Tomorrow the Son May Shine

No, the title is not a typo.

Faith tells me the sun will shine brightly tomorrow morning.  But if, for some unimaginable reason, it never appeared in the eastern sky again, how long would it take for the people of Earth to realize the hopeless predicament they were in?

The answer is eight minutes.

Light travels at approximately 186,000 miles per second, and the sun is about 93 million miles from Earth.  Divide the distance by the speed of light, and you arrive at roughly eight minutes.  That is how long it would take for humanity to realize the sun was gone forever.

Now consider another question: When God’s Son appears in the eastern sky and shines in all his glory, how long will it take for mankind to realize that Christians are gone?

The answer is instantaneous—in the twinkling of an eye.  Now you see them; now you don’t.  They are gone for eternity.

The rapture of the Church, as it is called, may happen tomorrow—or before you finish reading these words.  For those who believe this teaching, it is a certainty that calls for thoughtful and sincere consideration.

If you have not placed your faith in Christ, do not delay in seeking God’s forgiveness and giving your heart to Him.

I believe that when God’s Son appears, He will come quickly and with purpose—to take His bride home for the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven.

Time is running out.  Do not procrastinate.  Eternity is a very long time to be separated from the Son.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Not Part, But All

I had just completed a blog post that was ready to publish when it was accidentally deleted.  Perhaps the Lord intended for me to share these thoughts instead—God knows.

The phrase “all or part” can encompass a wide range of ideas.  It can apply to something as simple as a portion of food or something as profound as a person’s spiritual walk with God.  With that in mind, let me ask you a question: Is your personality more like a glass half empty or a glass half full?

Let’s consider the question through the life of a man in Scripture named Thomas.  Many know him as “Doubting Thomas,” a title given because of his response after Jesus’ resurrection, recorded in John 20:24-31. 

I believe Thomas had what many would describe as a “glass half empty” personality.  I do not see that as a negative trait.  On the contrary, I believe he was analytical by nature—someone who carefully examined every possibility before making a decision.  I can relate to that.

I also believe Thomas was perceptive and unwilling to accept something without thoughtful consideration.  He refused to allow himself to be easily persuaded.  He had a mind of his own and was an independent thinker.  I find myself leaning in that direction as well.

I try not to vacillate in my thinking or be blown about like a leaf in the wind whenever controversy arises.  Instead, I endeavor to evaluate every situation carefully, considering all possibilities before reaching a conclusion.  Then, once a decision has been made, I strive to stand firmly upon it.

Like Thomas, when we become convinced that something is right—when it aligns with God’s Word and His purpose for our lives—we become all in.  We do not give God only part of ourselves; we give Him all of ourselves.

Remember this: no one needs to wish they had someone else’s personality.  God created each of us uniquely, and we are precious to Him just as we are.  We are exactly the person He intended us to be as He formed us in our mother’s womb.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will accomplish His purpose in each of us.  He works with every individual differently because each of us is wonderfully unique.  He knows how to shape us, refine us, and perfect His work within us.

The Lord invites each person to come to Him just as they are—not pretending to be someone else.  We are special in His sight.  He works in our lives according to the personalities He Himself created within us.  He knows exactly how He made us, and He uses those unique qualities for His glory.

All in all, God calls His children to discover the place where they can serve Him wholeheartedly—not with only part of themselves, but with all that they are.

Romans 12:1 challenges every believer, regardless of personality, to fully surrender to the Lord: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

By His grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live that kind of surrendered life. 

Lord, I surrender—not part of me, but all of me—to You.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

How--Is the Question

I’m sure people everywhere are asking the question, “How can I make it into heaven when I die?”  Sadly, many people are led to believe that salvation comes through their own works—by doing God’s bidding, being a good person, or living by the principle, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” commonly known as the Golden Rule.

These are admirable principles that encourage kindness and compassion.  Kindness is good and necessary.  However, when people believe their good deeds earn them a place in heaven, they are led into the false belief that they deserve the credit for their salvation.  The mindset becomes, “It’s all up to me.”

Scripture teaches otherwise.  No matter how righteous we may think we are, our own goodness can never make us acceptable before a holy God.  Our self-righteousness is like filthy rags, and apart from God’s grace; none of us can stand before Him. 

People often see only what they want to see and believe what they want to believe, viewing spiritual truth through rose-colored glasses.  It’s like a traveler wearing tinted glasses.  The truth may be standing plainly before them, but their own assumptions color everything they look at.

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

There has only been one perfect man to walk this earth—Jesus Christ.  He, and He alone, is the way to God, the Creator of all things.

One of the key emphases of this writing is found in its title: How.  The other, and even more important emphasis, is grace.  Were it not for God’s amazing grace, a wretch like me could never enter heaven.

I was not merely a person who committed a few sins while balancing them with good deeds.  Like every other human being, I inherited a sinful nature from my ancestors, Adam and Eve.  Their disobedience in the Garden of Eden brought sin into the world, and all humanity inherited what is often called the Adamic nature.  Because of that fallen nature, we are imperfect and separated from God.

We need a Savior—Someone who could make a way where there seemed to be no way.  Jesus Christ is that one and only Savior.  He paid the penalty for our sins when He died on the cross for you, for me, and for all mankind.  Through His death and resurrection, He made reconciliation with God possible for everyone who believes in Him.

So, how do I make it into heaven when I die?  The answer is simple: Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

As Jesus said in John 3:16: “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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Element of Surprise

I remember an exciting event that will forever be ingrained in my memory.  The element of surprise caused my mind to sputter like a motor running out of gas.  It was as if my brain were trying to shift into a higher gear because low gear was too slow to process the whirlwind of emotions unfolding before me.  For a brief moment, I experienced a complete mental meltdown.  I am usually composed and in control, but this time was different.

Here is what happened.  Without warning, my wife cried out from the other room, “It’s time!”  For a split second, I almost forgot the plan we had rehearsed while waiting for this long-anticipated day.  The moment we had eagerly expected had finally arrived.  It was here—right now—and somehow it caught me completely off guard.

My mind raced as I frantically searched for the suitcase my wife had carefully packed.  For some reason, it had been moved from its “ready-to-go” spot in the family room.  Where was it?

Then my wife called out again, “Help me to the car!  It’s time!”  Our first born was about to make his grand entrance, and he certainly was not going to wait for me to get organized.  Looking back, I’m just thankful I had filled the gas tank the day before.

Amazingly, this same scene repeated itself three different times.  It felt like watching the same movie over and over again.  The uncertainty and emotional upheaval we experienced were caused by Braxton Hicks contractions, commonly known as false labor.  These contractions often occur during pregnancy before true labor begins.  Even though we knew the due date was drawing near, each episode caught us by surprise.  Every time, the element of surprise was just as real as the first.

There was another unforgettable moment in my life when the element of surprise changed me forever.

One evening, I knelt beside my bed and asked God to forgive my sins.  What happened next is something I will never forget.  I have lived with that decision every day since.

It was as though I were standing at a crossroads, weighing the spiritually bankrupt life I had been living against the life of hope I had known during my formative years in a Christian home—a life I had turned my back on in my early teens.

After years of poor choices, I was confronted with a decision: continue down the broad road that leads to destruction or turn and follow God’s way.

As I considered my choice, I felt a deep conviction within my spirit.  I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart, forgive my sins, and give me the peace I believed only He could provide.

Immediately—without the sound of a trumpet or the clash of cymbals—the element of surprise began to unfold.

The only way I can describe it is this: it felt as though the top of my head had been lifted away, and I became overwhelmingly aware of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.  In that instant, God’s peace flooded my soul as He lifted the heavy burden of sin I had carried for so long.

The Lord truly forgives sin, but the experience itself must be personally lived.  Words simply fall short of describing what I felt that day.

That unexpected moment became the greatest element of surprise in my life—a life-changing encounter that transformed my attitude, my desires, and the eternal direction of my soul.  Today, by God’s grace, I walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life, trusting in His strength rather than my own.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Rescued from the Depths of Despair

I do not have to define the word despair for those who have lived it.  Those who have walked through its dark valley know its suffocating weight, and those whom God has rescued never forget what it felt like to be there.

Despair wears many faces.  It comes in varying degrees of sorrow, anguish, loneliness, and brokenness, shaped by the circumstances each person endures.  Yet no matter how it arrives, its grip is the same.  It leaves the soul feeling as though it has reached the very bottom, with nowhere else to fall.  It is like reaching upward only to touch the bottom of a pit, or becoming part of the dregs in a cup overflowing with disappointment, heartache, and pain.

In that place, the mind searches endlessly for relief.  It longs for an answer—for anything that might silence the torment and restore hope.  Yet every earthly remedy eventually proves empty.  Human wisdom, possessions, accomplishments, relationships, and distractions may offer temporary comfort, but they cannot heal the deepest wounds of the soul.  The harder we struggle in our own strength, the more we discover that true freedom cannot be found apart from God.

Then, in His mercy, the Lord reveals what has been true all along.  There is only one way out of the depths of despair, and His name is Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit gently opens blinded eyes and softens hardened hearts until a weary soul finally recognizes that its desperation cannot be cured by anything or anyone other than God.  What once seemed impossible suddenly becomes possible through His grace.

The enemy whispers that we have gone too far, sinned too greatly, or wandered too long to ever return.  He would have us believe there is no hope, no forgiveness, and no future beyond our failures.  But his lies cannot stand against the truth of God’s Word.  There is no pit so deep that God’s love cannot reach deeply still.  There is no life beyond the reach of His redeeming grace.

Often, it is only after every other hope has failed that a person discovers the One Hope that never fails.  When every human solution has been exhausted, Jesus remains.  He alone breaks the chains of bondage, lifts the burden of guilt, heals the brokenhearted, and gives peace that the world can never offer.

If you find yourself in the depths of despair, do not believe the lie that you are beyond saving.  Call upon the Lord.  He hears the cries of the broken, draws near to the humble, and delights in rescuing those who trust in Him.

Jesus is still the only way out.  Come to Him.  Trust Him.  Follow Him.  And see what only He can do.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Make Memories That Last

As I watch my youngest son with his two precious children, my heart overflows with gratitude.  I stand in awe of the love, patience, and devotion he pours into their lives each day.  The time he invests in them is more than simply creating happy moments—it is building a legacy of love that will remain in their hearts for years to come.

The relationship between a parent and child is one of God’s most beautiful gifts.  Even though personalities may sometimes differ and challenges arise, love has a way of leaving an everlasting imprint upon the heart.  Words spoken with kindness, acts of sacrifice, warm embraces, and faithful presence become treasured memories that children carry into adulthood.  Long after toys have been forgotten and milestones have passed, the love of a parent continues to speak.

How much more does our Heavenly Father desire to create lasting memories with His children?  From the beginning of time, God has demonstrated His unfailing love, drawing us close to Himself with mercy, grace, and compassion.  His greatest expression of love was revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus willingly laid down His life for us, paying the penalty for our sins and making a way for us to become children of God and heirs of eternal life.  There is no greater love than this.  Because of His sacrifice, we can walk each day in fellowship with Him, knowing that we are deeply loved, completely forgiven, and forever His.

Since the day Jesus came into my heart, He has filled my life with precious memories of His faithfulness.  Every morning brings a fresh opportunity to walk with Him.  Whether I am encouraging someone who is hurting, serving those in need, spending quiet moments in His presence, or simply marveling at His goodness, the Lord continually reminds me that life with Him is a beautiful journey of grace.

The memories God gives are unlike any others.  They strengthen our faith during difficult seasons, comfort us when we feel alone, and remind us that He has never failed us.  As we reflect upon His faithfulness, our hearts are renewed with hope and thanksgiving.

While we still have the opportunity, let us intentionally make memories that glorify God.  Let us be ready to stand in the gap wherever He calls us, allowing Him to use our hands to serve, our voices to encourage, and our lives to reflect His love.  Every act of kindness done in His name becomes a testimony of His goodness and a lasting blessing to others.

The memories we create with our families are priceless, but the memories we make while walking with Christ are eternal.  May we leave behind a legacy of faith that points our children, grandchildren, and all who know us to the Savior who loved us first.  The sweetest memories are those made in the presence of the Lord, and they will echo throughout eternity.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Who Are You Following

We’ve all heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.”  Another familiar expression is, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”  There is a great deal of truth in both.

If you think back over your life, you can probably remember someone who had a significant influence on you.  Perhaps you admired that person’s intelligence, financial success, confidence, or popularity.  Whatever the reason, you likely wanted to imitate them in some way.

Maybe that person walked the line between right and wrong, or perhaps, like me, you were simply trying to discover who you were and where you belonged.  Many people spend years wishing they could be like someone else, only to find themselves disappointed because they never become the person they were created to be.

When someone is searching for acceptance, they can easily begin following the wrong people.  Spending time with an unhealthy crowd often produces changes in attitudes, speech, habits, and behavior that do not truly reflect that person’s character.  The desire to belong becomes so strong that they begin compromising their values and convictions just to fit in.

If that pattern continues, others naturally begin to identify them with the company they keep.  People are often quick to judge by outward appearances—the clothes someone wears, the language they use, or the habits they develop.  As self-discipline fades, they can drift farther from the person God intended them to be, all in the name of belonging.

While these judgments are not always fair, there is wisdom in recognizing that our closest relationships influence the direction of our lives.  Our friends often shape our priorities, our choices, and ultimately our future.

Many people who are running from God view a relationship with Him as too restrictive, believing it means too much structure and too little freedom.  Yet I have discovered the opposite.  Rather than wandering from one influence to another, or searching for acceptance from one group after the next, I have found my identity in Jesus Christ.  I know who I am because I know whose I am—a child of God.

I chose Jesus as the One to imitate.

As I grow in my relationship with Him, my desire is that others would see Christ living in me.  That same relationship is available to anyone who places their faith in Him.  It begins with a simple, sincere prayer:

“God, forgive me for my sins.  Come into my heart and make me a new creation through Jesus Christ, Your Son.  Amen.”

When a person places their trust in Christ, God begins a transforming work within them.  New desires replace old ones.  Direction replaces confusion.  Purpose replaces emptiness.  They discover that they truly belong—not because they fit into a particular crowd, but because they have become part of God’s family.

No longer do they need to search for someone to admire or imitate.  They have found the One who will never fail them—Jesus Christ, their Savior, Lord, and Friend.  He lives within them, giving them strength, stability, and hope as they stand on the firm foundation of faith.

What a future that is.

As we walk by faith, we have the privilege of sharing the Good News with others—that God’s grace, forgiveness, and the gift of salvation are available to all who call upon His name.  A changed life begins with Christ, and a bright future begins by following Him.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

You Cannot Purchase Hope

No matter how much a person possesses, money can never buy happiness, peace of mind, or hope when these treasures are missing from the heart.  I know this from personal experience.

For years, I lived like a spiritual pauper because I rejected God’s answer for the deepest needs of my soul.  Like countless others, I looked to material possessions for fulfillment, believing that the next purchase, the next accomplishment, or the next experience would finally satisfy the longing within me.  But the happiness I found was always temporary.  The excitement faded, the novelty wore off, and I was left searching once again.

I have come to believe that God intentionally created us with a longing that nothing in this world can satisfy.  There is an emptiness within every heart that was designed for Him alone.  We often try to fill that void with possessions, success, relationships, or pleasure, but none of these can take God’s place.  The space is God-shaped, and only He can fill it.

True hope is not something we can earn, achieve, or purchase.  It is a gift of God’s grace, freely offered through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures declare in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

When we come before God with humble, repentant hearts, confessing what He calls sin, He forgives us completely.  At that very moment, hope springs to life.  The burden of guilt is lifted, the promise of eternal life becomes real, and those who were once lost are made new through the miracle of the new birth.

What I can never purchase, God freely gave. 

I exchanged my sin for His forgiveness, my guilt for His peace, my despair for His hope, and my future without Him for the promise of everlasting life.  Jesus Christ paid in full the debt I could never repay when He gave His life on the cross.  Because of His sacrifice, I now possess a hope that neither time nor circumstance can ever take away.

The words of an old gospel song express this truth so beautifully:

He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay.  I needed Someone to wash my sins away.  And now I sing a brand-new song, “Amazing Grace!”  Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.

That is the hope no amount of money can ever buy—and the hope God freely offers to all who will come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Don't Lose Your Passion

What is heaven really like?  Have you ever quietly pondered that question?  I know I have—many times.  The more I meditate on God’s promises, the more my heart longs for the home He is preparing for those who love Him.

One thing I know with certainty is that heaven is nothing like this fallen world.  Everything on earth is touched by time.  It fades, wears out, and eventually passes away.  Even the things we once treasured can lose their appeal.  But heaven is eternal.  It is an endless journey of discovering, experiencing, and delighting in the infinite wonders our Lord has prepared for His children.  Throughout eternity, we will never exhaust His goodness, His beauty, or His glory.

Jesus gave us this comforting promise in John 14:2-6: “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also…I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

What peace those words bring.  Jesus is not only preparing a place for us—He is preparing us for that place.  Our hope does not rest in our own goodness, but in the finished work of Christ, who alone is the Way to the Father.

The apostle John gives us a breathtaking glimpse of heaven in Revelation 21:21. He describes the great street of the city as pure gold, as transparent as glass, and the twelve gates as twelve magnificent pearls, each gate formed from a single pearl.  Though these descriptions stretch the limits of our imagination, they remind us that heaven’s glory far exceeds anything we have ever known on earth.

Yet the greatest wonder of heaven is not its streets of gold or its gates of pearl.  The greatest wonder is the presence of God Himself.  To dwell forever in His presence, free from sin, sorrow, pain, and death, is beyond anything our finite minds can fully comprehend.  The closest glimpse I have ever known of that joy was the day I confessed my sins, placed my faith in Jesus Christ, and experienced the miracle of being born again.  That moment forever changed my eternity.

Every picture the Bible paints of heaven stirs my heart with anticipation.  It awakens within me a passion that is difficult to describe—a longing that reminds me this world is not my home. 

As I look at the vastness of the heavens, the brilliance of the stars, the beauty of the mountains, and the wonders of God’s creation, I cannot help but marvel at the Creator who simply spoke them into existence.  If creation displays such breathtaking majesty, how much more glorious will heaven be?

We will never grow weary in heaven because our God is infinite.  His wisdom has no limits.  His creativity never ends.  His love never fails.  Throughout eternity, He will continually reveal more of His glory, filling every redeemed heart with fresh wonder, joyful worship, and unending gratitude.  There will never be a moment when heaven becomes ordinary.

The Scriptures tell us that heaven is a place where there is no darkness, where every tear is wiped away, where death is swallowed up in victory, and where sin can never enter again.  It is a place of perfect holiness, everlasting peace, and uninterrupted fellowship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is the home our hearts were created to long for.

May we never lose our passion for heaven or allow the distractions of this world to dim our anticipation of that glorious day.  Instead, may we live each day with our eyes fixed on Christ, faithfully serving Him until He calls us home.

Until then, my prayer is simple: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Sense of Disquiet

I know people who, before becoming Christians, walked through life with little hope for tomorrow’s opportunities or challenges.  Many of them woke each day asking themselves, “Is this all there is?”  I can relate to that feeling.

Before I became a believer, I often felt wrapped in a blanket of loneliness.  Life seemed dull and empty, and an unsettling sense of uneasiness lingered within me.  Like so many others, I lived with a constant sense of disquiet—a persistent feeling of worry, anxiety, and restlessness.  Above all, I was completely lacking in true peace of mind.

As a young man, I longed for something meaningful to anticipate each day.  I was searching for purpose, yet I felt like a traveler without a compass, wandering through life without clear direction.  I share this not to gain sympathy or evoke pity, but simply because it is the truth.  I did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling within me to provide the guidance and peace my heart desperately needed.

If you—or someone you know—feels alone in a crowd, Jesus Christ is the answer.  He alone gives lasting stability for all our tomorrows and hope where hope seems absent.  He alone offers the abundant life for which every human heart longs.

There is no other way, no other person, no other god, and no other source through whom we can find true salvation and lasting peace.  The Lord fills the places of disquiet within our souls with His presence, satisfying the deep emptiness that only He can fill.  Nothing this world offers can take His place, no matter how hard we try to fill that void with possessions, achievements, or pleasures.

If someone sincerely desires for that sense of disquiet to fade, they must come to God with a repentant heart, ask for forgiveness of their sins, and invite His Holy Spirit to dwell within them.  When they become God’s child through faith in Jesus Christ, they discover a peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that only He can give.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Moment of Grace

My memory of that life-changing day when God imparted His grace to me is just as vivid today as it was when it happened.  He saved my soul that day, setting me free from the sin that had been crushing my spirit and keeping me from the abundant life Jesus died to give me.

I will never forget the overwhelming peace I felt as the Holy Spirit filled my soul—the peace that surpasses all understanding.  His presence surrounded me and dwelled within me.  I simply basked in the wonder of His amazing grace—God’s undeserved favor.  His unmerited love was poured out upon me, a sinner in desperate need of a Savior.

He called me by name, and I responded with thanksgiving and praise for setting me free from the bondage of sin.  His voice was so clear as He spoke to my heart: “My yoke is easy to bear.  Take up your cross and follow Me.  Come while the water is troubled.  My grace is abundant and sufficient for you.”

Now, as His child for this life and the life to come, I have learned to trust God through both the joys and the trials.  In every season, my Heavenly Father has been with me.  He has never left me to weep alone.  Instead, He sent the Holy Spirit to be my Comforter, faithfully guiding and strengthening me through every challenge, no matter the circumstance.

I have been blessed beyond measure ever since that sacred moment of grace when I became a child of the Most High God—my Heavenly Father.  His grace continues to sustain me, His love continues to transform me, and His faithfulness continues to remind me that the day He called me was the day my life changed forever.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

How to Do Better

Many people begin the New Year with sincere resolutions, determined to grow in areas where they have struggled.  Their intentions are genuine, but before long the cares of this world, the pressures of daily life, and the distractions that surround them crowd out their commitment.  What began with enthusiasm gradually becomes another forgotten resolution.

Before I met the Lord and became a Christian, I was trying to put away old habits on my own.  I wanted to improve several areas of my life and become physically healthier, but at that time I was not interested in a spiritual transformation.  In fact, I wanted nothing to do with godly influence.

As the days passed, I found it difficult to maintain any lasting resolution.  My efforts to do better were weak and frustrating.  I knew changes had to be made—not merely to preserve my health, but to develop a healthier lifestyle.  Yet I kept asking myself, “What is the answer?”

God and the things of God were far from the life I wanted to live.  Surrendering to Him never entered my mind.  I was my own man and wanted to make my own decisions without interference from what I once called “the Man upstairs.”

Yet deep down, I knew the truth. Jesus was the only One who could truly help me attain what I was searching for, but I was too stubborn to repent of my sins and follow Him.  I knew change was necessary, but I resisted the very One who could bring it.  The question was simple: Would I choose God’s way or my own?

My life was filled with misery, and above all, I lacked peace.  I knew that peace was only a prayer away.  All I had to do was confess my sins and ask God for forgiveness.  Instead, I remained rebellious, running from Him.

I was filled with misconceptions about God, and Satan made sure those fallacies remained.  I wanted to live life on my own terms, relying on my own strength and integrity, free from what I thought were heavenly restrictions.  I was under Satan’s influence, believing his lies and allowing myself to become subject to his deception.  All the while, I was disobeying God’s commandments and living according to my own desires.

Looking back, I realize how close I may have been to believing a lie that could have separated me from God forever, had the Holy Spirit not reached into my heart with His love and gentle conviction.

Eventually, I came to the end of myself.  No matter how hard I tried or where I searched, I could not find peace of mind.  I was looking in all the wrong places for what my soul truly needed.  Doing things my way was never the path to freedom.

Everything changed when I turned my eyes toward heaven.  The Prince of Peace spoke to the storm that was raging within me and said, “Peace, be still.”  At that moment, I found myself at a crossroads, longing for Jesus to become my Lord and Savior.  I had exhausted every effort to do better on my own.  When I honestly examined my life, I realized I was failing to live as God had created me to live—to glorify Him and to help lead others to heaven.

What I did not realize during those difficult days was that the Holy Spirit had been working behind the scenes all along.  As I struggled to improve my physical health, He was gently speaking to my heart and drawing me to Christ.  God knew that once I surrendered my heart to Him, true spiritual health would follow.

In love, He continued knocking on the door of my heart, saying, “You can do better.  Come to Me.  I AM that I AM.  I will strengthen you through Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 5:10 offers this wonderful promise: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

That promise became my reality.  God restored me, strengthened me, and established me in Him.

He will do the same for you if you truly desire to do better.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

No Longer Addicted to the Old Ways

Addictions come in many different forms, and every addiction is a terrible burden to bear.  Whatever vice holds an addict in its grasp, it is always with them.  Escaping the constant urge to indulge in a fleeting moment of pleasure is difficult because addiction hooks a person with the promise of temporary satisfaction.

Those who genuinely want to break free from the oppressive bondage of addiction often discover how difficult it is to escape the grip of substance abuse or other destructive habits.  The temptation to return to old ways can override better judgment, especially when a person tries to fight the battle alone.  Without a strong support system, it is easy to be pulled back into the whirlpool that addiction creates once the temporary high has faded.

When I was searching for answers to my unstable life, I had few friends I could turn to because they had struggles of their own.  I was also stubborn.  I refused to share my burdens with anyone who was willing to stand beside me—someone I could lean on.  I believed I could find peace through my own efforts, but those efforts always ended in disappointment and false hope.

Because I had been exposed to Christianity early in life, I knew there was One who could provide the help and strength I needed to accomplish what I could never achieve on my own.  Yet I was too proud to open the door to a new way of life through Jesus Christ.

In my sober moments, I knew something had to change before my lifestyle led me to an early grave.  Addiction has a way of clouding a person’s judgment and silencing their conscience.  It wasn’t until I reached the end of my rope, with nowhere else to turn, that I realized I desperately needed help beyond my own strength.

After exhausting every attempt to overcome the sins in my life, I finally called upon God.  I asked Him to show me a new way to live—a life free from the bondage of sin.  All along, He had been patiently waiting for me to come to my senses.  The Holy Spirit had been gently calling me to leave my old life behind and follow Him.

When I knelt before God and asked for His forgiveness and help, He immediately forgave my sins as I confessed them.  He transformed my heart, gave me a new nature, and set my life on a new course in Christ.  Old habits began to lose their hold because the Lord gave me something infinitely better than temporary pleasure.  He filled my life with lasting peace, joy, purpose, and victory over the old way of living.

God gave me His Son, Jesus Christ, in exchange for my wayward life.  Jesus was the only answer to the emptiness and bondage in which I was trapped.

If you are struggling with an addiction or have become a slave to something you cannot seem to escape, I encourage you to bring that burden to Jesus.  You will discover that He truly is the Prince of Peace, the Way Maker, and the Giver of abundant life to all who call upon Him.  He makes a way where there seems to be no way.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Trust Him—you will not be disappointed.  He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you, and He will not leave you to fight life’s battles alone.  You can count on Jesus Christ to set you free from whatever holds you captive.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Now Hour

I believe it is far better to live in the “now hour” than to continually dwell on past situations.  We often call this kind of memory-based reflection “20/20 hindsight”— “I should have done this,” or “I shouldn’t have done that.”  To one degree or another, I think we all experience it.  That is the remarkable power of the human mind and its ability to recall the past.

If we are not careful, however, reminiscing can become an unhealthy obsession that robs us of peace in the present—the now hour.  The past is the past, and we cannot change what has already happened or what never happened.  Unless we could somehow step into a time machine and go back—which, ironically, might make us the very cause of what went wrong—we cannot rewrite history.  It is what it is.  The past cannot be changed, but it can certainly teach us valuable lessons.

Sadly, many people live in a prison of their own making.  They lack peace, resolution, and victory in the present because they are held captive by the past.  “I call this ‘Memory Reflex’—the habit of repeatedly revisiting the past in ways that produce anxiety rather than growth.”  It’s a cycle of anxious reflection that casts shadows over today’s life and can negatively affect both the mind and the nervous system.

Constantly revisiting memories that serve no constructive purpose can hinder relationships, stunt spiritual growth, and even diminish our sensitivity to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:10: “He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.  He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.  Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.”

There is, however, one meaningful reason to look back.  Before I came to know Jesus Christ, I was a sinner in need of His grace.  Looking back reminds me of how misguided I once was and how easily I was influenced by the powers of darkness.  Evil thrives in darkness, but Christ calls us into His marvelous light.

When unbelievers honestly examine their past apart from Christ, they may recognize that the pursuits they trusted never produced lasting peace.  They may see the emptiness of a life separated from God and realize that true peace is found only in Jesus Christ.

Today is the day of salvation.  In the now hour, anyone who turns to God in repentance and asks for forgiveness can receive His mercy and begin a new life.  They no longer need to be imprisoned by the past because God forgives completely.  He is the God of today, the God of all our tomorrows, and the God of eternity.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Don't Lose Sight of the Goal

When a person is bombarded from every direction by problems, disappointments, and ongoing struggles, their emotional stability is put to the test.  The ability to endure life’s storms depends largely upon one’s inner strength, resilience, and determination to persevere.  In times of turmoil, a dependable source of support becomes invaluable, helping us maintain clarity of mind and stability of purpose.

This raises an important question: What is mental acuity, and how does it affect our ability to stay focused on the goals that matter most?

One definition states:

“Mental acuity refers to the sharpness, clarity, and overall efficiency of the mind.  It represents a person’s cognitive ability to process information quickly, focus on relevant tasks, recall details, and make sound decisions.”

I believe the concept of visual acuity complements this definition beautifully:

“Visual acuity is the clarity and sharpness of your vision.  Specifically, it measures your eye’s ability to resolve and distinguish fine details and shapes at a set distance.”

So where am I going with this?

Just as our physical vision can become blurred, our spiritual vision can also lose focus.  When life’s difficulties pile up, it becomes easy to lose sight of the goals we once held firmly before us.  Mental distractions, discouragements, and what I often call “mind clutter” can obscure our sense of direction.  When we fail to discipline our thoughts and fail to focus on things that are true, noble, and good, our priorities can become distorted.

This can affect every area of life—our educational aspirations, vocational decisions, relationships, financial stewardship, and most importantly, our spiritual walk with God.

Let us focus on that last area.

I believe every Christian’s ultimate goal is to make heaven their eternal home.  Of all the goals we pursue in this life, none is more important.  Yet it is also the goal most fiercely opposed.  The distractions of this world, the pressures of daily living, and the attacks of the enemy all seek to divert our attention away from what truly matters.

Maintaining spiritual focus requires effort.  It requires keeping our mental and spiritual acuity aligned with God’s truth.  If we are not careful, the noise of life can crowd out the voice of God and gradually push our heavenly objective into the background.

I was speaking with my wife recently about her father.  He held a strong conviction regarding the doctrine commonly known as “once saved, always saved.”  I understand there are sincere Christians who interpret Scripture differently, and I respect those differences.  The term backsliding is often used when discussing a believer’s spiritual failures or periods of drifting away from God.

While my perspective may not be shared by everyone, allow me to explain what I have come to believe.

I know there is One who walks beside me and dwells within me.  He has promised that He will never leave me nor forsake me.  His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

That promise has become the anchor of my soul.

Hebrews 13:5 assures us of His abiding presence, and I refuse to allow doubt to undermine what God Himself has declared.  Why should I believe the accusations of darkness when I possess the promises of God?  The Lord has spoken and He cannot lie.

The moment I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, I became His.  I was adopted into His family and brought under His care.  Do we really believe that Christ endured the agony of Calvary, suffered rejection, bore our sins, and laid down His life only to abandon us whenever we stumble?  Absolutely not.

God forgives those who sincerely repent and seek His mercy.  Through faith in Christ, we become His children.  As earthly parents, we do not cease loving our children when they fail.  We may correct them.  We may discipline them.  But we do not disown them because of their mistakes.

How much more does our Heavenly Father love those who belong to Him?

Those who have been born again are not merely servants of God; they are His sons and daughters.  Their relationship with Him is founded upon His grace, sustained by His faithfulness, and secured by His promises.

The apostle Paul expressed this confidence in 2 Timothy 1:12: “…For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day.”

Those words resonate deeply with me.

There are moments when believers fall flat on their faces spiritually.  In those moments, Satan is quick to whisper lies: “God is finished with you.  You’ve gone too far.  You’ve failed too badly.  There is no way back.”

Yet those accusations stand in direct opposition to the character of God.

The enemy seeks to steal peace, destroy confidence, and replace faith with fear.  He wants believers to doubt the very promises that God has sworn to uphold.  While he may try relentlessly, he cannot change the truth of God’s Word.

Romans 8:38-39 is a promise I stand on: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When we fail—and at times we all do—we should immediately turn to God in repentance, asking Him to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Such faith in God’s mercy is not a license to sin; rather, it is an expression of trust in His grace.

The Scriptures remind us that God disciplines those He loves.  His correction is not evidence of rejection but proof of His fatherly care.  He teaches us through our failures, helping us grow in wisdom and obedience.

God desires that we live in fellowship with Him, free from the constant burden of condemnation and fear.  He is patient, compassionate, gentle, and long-suffering.  He desires that we walk in victory, not defeat; in confidence, not despair.

This is grace.

Grace is God reaching down when we cannot lift ourselves up.  Grace is His mercy triumphing over our failures.  Grace is His unwavering commitment to complete the work He began in us.  For that, I can only say: Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy and grace.

We need not live in fear that God will cast us aside.  Scripture declares that “perfect love casts out fear.”  Fear loses its power when we understand the depth of God’s love and the certainty of His promises.  Therefore, do not lose sight of the goal.

Allow the Holy Spirit to preserve your spiritual 20/20 vision when circumstances attempt to cloud your perspective.  Refuse to allow doubt, discouragement, or the lies of the enemy to dominate your thinking.  Bring every thought into obedience to Christ and continue moving forward in faith.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.  Keep placing one foot in front of the other.  Keep moving toward the destination God has prepared for you.

As we do, our mental and spiritual acuity remains strong because our focus remains clear.  We can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God cares for us, walks with us, and faithfully guides us toward our eternal home.

No matter what obstacles arise, no matter what Satan may attempt to tell us, never lose sight of the goal.  Heaven is worth the journey.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Whisper

After hearing the whisper of the Holy Spirit beckoning me to come to Him, I responded to that call and became a Christian in my early twenties.  What I had learned about the love of Jesus from a dedicated Sunday school teacher in seventh grade finally came to fruition later in life.

As a new believer, I led several of my closest friends to the Lord after they witnessed the change God had made in me.  Where once I had been lost and broken, I now carried a smile on my face and the message of redemption in my heart.  After hearing the good news that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, those whom I had been witnessing to accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Before leaving my apartment one day, I remember one of them saying, “I don’t have to look up to you any longer.  I’ve got what you’ve got.”  He was referring to the freedom he felt from the burden of sin.  It was not me he was exalting, but the One who now lived within him—the same Spirit he had seen at work in my life.  He, too, had heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit calling his name and convicting him of his sins.

He was filled with joy because of his encounter with the loving God who delivered him from the bondage of sin.  He had experienced the new birth and was born again.  Like me, the weight of the sins he had carried was lifted from his shoulders.  He could breathe freely because God had saved his soul.  No longer did he live under condemnation for his past life.  He was set free and experienced complete victory the day Jesus became his Savior.

Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

God gave me many opportunities to share His grace and forgiveness with others, both in groups and one-on-one conversations.  Those who accepted Jesus as their Savior were transformed in a moment when they surrendered their lives to God.

God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11).  When we share the good news that Jesus, God’s Son, gave His life on the cross for our sins, that message—the seed of salvation planted in a person’s heart—will one day bear fruit.  I believe God often sends other Christians to water that seed with His Word.  Then, sometime in the future, another believer may share the message of Christ’s love and reap the harvest of a soul that has been longing for the true and lasting peace that only God can provide.

The truths I shared from God’s Word may one day be brought back to remembrance by the Holy Spirit to those with whom I shared Jesus.  In this way, God’s Word never returns void.  God works in mysterious ways, performing wonders beyond our understanding.  Many who seem indifferent today may one day respond to the whisper of the Holy Spirit, repent, and come to Jesus as He gently moves upon their hearts.

I share these thoughts because I do not want you to become discouraged when someone refuses to give their heart to the Lord after you have shared the gospel with them.  The Holy Spirit is the One who draws people to God—we do not.  Christians are simply vessels through whom the Lord speaks.  We cannot save anyone; we can only share the truth of God’s Word and then trust the Lord to do what only He can do.

We should never become overzealous or self-righteous in our witness, as such attitudes can drive people away from the truth.  Our desire should be to help those who are searching for answers find them, not to repel them.  We must be sensitive to what God wants us to say to those who are lost.  We should always pray that God would place a guard over our mouths so that we speak only what He desires, rather than speaking from pride or appearing holier than others.  In doing so, we become faithful instruments through whom His love, grace, and truth can be revealed.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Starting Point

I enjoyed playing sports in high school, especially football and basketball.  Being 6’3” tall, my basketball coach often played me at center.  I was tall and lean, which made it easier to jump higher than many opposing players.  I also competed in track and field, running the half-mile (880-yard run).  Although the race was challenging, my endurance and long stride helped me win and place in many of the meets in which I competed.

My success in those races opened the door for me to compete in the DVAL Championships, where the best runners faced one another.  Getting mentally prepared at the starting point of each race became an important routine.  I tried not to focus on how long and grueling the half-mile would be, but rather on how I would run the race.  It’s too long to be a sprint and too short to settle into a comfortable pace.  You have to push yourself almost the entire way.

My goal was always to finish strong and earn the reward that awaited at the finish line.  I ran to the best of my ability, hoping to experience what athletes call a “second wind”—that remarkable moment when someone who is exhausted and out of breath suddenly finds renewed strength to continue performing at a high level with less effort.

At the starting line, all the runners had shed their warm-up sweats and heavy tennis shoes.  Everyone stripped down to the essentials: lightweight running shorts and jerseys, along with featherweight track shoes.  I was usually filled with anticipation, excitement, and wonder as I waited for the race to begin, wondering what the outcome would be when I crossed the finish line.

The Bible compares our walk with God to running a race.  Hebrews 12 tells us to throw off the things that weigh us down and to run with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus.

Scripture encourages believers to persevere in their faith, running with endurance the greatest race of all. 

(Hebrews 12:1-3), “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

When the Holy Spirit convicted me to lay down the heavy burden of sin I had been carrying, I chose to enter the race that leads to heaven, where I would one day receive the crown of righteousness promised to those who endure and finish well.

(2 Timothy 4:7), “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

As I continue running this spiritual race, I am reminded of my track coach cheering me on from the sidelines—his voice loud and clear as I pushed toward the finish line.  In much the same way, the Holy Spirit encourages me: “Keep running!  Don’t quit!  You’re going to make it!”

The starting point of this race was the moment I asked God to forgive my sins.  I still remember the place, the month, and the year when I began my journey toward the ultimate goal—heaven—the greatest reward of any race I have ever run.  It is a journey that began when I met Jesus Christ.  He has been my faithful traveling companion for many years, and I do not regret a single mile we have traveled together.

Today, we are blessed to have GPS systems and road maps to guide us so we do not lose our way.  Yet even greater than these is the Bible, God’s spiritual roadmap.  It guides us into all truth and leads us safely to our final destination—heaven.

Written by, 

Papa Boyd

His Gift to Us

When I was growing up, I could hardly wait for Christmas to arrive.  It wasn’t because I received a lot of gifts, but because the two or three presents I did receive were deeply appreciated.  My parents sometimes struggled to make ends meet, yet they always did their best to make Christmas special.  There was a Christmas tree, decorations, and a sense of joy that filled our home.

After all, December 25 is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  Because of who He is, everything should be festive and filled with gratitude.  God gave the greatest gift of all when He sent His only begotten Son, who would one day die on the cross for the sins of mankind.  This priceless gift of love was given freely to you and to me.

Jesus did not come in a beautifully wrapped package with a bow on top.  He was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger—a feeding trough used for livestock.  It became His makeshift crib because there was no room for His family at the inn.

The phrase “swaddling clothes” refers to bands of cloth traditionally used to wrap newborn babies.  From what I have read, these were not rags but customary Middle Eastern cloth strips used to comfort infants, regulate their body temperature, and help them adjust to life outside the womb.  This was a common practice throughout the ancient world.

His birth was certainly a humble beginning for the King of kings and Lord of lords—the One whom God sent to become the Savior of all humanity.  His gift to us was given out of compassion and love for lost souls who were destined for eternal separation from Him.

Thank God for Jesus and for His saving power to forgive sin.  Through faith in Him, we are welcomed into God’s family and can be called His children.  What a wonderful gift God has given us through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Vices Dredged Out of the Shadow

Vices Dredged Out of the Shadow—where does such a title lead us?  Perhaps the answer lies within the meaning of the word dredge itself.  Dredging is the process of removing mud, silt, and debris from the bottom of waterways so that vessels may pass safely and freely through them.

Before I came to faith in Jesus Christ and stepped into the light of God’s grace and mercy, I lived beneath the shadow of destructive vices.  They affected not only my physical health but also my spiritual well-being.  Day after day, unhealthy choices accumulated like silt on the floor of a channel.  Over time, the debris of sin built up, obstructing the flow of the living water that God desired to pour into my thirsty soul.

My spirit longed for something greater.  Beneath the weight of accumulated sin, I yearned for a deeper relationship with God.  Yet the channel was clogged.  The mud and sediment of sinful habits had become spiritual hazards, preventing me from navigating the narrow way that leads to eternal life.

Then the Divine Dredger—the Holy Spirit—began His work.

With patient love and transforming power, He exposed what had settled in the hidden places of my heart.  He dredged away the layers of pride, selfishness, compromise, and other vices that had accumulated over the years.  What I could never remove on my own, He faithfully cleared away through conviction, grace, and repentance.

As God removes the debris of sin from our lives, the shadows begin to retreat.  We gain spiritual clarity.  We see more clearly where we have been, where we are, and where God is leading us.  The obstacles that once hindered our progress no longer control our direction.  The channel is reopened, and our lives begin to flow according to His purpose.

The glorious light of Jesus Christ dispels every shadow cast by sin.  What once obstructed our journey is removed, and what once blinded our vision is overcome by His truth.  Through Christ, we are free to move forward in the pathway God has prepared for His children.

This is the miracle of the new birth.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become new creations.  The old debris is removed, and a new life begins.  We walk in the freedom, purpose, and hope that only He can provide.

Jesus paid the price for our sins upon the cross.  He died for you, for me, and for all humanity.  Because of His sacrifice, the channel to God is open, the shadows are scattered, and the living water flows freely once again.

May we continually allow the Holy Spirit to dredge the hidden places of our hearts, removing every vice that seeks to hinder our walk with God, so that we may travel faithfully in the light of Christ until we reach our eternal home.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

What a Difference a Day Makes

The older I get, the more I realize how quickly life is slipping by.  Yet I am growing older gracefully, and I say that because I have been saved by God’s grace.

One day I was deep in sin; the next, I was saved from it—no longer walking in defeat.  What a difference a day makes.

The Lord has been gracious and merciful to me for many years.  As I think back on my childhood, it seems like one day I was playing cowboys and Indians with my neighborhood friends, as we called it back then, and before I could blink twice, I was older and playing army with my buddies.  What a difference a day makes.

The headband and feathers were put away, along with the plastic tomahawk I had traded a friend for and the Native American armbands my mother sent away for using a few quarters and cereal box tops.  Soon, cap guns found their place in my toy box.

Before long, I received my driver’s license—a day I thought would never come.  Looking back, however, it arrived much too quickly, just as time always seems to do.

Before I knew it, I was married, and almost as quickly, my wife and I were raising three children.  I watched with fascination as they repeated many of the same things I had done growing up.

Today, I am Papa to six grandchildren, and just as quickly, I may one day become Papa to their children if the Lord allows me to live long enough.  Time certainly moves swiftly through my aging body with every heartbeat and every breath.  Yet it could be far worse, if you know what I mean.

More and more each day, I understand what the Bible says about our time on earth.  It is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Life passes quickly.

I thank the Lord for blessing me beyond measure since becoming a Christian.  My days have not been a drudgery but have been filled with joy and purpose because Jesus walks beside me and lives within me.

What more could a person ask for than peace and the lasting hope that the world cannot give—salvation through Jesus Christ?  As John 3:16 reminds us, God’s love made a way for all who believe.

What we are going to do for the Lord, we should do without delay.  We should not let grass grow under our feet.  Time is not standing still; it is slipping away like sand through an hourglass.

As people grow older, procrastination can quietly settle in.  It can lull them into thinking, “I’ve already done my part.  I’m too old to do anything now.”

There may be some truth to physical limitations, but I believe this: whenever God places something on our hearts and we are willing to step into the gap, He is pleased with our obedience, regardless of whether the task is large or small.

God never asks us to do something without also giving us the grace to accomplish it.  Through the Holy Spirit, He equips us to be His hands extended to others.  He prepares the way before His children, regardless of their age.

One of my greatest desires is to take someone with me to heaven.

I believe that when we live out genuine Christianity by demonstrating God’s love, people take notice.  They are drawn not to us, but to the One who has changed us.  That alone is a powerful ministry and should cause every child of God to rejoice in what Christ has done in their heart.

Obedience requires that we remain ready to share our faith and serve as Christ’s ambassadors whenever opportunities arise.  We should never close our hearts to compassion or convince ourselves that we are too old to be useful in God’s kingdom.

Before I retired, God gave me boldness to share my faith with others face-to-face.  Now that I am retired, I post encouraging messages on my blog that are read around the world.

It amazes me how God’s Word is being fulfilled through technology.  Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Technology has made it possible for me to share God’s love, His Word, and His promises with people who need guidance and encouragement across the globe.  What a difference a day makes in the age in which we live.

Today, we can reach people with the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that through Him we can experience a brand-new life filled with grace, peace, and contentment.  When we confess our sins before God, He forgives us because of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life for our redemption and paid the price for our sin.

Although I miss the one-on-one conversations I enjoyed when I was younger—telling others about Jesus—God has provided another avenue for my ministry.  Through my blog, my witness continues to reach others.

The thoughts and words God gives me not only bless my own heart as I write them, but I believe they also encourage those who read them. 

How do I know this?  Because of the promise found in Isaiah 55:11: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

I once read a helpful explanation of this verse: “It means that whenever God speaks, pronounces a decree, or makes a promise, it will invariably accomplish its intended purpose and fulfill His divine will.”

That is a wonderful summary of what this Scripture teaches.

So do not become discouraged by age.  Do not compare today’s opportunities with yesterday’s accomplishments.  God still has work for His people to do.

Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful ministries available to every believer.  It is a mighty work done behind the scenes.  God answers sincere prayers, and this ministry can be carried out from a prayer closet, a family room, a hospital bed, or while lying awake at night before drifting off to sleep.

Be encouraged.  Joshua 1:9 says: “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd