The Bully

As a young boy growing up in the bedroom community of Martinez, California, my first cousin—two years older, taller, and more husky than me—was nothing but a bully.  He always picked on me when our families gathered at Grandma and Grandpa’s house on Sunday afternoons.

When I complained to my dad, his answer was simple: “Bust him in the nose and he won’t pick on you anymore.  That was all well and good, but I really didn’t want to hurt him—I just wanted him to stop.  Looking back, I think that came from my mom’s kindness and gentle spirit.

I had an older sibling—14 years my senior—who taught me the fundamentals of boxing.  Dad made sure I understood how to protect myself if I ever needed to.  I never looked for trouble, but I understood why they were so adamant about self-defense.

The problem was, I lacked confidence.

One Sunday, someone brought boxing gloves.  My cousin and I put them on, encouraged by my older sister, who was firmly in my corner.  Her confidence in me was contagious—like urging a dog to “sic ‘em.”

We sparred while my uncle rang a bell between rounds and the family formed a circle around us.  My cousin tried to dominate, but he couldn’t lay a glove on me.  My defensive posture and training—muscle memory—took over.  I ended up beating him pretty badly.

That day, I realized something important: his roar was bigger than he was.  After that, he never bullied me again.  I finally had the confidence to stand up for myself.

Am I saying violence is the answer?  Absolutely not.  But sometimes we need confidence to face what’s in front of us.

As believers, we are called to stand in the gap—to be God’s hands extended to a lost and hurting world.  That takes courage.  It takes stepping out in faith.  And each time we do, God builds our character and our confidence in Him.

There is another bully we face almost every day: Satan.  But he is already a defeated foe.  The Lord has risen and sits at the right hand of the Father.

Scripture says our adversary prowls like a roaring lion—much like my cousin did when he tried to intimidate me.  But just like that day in the ring, the enemy’s roar is often louder than his power.

We are called to love others and turn the other cheek—but only through God’s strength can we do this.  On our own, we want to retreat.  Yet when we step forward in obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we discover a confidence that doesn’t come from us.

It reminds me of my sister cheering me on.

(Romans 8:37), “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

We are victorious—not because of our own strength, but because we allow God to work through us.  When we remain pliable vessels, He uses us to touch lives and show others there is a better way.

Yes, Satan roars loudly—but like my cousin, he lacks humility and true power.

And in every battle, God rings the bell—declaring once again that the enemy has been defeated.

We remain champions of the faith when we allow God to fight our battles.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Wrap Me in a Hug

In my preteen and early teenage years, I remember helping my mom wrap Christmas presents.  It was our time together—personal, simple, and quietly joyful.  After we finished, she would always throw her arms around me and wrap me in a hug.

Even into my 20s, I was no stranger to those loving embraces.  They were part of who she was.  When she passed away at the young age of 58, those hugs became something I deeply missed.

When I married my wife, it felt like God saw that empty place in my heart and filled it in an unexpected way—with my 4’-8” Italian mother-in-law.  Every time I saw her, she would wrap me in a hug, pull this 6’-3” lug down to her level, and kiss me in the ear—nearly snapping my neck in the process.  She had so much love to give, and it reminded me so much of my mom and the love she showed me.

I have a picture on my phone of Jesus kneeling with His arms outstretched.  In the foreground, several sheep are running toward Him.  A caption could read, “My sheep know My voice.”  When I look at that picture, I imagine Jesus embracing each one as they gather around Him, patiently waiting their turn.

There’s a satisfaction in that image that words can hardly express.  And I can only imagine the day when Jesus welcomes me into His kingdom with open arms—wrapping me in a hug and saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of the Lord.”

Hugs are certainly treasured here on earth.  But the thought of that moment—when I enter the gates of heaven, see Him face to face, and feel His arms around me—that will be the greatest embrace of all.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Too Extreme

To achieve the unthinkable and conquer a climb to the top of the tallest mountain in the world—Mount Everest—takes experience, unrelenting stamina, reliable equipment, and a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude and proven expertise.  The mountain reaches an elevation of 29,032 feet—almost too high and too treacherous for humans to survive—a trek of life or death.  At least 322 people have perished on Mount Everest— pushing the edge of reason.

Let us also consider El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, California.  It is a vertical rock formation that rises approximately 3,000 feet from base to summit.  Climbers from all around the world challenge themselves to scale its sheer face—more than most would dare.

There is also a well-known canyon formed by erosion from the Colorado River: the Grand Canyon.  It stretches 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and reaches depths of over a mile.  As a publicity stunt, the motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon on a steam-powered rocket in 1974, but the parachute deployed early, resulting in a crash.  He suffered a severely broken arm and broken ribs—beyond human limits.

When I was younger, I trained to fly hang gliders and completed 23 successful flights—until the last one.  Although the flight itself was perfect, when I landed, I stepped into a gopher hole and injured my right foot.  That accident sidelined me for nine months.  It was the last time I flew.  I took it as writing on the wall.  If I could get hurt that badly on a good flight, what might happen on a bad one?  Too extreme to tempt fate again.

The examples above are just a few of the extreme ventures people pursue—tests of tenacity and a willingness to risk their lives while, as it were, treading on thin ice.  These adventures can cost a person their life.  Yet something far more important is at stake: losing one’s soul—dying without God’s forgiveness of sins.

Though such ventures may seem too extreme to those who are cautious and reserved, there will always be others who are less intimidated by the challenges they face.  Their desire for adventure can sometimes outweigh common sense.  For some, these pursuits may reflect a deeper urge to conquer the unknown and push beyond their limits—too extreme.

The rescue of eternal souls, however, is an even greater challenge—especially for those who feel unprepared spiritually or mentally to answer God’s call to go into all the world and preach the Gospel.  We must possess the wherewithal to share God’s Word and our personal testimonies, while being equipped with the right spiritual armor—the Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Scripture tells us in John 6:44 that no one comes to God unless His Spirit draws them.  We are to be the conduit through which His Spirit flows to those who are lost in sin and without hope of eternal life in heaven.

Some Christians may feel this calling is too extreme and hesitate to step outside their comfort zone to confront the forces that keep people bound in sin.  But believers must reaffirm the power found in the name of Jesus.  As it is written in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Nothing is too extreme for God—or for His children—when it comes to saving souls.  When a child of God steps out in faith, relying on proven equipment—Scripture, the Whole Armor of God, and trust that God will draw people to Himself—then all that remains is to share the hope that salvation brings through Jesus Christ and leave the results to Him.

What seems too extreme for man is never too extreme for God.  When we trust Him fully, even the greatest spiritual challenges become opportunities for His power to be revealed.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Lost in a Memory

Have you ever caught yourself staring off into space, deep in thought—daydreaming?  It’s amazing to consider the complexity and wonder of how God created us.  He designed our minds like a built-in recorder, storing memories from even our earliest days.

Being lost in memory can be a good thing—but sometimes, not so good.  Thank God we have the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us, especially when painful thoughts try to bring torment or steal our peace.  For our overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, it’s far better to focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negative parts of our past.

When hurt begins to rise up, it’s best to bring it before God and ask Him to help us resist the temptation to brood over what we cannot change.  The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us stuck in those moments, robbing us of joy in the present.

But God offers forgiveness and grace.  When we repent and give our hearts to Him, He removes our sins and chooses not to remember them against us.  So why should we continue to hold onto what God has already released?  We don’t have to.

Continuing to punish ourselves can become a kind of unnecessary burden.  Letting go, in that sense, is both an act of faith and a form of self-compassion.

We can choose to think on what is good.  We can intentionally shift to something grounding or positive (gratitude, scripture, even a simple present-moment awareness). 

As Scripture reminds us 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.”

The next time you find yourself lost in a troubling memory, pause and ask God for help.  Then gently turn your thoughts toward something good.  Scripture tells us that when we resist the devil, he will flee.  And in that moment, you may begin to feel the beautiful freedom that God has always intended for you.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Turn Down the Volume

When I watch television, I tend to crank up the volume a little higher than necessary.  Before long, my wife—sitting across the room—will say, “Turn down the volume, it’s too loud.”  Now that she has hearing aids, I hear that comment even more often.  I’m sure I’ll break the habit one day.

When we were raising teenage children, the house was often filled with loud music coming from their rooms.  It felt like an ongoing battle between parent and child over what level of volume was acceptable.

These memories remind me of the excess “noise” that surrounds us every day—too much television, endless web browsing, hobbies, and other distractions.  I call these things noise—not always audible, but loud just the same.  They are time-stealers that keep us from hearing the voice of God when He speaks.

Scripture tells us in 1 Kings 19:11-12 that God was not in the powerful wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire—but in a gentle whisper.  The noise of the world can easily drown out that whisper.  We need to practice turning down the volume of our lives so we can listen more intently.

How can God provide direction if we are always busy and never truly listening?

Psalm 37:23 reminds us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”  God desires for us to live an abundant life and ultimately find our home with Him—but we must be willing to listen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Perhaps today is a good time to pause, quiet the distractions, and listen.  Even a few moments of stillness can make a difference.

Just as we adjust the volume on a television, we must learn to adjust the volume of our lives—turning down the distractions so we can hear God’s still, small voice.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Sum of Our Choices

I’ve been thinking: the choices people make impact every area of their lives.

Making decisions with one’s head buried in the sand—metaphorically speaking—can be dangerous.  It’s like being dared to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.  Few survive the fall.  The deck stands about 245 feet above the water, and in just four seconds, a person can hit the surface at nearly 75 miles per hour—almost certain death.

In much the same way, the decisions we make can be just as life-threatening to both body and soul.

Why is it that choices are often made when a person is at their lowest point?

Clear thinking is best done on the mountaintop—when vision is unobstructed and we can see for miles—not in the valley of despair, where everything is clouded.  In those dark places, decisions can become skewed, leading us to believe things that simply are not true.

We must remember: Satan is the father of lies and seeks to deceive.

For this reason, there is safety in counsel.  Receiving a godly perspective is invaluable.  Sharing our burdens with a Spirit-filled believer—someone grounded in truth—can help guide us toward wise decisions.  Reading the Bible and seeking the Holy Spirit brings clarity when confusion tries to take hold.

The sum of our choices can lead to life—or lead us astray.

I strive not to listen to the enemy’s whispers: “Just try it—you’ll like it,” or “No one will ever know.”  Those lies lead only to regret and, ultimately, destruction.

Life is meant to be lived fully—with joy, with family, with purpose.  It offers far more than the traps set before us.

Jesus is the answer.  He brings clarity where there is confusion and hope where there is none.

And I believe God is saying: “Cast all your burdens, your unanswered questions, and your heartaches upon Me, for I care for you.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, the sum of your choices can lead to freedom.  Ask, and I will guide you into all truth.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

In the Eye of a Storm

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms.  Similar storms are called typhoons and cyclones.  They can be catastrophic—even deadly.  Some grow as large as 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) across, with winds reaching at least 74 miles per hour.  Category 5 hurricanes can exceed 157 mph.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand safely in the eye of such a storm after it makes landfall?  There is a brief, almost surreal calmness—stillness in the center—while chaos continues to rage all around.  It is only temporary, as the backside of the storm soon follows, but in that moment, there is quiet.

Storms like this remind me of the account in Mark 4:35-41.

Jesus and His disciples—some of them seasoned fishermen—found themselves in serious danger on the Sea of Galilee.  A furious squall arose, and waves broke over the boat, nearly swamping it.  Even these experienced men were terrified.

Meanwhile, Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

They woke Him and cried out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Scripture tells us that He rose, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet!  Be still!”  And the wind died down, and it was completely calm.

Then Jesus asked them, “Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”

Even when our faith feels small, the Lord still loves us.  He sees us through life’s storms and comforts us through the Holy Spirit.

Walking with Jesus is like standing in the eye of the storm—surrounded by turmoil, yet held in perfect peace.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Double Take

Have you ever looked into a mirror and, in a split second, thought you saw someone else staring back—perhaps a relative, your mom or dad—or in my case, a superstar like Tom Cruise?  Just kidding.

The older I get, the more I see my dad looking back at me; a balding head, sagging jowls, and a few more wrinkles than I had last year.  I blink quickly, do a double take, and say, “Hi, Dad.”

But the real question I want to ask is this: have you ever looked at your reflection and rejected the person staring back at you?  Let me explain.

I’m not suggesting that you—or anyone reading this—has a split personality.  Not at all.  But we can ask ourselves: do I ever put on a different face in public than the one I see in the mirror at home?  I think most of us would have to answer “yes” at one time or another.

That question is meant simply to bring awareness to those who desire change in their lives—and to point to the truth that Jesus can bring a complete transformation.  He can take a person from disliking what they see in the mirror to embracing a new reflection shaped by His presence.

There is deliverance in Jesus.  When sins are forgiven, something real and immediate begins to change within.  The desire to turn away from that reflection—to do a double take out of discomfort—can be replaced by something entirely different.  It becomes a wonderful feeling to actually like what you see, to be drawn to that reflection, because of what God has done within.

Jesus brings new life to a person’s countenance, heart, and soul.  He replaces weariness with peace, and even puts a genuine smile where there once may have been the marks of a “hard day’s night” lingering from before.

Before becoming a Christian, I often put on a façade around others.  But the real me was always there in the mirror, looking straight back and saying, “You phony.”

 My life had its share of mischief, moments of deception, and other failures I wish I could erase.  I was lost, without direction.  And the truth is, the pain I carried showed on my face—even before I did that double take in the mirror.  My struggles were many.

But today, I can look at that same reflection and say, “Hello, friend,” with a smile—and a quiet, “Praise the Lord”—because of what it means to be made new.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Love You vs. Love Ya or Love You

A token expression of love, like “love ya” or “love you,” can, in my opinion, lack the full meaning of expressing love.  I ask: do two words really convey the innermost feelings of one person for another, or is something missing?

Perhaps they do, and maybe it’s just me feeling this way because of my past.  It may be that when some men say, “love you” or “love ya,” they are holding back a bit—whether consciously or not—because of a kind of masculine conditioning that makes it difficult to say, “I love you.”

As I see it, most boys are raised to become men—protectors, breadwinners, the stronger of the two sexes.  So, it doesn’t surprise me when, at the end of a text or email, the words “love you” or “love ya” appear without the “I” in front.  For whatever reason, “I love you” feels very personal, and for some men, it’s hard to say.

These thoughts come from my own experience growing up.  I never heard the words “I love you” spoken in our home by my father.  I knew he loved me, but for reasons unknown to me, he never said them—and I missed hearing them.  Perhaps he never heard those words in his own childhood.  I know his mother, my grandmother, showed little affection to me as a boy.  Why it was that way, I can only speculate.

When I had children of my own, I made a decision early on: they would hear the words “I love you” from their father as they grew into adulthood.  I chose not to repeat what I had experienced.

That omission stopped with me.

God also blessed me with a wife who has filled my life with love and compassion every day.  She was raised hearing those words.  Her father, however, had a very different beginning.  He was a hardened man for many years, shaped by a difficult and painful childhood.  But through his marriage and his faith, his life changed.  Where there had once been hardness, there came softness.  Where there had been silence, there came expression.  He learned to love openly when Jesus came into his heart.

I share that not to compare stories, but to show that change is possible.  No matter what we were given—or not given—we are not bound to remain the same.

I do not write this to disrespect my father.  I knew his limitations in expressing love, and I chose a different path.  That’s all.

Perhaps God is working in you in an area where expressing love is difficult because of past hurts.  If so, I encourage you to step away from what held you back and step into something greater.  In that place, expressions of love can flow more freely—clearly, fully, and without hesitation. 

When a person steps into God’s love, they walk a new walk and talk a new talk with love expressed at every turn.  His love is bountiful—making it easy to share the words, “I love you.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

In Proper Alignment

Wheel alignment—adjusting the geometric angles of a vehicle’s wheels—is essential.  Proper alignment prevents abnormal tire wear and helps maintain stable handling, allowing a car to travel straight without pulling to one side.

In much the same way, staying within the boundaries of what the Bible teaches—especially the command to love our neighbors as ourselves—depends on the attitude of the heart.  It is vital to remain in alignment with God’s Word and to do what He expects of us.  When we do, we experience peace—the kind the Bible describes as passing all understanding.  This peace comes through the work of the Holy Spirit within us as we stay aligned with God and His will.

When a person falls out of alignment—perhaps after hitting a few ruts in life, the ups and downs—they begin to drift, pulling to the left or the right, away from what truly matters.  A Christian’s testimony can suffer when others see attitudes and kindness wearing thin.  The evidence of good works begins to fade from the “vessel of God,” where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell.

At times, our attitude can grieve the Holy Spirit if we fail to reflect God’s attributes.  Far be it from me to do so.  With His help, my desire is to be a shining reflection of His love—to let others see Jesus in my actions, my words, and even in my countenance.

This happens when I remain in proper alignment with my Creator.  As I stay steady in my commitment to doing what is right, I do not drift to the left or to the right.  Instead, I keep my eyes on the straight and narrow path that leads to heaven.

As the hymn reminds us: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Written by,k

Papa Boyd

  

Transcending Experience

Some of the rides at Disneyland and Epcot Center in Florida were breathtaking experiences.  They exceeded my expectations for having fun with my family, and our time together was truly awesome.  Think about the most exciting event you’ve experienced and remember that rush as you continue reading.

Job-related issues and the everyday challenges of life are not always easy to handle.  It’s good to get away now and then to rest and refuel, but that relaxed feeling often fades once we return to the daily grind.  The hustle and bustle of life can become stressful, especially with unexpected illnesses, the passing of loved ones, and many other hardships.

Yet I have found that I can cast my cares upon the Lord, trusting Him to help me through difficult times and refresh my mind, soul, and spirit.  As it says in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Years ago, I went through a very traumatic experience when I lost my mother to cancer.  She was only fifty-eight years old.  After her passing, the Holy Spirit gave me the stability I needed.  The peace of God soothed my emotions and allowed me to think clearly.

I wasn’t “holier than thou” during that time—I was a new Christian, and I was angry.  I have to admit, I was angry with God for taking her from me and my family at such a young age.  I couldn’t understand why, especially since she had so much love to give, particularly to my firstborn son, who was not yet a year old.

But as I reached out to God, asking Him to help me through my grief, the Holy Spirit—our Comforter—began to ease my pain.  I found peace in knowing that she is in heaven and no longer suffering.  I was reminded that I will see her again one day.  That realization itself was a transcending experience, helping me understand that death is not the final chapter of a person’s life because of the hope we have in Jesus.

The point I want to make is this: the most amazing, life-changing experience I have ever had was when I asked God to forgive my sins and come into my heart.  In that moment, I felt the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and God lifted the burden and guilt of sin from my shoulders.

No longer was I in bondage, but I was free—free to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

The exciting experience you first thought of cannot compare to the new birth through Jesus Christ—the only One who bridges the gap between humanity and God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Dug In Like a Tick

After an enjoyable weekend of camping at Collins Lake with my family—located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains—we stopped by my in-laws’ home.  I remember my young daughter showing her grandpa something that was bothering her on her right arm.  He took a close look and calmly explained that it was a tick that had buried itself deeply into her skin.

Gently reassuring her, he said he could take care of it.  She trusted him as he lit a match, then blew it out.  Holding the warm match head near the tick, the heat caused it to slowly retreat and back out of its stronghold.

If a tick is removed improperly—if only the body is taken and the head is left behind—it can lead to serious infection.

Such is the “tick” of our soul.

The enemy seeks to dig in, to secure a foothold in our lives—if we allow it.  But his efforts fail when the Holy Spirit is at work in our daily walk with Jesus.  Scripture tells us in Epistle of James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Notice the order: submission comes first, then resistance.

This resistance is not in our own strength, but in the power of God’s Word.  As we stand on Scripture, rebuke the enemy, and surrender to God’s authority, it is like a holy, Spirit-filled heat that drives the enemy away from God’s children.

But if we try to fight in our own strength, it’s like pulling off the tick’s body while leaving the head behind—allowing something harmful to remain and fester.  The result can be spiritual sickness that affects every part of our lives.

Victory comes not from striving harder, but from surrendering deeper—and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Standing on the Precipice

There is nothing more depleting to a person’s state of mind than feeling like they are on the outside looking in—standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into the abyss of rejection.

Many young people long to be part of the “in-crowd,” to belong among the popular kids at school.  But this feeling doesn’t disappear with age.  Adults experience it too—especially in the workplace, when someone else is chosen for a promotion or recognized instead of them.  Being overlooked can feel just like being picked last in a game, left out of a group project, or chosen last in P.E.  The sting of rejection runs deep, no matter how old we are.

In that longing to belong, some people gather with others who feel the same—searching together for identity, acceptance, and meaning.  Yet in that search, many settle for less than what their hearts truly desire.  What they are really longing for is connection, identity, and a place where they are fully accepted—a sense of family.

The truth is, rejection is never our reality with God.  No matter who we are—young or old, athletic or not, confident or insecure—we are fully seen and fully loved by our Creator.  His arms are always open, inviting us just as we are.

God’s love is so great that even if you or I had been the only person in the world in need of saving, Jesus would still have given His life for us.  That alone speaks volumes about our worth to Him.

God doesn’t hesitate to choose us.  When we turn to Him, He welcomes us immediately into His family.  We are no longer standing on the edge, wondering if we belong.  We are chosen.  We are included.  We are part of something eternal.

Through Jesus, we are no longer outsiders—we are members of God’s family, walking with purpose, identity, and belonging.  We are no longer looking in from a distance; we are fully known and fully accepted.

We are His.  WE ARE SPECIAL.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Grace is the Bridge

I love the name Grace.  Its meanings include charm, goodness, and generosity.  But beyond these, grace carries a far deeper truth: it is the unmerited favor of God.

There exists a great gulf between sinful humanity and the holiness of God.  Since the beginning of time, mankind has tried in vain to bridge this gap—through positive thinking, good works, moral striving, religious rituals, and other human efforts.  Yet none of these can restore what was broken.  They cannot by themselves restore that relationship.

That separation began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve rejected God’s warning and chose their own will over His command.  Sin entered the world, and with it came a divide no human effort could overcome.

But God, in His mercy, provided the only bridge capable of spanning that gulf: the cross.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for the salvation of humanity.  There is no other way to be reconciled with our Creator.  God gave His only Son, and through this ultimate sacrifice, His grace was revealed—His divine favor poured out on us.

(Ephesians 2:8-9), “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” (vs 9) “not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

With outstretched arms nailed to the cross, Jesus bore the sins of the world.  He paid a debt He did not owe for a debt we could never pay.  We needed cleansing, forgiveness, and restoration—and He gave His life freely in our place so that we might once again commune with God.

(John 14:6), “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ”

I am deeply grateful for the grace and mercy He has shown to me, a sinner.  It is a reminder that grace is not just my need, but a universal one.

(Romans 3:23), “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Signs

Where would we be on the highways and byways without directional signage?  I believe the word I’m looking for is “confusing.”  Narrow roadways—not wide enough for two cars to pass in opposite directions—are usually posted “ONE WAY” for obvious reasons.  Not all signs, however, are that obvious.

For example, Satan is a manipulative deceiver who tries to whitewash God’s signs with lies and distortion—especially the signs of awareness God provided in Scripture concerning the second coming of Christ.  Our adversary insists that any sign pointing to the nearness of Jesus’ return is merely a parable, a fable, or a scare tactic—concocted by men of old to force submission to a militant, uncaring God.

Yet his feeble attempts to confuse only lend greater weight to the truth.  His lies cause people to look around and begin to notice that signs of the times are everywhere.  Jesus’ coming is near at hand; one would have to be spiritually blind not to see them.

Satan’s conspicuous display of blazoned propaganda is far from the truth—farther than east is from the west.  We must walk in the Spirit so as not to be deceived, as Eve was beguiled in the Garden of Eden.  The devil seeks to blindside us with cancerous rhetoric that leads to hell, not heaven.

There is only one way to heaven—Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  A sign, prepared by order of Pontius Pilate, was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, declaring it plainly: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS (John 19:19-20).

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When God Speaks

When I was a young boy, I remember what my dad said to me after a terrifying moment.  A sudden flash of lightning lit up the night sky like the brightness of day, followed instantly by an ear-deafening clap of thunder that seemed to explode directly above our house.  The sound was so powerful it shook the entire structure, even knocking a clock off the wall.

I was frozen in fear.  But my dad looked at me calmly and said, “That was the marvelous voice of God.”  My dad’s response did something profound: he didn’t dismiss my fear but reframed it.  Thunder went from something frightening to something meaningful—almost sacred.

In that moment, everything changed.  He gently explained that I didn’t need to be afraid of God.  Instead, he wanted me to understand His magnificence and power—the kind of power that could shake a house with just His voice.  What felt terrifying became something awe-inspiring.  That moment became a lesson I’ve never forgotten.

I believe all of nature listens when He speaks—and we should too.

My dad helped me see that God’s voice doesn’t just resound in the skies; it can move the heart.  He can shake the very foundation of our souls in ways that bring growth, strength, and peace.  And through it all, we don’t have to fear—we can trust.

He taught me about God’s omnipotent power and encouraged me to place my full confidence in Him, especially in times of need. 

Now, as an adult, I depend on Him daily.  I step out in faith, striving to be His hands extended and His voice to those who need to hear from Him.  While the enemy trembles at His power, God’s children can rest securely in His presence, knowing He abides with us forever.

A single experience can shape faith for years to come. Faith isn’t abstract—it’s active, something we rely on, something that guides us to show up for others.

Even today, when I hear thunder, I’m reminded of His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  His love is endless.  This truth has stayed with me, turning moments of uncertainty into reminders of strength, presence, and reassurance.

Scripture tells us that when Jesus was baptized, God spoke from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).  When God speaks, we should listen—and take heed.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A New Beginning

I dislike having to do things over again.  I don’t mind putting in the time to complete something, but when it doesn’t turn out as I expected, I feel compelled to redo it until it’s right.  I subject myself to unnecessary internal battles, reprimanding myself for not being perfect.  That’s my analytical mind at work.

Being a perfectionist—precision-oriented—is, at times, my Achilles’ heel.  It’s hard not to criticize myself for making mistakes while constantly finding fault in my attempts to succeed.  I believe this mindset stems from my childhood, when it seemed nearly impossible to do anything that would truly please my dad.  He called it “reverse psychology,” believing his approach would push me to do better.  Instead, it created a lasting impression within me: that I was never quite good enough.

But God has given me a new beginning.  He has helped me accept the truth that I am not perfect—and that I don’t have to be.  He is reprogramming my heart and mind, teaching me to be kinder to myself and more patient than ever before.

Before choosing to follow Jesus, I was constantly searching for something to fill the void—to bring peace to my restless and dissatisfied soul.  I resisted change and avoided trying new things, yet deep down I knew something had to shift.  I couldn’t continue living under the same “not good enough” identity.  I felt trapped, repeating the same patterns, wondering if I would ever truly accept myself.

That’s what brings me to this moment.

God said, “Come as you are, and I will make you whole.”  His invitation spoke directly to the imperfections I had long wrestled with.  In my search for peace, I found Him—and everything began to change.

Now, I include God in all my endeavors.  Life flows more smoothly, like a well-oiled machine.  My self-criticism has softened, and my activities have become more productive—and even enjoyable.  Life has taken on new meaning since God became my confidant.

Instead of hearing, “You can do better,” I now hear, “You can do it.  I have confidence in you.”  The Holy Spirit is my strength and my comforter. 

What more could I ask for?

This is my new beginning—with Jesus by my side.

Written by, 

Papa Boyd

Prove Yourself

No matter if a person feels self-assured in their accomplishments and lives in a penthouse at the top of a skyscraper—reaching what they think is the highest pinnacle of their emotional fulfillment in a sincere quest to find themselves in an endless search for stability—God is there.

If they plummet to the uttermost depth of a self-made crevasse of heartache, attempting to improve themselves at the lowest point in life where their deepest despair settles, God is there.

No matter where a rebellious individual chooses to burrow in an effort to hide from outside interference and escape what they perceive as judgment from external forces—even from God—they cannot escape His love.  No matter where they go, they cannot hide from God’s grace.

God’s mercy is not subject to man’s limitations or contingent upon how righteous people believe themselves to be when comparing themselves to the Almighty.

Since the beginning of life, mankind has attempted to set its own level of importance above God, striving to place arrogant selves upon His throne with the Creator beneath it.  Yet God is independent of Man’s hypocrisy and hatred toward Him simply because of who He is.

God is God Almighty—the Creator of all things—omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent: all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere.

There are those who try to limit God because of disbelief and insecurity.  They attempt to put Him in a box or keep Him in the tomb in a fruitless effort to prevent Him from seeing the path they have chosen.  On top of the box, they place a label: NOT NEEDED.

They say to themselves, “If I can’t do it, it can’t be done,” yet continue along a road of confusion and unhappiness because they cannot find contentment in the things around them.

Humanity fails to give God the honor He so richly deserves.

Nothing has changed throughout the corridor of time.  As it was on the day Jesus was crucified, so it is today: people saying, “Prove yourself.”

Onlookers—and even Christ’s executioners—mocked Him and dared Him to come down from the cross to prove that He was the Messiah.  Jesus’ response was, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Yet one man—a thief hanging on a cross beside Him—recognized who Jesus was when he said, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Jesus did not need to prove Himself to that man.  The thief simply believed.  That day, Jesus took him to paradise.

(Luke 23:39-43), “Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” (vs 40) “But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?” (vs 41) “We are punished justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” (vs 42) “Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (vs 43) “And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

We never need to hide from God.  He understands us and knows exactly where we stand in life.  It is simple to find lasting peace: believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He died on the cross for our sins.

The Lord desires to set humanity free from wandering and hiding from the truth.  Jesus is the answer to mankind’s self-inflicted dilemma.

When a person spends effort trying to prove that Jesus is not divine, they are choosing to sidestep God’s only gift of grace—His Son.

There is no other sacrifice for sin.  Jesus is the only sacrificial Lamb.  God proved His deity when He raised Him from the dead, brought Him back to heaven, and seated Him at His right hand.  There is no other evidence needed.

I trust God when He spoke from heaven saying: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Written by,

Papa Boyd

One Touch and You're Never the Same

I love it when my wife reaches up with both hands and gently touches each side of my face, showing love in her own special way.  I feel the warmth of that love when she softly strokes my forehead as I face life’s challenges, asking with concern, “Does that feel good?”  Even in my aging years, it still melts my heart.

My older brother used to call her “Katie Lady.”  I call her “Sweetheart.”  She tagged me with the name “Cutie.”

More than once she has told me that she first loved me when she was just thirteen years old, listening to me sing in a gospel quartet during the “Eye Rallies” I believe was an outreach of Teen Challenge, founded by David Wilkerson.  These gatherings were held at a local venue in Walnut Creek, California, for youth in the surrounding area.  I was sixteen at the time.

About eight years later, through what I believe were God-ordained circumstances, I met this girl again—now a young woman seeking God’s will for her life.  The rest, as they say, is history.

After a short engagement of six months, we married when she turned twenty-two.  You might say we were two kids in love who were meant to be together—God’s providence at work.  From that day forward, I have been blessed.

Through the years I have seen the many ways God has expressed His love toward me through my wife—through her compassion, kindness, patience, and words of encouragement when I needed them most.  She not only expresses love with words, but she demonstrates it at every turn in life.

Her godly influence has remained steady through the years.  She shares wisdom with a loving spirit and has often been used by God to help guide the final decisions we have made together as we prayed about everything.

In many ways we are opposites.  With her optimistic personality and my analytical mind, we make a pretty good pair.  As the saying goes, “opposites attract,” and that has certainly been true in our relationship.  Where I am strong, she may be weak, and where she is strong, I may be weak—but together we strengthen one another.

I call her my right-hand girl, even though she’s left-handed.

She has always been there, bringing peace and harmony that have saturated my soul over the years.  She is not only my helpmate; she has often been God’s outstretched hands revealing His love to me through heartfelt words and thoughtful actions.

Scripture teaches that this love is meant to be a two-way communion—my wife to me and me to her.  We are one flesh, made possible because we are not unequally yoked. We are both Christians, with God at the head of our household.  Our common denominator is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

I am called to love her as Christ loves the church.

We spoil each other as it should be.  Marriage is not a fifty-fifty proposition as some might think.  I believe it requires one hundred percent giving from both sides.  When each gives their all, God shapes the relationship into something deeper than we could create ourselves.

As the saying goes, “A family that prays together stays together.”

The touch between husband and wife becomes even more powerful when God touches their souls.  There is no touch like God’s liberating touch when He sets us free and teaches us how to love one another as Christ loves the church.

When God touches a life—however He chooses to do it, whether through a spouse or in another way—we are never the same.  When we allow Him to break through the walls of our self-sufficiency, He shows us a better way to live and to love.

When we learn to give of ourselves, we become God’s outstretched hands and His voice of reason.  Through us, He brings life to those searching for lasting happiness—those who sense there must be more to life than what they are living.

With just one touch from God, a sense of belonging is born.  The person who receives it will never be the same.  New life becomes theirs when God forgives their sin.

There is no other way to have a true relationship with Father God except through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Believe--Help My Unbelief

Belief and faith are closely connected, while unbelief is the absence of faith.  I have faith that the sun will rise tomorrow morning, but do I have the same faith that the journey I’m on will lead me to heaven?  Like the man in Scripture who cried out to Jesus, “I believe—help my unbelief.”

This is where the word hope enters the story.  Jesus is our Hope and our Salvation.

In God’s miraculous and long-range plan to restore fallen humanity back to Himself, He gave His only Son to die for our sins.  This is the redemption plan at work.

We understand what the human gene pool carries—traits, mannerisms, health factors, and physical characteristics passed down from parents to children.  In a similar way, every person born into this world carries the nature of Adam, the inclination toward sin.

This goes back to the fall of Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God’s command in the Garden of Eden.  Though we may wish it had never happened, the reality is that this fallen nature has been passed down from generation to generation—from the beginning of time until now, reaching you and me.

Because of this, our only hope of restoring a Father-son or Father-daughter relationship with our Creator is through Jesus Christ—there is no other way.

God’s plan truly is miraculous.  I stand in amazement at how He preserved the Dead Sea Scrolls, helping confirm the reliability of His inspired Word—the map we know as the Bible.  These writings give direction to wandering souls who are lost without a Savior.

When we read God’s Word, it speaks deeply to the hungry soul within us.  It reveals the path we must travel to make heaven our home.

Do we lack faith?  Scripture tells us that faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  The more we read the Bible, the more our faith grows.

Yet we should not fear, because God has placed within every human heart enough faith to reach out to Him in prayer and receive His free gift of grace.  Through this grace we are saved and set free from the curse of sin that affects all humanity.

Through Jesus, God extends mercy even while we were still sinners.  He loved us in our unlovable state before we ever loved Him.  As John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”

When the new birth takes place—being “born again”—the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us.  He begins to lead and guide us into all truth.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  When we ask God to forgive our sins, we step into a new life with Him.  It is the beginning of a glorious journey of faith as we walk with Jesus on the path of righteousness.

At that moment, the miracle of the new birth has occurred.  The person becomes a new creation because of the blood Jesus shed on the cross for their sins.

Our belief—our faith—continues to grow as we journey in hope.  The more we read God’s Word, the more it helps our unbelief.  Doubt fades in the presence of God as we ingest His Word.  It comes alive within us, and the Holy Spirit fills our hungry minds with truth.

Written by, 

Papa Boyd

Break Free

Don’t be a prisoner of past choices you cannot change—break free from the bondage of haunting memories.  Scripture tells us in Philippians 3:13-14: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (vs 14) “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

The following thoughts are reflective of my own experiences and personal struggles I battle regarding the past.  Total happiness becomes like sinking sand when Christians allow Satan to overload their minds with memories of mistakes they cannot change.

If we allow our adversary to replay mistakes that God has forgiven, the clutter of yesterday’s memories will continue to plague our thought process.  God’s grace redeemed our past.

The thirty-nine stripes Jesus suffered from the brutal scourging on the day of His crucifixion was for our complete healing that included bad memories.  Theologically, this healing is often understood as spiritual first, but it also speaks to the restoration of the whole person—mind, spirit, and ultimately even the body.

God’s redemption plan allows us the privilege of walking in freedom the moment He forgives our sins—completely free from any condemnation Satan keeps recalling.  God saved us to look forward, not backward.  He encourages us to leave our past in the past and walk in victory today.

Jesus completed God’s plan of salvation when He gave His life for our sins.  His final words as He hung on the cross were, “It is finished” a reference to God’s eternal plan for humanity.  We were separated from our Creator, by proxy, when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus made it possible for communion with God to be reestablished.  When we realize this applies to us, we are given a choice to accept Jesus as Savior or reject God’s grace and go our separate ways.  But there is a ‘must do’ after God forgives our sins; we must learn to forgive ourselves of former transgressions that we cannot do anything about.

God does not want us to regress and linger in guilt of past failures that cause us to forgo the joy and harmony that God provides each day.  If a Christian insists on habitually reliving strongholds of sorrowful regrets, this ongoing action keeps them in bondage—harmony slips their grasp.

When God saves our soul, He throws all memories of past sins into the “sea of His forgetfulness.”  Total liberation floods our soul when we stop reminding God of things that have been forgiven when we accepted Jesus as Lord.  He shed His blood on the cross for our complete healing.

Reflecting on regrettable memories can only steal present and future peace, while allowing emotions to become unstable like an ‘Achilles Heel’.  Focusing on remorseful things can stagnate spiritual growth and cause the mind to vacillate between forgiveness and bondage.  It’s like a sore that won’t heal because the person keeps picking off the scab.

When we forgive ourselves and leave the past alone, awareness of God’s presence enhances as adjustments are made to move closer to the new life Jesus provided.  This positive move enables wellness and good health to reside in our complete person.  Refusing to think about hurtful things takes effort on our part.  The Holy Spirit is our strength who helps us achieve victory each day.  It’s a walk of faith.

The serenity prayer says it well: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

We must put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6;13-17) especially the helmet of salvation to protect our minds.  We must take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God to combat the enemy and prevent our subconscious from recalling past imperfections lest they weaken our spiritual walk with Jesus in the present. 

Self-condemnation keeps people stuck in guilt, but thinking of godly things leads to freedom.  Break free and live in harmony.

(Philippians 4:8), “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

When we trust God’s forgiveness and guard our thoughts with His truth, the chains of the past fall away and we are free to walk in the joy Christ purchased for us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

  

On My Way Home

We have dwelling places on earth, but they are temporary.  My true home is in another spiritual dimension.  I am not of this world—I am just passing through on my way to a magnificent place called heaven, not made with human hands.

The Bible tells us that God has prepared this beautiful place for His children.  My finite mind can only begin to imagine what the Creator of all things has planned for those who have accepted His Son as Lord and Savior.  In my attempt to grasp heaven’s infinite majesty, I can barely skim the surface of its glory.

God has blessed us with a lovely habitat here on earth to house our physical bodies.  Yet the souls that inhabit these bodies will spend eternity somewhere else after our brief stay here.  This life is like a dressing room for eternity.

Are your garments of praise prepared for the journey home?  Or are they still hanging in the wings while you decide where home will be?

How we live in this earthly body—hopefully in service to the only begotten Son of God, Jesus—determines the destiny of our soul.  It will be heaven, or the other place prepared for Satan and the one-third of the angels who rebelled against God.

Whether I live to be a hundred years old or my time comes sooner, I am on my way home to be with the Lord who died on the cross for my sins.  He alone made it possible for us to inherit heaven.

As Scripture declares in Acts 4:12, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

There is More to Life Than Obtaining More Stuff

When a multimillionaire was asked, “How much more money do you really need to make you happy?” his response was, “Just a little more.”  Sadly, this self-fulfilling kind of thinking represents a host of people that are looking for happiness in things.  They live from paycheck to paycheck in a never-ending quest to purchase something that will satisfy the longing they have inside them.

The lack of stability is present in everyday living, while their endless search for joy continues.  This unfulfilled yearning is burdensome, yielding nothing more than a self-imposed prison—a confinement that can become compulsive and obsessive in nature.

It is an effort in futility to fill the void within their world of unhappiness.  The fact is this: things cannot provide lasting satisfaction or magically promote success in one’s search for contentment.  It just won’t happen.  The desire for more stuff repeats itself again as soon as the newness of an item begins to fade.  Interest dissipates and joy declines.

Even though this habit persists, ongoing purchases of more stuff will not allow the seeker of peace to exclaim, “Eureka, I have found it!”  Lasting happiness eludes them when they depend on material things to bring calmness to their search.  Materialism lacks satisfying substance to produce longevity of enjoyment.  Contentment in things is temporal and fleeting, nothing lasting.

Looking for a new high that involves buying more stuff can be a sign that the person is dissatisfied with the status quo of everyday living.  They lack serenity in their soul, wanting something more out of life but not finding it.

Perhaps you know someone that leans heavily on material gain as their moral compass for obtaining or trying to maintain happiness.  It just won’t happen.  It’s like a thirst that cannot be quenched.  The temporary enjoyment of a new purchase is quickly interrupted when the reality of life knocks at the door of their dissatisfied heart and says, “Your short time high is over.”  Satisfaction is always short-lived in things.

I know from past experiences, before I found what I was looking for, emptiness followed me everywhere.  My disappointed soul continued to navigate through life wanting more, just a little more, but my efforts for success were in vain.  If things cannot fill the emptiness within, then what can?  Christ was the answer.  When I met Jesus, He satisfied all of me.

I see in my mind’s eye people searching for meaning to life as they grasp straws in a whirlpool of dissatisfaction.  They rent U-Haul trailers to haul purchases from stores to home and transport prized possessions to self-storage units somewhere. 

In my imagination, I watch as if they rent safe deposit boxes to store more possessions—out of sight and no longer ponder why happiness didn’t come.  These are things they just had to have, yet they failed to give ongoing joy shortly after the purchase to the day they were locked away.  Obtaining more stuff was their attempt to satisfy the missing something inside them.

I believe their philosophy, like the multimillionaire, is just a little more—only to experience a short time high at best.  Their happiness is based on what money can buy.  The temporary high always slips out the back door even though they try to hold onto the good feeling.  It’s a futile attempt they have at finally possessing something that gives lasting satisfaction.

This endless cycle they experience is a repeat of old habits of which fade quickly like vapor.  There is nothing on earth that can fill this empty feeling except a Divine touch of the Master’s hand—Jesus Christ, the Son of Almighty God.

(Mark 8:36), “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

Jesus is everlasting joy.  In Him is contentment, joy, peace, satisfaction, fulfillment, abundant living, and eternal life in heaven with the rest of God’s family.  Like the song says, “Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.”  There is nothing that compares with God’s perfect peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He satisfies the longing in our soul like nothing else can.

Becoming a child of God is the supreme satisfaction in this life and the life to come in heaven.  This step of faith is called, “the new birth” and “the born-again experience” that Jesus made possible.  He paid the ultimate price for our salvation when He died on the cross for our sins.

There is nothing more a person need do to find Peace.  Asking God to forgive our sins is just the beginning of total satisfaction that the world cannot give.  Believing this is called faith that God instilled within each of us.  We need not be Bible scholars or obtain certain college degrees to become a Christian—believe in Jesus and receive God’s grace—that’s it.

Trying to obtain more than Jesus is not necessary to find happiness.  He is more than enough to fulfill the longing in a person’s soul that things cannot provide.  God Almighty is more than enough.  Like the songs say, “Only Jesus can satisfy your soul” and “His grace is sufficient for me.”

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Sin Clouds Good Judgment

(Galatians 6:7-8), “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (vs 8) “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

Before becoming a Christian, I entangled myself in things that clouded my judgment, and the results were never what I had hoped for.  It was easy to become like a leaf in the breeze when fast living monopolized most of my time.  When good judgment took flight—or when I left it sitting on a shelf at home—the lack of it left me with only the dregs of the cup, nothing good to speak of.

The window of rational thinking often closed whenever I neglected good sense in my daily routine.  Sin has a subtle way of dulling discernment.  What appears harmless at first can slowly shape habits, attitudes, and ultimately consequences.

It is important to learn how to become bigger than any sinful enticement of what I call “rhinestone entertainment”—cheap imitations that sparkle for a moment but lack lasting value.  These counterfeits promise fulfillment but deliver emptiness.  In contrast, what I call “diamond living” is life rooted in Christ—clear, steady, and enduring.  Diamond living does not cloud judgment; it refines it.

When someone flows with the crowd, trying to fit in through willful sin, that choice often leads to heartache and despair.  A lifestyle that ignores godly values eventually forfeits peace.  When our identity is grounded in anything other than God, we settle for less than His best.

We must resist the devil and his influence, setting for ourselves a higher standard of living rather than accepting a lesser quality of life due to sin.  When we open our minds to things that please God, selfish desires begin to loosen their grip.  With good judgment comes satisfaction in Christ Jesus.

Let us remember the greatest exchange ever made: Jesus traded His righteousness for our unrighteousness when He died on the cross.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Incredible Journey

 

Planning vacations is always fun and exciting—setting dates for quick getaways or long stays.  Every venturesome event begins with a plan and then the first step to fulfill the anticipated journey.

When I think about journeys and steps taken, I am reminded of my three children—the times they began to crawl and take their first steps.  My wife and I watched in awe as each child ventured out and daringly stepped forward.  It was exciting to see the progress and growing confidence they developed as they explored new horizons inside our home.  Their inquisitive minds led them into adventures—often into things they weren’t supposed to get into.

From my perspective, their incredible journey was both exciting and mischievous in their quest for happiness, but always under our close supervision.  This marked the beginning of their training experiences in the way God intended youth to grow; under the guidance of concerned parents with godly influence.

Early on, we taught our three adventurers not to touch the knickknacks on the coffee table or climb onto the raised fireplace hearth where they could hurt themselves.  We knew the temptation was strong, but they soon learned that obedience was better than the alternative.  I’m sure they didn’t understand that the frequent “No-No” they heard was for their benefit—often responding with tears of frustration.  They wanted what they wanted, and that was that.

Those early learning experiences during their formative years were lessons in staying out of trouble through obedience as they journeyed across plush carpet and hardwood floors.  These moments influenced them in every area of life—physically and spiritually.  As Scripture says, “Train up a child…”

(Proverbs 22:6), “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

My parents believed in teaching my three siblings and me the importance of obeying rules at a young age.  That training produced strong moral character in each of us.  It didn’t happen by accident; it required consistent follow-through from Mom and Dad.  I’m sure it would have been easier for them to let us do our own thing rather than invest the time to teach responsibility.  But they wanted us to understand accountability—and that actions have consequences.

Their long-range goal was for us to possess strong moral values, respect those in authority, and take responsibility for our actions.  Discipline in our home was not a “Do as I say, not as I do” environment.  Their training was rooted in love, not abuse. 

Dad, with his old-school mindset, believed obedience was better than sacrifice.  Losing privileges—and yes, on occasion a trip to the woodshed—taught us the importance of doing what was expected.  And his methods worked.  Like any children, we tested boundaries to see what we could get away with—that’s simply part of growing up.

God has given us guidelines in the Bible to help us maintain a fulfilling lifestyle on this incredible journey called life.  He understands us better than we understand ourselves and deals with each of His children uniquely, shaping excellence in their lives.

Just as I love my children and desire the best for them, God loves His children and desires the best for us.  He is neither overbearing nor unjust in His commands.  His rules serve as safeguards—to protect us from physical and spiritual harm.  At times, we resist correction because we fail to grasp the depth of His love.  Yet He chastens us to help curb our disobedient spirit.

His desire is for us to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to abundant life in Him—a path that blesses rather than entangles us in temptation.  When obedience becomes immediate and foremost in our spiritual walk, our relationship with God flourishes.  The joy He gives far outweighs the despair that disobedience brings.

When we follow God’s commandments—His moral law given for our benefit—we discover that He truly wants the best for us, free from the chaos that comes when headstrong children insist on their own way without considering consequences.

My wife and I endeavored to raise our children with patience and love.  God is even more patient and long-suffering with us.  He knows that persistence, follow-through, and love bring fulfillment to both sides of the relationship.

The journey ahead becomes incredible when obedience is faithfully observed.  It produces strong character in those who walk in His statutes and live as His sons and daughters.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com 

Written by,

Papa Boyd