my lifestyle.  How could I even hope to find lasting peace while living in the pigpen of disobedience?

It wasn’t until I realized that temporary pleasures were void of what I really needed that I turned my attention to the One whom Scripture calls the Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ.

When I asked God to forgive my sins, all of those bits and pieces of shards that were cutting my heart into shreds were swept away, just like the time I swept the kitchen floor to remove the bits and pieces of the vessel I had broken.

Jesus mended my brokenness and made me a whole vessel in Him, without all the sharp edges that kept me in pain.  In doing so, I am less likely to hurt those around me because of the smoothing-out process of becoming a born-again Christian.

God is helping me not to offend or hurt others, replacing the odor of sin with the fragrance of the Rose of Sharon through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God threw away the shards of sin—all the bits and pieces, big and small—casting them into the depths of the sea, never to remember them again.  What an amazing God we serve, who is willing to forgive us and cast our sins into the depths of the sea!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

"...He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.  He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities.  You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." — Micah 7:18-19

Written by,

Papa Boyd

In One Fell Swoop

The phrase “in one fell swoop” means doing something all at once—in a single, sudden, and complete action.  Wow!  I guess it could suggest that a person might deliberately, and with malicious intentions, swoop in and deceive or take advantage of someone else.  This very well could be the case regarding unscrupulous people.  But for the most part, I think most of us are privy to their tactics, especially when they try to scam us with false emails and texts that appear legitimate.

The one we really must be leery of is not so much a person, although people can certainly be used to deceive and plunder what we have.  It is the spirit of antichrist that can, in one fell swoop, catch us off guard and hit us hard spiritually.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “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.”

Yes, people can deliberately deceive us, but ultimately, we wrestle against the powers of evil.  It’s shameful to lose possessions and money through deception, but it is far worse to allow ourselves to be drawn away from our relationship with the Prince of Peace—Jesus Christ—by being beguiled by Satan to sin, as Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

Someone may say, “Oh, that could never happen to me!”

Remember, the first man and woman walked and talked with God in the cool of the evening.  I’m just saying that we need to be wise and attentive.  With all the temptation and hullabaloo going on around us, how much more important is it that we walk in the Spirit daily and remain vigilant and alert to the sneaky workings of Satan, lest we ourselves be taken advantage of in many different ways.

A comme ci, comme ca, or so-so, attitude with God leaves room for darkness to squeeze into our lives.  The light of God’s Word dispels darkness and helps keep it away.  This light helps us see clearly where to place our next step and enables us to recognize the enemy, even when he appears to be harmless.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

We don’t want to be caught unaware and find ourselves entangled in Satan’s snares in one fell swoop.

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

God, through His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit, equips us to stand against the battles we face in the spiritual world of darkness.  We can stand protected as we put on the whole armor of God, spoken of in Ephesians 6:11-17.

Scripture assures us in Romans 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

So, let us not become complacent.  Let us walk in the Spirit, stay in the light of God’s Word, and remain watchful.  Satan may try to catch us off guard in one fell swoop, but we do not have to face his schemes unprotected.  God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His armor—and in Him, we can stand.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Filled to Capacity

This title, Filled to Capacity, can reveal different meanings.  You may ask, “Filled to capacity with what?”  My mind goes in several directions, so let’s see where it takes us.

I want the time we spend together to mean something.  My desire for these thoughts is to provide food for your mind—something that might help fill it with thoughts that will help you face the challenges of life.

My first thought immediately goes to the night God forgave my sins.

I was groping and searching for something, or Someone, to direct me in the right way and help me find peace for my vacillating mind.  It seemed I was wishy-washy in all my ways.  After kneeling beside my bed and praying for the first time in years, the more I prayed for forgiveness of my sins, the more fervent and intense my prayer became.  With every word, I felt a greater desire for Christ.

I knew the Lord was the answer to life’s struggles and that He would give me direction and purpose.

All of a sudden, my bedroom seemed to fill with the presence of God.  I felt Him all over me.  Not only did He fill every corner of the room, but it was as though I had removed the top of my scalp and the Spirit of God entered into me, filling my entire being to capacity—every corner of my heart filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

There was no doubt in my mind that God had forgiven my sins.  A heavy burden I had carried for years was lifted from my shoulders.  I remember taking a deep breath and exclaiming aloud, “I can breathe!”

The peace described in Philippians 4:7 seemed to flood every part of me: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

We are not saved by feelings, but because of the promise found in God’s Word.  1 John 1:9 tells us: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Love not only filled the room where I was praying; love filled my heart to capacity.

Another thought comes to mind.  Scripture tells us that when we give, God will pour blessings upon us that we cannot contain—filled to capacity and running over.

Luke 6:38 says: “Give, and it will 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.”

We cannot out-give God.  He has a storehouse full of blessings.

If you have found that everything else has failed to bring you contentment, happiness, and peace of mind, give Jesus a chance to reveal Himself to you and show you the love He has to offer.  You will not be disappointed.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The Holy Spirit will not leave you comfortless.  He will fill you to capacity with His love.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Hiding Place

I would venture to say that if you thought about your childhood, you could probably remember one of the games you played with the neighborhood kids.  No doubt, hide-and-seek was one of them.  I think that was one of my favorites.  I had the perfect hiding place, as I’m sure you did, too.

Back then, parents felt safe allowing their children to remain outdoors after dark.  Our town was virtually crime-free when I was growing up.  Now, years later, it seems that everywhere you go, a person must remain aware of what is happening around them, constantly looking over their shoulder.  It’s sad, but true.

Cars were mistakenly considered by some to be somewhat of a safe haven in my day—a good hiding place, as it were, should something unexpected happen.  But now, in the day we live in, unscrupulous individuals want what is not theirs.  Cars can become easy targets, quickly turned into money through chop shops.

I believe, as Christians, we need not walk in fear.  “Perfect love casts out fear.”  But this does not mean we can let down our guard in this day and age.  We must be aware of our surroundings, cautious, and mindful not to take unnecessary chances.  Does God expect us to be wise and not tempt fate?  Absolutely.

I don’t know what the general public believes about angels, but I wholeheartedly believe in them—those who minister to and protect the children of God.  I sincerely believe I have encountered angels in my lifetime.  That will be a story for another writing, for another day.

The Bible speaks of angels in Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps all round those who fear Him, and delivers them.”

Hebrews 1:14 asks: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

And Psalm 91:11 says: “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

Perhaps there is more to a hiding place than we realize.  As children, we looked for a place where we could hide from the person who was “it.”  As adults, we may look for places where we can feel safe from the dangers that surround us.  But as Christians, there is a hiding place that is greater than any physical place we could ever find.

God Himself can be our refuge.

When the world around us seems uncertain, when fear tries to take hold, and when we feel the need to look over our shoulder, we can remember that our ultimate safety is not found in a car, a house, or even the perfect hiding place.  Our confidence is found in the One who watches over us.

There is no better hiding place than being in the presence of God.

Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd