I Can Only Imagine...

Have you ever tried to imagine where God came from?

This question may seem silly to ask, but it is incredibly difficult for my limited mind to know, understand, or even begin to grasp the smallest inkling of the unanswerable mystery of all there is to know about God.  Scripture tells us that “we see through a glass, darkly.”  It also tells us that the things of God are far beyond our understanding.

Romans 11:33 — “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!”

But who created Him?

The answer, though my mind is more than boggled by it, is simply this: God has always been.  There was no beginning to God. He has always existed.  If there were a beginning, He is that beginning; and He is the ending and everything in between—the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator of all things.  He was not created.

Psalm 90:2 — “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

Isaiah 40:28 — ”Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable.”

I can only imagine what things were like before He spoke everything into existence.  What power!  All power!

My mind goes haywire when I attempt to figure out the ins and outs of the unknown factors of creation and the endless universe.  Where does outer space end—or does it?  It is so remarkable to think about planets and stars that are billions of light-years away.

In my natural thinking, there is always a beginning and an ending to something.  But God is infinite—the unexplainable, yet attainable.  I can only imagine the depth, the breadth, and the height of His never-ending love for me and for all humanity.

He created all that we see and enjoy.  And more than this, He has prepared a place in heaven for those who receive His Son as their personal Savior—those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Creator, our Heavenly Father, who love us dearly.

We don’t have to know all there is to know about everything.  We need only to know the plan of salvation that God provided through His Son.  He made it possible through Jesus’ death on the cross and His miraculous resurrection from the dead.  Because of Him, we will one day behold God Almighty in all His glory—face to face.

All our questions will be answered then—if we even have any.  We will see clearly what we were unable to see and grasp while here on earth.

I can only imagine what that day will be like.  I can only imagine what I will feel when Jesus Himself welcomes me home with a loving embrace and whispers into my ear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” as He holds me tightly in His arms.

What a day that will be!

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When Time Surrenders...

You will notice the three dots in the title.  This is leaving room for something to be added to those three words: When Time Surrenders.  Think for a minute.  What might you add to go along with the title?  What happens when time surrenders, and to what might it surrender?

It could be a battery-operated clock.  Time surrenders to the battery when it runs out of power.  Time stands still, and we know this because the minute and hour hands on the face cease to move.

Or perhaps this surrender could very well include a microwave oven, for example.  You set the timer, but if, for some unknown reason, the breaker serving that oven trips at the main service panel, what happens?  Time is no more.  Things in the microwave cease to cook.  The microwave ran out of time because time surrendered to the electric breaker.

It seems that time is certainly dependent on a multitude of things in this world.

Since God spoke creation into existence, time has indeed been a factor.  I read in Scripture, 2 Peter 3:8: “With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

What happens when the time God created stops, and time is no more?

You and I, and all humanity, have a limited amount of time to enjoy God’s handiwork.  The amount of time we may have is recorded in Psalm 90:10: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years…”

That’s 70 years, or 80 years if one is especially strong.  If a person lives longer than this allotted time, someone might say, “They are living on borrowed time.”

My thought is this: since time is so precious, yet limited when compared to eternity, we need to make a life-changing decision before time runs out on us.

Time will one day surrender to death.

That is fact, not fiction, even though people hide from it in their minds.  There is no turning back the clock of time, recharging one’s depleted energy pack, or buying a brand-new breaker, as it were.

I’m talking about the life-changing decision that determines where we spend eternity.

By their actions—or lack thereof—some people live as if they will live forever in this finite housing called flesh.  They don’t want to face the fact that one day time is going to cease for them.

I understand their position.  It’s too scary to face each day knowing that our time is limited, so they live in a self-made vacuum of “hear no evil; speak no evil; see no evil,” a playground of procrastination.

Whether they want to face reality or not, living as though there will always be a tomorrow does not change the final outcome of life and death.

Hebrews 9:27 says: “And as it is appointed unto men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

It’s like they are living on borrowed time and refuse to face the reality of the inevitable.

God has limited our time to surrender our souls to Him before our time on earth surrenders to death.

Why test fate and lose our soul?  Today is the day of salvation.  Time is not on our side.  The inevitable speaks words of encouragement today through my thoughts and these words.

Time is running out.  Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Mark 8:36 asks: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

What's Dragging You Down

On occasion, I’ve seen people becoming short with those around them, especially their loved ones.  I’ve heard it said that individuals often hurt those they love the most.  No doubt, there are usually underlying reasons for doing so—something down deep in a person’s soul that is dragging them down.

Has this ever happened to you?  It happens to me.

When these unwanted events raise their ugly heads, at times I am totally oblivious as to their source.  Yet that invader of peace tries to manipulate my mind, dragging me into another dimension of weariness and confusion.  It’s not knowing that usually gets to me when I can’t put my finger on what’s causing the problem.  Until I figure it out, a constant nagging within my subconscious keeps buffeting me.

At these times of unrest, I ask God for help.  He is always there to embrace, encourage, and help me resolve the onslaught of discomfort.  The Bible says, “God is not the author of confusion.”  Scripture also says, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a standard against him.”

Old slough-foot, as I call him, has a lot to do with the things that periodically pester us.  It’s difficult at times to distinguish the devil’s annoying attacks from the mere circumstances of life that trouble us.  Nevertheless, we can call upon the Lord in times like these.  He may reveal the source, or it could be one of those times when we simply have to walk by faith, believing that God knows all about the situation.  Through the working of the Holy Spirit, peace soon returns.

Christians have the Comforter in times like these—the One God gave us to bring comfort to our souls.  We need only to call upon the name of Jesus, place the disturbance at His feet, and believe that He will resolve the issue.

But there’s a catch: we must be patient and allow Him to work while endeavoring to keep our attitudes in check.  After all, didn’t the lord promise to keep us safe in His care, like a mother hen protecting her chicks beneath her wings?

Peter reminds us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

The key to preventing things from dragging us down is to walk daily in the power of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to soothe our minds as we meditate on God’s grace, His goodness, and His love.

2 Timothy 2:7 says, “Think over these things I am saying (understand them and grasp their application), for the Lord will grant you full insight and understanding in everything.”

There is another Scripture in Philippians 4:8 that can produce a calming resolve in the midst of confusion: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Yes, I understand that it is easier said than done, especially when we are being buffeted nonstop, on all sides, by the oppressor—or when we are being battered by the things of life because we inadvertently allow them to take away our peace of mind.

We must rest in the Lord and in the knowledge that we are very special to Him.  Born-again believers are His beloved children.  He wants an abundance of joy to fill our hearts, not those things that bring discouragement and cause us to doubt that He is concerned about us.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Remember, God can make something good out of things that we perceive as bad.

There’s no doubt in my mind that He loves us dearly!

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Eyes on the Prize

The title Eyes on the Prize reminds me of a sweet story my wife once shared with me—one that touched her heart as a little girl and became a Christmas she would never forget.

Whenever her aunt and uncle came to visit, they would sometimes go downtown and enjoy one another’s company.  They would walk hand-in-hand, taking in the beautiful Christmas displays that filled the store windows.

There was one particular window display that captured the attention—and the heart—of this six-year-old little girl.  In the display was a beautiful joy bride doll, complete with all the frills.  To her, that eighteen-inch-tall bride doll was absolutely magnificent.

She wanted that doll so badly.  Yet, in her young mind, she understood that it was only a wish—a desire that would probably never become reality.  She could look at it through the glass, admire it, and dream about it, but she never imagined that it could actually belong to her.

Then came Christmas morning.

After the long anticipation, the brightly wrapped presents were finally opened.  And when she unwrapped and lifted the lid of the present her aunt placed under the tree, she could hardly believe her eyes.  It was like winning a prize.

“No!  It can’t be!”

But there she was—in all her beauty and magnificence—the little bride doll she had admired so many times in that store window.

It was like a dream come true!

What a surprise that Christmas brought to the heart of a little six-year-old girl.  And decades later, the memory still brings a smile to her face and a warmth to her heart.

I began to wonder: Could that Christmas surprise somehow help us understand something far greater—a gift from God that could touch our hearts in the same way and leave a memory that lasts forever?

I believe most everyone loves to be surprised.  There is something special about receiving something we never expected—something that brings a deep warmth to the heart.  A wonderful surprise becomes a memory we cherish.  Sometimes, just thinking about it years later can bring back the smile, the excitement, and even the increased heartbeat of that special moment.

As I began putting these thoughts on paper, one thing immediately came to my mind: the new birth.

Not the birth of my three amazing children, although each of their births was unbelievable and beautiful to behold.  Not even the day I stood before God and pledged myself, “until death do us part,” to the incredible helpmate He blessed me with—though she was certainly an answer to my prayers.

No, the greatest surprise of my life was something far greater.  It was the moment I experienced the new birth.  It was the moment when the burden of my sins, which I had carried for so long, was lifted from my shoulders.  It was the moment when joy unspeakable and peace beyond understanding filled my wandering soul.

I discovered that God had given me something to live for, something to cherish, and Someone to call Father—a Father who loves me with an everlasting love.  What more could I ask for?  My eyes had finally beheld the prize.

I found the One who had been missing from my life—Jesus Christ.

He was the gift I never could have earned, the gift I could never have purchased, and the gift I desperately needed.  Nothing and no one compares with our Lord and Savior.

The little girl looking through that store window could only dream about the beautiful bride doll.  She never imagined that Christmas morning she would lift the lid and discover that what she had only hoped for was now hers.

And isn’t that what God’s grace can feel like?

We come to Him carrying our sin, our failures, our disappointments, and our burdens.  We may wonder if there could really be something better for us.  Yet God reaches into our lives and offers us something far greater than anything we could ever see in a store window.

He offers forgiveness.  He offers peace.  He offers hope.  He offers new life.  He offers joy.  He offers a relationship with Him.  And ultimately, He offers Heaven.

The Apostle Peter captured this wonderful truth when he wrote: “Though you have not seen Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,” (vs 9) “for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” — 1 Peter 1:8-9

We may not see Jesus with our physical eyes today, but by faith we can know Him, love Him, and experience the joy of His salvation.

So, do you like surprises?

There is a greater surprise waiting than anything we could ever unwrap on Christmas morning.  God’s greatest gift is Jesus Christ.

And when we turn our eyes toward Him, we discover that the most amazing gift isn’t something we receive from God—it is Someone we receive.

Jesus is the prize.  Keep your eyes on Him, because one day, faith will become sight, hope will become reality, and the greatest surprise of all will be standing in the presence of our Lord and Savior forever.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Who, Where, When, and Why

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

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

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

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

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

But let me take a little side road here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Power of the Resurrection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd  

Beyond the Veil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is because of whose we are.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Step Beyond the Shyness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

It Doesn't Matter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Standing in Grace--Unmovable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, you’re correct—Satan.

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

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

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

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

“Get thee behind me, Satan!”

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Not My Way to Go

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why?

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

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

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

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

We are the sheep of His pasture.

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Poetry in Motion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free.  That word means something different to me now.

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

That breakaway was, indeed, poetry in motion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Are the Love of His Heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Needing love?  Jesus is the answer.

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

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

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

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

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

We are the love of His heart.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Element of Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we do with those things is what truly matters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Plain and Simple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about that for a moment.

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Come Walk With Me

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

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

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

At the entrance to each road stood a sign.

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

ROAD TO DESTRUCTION.

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

ROAD TO ETERNAL LIFE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Come walk with Me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

White Swans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We walk in His beauty.

Written by,

Papa Boyd