Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But do we?

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

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

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

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

The time we have on earth is limited.

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

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

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

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Are We Walking in Truth?

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

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

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

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

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

Those are strong words.

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

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

There is no façade with God.

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Bridge of Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God Knows Our Voice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Quest for Perpetual Happiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stanza 1

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

Stanza 2

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

CHORUS

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

 

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Beyond the End of Your Nose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God's Providence Guides Our Lives

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

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

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

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

The words of the familiar hymn still ring true today:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Find at Least One Thing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

When Words Fail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When Every Door Closes, God Makes a Way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Count It All Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Cut the Ties That Bind

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

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

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

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

Jesus Christ cuts the ties that bind us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

Does Anyone Care? Am I Wanted?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

On the Other Side of Obedience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Don't Let It Define You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Hope Is Everything

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Soul-Parching Moments

It is an unforgettable memory when I compare the life I live now with the days when I walked in my own strength.  I was a man searching for springs of living water in all the wrong places.  My soul was spiritually parched, thirsting for a cool drink that could sustain me and keep me from collapsing under the weight of spiritual dehydration.

I call those memories my “soul-parching moments.”  It is not that I dwell on the past, but whenever I reflect on Jesus and what He accomplished for me at Calvary, my soul rejoices because I know firsthand the depth of God’s mercy.  He touched my parched lips with the cup of His saving grace and filled my dry and weary soul with the life-giving water that only He can provide.

I am thankful for every morning I awaken with hope in my soul, where once there was only fear and worry.  There was a time when I dreaded the thought of dying in my sleep because I knew where my soul was headed—and it was not heaven.  But Jesus changed everything.  He revived my dry bones, breathed life into my soul, and awakened me to the riches of His grace.

Never have I experienced a touch as loving and life-changing as the moment I finally unclenched my tightly closed hand and took hold of the hand Jesus had been faithfully extending to me all along.  Since that day, I have walked in the refreshing waters of His presence, fully hydrated by His grace and overflowing with His love.  My once-parched soul has become a testimony to the living water that only Christ can give.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

It's a God Thing

Over the last three or four years, I’ve heard the phrase, “It’s a God thing,” spoken by different people.  Every time I hear it, I smile, because it captures so much truth in just four simple words.

The phrase says it all.  It leaves nothing to the imagination except this: the Almighty has stepped into a situation and accomplished something only He could do.  Four words tell the whole story.

Each time I’ve heard someone say, “It’s a God thing,” they were describing an event that was clearly supernatural—an unmistakable answer to prayer.  I’ve since adopted the phrase myself because I can think of no better way to explain the unexplainable.  When God performs a miracle, opens an impossible door, or answers a heartfelt prayer, the simplest and truest explanation is this: It’s a God thing.

Those four words give Him the glory He deserves.

I don’t believe in happenstance or that life is governed by random circumstances and lucky breaks.  I believe that God is always at work, even when His hand is hidden from our eyes.  His Word assures us that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Still, there are seasons when it’s easy to become discouraged.  We long for something with all our hearts, yet every attempt to reach it seems to end behind a closed door.  We push, we pray, we wait—and nothing changes.

That is often when the enemy quietly whispers discouraging thoughts: “God doesn’t care.  He has left you to weep alone.”  If we listen long enough, the lies become even darker: “God has forsaken you.  You must have done something to make Him angry.  He is punishing you.”

But those whispers are never the voice of our Heavenly Father.

God is love—plain and simple.  His desire is for us to flourish and to experience the abundant life Jesus promised.  Above all, His heart is that no one should perish but that everyone would come to Him with a repentant heart, receive His forgiveness, and enjoy eternal life in His presence.  Heaven is the glorious inheritance awaiting those who place their faith in Him.

When I think back to the day after God forgave my sins, I realize that if I had known this phrase then, I would have said it without hesitation: “It’s a God thing.”  The forgiveness He poured into my life brought such miraculous healing to my soul that no human explanation could ever do it justice.  Only God could have lifted the weight of guilt, replaced despair with peace, and filled an empty heart with hope.

It truly was a God thing.

And what about those doors that refuse to open?

Time and again, I have discovered that when God closes one door, He opens another that is perfectly aligned with His will.  At first, the closed door may feel like rejection, disappointment, or even loss.  But with time comes perspective, and we begin to see that His “no” was often His loving protection, while His “yes” was preparing something far better than we could have imagined.

There is no doubt in my mind that our Heavenly Father desires what is best for His children.  His timing is perfect, His wisdom is flawless, and His love never fails.

So when we pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” we can rest in the confidence that Jesus walks beside us through every valley and every mountaintop.  He is faithfully working behind the scenes, weaving together circumstances according to His perfect plan.  Even when we cannot see His hand, we can trust His heart.

Looking back over our lives, we often discover that the moments we once questioned became the very places where God revealed His faithfulness most clearly.  What seemed impossible became possible.  What appeared to be an ending became a new beginning.  What looked like coincidence proved to be divine intervention.

And when every earthly explanation falls short, there is only one thing left to say:  It’s a God thing.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Hope Has a Name

The amazing reality was not that I found God, though that was life-changing, but that He had been seeking me all along.  I was important to Him.  He loved me deeply.  I was never beyond His reach.

Though I was on the raging sea of despair, far from the peaceful shore of God’s harbor of new beginnings, hope was always there.  I simply needed to reach out and take His hand when the waters grew deep.  Even though the crashing waves of sin and degradation surrounded me, threatening to sink the vessel God had created—a vessel marked by human frailty and fear of what might come next—there was still hope.

When the uncertainty of tomorrow weighs heavily on us and we struggle to find a place of rest, Jesus remains present in the midst of our storm.  He is ready to speak, “Peace!  Be still!” over the winds and waves that awaken fear, pain, and unanswered questions within our hearts.  In those moments, we may find ourselves crying, “Does anyone care that I am perishing?  Is this thought telling me the truth, or is it leading me into deception?”

Then, in the stillness of our spirit, we hear His gentle voice: “Hope is more than a feeling or a wish for better days.  True hope has a name.  My name is Jesus.  I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

When I reached out my hand to receive God’s life preserver—Jesus Christ—I finally understood that He had been in control all along because of His unfailing love.  From the cross of Calvary, He was calling my name, reaching out to me through the corridor of time.  He saw my desperate condition and lovingly said, “Take My hand and live.  I will save you, My child.”

I have learned that every promise of God, every assurance of peace, and every confidence for tomorrow are found in Him.  By His grace I stand against the storms of life, not in my own strength, but in His.  I walk in hope, because hope has a name—Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.  He alone is the answer to life’s deepest struggles.  He is our Harbor of Rest and our assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven when we come to God in repentance and place our faith in Jesus Christ.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Echo of a Memory

There is a sacred memory that often echoes through my heart—a moment from the past that forever changed the course of my life.  It was the night I knelt before God and asked Him to forgive my sins.  In that life-changing moment, I experienced the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit as He lovingly broke the chains of sin that had held me captive.  What happened that night was more than an emotional experience; it was the miracle of new life.

The memory returns to me time and again, like a gentle echo that never fades.  There is nothing unusual about that.  If someone rushed into a burning building and rescued you from certain death, you would never forget the day your life was spared.  You would cherish that memory because another willingly risked everything to save you.

How much more should I remember the day Jesus Christ became my Savior?  He willingly went to the cross and gave His life to pay a debt I could never repay—the debt of my sin.  Through His sacrifice, I found what I had searched for all along: forgiveness, peace, contentment, and the assurance of eternal life.  In a single moment, God accomplished what years of striving and self-effort never could.

The beautiful truth is that what He did for me, He desires to do for you.  The moment you turn to Him in faith and ask Him to forgive your sins, He breathes spiritual life into your soul and makes you His own.  The joy of that encounter is so profound that it will become a treasured memory—a beautiful echo that continues to resound throughout your life, reminding you of the glorious day God’s grace found you and you became His beloved child.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Hope That Never Fails

My thoughts are becoming more focused as I consider what to write next—something that I hope will encourage you in some way.

I carry a few cards in my wallet with my blog address printed on them.  Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I hand one out, hoping the person who receives it will visit my blog and be blessed by what they read.  At the top of the card are the words, THOUGHTS FOR TODAY, and at the bottom, Writings of Hope.  Today I will focus on the word: hope.

First, I would like to share my blog address with you:

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

I believe you will find words of hope there—hope that is needed now more than ever.  The central theme of most of my writings is: Jesus Christ, the Hope of the world.

If you have tried everything and still cannot find the peace your heart longs for, I encourage you to turn to Jesus.  He cares deeply for you and desires to be your faithful Friend, the One who “sticks closer than a brother.”

The Scriptures invite us to taste and see that the Lord is good.  Those who surrender their hearts to Him discover the immeasurable blessings of His agape love.  Jesus said in Luke 6:38:

“Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Giving ourselves completely to the Lord is the greatest investment we will ever make.

When I came to know the Lord several years ago, I experienced a peace so profound that words can scarcely describe it.  The apostle Paul expressed it perfectly in Philippians 4:7:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I share this hope with you because I know it is real through personal experience.  God filled my heart to overflowing with His peace—the peace that comes through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace—when He forgave my sins and came into my life.

God shows no favoritism.  What He has done for me, He is willing to do for you.

Jesus, and He alone, is the hope of humanity.  No person, philosophy, or earthly pursuit can provide the gift of eternal life.  That gift is found only in Jesus Christ, through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead for the sins of all mankind.

My prayer is that you will come to know Him personally and discover the same hope, peace, and everlasting love that He has so graciously given to me.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Like a Stone Skipping Across Water

I remember, as a boy, visiting my Grandpa John’s house after church on Sunday afternoons.  Most of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and our family would gather there for wonderful family get-togethers and huge potluck dinners.

A short distance down the hill from Grandpa’s house was a pond.  I loved challenging my cousins to rock-skipping contests to see who could get the most bounces from a single stone.  A smooth, round, flat rock was always the best choice if you wanted the longest skip.

After the meal was finished, Grandpa loved to pitch horseshoes, and my uncles enjoyed joining him.  Those afternoons were filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the simple pleasures that brought our family together.

It was a wonderful feeling to stand by that pond, with the afternoon breeze gently blowing against my face, watching the ripples spread across the water from each stone thrown.  Life was simple back then.  My cousins and I enjoyed one another’s company as we took turns skipping rocks and watching them hop across the water.  Laughter filled the air as we tried to outdo each other with every throw.

Those carefree afternoons remind me of the importance of Christian fellowship.  Just as my relatives treasured gathering together on Sunday afternoons, God designed the church to be a family where we encourage one another, carry one another’s burdens, and grow together in faith.

Life brings seasons of disappointment, discouragement, and uncertainty.  During those valley experiences, it can be tempting to withdraw from others or make decisions while our hearts are hurting.  Yet God often strengthens us through the prayers, encouragement, and loving support of fellow believers.  The church becomes a place where we are reminded that we do not have to walk through life’s struggles alone.

When we remain connected to a healthy church family, we find people who will pray with us, encourage us, and gently help us keep our eyes on Christ.  We have all needed that kind of support at one time or another.  God frequently ministers to us through the love and faithfulness of His people.

There are certainly times when changing churches is necessary because of sound biblical reasons or significant life circumstances.  However, when we move from church to church simply because of disappointments, unresolved conflicts, or unmet expectations, we may unintentionally miss the deeper work God wants to accomplish in our hearts.

In some ways, that reminds me of a stone skipping across the surface of the water.  With each bounce it continues moving, but eventually it loses momentum and settles beneath the surface.  Likewise, if disappointments are never addressed, they can gradually give way to discouragement and even doubt.  God desires to heal those wounds rather than have us continually carry them from one place to another.

My desire in sharing these thoughts is simply to encourage anyone who may be struggling.  One concern I have is the effect frequent church changes can have on children.  Just as they begin building friendships, connecting with teachers, and finding their place in a youth group, another move may require them to begin all over again.  Children thrive when they experience loving relationships and healthy stability, and a faithful church family can become an important part of that foundation.

Our lives are interconnected.  None of us lives entirely unto ourselves.  What we say and do influences those around us.  Our attitudes, actions, and decisions leave impressions—either positive or negative—upon our families, our fellow believers, and those who quietly observe our lives.

As I close my eyes, I can almost hear those stones slapping against the water, each bounce becoming quicker until the rock finally disappears beneath the surface.  That image reminds me how easy it can be to keep searching for something different without ever finding the peace we are looking for.  Sometimes the answer is not found in another church, but in allowing God to bring healing, wisdom, and renewed hope where we are.

When families leave a church after only a brief stay, it can also be difficult for the congregation and for the pastors and leaders who are prayerfully seeking to build a living, stable church family.  Healthy relationships often take time to develop, and perseverance can produce lasting fruit.

If we are searching for a perfect church, we will never find one because every congregation is made up of imperfect people—including ourselves.  Yet within an imperfect church, God continues His perfect work of shaping His children.  Through faithful pastors, caring church leaders, devoted prayer warriors, and loving brothers and sisters in Christ, He provides guidance, encouragement, correction, and hope.

As long as a church faithfully teaches God’s Word and honors the Gospel, it is wise to prayerfully consider our concerns before making a decision to leave.  Rather than allowing emotions alone to guide us, we can seek God’s direction, trusting Him to provide wisdom for each step.

Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds us: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”  

May we continue encouraging one another; remaining faithful to Christ, and valuing the gift of a church family that God has graciously given us.

Written by,

Papa Boyd