My First Inclination

Too often, people are quick to judge others—the way they dress, the way they speak, the color of their skin, and a hundred other so-called reasons.  I believe Scripture is quite specific when it comes to judging people.

“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.  And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:1-3

I remember when my search for lasting peace was satisfied the moment I met Jesus.  There was no feeling like having the heavy burden of sin lifted from my shoulders.  I was saved!

Christians are not called and forgiven of their sins to pass judgment on others.  We are not meant to inspect the fruit of people around us with a critical eye, but we are called to share the Lord with those who are searching for answers to an unfulfilled life, just as we were when we found Christ.

I believe Christians, with the help and boldness of the Holy Spirit, have both an obligation and the ability to be sensitive to the needs of others while discerning the kind of spirits they may be dealing with.  But with God-given abilities such as these comes the responsibility to offer help without judging.

I’ve heard the expression, “Were it not for Jesus, there go I,” referring to the way of the world with its deceptive temptations and empty promises.

My first inclination, when someone told me about Jesus, was to reject their message of truth.  But later, the Holy Spirit convicted me of the life I was living.  The Scripture that person shared helped me make the decision to follow Christ: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

Everything I was missing, Jesus gave to me in a short time of prayer.

What if that person had looked at me, seen the leather jacket I was wearing and the language I used, and said, “There’s no hope for him.  He’s too far gone”?  Where would I be today?

I’m glad they didn’t judge me by how I looked or by what I said, even though I may have displayed a not-so-inviting demeanor.  I actually heard the message that Jesus loved me, took it to heart, and when nobody was around, I asked God to forgive my sins.

I became His child, redeemed through Jesus, His Son, because He shed His blood on the cross and died for my sins.  He paid a debt he did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay.  Jesus washed my sins away when I sincerely asked God for forgiveness.

It was all part of God’s plan for my life that I hear that person’s message of life.

We need to be careful not to judge others because of our first inclination to walk the other way.  The soul we may influence could possibly be the next Billy Graham.

We need to give of ourselves and share that message of hope and God’s love that is within us rather than rely on our first inclination to pass someone by because of this or that.  We then leave it with the Lord to move in that person’s soul.

We did our part without yielding to first impressions or our first inclination to move on to someone else who better fits our expectations of giving their heart to the Lord.

My first inclination could have been to walk away from the person who told me about Jesus.  Thankfully, their preference was to reach out to me.

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” — Matthew 7:1

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Rocky at Best

The following is an explanation of the phrase that I found on the internet: “Rocky at best” describes a situation, relationship, process, or condition that is unstable, difficult, or full of trouble in its most favorable condition—implying that it is likely even worse, or could easily fail, than it currently appears.

That explanation encapsulates exactly my approach to life, my attitude, and the deep longing within my soul, notwithstanding the emptiness of not knowing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords—Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

My life was rocky at best.  I was walking in my own strength and living a self-directed lifestyle.

Perhaps you are reading this and feeling the need for some changes in your life—stability and happiness for a change.  The Lord is the change you are looking for.  He offers a relationship worth making the change from the rocky pathways of confusion and controversy to a calm and purposeful new life.

Let me introduce you to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  He is the gift of love for those who are lacking meaning and purpose.

Without hesitation, I can speak from experience.  Things in my life took on a new direction when I asked God to forgive my sins.  Things began to change the moment I became part of the family of God.  Life took on a different dimension rather than continuing in a rocky-at-best environment filled with negative influences.

Please read the explanation at the beginning of this writing one more time.  If it sounds like your present position in life, I invite you to consider Jesus as the answer to having a new life in Him—just for the asking.

He is waiting patiently for you to ask Him for the abundant life He offers.

One Scripture says it quite well: “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Written by,

Papa Boyd

No Way, No How...

The title sounds pretty convincing, as though someone has made up their mind completely, leaving no room at all for the “ifs and buts” that try to squeeze in and steal away that determination.

My dad, when he made up his mind to do or not do something, was not easily swayed.  Once he had settled on a decision, even the strongest persuasions or temptations couldn’t easily change his mind.  He was a strong-willed individual who loved God and served Him to the best of his ability.

I believe that same dedication should be the foundation of every Christian’s commitment to serving God with all that is within them—a made-up mind, come hail or high water.

The peace, hope, and family togetherness our Heavenly Father provides for His children are precious blessings within the family of God.  We can maintain that confidence because the Lord is able to keep what we have committed to Him.

2 Timothy 1:12 provides this assurance: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

You may ask, “How in the world can that be true?”

The answer lies in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth.  Psalm 37:23 says: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 also assures us: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

It is then up to each individual believer to take the way of escape God provides through His power working within us, rather than going our own way and closing our eyes to the avenue of escape.  The choice is ours.  God has given every individual free will to choose.

He provides the way out.  Scripture assures us that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us.  That is the positive influence of His love and amazing grace.  His mercy endures forever.

When temptation comes our way, we need to rest in the Lord and look for the way out.  God is faithful, and He will provide it.

We can declare in the face of temptation: “No way, no how will I partake of sin and risk losing the joy of the Lord!”

We are safe in the arms of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Wherever You Are--There You Are

I admit, the title is somewhat of a play on words.  I was taken aback when, as soon as I wrote the above sentence, a Scripture immediately came to mind.  Seriously, I haven’t thought about this particular Scripture in quite some time, even though it is thought-provoking.

After I share this Scripture with you, I’ll take note of where the thoughts surrounding it lead us.  It’s a familiar Bible verse from Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

It stands to reason that what occupies our thoughts can influence our hearts, attitudes, and choices.  Depending on the nature of those thoughts, this influence can be either good or bad.  The Holy Spirit helps me guard my thoughts, especially in areas where I may be vulnerable to the powers of darkness.

As an author, I steal away and allow my mind to explore random thoughts that seem to complement one another.  In time, words and phrases begin to form as I commit them to paper.  Before I know it, I have a writing to share with others.

My desire is that these writings will stir the hearts and curiosity of individuals who read them.  I trust the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and use the Scriptures I share to encourage people in positive ways.

I believe this outreach is much like sowing seeds of faith, hope, and love while holding fast to God’s promises.  I may never know how far these seeds travel after leaving my computer and being posted on my blog.  But I can trust God with where they land.  I can also trust Him with the harvest that may come from seeds that find lodging in the hearts of those who need words of hope.

I have found a way to reach out to others and encourage them to grow in grace—the unmerited favor of God.  And that brings me to another Scripture about sowing seeds.

Jesus told a parable about a sower who scattered seed.  Some fell by the wayside, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good ground.  The seed that fell on good ground took root and produced a harvest.

Jesus explained that the seed represents the Word of God.  Although the seed was the same, the ground made the difference.

We can share God’s Word with others, but we cannot determine how they will receive it.  Some may reject it, some may receive it for a time, and others may allow life’s cares to crowd it out.  Yet there will be those who receive the Word into good and honest hearts and bear fruit.

Jesus said: “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” — Luke 8:15

As I reflect on these Scriptures, I am reminded that we may never know the full impact of the words we share or the seeds we sow.  We may not be present when those seeds take root, but we can trust God to work in the hearts of those who receive His Word.

Wherever we are in our walk with God, there we are—and from that very place, we can be mindful of what occupies our hearts and faithful in sharing the truth that can help others grow.  We may never see the harvest, but that doesn’t mean the seeds were sown in vain.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

Anyone Who Will Listen

I look for opportunities to share the good news that Jesus Christ offers peace, joy, and lasting fulfillment when we give our hearts to Him.  I believe that when we have a willing heart to share God’s plan with those around us, positive results can happen.

I share this crucial information with anyone who will listen.  I use the word crucial because the message I share is exactly that.  It can mean the difference between life and death, both physically and spiritually.

What I mean by this is that I was once on a wide road to destruction, and the life I was living was hurting my body physically.  My spiritual soul was also repelling the things of God.  I, like many others, didn’t really want to hear the good news.

With this in mind, we cannot allow ourselves to decide whether a person is ready to hear the message or whether they will reject it.  We need to try, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and allow the words we share to do what God wants them to do.

Timing is important.  So who are we to decide when a person should or should not hear the message God has for them?  I am not saying we should force the issue on anyone.  Through my own experience, however, I have learned that there are times when someone is ready to listen and times when they are not.  I do not push Jesus on anyone, but I believe God is often preparing hearts before we ever know it.

We are to be ready in season and out of season to share the beauty of God’s love with those who are searching for stability and the meaning of life.  There are not just a few people looking for happiness.  There are multitudes searching for Jesus—and they really don’t know that they are.

Nothing in this world can provide the lasting peace and fulfillment that the soul is searching for.  Everything changes when we meet the Lord.

Jesus said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

This single Scripture helped me make the decision to follow Christ when I was at a crossroads in my life.

God wants to be placed first on the list of our desires rather than last.  He does not want us to turn Him on like a radio when we need something and then turn Him off when things are finally going our way.

I believe the words “all these things” mean the things we are truly looking for but cannot find in the things of this world.  Only Jesus can satisfy the deep longing of the soul.

When we find the Prince of Peace and invite Him into our hearts, we discover something worth sharing.  And when we have experienced the difference He has made in our own lives, we should be willing to share that good news with anyone who will listen.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Beacon of Hope

I wonder how many times, down through the ages, a ship’s helmsman, lost at sea or being tossed around aimlessly in angry waters, has spotted the beacon from a lighthouse shining brightly off in the distance.  I’m sure they rejoiced, suddenly full of hope after seeing the light, and no doubt it calmed many troubled souls.

I can only imagine the hopeless feeling of not knowing one’s fate while being at the mercy of the powers of Mother Nature.  Caught in a raging storm or perhaps uncharted waters, the crew may have wondered whether they would ever see land again.  Treacherous swells and hard-hitting waves smashing against the ship’s hull had to put everyone on pins and needles.

But there, off in the distance, shining through the darkness of potential death, the beacon of hope beamed brilliantly because of a caretaker who took their job seriously.  They understood the worth of saving lives and the importance of keeping the lighthouse and its light in tip-top working condition.  Perhaps they never knew how many lives that light would help save, but they faithfully kept it burning for those who desperately needed to see it.

It is here that I will endeavor to share some thoughts for today, in hopes of bringing comfort, direction, or words of encouragement to whomever reads this.

I believe many Christians have had similar experiences when dealing with the storms of life, with little hope of finding peace and tranquility as they circle within a whirlpool of despair and unanswered questions.

But out of the darkness, the Beacon of Hope—Jesus Christ—shines brightly, showing us the way to God’s haven of rest.  Jesus is the Light of the World when darkness looms and the waves of anxiety beat against us.

And perhaps there is another lesson in that lighthouse.  We are not the light: Christ is.  But just as the caretaker faithfully kept the light burning for those who were lost in the darkness, we can allow His light to shine through our lives.  We may never know whose troubled heart our words, our actions, or our willingness to help might reach.  But we can keep the light burning.

I’m glad I serve the Most High God, who speaks, “Peace, be still!” in our time of need.  He speaks peace to the storms that come against the children of God.

Acts 17:28 says: “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’”

When trouble comes at you out of the darkness of angry clouds, don’t lose hope.

Hope is in the boat with you.

He is shining His light across the waters of turmoil, showing you the way to safety and tranquil harmony.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Ebb and Flow of Life

As the moon influences the high and low tides of the oceans on earth, so God is with us through the high and low tides of life.  You may ask, “Wait!  Even the bad?  Is that really the case?”

I totally believe that God is in control of every aspect of our lives—all things, not just the good things we give Him credit for, but also the difficult things we may question or criticizes Him for.  Scripture tells us that the true and living God can take what is genuinely bad and work it toward genuine good for His people.

With this in mind, Scripture tells us that He allows things to come upon us that build patience in our faith and teach us to have full confidence in God.  He will certainly receive the glory when He brings us through the hard times.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:45, “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

God uses trials to build what ease never could.  Tribulation produces endurance.

Living life is not without pain or suffering, but God can bring good out of all things.  This is where faith enters into our relationship with the Almighty.  We must learn to trust Him in every phase of life—both the ups and the downs.  I call that the ebb and flow of life.

In both the high and low tides we face, Scripture assures us in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

I remember an idiom that goes something like this: “Come what may.”  I believe it means no matter what happens, under any circumstances, or with an acceptance of whatever the future may bring.

God wants us to learn to trust Him.  There is a song that says, “If we never had a problem, how would we know that God could solve them?”

The bottom emphasis of this writing is that God will never leave us to face the trials of life alone.  Jesus is always with us, making intercession to the Father in Heaven on our behalf.  What more could a child of God ask for than having Jesus Christ Himself, the Son of the living God, praying for us?

We are special in His eyes.  We are sons and daughters of the Most High God when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  The Lord walks by our side through every ebb and flow of life.

And perhaps this is the confidence we need when the waters rise or fall: Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Can Memories Help Mold Us?

Memories can sometimes help mold us into what we have become.  I am not suggesting that we dwell on the past, but an occasional glance backward allows our minds to briefly revisit past heartaches and confusing issues that once obscured our vision.  Doing so can help us appreciate the joy, peace, and harmony we now enjoy through knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Our memories may help shape our perspective, but it is God who transforms our lives.

That personal, loving relationship reinforces the Scripture found in Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

No longer do we feel the necessity of trusting in our own strength or misguided obsessions, as we once did in a world that dictated the temperature of our everyday living experiences.

I can remember past encounters that could have proven harmful, yet I give all praise to Jesus for keeping me safe during times of rebellion.  There were moments when I was standing at the edge of a cliff, overlooking what could have been sure destruction, physically and spiritually.  I was teetering because of the weariness of sinning.

God’s mercy prevailed, even during my search for stability in a world that had none.  Thank God for His grace that endures forever!

When these sad times come to mind, I appreciate the abundant life even more now that I am a child of God.

Once I stood at the edge of a cliff, overlooking destruction.  Now I stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages, who provides the stability I once desperately sought.

Do you sometimes feel as though you are experiencing spiritual vertigo, so to speak?  Do you feel dizzy, as if you are on the verge of falling into an abyss of unhappiness?

There is hope!

God is full of mercy and grace.  He never disappoints.  He, and He alone, is the answer to life’s uncertainties and our unstable behavior.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Echoes and Reverberations

Some types of music, with their strong reverberations, remind me of an echo I once heard when I called out in a loud voice in a mountain canyon.  It happened one afternoon while deer hunting with my dad and my older brother, who was fourteen years my senior.

I was just the tag-along, and I learned quickly, after being reprimanded, the importance of stealth and quiet behavior when hunting.  I was a silly kid, lacking forethought.  But our time together was priceless, and those are memories I still treasure.

Sin also echoes and reverberates, but in ways that can negatively affect everyone around us.  Much like an unwanted shout in a canyon, our actions can disturb the tranquility and peaceful environment we so desire in life.

Efforts to accomplish something positive, something a person has worked hard to achieve, can lose their effectiveness in a moment of thoughtless behavior.  Like deer hunting in rough terrain, our journey through life requires discipline, patience, and a willingness to follow instructions.  When we give in to temptation and allow sin to influence our actions, the consequences can reach much farther than we ever intended.

We must learn not to give in to those urges, so to speak, that cause us to shout out through undisciplined actions.  And when we need correction, we should be willing to listen to the Holy Spirit rather than resist His guidance.

I thank God for the relationship we have.  Our time together has been priceless through the years.  He has patiently taught me that His grace is sufficient, even when I make mistakes, and that when I come to Him in repentance and ask forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive.

We keep trekking the terrain of life together, with Him at my side.  The echoes and reverberations of sin need not define our journey.  The echoes of our actions may linger, but God’s forgiveness gives us an opportunity to learn, change direction, and move forward.  Through His grace and loving correction, we can walk more carefully along the path He has set before us.

And just as my father taught me the importance of knowing when to be quiet in the mountains, my Heavenly Father continues to teach me when to be quiet, when to listen, and when to follow His instructions.

Psalm 32:8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When the Cameras Are Rolling

In movie productions, I can almost hear a producer’s words: “Roll Cameras—Action!”

That’s when actors begin delivering their rehearsed dialogue and performing their choreographed movements.  The cameras capture the action, and the recorded footage is edited at a later time.  When the words, “That’s a wrap!” are heard, everyone returns to their own personalities and who they really are, rather than the characters they portrayed in the movie.

Many times, participants take on a different persona, using scripted dialogue when the cameras are rolling.  For the most part, they aren’t portraying who they are in real life, but rather the characters the writer envisioned when creating the screenplay.

Talk about putting on a façade!

There’s quite a contrast between our public behavior and our real-life personalities when everyone is watching and perhaps scrutinizing our actions.  It’s one thing to act a certain way in front of others, but quite another when nobody is around.

Our actions and words matter, even when no one is watching.  That’s when our true identity, personality, and character become evident.  To me, this act of being someone we really aren’t is much like a screenplay, with actors playing their assigned parts.

I am totally convinced that the God of all creation sees everything.  He knows when we do good, and He knows when we do wrong.  He knows the real us when no one is watching, and He knows the true intent of our hearts when the cameras are rolling, as it were.  We cannot hide who we really are inside from God.

I’m not judging anyone, but those who recognize that their commitment to God has become halfhearted might want to take a closer look at what’s happening in their spiritual lives.  Perhaps they’ve allowed certain “things” to come between themselves and the dedicated life they once desired to live for Him.

Halfhearted service to God may sometimes be attributed to ulterior motives, but I don’t want to open that particular Pandora’s box in this writing.

It’s one thing to perform when the cameras are rolling, but when they are turned off, it’s an entirely different matter.

We might want to ask ourselves, “What kind of person am I when the cameras are rolling, and when they’re not.”

When we stop and honestly evaluate our relationship with God, we may discover that we have allowed our first love to grow cold.  Perhaps it’s time to rekindle that love once again, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

God has given us this assurance in Hebrews 13:5: “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

Our hope for a Christ-filled life begins when we humble ourselves before God, asking Him to forgive us for allowing our hearts to grow cold and for taking those wayward steps away from the One we once held so dear.

Jesus Christ is absolutely our hope of reconciliation with our Father in Heaven, who loves us dearly.  Unlike a movie production, where the cameras eventually stop rolling, God’s eyes never turn away from us.  He sees beyond the character we might portray to others and knows the person we truly are.

Perhaps the most important question isn’t what others see when they’re watching us, but what God sees when no one else is.

The cameras may stop rolling, but God never stops watching.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Horror of Gaslighting...

There’s a word I had never heard mentioned until the last couple of years.  Just the thought of anyone falling prey to its influence is horrific because of the negative ways it can affect them.  The word is gaslighting.  It is a form of psychological manipulation that can even involve emotional abuse, where someone causes another individual or group of people to doubt their own senses, memories, perceptions, or sanity.  It can also be used as a means of gaining control over someone else.

I found the following definition that states it plainly: “Gaslighting uses lying as a core component, but it is not just lying—it is a broader, long-term pattern of psychological manipulation.”

With this definition in mind, you can probably think of someone who tries to manipulate and deceive us, steal our peace, and lead us away from spiritual truth.  Scripture describes our adversary as one who goes about seeking whom he may devour.  You guessed it: the enemy of our souls—Satan.

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

Satan is the father of lies and seeks to deceive those who are trying to live for Christ and walk in the light of His love.  Although gaslighting is a particular form of manipulation, the enemy’s work of deception reminds us how important it is to recognize and stand against anything that leads us away from God’s truth.

It’s important to be grounded in God’s Word so that we can stand against the enemy’s deception as he tries to trample truth underfoot.  We must hide His Word in our hearts.  It provides us with a trustworthy standard by which to recognize what is true and what is false.  Scripture provides the light that exposes the darkness where the horrors of sin dwell.

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

How do we protect ourselves from deception when someone is deliberately trying to make us doubt what we know to be true?

The answer begins with having a trustworthy foundation by which to evaluate what we hear and experience.  That foundation is God’s Word, the Bible.  When we allow His truth to take root in our hearts, we have a firm standard by which to recognize deception and stand against it.  No amount of lying can change God’s truth, and no deception can make His Word untrue.

The enemy of our souls, who operates in darkness, may try to take precedence over truth, but Satan is not greater than the One who conquered sin through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary.  Jesus died to free us from the bondage of sin and to give us the hope of eternal life.

Scripture encourages us in John 8:32: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The A, B, C Plan for Good Decision-Making

Decisions are sometimes hard to make, especially when pertinent information is obscure or missing.  Whenever possible, it is best to gather the facts and understand the ins and outs of a situation before making a decision.  But how can we make a good decision when our minds are filled with unanswered questions that lead to confusion?

Plan A: Seek wisdom from God.

James 1:5 tells us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

What a wonderful assurance!  When we face difficult decisions and lack the understanding we need, we can ask God for wisdom and trust Him to help us discern the best course of action.

I want to make it clear that I am not suggesting we seek answers through Ouija boards, tarot cards, seances, or other practices associated with the occult.  As believers, our guidance should come from God, His Word, and the wisdom He provides—not from spiritual practices that draw us away from Him.  I am talking about having the mind of Christ, seeking His guidance, and making sound decisions in accordance with His will.

Plan B: Seek godly counsel.

I believe godly counsel goes hand in hand with seeking the will of God.  Sometimes, another person’s wisdom and perspective can help us see things we might otherwise overlook. 

Proverbs 11:14 teaches us the value of seeking wise advice before making important decisions: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

Seeking godly counsel does not mean others will always have the answers we need.  Rather, it allows us to benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who desire to honor God in their own lives.

Now, what about Plan C?  I have given this some serious thought, and I believe faith is the foundation that holds the first two plans together.

We can gather information and seek wise counsel, but there will be times when we cannot see the whole picture or know what lies ahead.  This is where faith becomes so important. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

We may not always understand why a particular path lies before us, but we can trust the One who sees what we cannot.  Faith allows us to move forward with confidence in God’s love, trusting Him to guide our steps as we seek to follow His will and serve His Son, Jesus Christ, with all that is within us.

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

Faith does not mean we will always know what lies ahead.  It means we can trust God even when we cannot see the outcome.

The bottom line for good decision-making is this: Gather the facts, seek godly counsel, and walk by faith, trusting God to direct your steps.  We may not always have every answer, but we can seek His wisdom, follow His leading, and trust Him with what we cannot see.

We don’t have to see the whole road to trust the One who directs our steps.

That, to me, is the A, B, C plan for good decision-making.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Cotton Candy World of Deception...

 

Things of this world can appear inviting, much like cotton candy, but when tasted, they offer nothing substantial and are short-lived.  Cotton candy can be sticky to the touch and messy to handle. 

I can remember going to a carnival with my sister when I was just a boy.  I was the youngest of four kids.  I was surprised when she bought me cotton candy, as it was the first time I had ever tasted spun candy on a stick.  With every little pinch of that colorful treat, I could almost hear our mom say: “That stuff won’t stick to your ribs!”

Mom wanted her children to eat healthy food.  At home, I heard that statement more than once when she caught me sneaking desserts out of the kitchen cupboard.  Because Mom cared about what her children ate, she wanted me to understand that what I was filling up on was junk—nothing good for the body.  She meant well!

Likewise, certain things in this world are not good for our spiritual health and well-being.  They may look appealing on the outside, but they can leave us spiritually empty.  Worse yet, some things can stick to us like cotton candy or glue when we choose to walk in the darkness of this world rather than in the light of God’s Word.

In 1 John 2:15-17, we find these words: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

I choose to walk in the light of God’s love, revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ.  In John 8:12, Jesus tells us: “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’”

If you feel spiritually stuck because of your encounters with this messy world of deception, there is hope!  Jesus can wash you clean and forgive your sins.  He offers the spiritual nourishment that brings new life to a heart left empty by the things of this world.

Jesus gives us this promise in John 6:35: “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.  He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’”

Turn to Jesus.  Ask God to forgive your sins, put your faith in His Son, and discover the blessings of becoming a child of God.  You will never regret your decision to turn away from the empty promises of this cotton candy world of deception.  Instead, embrace the everlasting life found in Jesus Christ.

In John 1:12, we read: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Built on Love...

I was a carpenter by trade and built many structures during my career before retiring.  One thing was certain on every project: the structures needed firm foundations of steel and concrete.  Without them, overpasses, single-family residences, apartment complexes, and room additions would not stand the test of time.

That last thought reminds me of a Scripture in the Bible—the parable Jesus told about the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27.  Jesus compared those who hear His words and put them into practice to a wise man who built his house on the rock.  When the rain fell, the floods came, and the winds beat against the house, it stood firm because it was built on a solid foundation.  In contrast, the house built on sand fell when the storms came.

When a couple marries and builds a life together on love, with God at the head of their relationship, they have a firm foundation to help them weather the trials and tribulations that come their way.  You know the old saying, “A family that prays together stays together.”  How true it is!  Prayer invites God into our lives and helps us grow closer to Him and one another.

When we treat our spouse as we want to be treated, we nurture a relationship built on mutual love, respect, and understanding.  As we stand together on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, we can face life’s storms with greater strength.  Jesus is our Rock!

I’ve heard it said that a relationship is a 50-50 proposition.  I believe it should be a 100-100 proposition, with each person willingly giving 100% of themselves to the other.  Love is not merely about what we receive; it is also about what we are willing to give.

Consider what Jesus Christ did for us.  He gave His life on the cross so that we could receive forgiveness for our sins and experience the abundant life He offers.  He paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay.  We needed someone to wash our sins away, and Jesus willingly made that sacrifice for us.

But the cross was not the end of the story!  On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death and opening the way for all who believe in Him to receive the gift of eternal life.  What a wonderful demonstration of God’s love for you and me!

Because of His love, we have the promise of an eternal inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.  What a foundation to build our lives upon!

My relationship with the Lord is built on that same love.  And just as a well-built structure needs a firm foundation to stand the test of time, our lives need to be built on Jesus Christ, the Rock who will never fail us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Growing in the Lord

I’ve heard the four words in this title ever since I became a Christian several years ago.  I must say that they are a true declaration of the Christian experience.

As much as I want to walk in perfection and try each day to do so, I realize that I still fall short.  For the life of me, try as I may, it seems that something always comes along to test my faith and commitment to God.

When I allow my temper to run amok or a bad attitude to take me off course, I find myself turning from Glory Avenue onto Crooked Street.  Before I know it, the joy of the Lord that I have been walking in begins to fade.  I must then repent of those troubling behaviors that seem to resurface time and again.

Slowly but surely, however, I am gaining victory over these areas as I grow in the Lord.  Even when I pillow my head at night, I find myself praying that God will forgive me for any sins I may have committed without realizing it.

I will probably never reach the pinnacle of perfection while living in this flesh, but the Holy Spirit continues to work in me, helping me put off my old nature and become more like Christ.  I’ll say it plainly: I was a mess before I repented of my sins and God filled me with His Spirit.

There is a word that describes the process of spiritual growth a Christian experiences while maturing in Christ.  It is called sanctification.  We are weak in ourselves, but we can be strong in Jesus when we keep our eyes fixed upon Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us of the wonderful change that takes place when we come to Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

What a wonderful promise!  Although we may still struggle with our old ways, we do not have to remain as we once were.  God is still working in us, helping us grow in faith, overcome our weaknesses, and become more like His Son.

Without this hope, I would be a miserable man indeed.  But my hope is no longer in my own ability to become perfect.  My hope is in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who continues to work in me as I grow in Him.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Mirage

Riding in the car with my mother and father as we traveled from California back to Kansas to visit relatives, we had to cross the Mojave Desert.  As a child, I allowed my imagination to explore what it must have been like for pioneers traveling in covered wagons across that hot, desolate, and vast terrain on their way to California.  It was an eye-opening thought.

As I gazed into the distance, it appeared that I could see a body of water.  I knew there couldn’t be water in that dry landscape, but there it was—or so it seemed!  I could understand how someone dying of thirst and running out of water might be deceived into believing that a source of water lay ahead.  Especially if unfamiliar with the tricks a desert can play on the eyes, a desperate person might be drawn toward something that offered hope but was never really there.

It’s called a mirage.

Satan uses a similar tactic to deceive us spiritually.  He tries to convince us that the grass is greener on the other side of the dividing line—the line separating good from evil.  He wants us to believe that we are missing out on something better than what God has provided for us.  What appears appealing from a distance may be nothing more than a deception designed to lure us away from the path of righteousness.

The Bible warns us in James 1:14-15: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.”

Temptation often presents itself as something desirable, promising satisfaction, excitement, or fulfillment.  Yet what initially attracts us can lead us into places we never intended to go.  Like a mirage in the desert, temptation can offer false hope while concealing the consequences that lie ahead.

Proverbs 14:12 gives us this sobering warning: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

We must not assume that something is good simply because it looks appealing or promises to satisfy our curiosity.  The question is not merely what we might gain by exploring the unknown, but what we might lose by turning away from God’s truth.

As Christians, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ rather than allowing the attractions of this world to distract us from Him.  Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to look unto Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith.”  When we keep our attention on Him and follow the guidance of His Word, we are better prepared to recognize temptation for what it is and resist the urge to pursue what could lead us astray.

A mirage in the desert may look like the very thing a thirsty traveler needs, but it cannot satisfy that thirst.  Likewise, the deceptive attractions of sin may promise fulfillment, but they cannot provide the lasting peace and satisfaction found in a right relationship with God.

Let us not be deceived by what merely appears desirable.  May we keep our eyes on Jesus, our hearts grounded in His Word, and our steps firmly planted on the path of righteousness.  What looks like greener grass on the other side may be nothing more than a mirage—and following it could lead us away from the very One who offers us life everlasting.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Don't Let Someday Become Never

Believe me, though we have never met, you are reading the words of a man who often thought, “Someday,” before I finally gave my heart to the Lord.  I was fortunate that my someday didn’t turn into never when it came to accepting God’s plan of salvation.

I started to say that I don’t know why people wait so long, but the fact of the matter is that I did the same thing.  The influence of worldly pleasures and the glitter of momentary satisfaction had blinded me to the light of God’s Word.  I was being deceived, and I was growing weary of the life I was living.  I kept expecting to find some lasting satisfaction, yet all I received in return was an emptiness filled with regrets.

The Holy Spirit, in His long-suffering and gentle wooing, finally got my attention.  His Word reminds us: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” — Matthew 7:7-8

Isaiah 40:31 was exactly the Scripture I needed: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

After sincerely asking God to forgive my sins with a repentant heart, I experienced the lifting of a burden I had carried for so long.  Even now, the Holy Spirit continues to show me each day that God’s grace is sufficient for everything that comes my way.  God helped me understand that His mercy and grace were what my heart had truly been longing for all along.

I am thankful that my procrastination—that tendency to put off calling upon Jesus Christ until someday—didn’t turn into never.

Scripture reminds us that today is the day of salvation.  We cannot assume tomorrow will bring another opportunity to respond to God’s call.  The time to seek Him is now, while the opportunity is before us.

2 Corinthians 6:2 makes this truth especially clear: “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.’  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Perhaps you have been telling yourself, “Someday, I’ll give my heart to the Lord.”  I understand, because I once thought the same way.  But please don’t allow the pleasures of today, the uncertainties of tomorrow, or the habit of putting things off to keep you from making the most important decision of your life.

Don’t let someday become never.  Your opportunity to call upon Jesus Christ is too precious to postpone.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Peace Is Knowing the Answer

There is knowing, and then there is knowing.  The difference depends on what we know and how well we know it.

The word know can mean having information, facts, or awareness of someone or something.  It can also mean being personally acquainted with someone.  There is a significant difference between knowing about a person and knowing that person intimately.

Satan and his angels know about Jesus Christ.  They know who He is, but their knowledge is not the trusting, loving relationship that comes from knowing Him as Lord and Savior. Simply recognizing who Jesus is does not mean we belong to Him.

Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.  He is perfect in every way, the pinnacle of truth, and the only One who can reconcile us to God.  Those who know Him personally and have placed their faith in Him are born-again Christians.  They understand that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and that no other person, place, or thing can take His place.

Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6).

Without Christ, we have no hope of eternal life through our own efforts.  But through faith in Him, we have the promise of a home in eternity with the One who has prepared a place for those who love Him.

Peace is knowing the answer and accepting the One who is the answer—Jesus Christ, and Him alone.

Jesus is also known as the Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 tells us who He is: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus not only tells us who He is; He also tells us what He offers to those who trust in Him.  In John 14:27, He says: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The world offers many things that promise peace, but those things cannot provide the lasting peace that comes from knowing Jesus personally.  Circumstances may change, troubles may arise, and questions may remain unanswered, but our confidence in Him can remain steadfast.

When we know Jesus, we know where our hope lies.  When we trust Him, we can find peace even when we do not understand everything that is happening around us.

So, let me ask you: Do you merely know about Jesus, or do you know Him personally as your Lord and Savior?

The answer to that question matters more than anything this world has to offer.  For true peace is not found merely in knowing the answer.  It is found in knowing the One who is the answer.

His name is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Am Blessed Beyond Measure

The five words in this title are not referring to the material things, monetary or otherwise, that God has seen fit to send my way.  Rather, I want to share some of the lessons I have learned, and am still learning each and every day, about what it takes to draw nearer to the Lord while being conformed to His image.

Sadly, these lessons are not learned overnight.  They come in due time, through the patience of the God we call Father.  Some blessings are not immediately recognized or appreciated because they reveal exactly where we need help in discovering and following God’s perfect plan for our lives.

Yes, we receive many different blessings from our Father in heaven as He supplies our needs.  But I want to share the importance of not kicking against the pricks—resisting the very things God may be using to draw us closer to Himself.  I am referring to the blessings that bring us into closer fellowship with our Maker, not just those we can see and touch, but those that change our hearts, shape our character, and draw us nearer to the Lord.

When we open our spiritual eyes and allow God to help us see beyond our natural understanding, we may discover that some of our greatest blessings came wrapped in experiences we would not have chosen for ourselves at the time.

Let’s face it: no one enjoys trials or tribulations.  I seldom ask God for patience, although I have done so in the past.  Scripture tells us in James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”  Yet, it is often during these difficult times that we become more conscious of the Comforter’s presence.  The Holy Spirit comforts us and gives us another opportunity to learn spiritual lessons, grow in our faith, and draw even closer to the Creator of heaven and earth and everything in between.

You know, there is a difference between having blessings and recognizing that you are blessed.  The latter comes from a grateful heart that recognizes the goodness of God, even when life isn’t perfect.

Here’s something to consider: a person can count their blessings without realizing how many have been hiding in plain sight.  God’s benefits are not always immediately recognizable.  Sometimes, it takes looking back on our experiences to realize how much we have learned, how our character has changed, and how God has used those experiences to draw us closer to Him.  What we once viewed as a difficult season may later become a reminder of His faithfulness and the spiritual growth that came from it.

A good Scripture to consider and how we are to bless the Lord for all His benefits, regardless of how He chooses to provide them or what He desires to accomplish in our lives is found in Psalm 103:2: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

We need to bless the Lord in good times as well as bad, even when our natural understanding tells us that circumstances are anything but a blessing.  We may not immediately understand what God is doing, but He can use even our most difficult experiences to teach us, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for what lies ahead.

Perhaps being blessed isn’t always about what God places in our hands, but also about what He is doing in our hearts.  The more we learn to recognize His hand at work in our lives, the more we begin to understand that being blessed is not merely about what we receive, but also about who we are becoming in Him.

And that, my friends, is another reason I can say, “I Am Blessed Beyond Measure.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Easy as 1, 2, 3...

“Easy-peasy” is an expression most people understand.  It is an informal, playful way of saying that something is very easy or requires little effort.  As a young boy, I used this expression to show off in front of my friends when they dared me to do something they wouldn’t attempt themselves.  I would say, “Easy-peasy!”  or I might declare, “That’s easy as 1, 2, 3!”  Perhaps I was trying to reassure myself as much as my friends, hoping I wouldn’t embarrass myself if my attempt to shine ended in failure.

We can look at God’s plan of salvation in a similar way.  Scripture invites us to turn to the Lord, trust Him, and discover that He is the answer to our troubles and our lack of peace.  Psalm 34:8 encourages us, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.”  God invites us to experience His goodness and discover for ourselves the peace and forgiveness He offers.

Isaiah 35:8 speaks of a highway called the Way of Holiness, saying that even a wayfaring person will not go astray while walking on it.  God has not made His offer of salvation impossible to understand or beyond our reach.

Accepting Jesus—the Prince of Peace—as Lord and Savior is not complicated.  We must humble ourselves before God, acknowledge our sins, and sincerely turn to Him in faith, trusting Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation.  In that sense, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

However, the simplicity of receiving God’s gift of salvation should never cause us to underestimate the greatness of what Christ has done for us.  Jesus died a horrific death on the cross to pay the price for our sins.  We should never take that act of love for granted.  As John 15:13 declares, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

It was certainly not easy for Jesus, God’s Son, to willingly sacrifice His life so that you and I might receive eternal life.  Yet He willingly endured the cross because of His great love for us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us of this wonderful truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of your-selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Thanks be to God for His mercy and grace!  When all our attempts to satisfy the deep longing in our souls have left us empty, He invites us to come to Him for the peace, forgiveness, and eternal life that only He can give.  Salvation is not something we earn through our own efforts; it is God’s gift, made possible through the sacrifice of His Son.

Receiving that gift may be as easy as 1, 2, 3—but never forget what it cost Jesus to make it possible.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Christians Need Not Wallow Before God

To wallow means to roll around in mud, water, or dust, or to remain stuck in an unpleasant state or emotion.  Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter.  What greater hope could there be?  Think about it: The God of the universe and all creation is attentive to our cries for help.

Isaiah 59:1 tells us, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”

Scripture also tells us in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

In John 14:14, Jesus says, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Matthew 18:19-20 also reminds us of the power of believers coming together in agreement and prayer, trusting in our Heavenly Father.

With these promises to stand on, we can resist Satan’s lies and the fear he bombards our minds with by holding firmly to the truth of God’s Word.  God cannot lie.  His Word is truth.  When He tells us to cast all our cares upon Him, He means exactly that.

We don’t have to wallow in the mud of fear, allowing the spirit of darkness to cloud our vision and keep us from recognizing the hand of God at work.  We can refuse to let our emotions control us, even when circumstances are difficult.

But let’s be real.  Sometimes it is hard to put our full trust in God when we are praying for a miracle we cannot yet see, especially when things appear grim.  Then, out of the blue, we receive consolation in our spirits and are reminded that God’s grace is sufficient for everything we face in life.

God invites us to ask, seek, and knock.  As the Holy Spirit gently ministers to our hearts, we are reminded that God is our Heavenly Father, who loves us dearly.  We can trust His wisdom, His goodness, and His care for His children.  Why should we doubt Him?  Yet, if we are honest, we sometimes do.

We may not understand why the Lord does not answer some of our prayers immediately.  Nor do we always understand why He answers in ways different from what we expected.  Nevertheless, we must remind ourselves that He knows best how and when to respond.  This is where faith enters the picture.

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

When we speak the name of Jesus and remember who He is, we find encouragement to face our pain, sorrow, doubt, and fear.  Our confidence is not in the mere speaking of His name, but in the One whose name we call upon.  We can trust Him even when the answer has not yet come, knowing that His grace is sufficient.

We don’t have to wallow before God to get His attention.  He already hears our cries and knows our needs.  We need only to come to Him in prayer, ask in faith, and trust Him with the outcome.

God does not expect us to grovel before Him, as though we must abase ourselves to win His favor, earn His forgiveness, or gain His attention.  We are to humble ourselves before God, but we need not approach Him as though He were unwilling to hear our cries for help.  He is our loving Heavenly Father, who invites us to come to Him with our needs.  Scripture tells us that He is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16

Written by,

Papa Boyd

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