I've Got It

The “it” in the title could represent many things.  I am not talking about the Holy Spirit, because He is not an “it.”  Rather, I am talking about the power He represents and makes available to every man, woman, boy, and girl who says “yes” to Jesus and becomes a Christian.

When we surrender our lives to the Lord, we walk in that power.

After Jesus was miraculously resurrected from the dead following His crucifixion, He ascended into heaven.  But before He left, He promised to send another Comforter—the Holy Spirit.  He would empower believers with power from on high to be His witnesses and to do mighty works in Jesus’ name.

If Christians would stop for just a moment and allow that truth to resonate within them, we would move through life differently.

Think about what happens at the new birth.  Our sins are forgiven, and we become sons and daughters of Almighty God.  Through Christ, we have direct access to the Father.  The veil has been torn, and we can boldly enter His presence because of who we are in Christ.  Jesus made this possible.

We do not have to compromise our faith.  We do not have to hang our heads in defeat.  We do not have to live defeated lives.

And we certainly can resist the powers of darkness because, as Scripture says, “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”

We can shout, “I’ve got it!” in the face of trouble.

We can stand against the enemy.  We can pray for the sick and believe God for healing.  We can resist the lies of darkness and stand tall, holding our heads high when confusion knocks at our door.

“We’ got it!”

We have the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our omnipotent Father has provided His children with everything we need to stand firm when Satan whispers, “That power was only for Christians in biblical times.”

Remember who is speaking.  Satan is a liar and the father of lies.

We are God’s children.  What, then, can ultimately stand against us when God is for us?  When Christians truly believe that God is all-powerful and that He will never leave us nor forsake us, we begin to walk in victory.

Born-again believers need not be afraid to step out in faith and trust God to move mountains of despair, mountains of depression, mountains of sickness, and mountains of doubt.  Jesus told us that faith can move mountains—and we can pray and believe in His mighty name.

Peter and John were flesh and blood, just like you and me.  Yet they were well acquainted with the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.

At the Gate called Beautiful, Peter encountered a man who had been lame from birth and who was begging for alms.  Peter looked directly at him and said: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

And a miracle happened.

The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles in those days is the same Holy Spirit who dwells within every child of God today.

I believe what Jesus told His disciples before His crucifixion applies to all believers:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”— John 16:33

Trials and tribulations will come our way.  Jesus never promised us a life without trouble.  But He did promise us His presence, His peace, and the victory He has already won.

So when trouble comes, when doubt whispers, when fear knocks, and when the enemy tells us that we are powerless, we must remember who lives within us.

We belong to God.  We have the Holy Spirit.  We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ.  We have the authority to stand in faith.  We have the promise of God’s presence.

So, when the storms of life come, we don’t have to shrink back in defeat.  We can stand tall and declare: “I’ve got it!”

There’s something about the power of the Holy Spirit.  I can’t fully explain it.  But I’ve got it.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Please, I Want More...

My wife makes some of the best spaghetti in town.  There is always room for more—it’s just that good.  Pasta made with love satisfies my hunger so completely that I usually skip dessert when she serves me a second helping.

Some people want a little more money.  Others want more recognition at work.  When there are those who desire more fame and fortune in Hollywood.  As for me, I want more of Jesus.

I want to walk as He walked, hearing the voice of God speaking gently to my heart.  There is a chorus our church once loved to sing, “More of You.”  The words express a longing that reaches far beyond the temporary things of this world: “More of You; more of You.  I’ve had it all, but what I need is more of You.  Of things I’ve had my fill, but yet I hunger still.  Empty and bare; Lord, hear my prayer, for more of You.”

When we compare the Lord to the riches of this world, positions of authority or the luxurious lifestyles of those who live in penthouses atop towering skyscrapers, none of these things—with all their glitter and fanfare—can provide lasting joy or true satisfaction like Jesus does for those who desire more of Him.

Scripture expresses this thought well in Mark 8:36: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

That verse certainly gives a person pause, doesn’t it?

This life is temporary.  Nothing in this world lasts forever—not like eternity.  The things we have accumulated will one day be left behind when we die.  We cannot hook a U-Haul trailer to our soul and take our possessions into the afterlife.

As we came into this world, so shall we leave it.  What, then, should be our greatest priority?

We should focus on living a Christian life and laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.  Jesus reminds us of this in Matthes 6:19-21:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The question, then, is not simply, How much more can I have?  Perhaps the better question is, How much more of Jesus do I want?

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Rounding Third and Heading Home

 

It’s exciting to sit in a stadium and cheer for your favorite baseball team.  It’s even more special when one of your players connects with a fastball and sends it out of the ballpark.  I can picture it now: the player rounding third base as his teammates wait at home plate, smiling, jumping up and down, and celebrating with joyful hugs when he finally touches home.

I imagine heaven having a similar kind of celebration when a born-again believer finishes the race and heads home after faithfully serving the greatest Coach of all—the One with nail-scarred hands.

All of heaven rejoices when one of God’s faithful players crosses home plate after a successful season of serving Jesus here on earth.  I can picture loved ones who have gone before, eagerly waiting to embrace them and welcome them home with words of praise and adoration.  Together, they enter the City of Everlasting Life— “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10)—walking the streets of pure gold.

The celebration that follows must surpass anything we have ever experienced here on earth.  Even winning the pennant after a victorious season filled with ups and downs, hard knocks, disappointments, and frustrations cannot compare with the joy of finally arriving home.

In the end, it pays to choose the right team—the team of God Almighty.  His team doesn’t always have an easy season, but the final outcome is already decided.

Victory is assured.

So keep running the bases.  Keep your eyes on the Coach.  Keep serving Jesus faithfully.

One day, you’ll round third, head for home, and hear the greatest welcome of all: “Well done.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

On Wings as Eagles

The bald eagle is recognized as a national symbol—the majestic icon of America.  I believe eagles are among the most recognizable and beautiful birds in flight.  They soar effortlessly upon warm columns of rising air called thermals, gaining a vantage point from which they can survey the ground below and spot prey, or observe fish near the surface of a body of water.

One of the things I found most fascinating about eagles is their extraordinary eyesight.  Eagles have remarkably sharp vision, allowing them to detect prey from great distances.  Their eyes contain a high density of light-sensitive cone cells, giving them exceptional ability to see both detail and movement.  What an amazing creature God has made!

Eagles are also strong, resilient, and resourceful birds.  It is no wonder that the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, used the eagle as a picture of spiritual strength and endurance:

“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.” –- Isaiah 40:31

No doubt Isaiah understood the frailty of the human body and how easily we can become weary.  But weariness is not limited to the physical body.  Mental and spiritual strain can be just as exhausting, and sometimes even more so.  Doing a work for God can require tremendous energy, perseverance, and stamina as we seek to accomplish the task He has placed before us.

This Scripture reminds us of the importance of waiting upon the Lord.  There are times when we need to step away from the demands around us, enter our “closet” of prayer, and remain there until we are renewed and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are not to neglect the health and needs of our physical bodies, but neither are we to neglect the spiritual person within us.  When we spend time in the presence of God, He refreshes us so that we can once again walk and run the race He has set before us.

To “mount up with wings as eagles” speaks to me of rising above the circumstances that can weigh us down and gaining a higher perspective through faith.  It is part of what enables us to remain strong as we pursue God’s directive to go into all the world and share Christ—with the nations, with our communities, in our neighborhoods, or simply with the person next door.

Jesus called us to be “fishers of men.”  But before we can effectively reach others, we must continually return to the One who gives us strength.

When we wait upon the Lord and listen for the Holy Spirit, our spiritual vision becomes clearer.  Like the eagle surveying the landscape from above, we can begin to see beyond what is immediately in front of us and gain a clearer understanding of the path God has for our lives.

So, when you are weary, take time to wait upon the Lord. Rest in His presence.  Pray.  Listen.  Allow Him to renew your strength.

Then rise.  Mount up on wings as eagles.  And continue the journey with Him.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Sin Batters His Heart

Who does the word “His” in the title refer to?  The person is none other than Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.  He takes away the sins of the world.

It is the Lord who grieves deeply in His heart when people show contempt for Him and willingly return to sin without considering that their actions dishonor and grieve the One who died for their sins.  Hebrews 6:6 contains a sobering phrase: “crucify Him afresh,” or “crucifying the Son of God afresh.”  The verse states:

“If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.”

In essence, this is how I understand the seriousness of this warning: it is as though, through deliberate and willful sin, we treat Christ’s sacrifice with disdain—as if we were placing Him on the cross again and exposing Him to shame.

This is not to suggest that Jesus is literally being crucified again each time we sin.  Rather, it is a picture of how seriously God views deliberate and willful rebellion after we have received His grace.  It reminds us that sin is not merely breaking a rule; it is turning away from the One who loved us enough to give His life for us.

Imagine the scene at Calvary.  Jesus was beaten mercilessly, mocked, wounded, and nailed to a cross.  He endured excruciating suffering and willingly gave His life because of His great love for humanity.  When we deliberately return to the very sins from which He came to set us free, we should stop and consider what our actions say about the sacrifice He made for us.

Sin batters His heart because He gave you, me, and all of humanity something wonderful in exchange for our sins—Himself.

What an extraordinary gift!

This gift is freely available to anyone who desires freedom from the bondage of sin—a renewed life and a changed attitude because of the blood Jesus shed for our sins.  This is the born-again experience made possible through His death, burial, and miraculous resurrection.

Personally, when I read about His crucifixion in the Bible and imagine the horror He endured that day, I think twice before doing something that would grieve the Spirit.  I remind myself that He took upon Himself the full debt of my sin and suffered unbearable pain because He loved me dearly.

How can I knowingly return to the very things that caused such suffering for the One who loved me enough to die in my place?

Jesus desires to spend eternity with God’s children—with those who have asked God to forgive their sins and have experienced the new birth through faith in Him.  His desire is not to condemn us but to save us, transform us, and bring us into a relationship with Him.

That is why we must take sin seriously.

We should never become comfortable with what nailed our Savior to the cross.  When we recognize sin in our lives, we should not hide from God or run from Him in shame.  Instead, we should turn toward Him in repentance, remembering that the same Jesus who died for our sins is the One who offers forgiveness, restoration, and new life.

So, before we deliberately choose something contrary to God’s Word, may we pause and consider the price Jesus paid for us.  May we remember His suffering.  May we remember His love.  And may we ask ourselves: Is this choice worth grieving the heart of the One who gave everything for me?

Sin may promise temporary pleasure, satisfaction, or freedom, but Christ offers something infinitely greater—true freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life.

May we never treat His sacrifice lightly.  May His love compel us to turn away from sin, pursue holiness, and live in a way that honors the One who gave Himself for us.

Sin batters His heart—but His grace calls us home.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Ripple of Our Attitude

When we try to separate ourselves from society or from our loved ones because we are having a bad day and don’t want to talk to anyone, our childlike behavior can still affect others.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “No man is an island.”  These words were written by the English writer John Donne in 1624 and have echoed through the ages.  The phrase means we are all connected and need one another to live.  Without others in our lives, we would be most miserable.  We are not alone on a rock somewhere in the ocean.

Our attitude, disposition, and the way we carry ourselves affect the people around us.  These effects can be negative or positive, depending on the circumstances, the hostility we project, or the kindness we show.  Each emotion is received differently—either with a frown or a smile.  Which would you rather encounter?  The answer is simple: a smile.

So why do we forget this when we allow our attitudes to run amok?  Do we not want to be treated with kindness rather than the dark side of someone else’s personality?

The Golden Rule says it well: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  This principle closely reflects Scripture.  One of the most well-known passages is Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus states that loving your neighbor as yourself is the second greatest commandment, right after loving God.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

To be honest, I am not above wrong attitudes or emotions.  Even as a Christian who loves the Lord, I still battle the old nature I once had before coming to Christ—a tendency toward anger and pettiness.  It is easy to say that in difficult moments we should focus on the good things of God.  But in reality, it is not easy to put on the garment of praise when life is hard.

I have found that when I finally surrender and ask God to forgive me, things begin to settle.  My spirit becomes pliable again to the Holy Spirit, and God speaks to my heart.  I sense Him saying, “I understand your frustration and what you are going through.”  Then comes the reassurance: “I am with you always.”  And finally, a gentle nudge forward: “You’ve sulked long enough—let’s continue your walk with Me.”  I take a deep breath and move forward with Jesus at my side.

These words remind us that our lives are not lived in isolation.  What we say, how we respond, and how we treat others in difficult moments reach beyond ourselves.  We may feel justified in withdrawing, but our behavior does not exist in a vacuum.  We remain connected to those around us, whether we realize it or not.

We all need moments of solitude, but even then, we must remember that others have feelings too.  We can take time for ourselves without making others suffer for our mood.

We are not islands unto ourselves.  We belong to families, friendships, communities, and to one another.  A simple smile, a kind word, or a little patience can lift the atmosphere around us.  Likewise, a harsh word, an angry expression, or cold indifference can leave a lasting mark.

The choice is ours: will we add to someone’s burden, or bring a little light into their day?  Loving our neighbor as ourselves begins with remembering that our actions matter—and that we are never as alone as we sometimes feel.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Procrastination can have serious consequences—even consequences that reach beyond this life.  I know that may sound a bit dramatic, but I’m trying to catch someone’s attention about the dangers of waiting too long to do something we know we should do.

When I think about someone—anyone, for that matter—perishing unnecessarily because they failed to act in a timely manner, it hurts my spirit.  Many people, including myself, have procrastinated far too much.  Sometimes I’ve seen negative results because of it.

Imagine being trapped in a second-story bedroom with a fire raging in the hallway just outside the closed door.  At that point, it would be a little late to install fresh batteries in the smoke detectors throughout the house.  That is an example of something important being pushed aside because it wasn’t convenient or because other things seemed more important at the time.  I’m sure you can think of another example.

When we know we need to do something that could mean the difference between life and death, it is not wise to put it off.

That example brings me to the thrust and bottom-line reason for this writing.

Last night, while staring at the ceiling in bed, my mind began reminiscing about the times I put God on the back burner of my mind, even though I knew He was the source of the peace I desperately needed in my runaway spirit.  I was running in the opposite direction—away from God.  I was procrastinating about giving my heart to Him, even though I was very much aware of how important it was.

Spiritual life or spiritual death was at stake.  Eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him was hanging in the balance.

I figured I was young enough to live my life the way I wanted without restrictions.  Why not come to the Lord when I was older and tired of living a rebellious lifestyle?

It’s amazing how many people have the same philosophy.

I’ve talked with people about their souls and where they want to spend eternity, but in too many cases, the response is essentially the same: I have plenty of time.  I’ll think about that later.

But do we?

None of us has any assurance that we will even see tomorrow, much less live long enough to grow old and decide that we are finally ready to make a change.  God forbid that an unsaved person should meet the Creator of all because of an unexpected or premature death.

None of us knows when our time on this earth will come to an end.  That is why it behooves all of us to be ready—to have our sins forgiven and to be walking with Jesus.

It is most important not to procrastinate when our soul is weighed in the balance.

To put off getting right with God is to take a terrible chance with something that lasts forever.  Life is short enough as it is.  Why would we risk waiting for a day that may never come, assuming that someday we will call upon His name and be saved?

The time we have on earth is limited.

The Bible gives us a powerful reminder in 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Now is the time.  Not tomorrow.  Not someday.  Not when we are older.  Today.

Forever and ever is a long time to be separated from God’s love and grace because we procrastinated too long and ran out of time.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Are We Walking in Truth?

We all know the difference between telling a lie and walking in truth.  Yet sometimes the line between the two becomes blurred.  We may excuse the little compromises, and “white lies,” or the things we tell ourselves are not important, but God does not look at truth the way the world does.

Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” — John 4:24

What does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth?  It means our worship must be real.

It cannot simply be words we speak, songs we sing, or a holiness we display for others to see.  True worship comes from within.  It begins in the heart and is reflected in the way we live.

1 John 2:4 says, “If someone claims, ‘I know God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.”

Those are strong words.

We can say we love God.  We can speak His name.  We can worship with our lips.  We can even look holy to everyone around us.  But if our lives continually contradict what we claim to believe, what are we really saying?

Jesus made it simple: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15

There is no façade with God.

People may see what we choose to show them, but God sees what is underneath.  He sees the heart.  He knows our motives.  He knows the thoughts we never speak aloud and the compromises no one else knows about.  And perhaps the hardest person to be honest with is ourselves.

We can become so accustomed to compromise that we no longer recognize it for what it is.  We can allow the world to influence our thoughts, our words, and our behavior while still proclaiming, “I love God.”  But are we walking in truth?

God is not looking for a performance.  He is looking for a heart that is genuine before Him.

At the end of the day, the choice is ours.  Truth or compromise.  Obedience or disobedience.  Genuine faith or a façade of holiness. 

We may fool others.  We may even fool ourselves.  But we will never fool God.  He sees beyond the words.  He sees the heart.  And He knows whether our worship is truly in spirit and truth.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Bridge of Grace

“Bridge over Troubled Water” is a popular song by the American folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, released in January 1970.  I used to listen to this song in my youth, and it brings back memories of the days after I became a born-again Christian many years ago.

I learned about bridging the gap of sin when I attended a Billy Graham class on witnessing.  The instructor shared some important truths about the things that are absolutely impossible to use to span the “sin gap”—a gap where tears flow endlessly and lives are destroyed by sin.  Sin separates sinful humanity from a holy God.

People everywhere try to bridge this separation through good works, religion, being a good person, man’s limited philosophy, positive thinking, and even cult teachings filled with untruths.  But all of these efforts fall short.  None can bridge the gap.

The gap is sin, which entered the world because of humanity’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).

That class gave me valuable insight through Scripture into how to present Jesus Christ and the good news that He is the only hope of the world—the Savior whom humanity needs in order to be reconciled to God.

In the class, they handed out little “tracts” that illustrated God’s completed plan of salvation.  They were printed on small pieces of paper that were neatly secured between two thin pieces of hard covering—little booklets, easy to carry in one’s pocket.  On one page was a picture showing similar things I mentioned above that could not bridge the gap of sin.  God was on one side of the separation, and humanity was on the other.

On another page was a picture of a cross spanning the entire distance between man and God—the cross of Calvary.

Maybe you have seen tracts like this and have even handed them out as you witnessed for Christ.

Jesus died on the cross to restore mankind to God.  Only the cross of Calvary and the blood of Jesus, shed for our redemption, made this reunion possible.  Jesus Christ—His death on the cross and His miraculous resurrection from the dead—bridged the gap of sin.

The “bridge over troubled waters,” where sin steals away our relationship with Father God, can be crossed through Jesus Christ.  God has made a way for us to come back to Him through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in His Son.

This is a wonderful promise to all who sincerely come to Him in prayer.

God bless you as you continue to learn more about Him.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God Knows Our Voice

There are some voices you never forget.  As I think back on raising my children, it seems like yesterday.  I can still hear those little voices calling from the backyard: “Daddy!  Daddy!  Look at me!  Look at me!”

Each of my children seemed to have a new skill they wanted to demonstrate.  Somersaults across the lawn, attempts to stand on their heads, and all sorts of other accomplishments that, in their eyes, were worthy of their daddy’s full attention.  And, of course, I gave it to them.

I would watch, applaud their efforts, and respond with those familiar words: “Great job!”

If you have children, you know exactly what I mean.  There is something special about being called by your child—not because they need something important, necessarily, but simply because they want you to see them.

I knew their voices.  I knew the sound, texture, and pitch of each one.  I could recognize their voices immediately, even when I couldn’t see them.  I knew when they were excited.  I knew when they were frightened.  I knew when they were hurt.  I knew them.  And that thought takes me somewhere much deeper.  God knows our voice.

I’m reminded of something I did as a little boy—something I probably should have thought through a little more carefully.

My mom had sent away for a plastic Superman cape.  Back in those days, you could save a few cereal box tops, add a small amount of money, send them away, and eventually your prize would arrive in the mail.

When that Superman cape finally arrived, I was thrilled.  I opened the package, tied the cape around my neck, and apparently decided that the laws of gravity did not apply to Superman.

I went on a little adventure behind my dad’s back.  To this day, I’m not quite sure how I managed to somehow get on top of the roof of our house.  I was convinced that I was about to “leap tall buildings in a single bound” and become “faster than a speeding bullet.”

I didn’t fly.  Instead, I hit the ground with a thud.  It was quite a jolt at the end of my descent, to say the least.  No broken bones—thank God.

You’ve probably heard the old saying: It’s not the fall that gets you; it’s the sudden stop.  I certainly wouldn’t recommend testing that theory.

But there is one part of that childhood adventure I remember clearly.  My dad heard me cry for help.  He came running.  He found me shaken but, thankfully, not seriously injured.  He lovingly picked me up and made sure I was okay. 

I don’t remember exactly what he said to me that day, but I have a feeling the experience itself taught me a lesson I wouldn’t soon forget.

Looking back, I realize something.  My dad knew my voice.  He knew that cry.  And he came.  Isn’t that a beautiful picture of our Heavenly Father?

We have a Father who knows us intimately.  He knows the things we say and the things we cannot put into words.  He knows our joys, our fears, our failures, our victories, and the places in our lives where we are still trying to figure things out.

He knows us completely.  And He knows our voice.  Sometimes we cry out because we are hurting.  Sometimes we cry out because we are afraid.  Sometimes we cry out because we have made a mess of things.  And, if we’re honest, sometimes we find ourselves crying out to God because we did something we knew we probably shouldn’t have done in the first place.

We ventured out “behind our Father’s back,” so to speak.  We thought we knew better.  We took the leap.  And then came the sudden stop.  But here is the beautiful part: When we fall, our Father comes running.  He does not stand at a distance with His arms crossed, waiting to tell us how foolish we were.

He comes near, picks us up, dusts us off, tends to our wounds, and reminds us that falling does not mean the story is over.  That brings me to another childhood memory: Humpty Dumpty.

We all know the nursery rhyme: Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.  And then comes the sad conclusion: All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again.

But there is something the nursery rhyme leaves out.  God can put broken things back together.  When we fall, when our lives become scattered, when our plans don’t work out, when our failures leave us feeling like broken pieces on the ground, God is not intimidated by the mess.

He is not looking at us thinking, “Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do with that.”  He is our Father.  And brokenness does not frighten Him.  Failure does not make Him run away.  Our mistakes do not make Him stop loving us.  In fact, some of the moments when we feel the most broken may become the moments when we discover just how close He really is.

The Bible gives us a beautiful name for God: Abba, Father.  Abba is an intimate expression—something like “Daddy” or “Papa.”  It speaks of closeness, affection, trust, and relationship.

Think about that for a moment.  The God who created the heavens and the earth invites us to call Him Father.  Not a distant God nor merely a powerful God, but our Father.  The One we can run to and cry out to.  The One who hears us.

Just as my children once called out, “Daddy!  Daddy!  Look at me!” we can call out to our Heavenly Father.  And He knows exactly who is calling because He knows our voice.  He knew us before we ever knew Him.

God knows the sound of our praise, but He also knows the sound of our pain.  He knows when our voice is full of confidence and when it trembles with fear.  He knows when we are celebrating and when all we can manage is a whisper: “Daddy, help me.”  And He hears.

Maybe you have taken a leap you wish you had never taken, or you are standing in the middle of the consequences of a decision you made.

Perhaps you feel like Humpty Dumpty—broken into pieces, wondering how you could ever be put back together again.  Or maybe you are simply tired.  Whatever place you find yourself in today, remember this: Your Father knows your voice. 

You don’t have to find the perfect words or clean yourself up before you come to Him.  You need not pretend that everything is okay.  Call out.  Cry out.  Whisper if that is all you can do.  “Abba, Father.”  He hears you.

And just as my dad came running when he heard the cry of his little boy lying on the ground, our Heavenly Father is never indifferent to the cries of His children.  He comes near, picks us up, and reminds us who we are.  He then dusts us off and encourages us to keep going. 

Sometimes, after He has put the broken pieces back together, He simply looks at us and says: “Great job.”  Our Father knows us, loves us, and above all—He knows our voice.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Quest for Perpetual Happiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stanza 1

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

Stanza 2

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

CHORUS

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

 

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Beyond the End of Your Nose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God's Providence Guides Our Lives

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

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

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

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

The words of the familiar hymn still ring true today:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Find at Least One Thing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

When Words Fail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When Every Door Closes, God Makes a Way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Count It All Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Cut the Ties That Bind

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

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

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

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

Jesus Christ cuts the ties that bind us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

Does Anyone Care? Am I Wanted?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

On the Other Side of Obedience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Don't Let It Define You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Hope Is Everything

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd