Reflection



Dominos, when placed strategically in close proximity to each other, will directly influence the next one in succession as the impact of energy is exerted against it; domino to domino.  It is fun to watch the end result as the first domino is touched with just enough force to move it into the next one in line.  This domino effect reminds me, somewhat, of the birth of a baby girl and how the influence of her mother impacts that baby through adolescent years to adulthood. 

A chain reaction of ongoing influence is the energy that impacts each daughter; generation to generation.  The very attributes of a daughter can depend greatly upon the nature and makeup of her momma, including, but not limited to, the personal relationship that is generated between the two.  This special bonding between mother and daughter begins early at the very moment the newborn baby is placed into the arms of an awaiting, tired, but fulfilled mother.

As Mommy lies there looking into the eyes of her baby girl, the pain of child birth strangely fades from memory.  Everything and everyone in the room take second place as she gently draws this new addition closely to her bosom where the warmth of her body exudes a calming effect upon the tiny, but active miracle of God. 

As she welcomes her baby and begins the nurturing and caressing that only a mother knows how to give, her eyes fill with tears of joy and then course down rose colored cheeks; flush from the ordeal of giving birth.  Though mother and daughter may be surrounded by a room full of other influences, Mommy and baby have become as one. 

New life has begun with Mom’s love now expressed, and the embellished security from her is just the beginning of a lifetime of giving.  Just as this new mother, my daughter, received unconditional love and compassion from her mom before her, my wife, and her mom before her, my mother-in-law, which is a virtuous woman of God, so shall my daughter give to her own flesh and blood the same attention and love now that she has been blessed with a daughter.

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines daughter as:  “A female descendant.”  I would like to think of a newborn daughter as God’s gift of life; the reflection of two people that are in love with each other.  This perfect being, an innocent life, is the special prize that is entrusted to parents that can provide sensitive and compassionate guidance that is most needed, while exercising grounded wisdom as the baby is molded into the likeness of her mother. 

As mother molds and shapes her little girl into a woman of integrity and greatness, this much wanted daughter becomes the virtuous woman spoken of in the Bible.  “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her;” (Proverbs 31:28).  She becomes the desirable and much sought after woman that so many men are hoping to find as a mate someday. 

Goodness in a person does not merely happen—it is formed.  It’s the daily subscribing of Mom’s influence, which impacts a daughter the most.  As she watches her mom with learning eyes, she takes on her traits.  A mother’s influence in the informative years of a female child speaks volumes of how the rest of this child’s life will be impacted. 

A mother, full of wisdom, takes note as to who will provide the most positive persuasion for learning.  She listens to conversations and judges whether or not words of life are being spoken in her daughter’s presence and takes appropriate action to insure a healthy environment.  A godly mother controls what her child sees and hears, thus, directing her toward excellence. 

A sensitive, discerning mother does not leave the training and rearing of her little girl to others.  She is there when her baby rolls over for the first time; she has her hands outstretched to receive her baby as she takes her first steps; and she is there to hear her baby speak the first word. 

The presence of Mom is the under girding factor that brings stability to her child.  An informed mother knows that her child’s mind is most impressionable at a young age and understands that she will more than likely pattern herself after those spending the most time with her—providing the most influence; be it positive or negative.

I believe that God has intended for mom’s to live their lives circumspectly and with honor before their daughters, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, and year by year, until such time that separation takes place and daughter leaves her mother to cleave with her own husband, where the cycle of life and the giving of herself as an example to her own daughter begins.

This daughter, now a woman, has learned virtue through the example of her caring mom.  The influence of Mom’s tender touch, compassionate words, and attitude toward life, find lodging in the makeup of her inner being.  The daughter, now a precious jewel, can be offered to a godly man that is praying and looking for God’s perfect soul-mate for himself; that special person with whom he can spend a lifetime loving, thus, repeating the process of life-impacting influences all over again.

My daughter is a loving and kind person.  When I observe her loving her newly born daughter in much the same way as her mom before her, I rejoice, because my heart is filled with pride.  I see the example of my wife’s influence being mirrored in the same loving and caring manner.  I know that my granddaughter will turn out to be a jewel, just as her mom is.  She too will be a woman of God that will one day put into practice the same values that her mom, my daughter, taught her.

(Proverbs 31:10), “Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies.”

As long as Jesus tarries His coming, and keeps blessing us with baby girls, I know that there will always be at least one young lady on earth that God can present to a faithful man that is praying, “Please Lord, send me the one that you have saved just for me.”  This is the way God’s plan is suppose to work; the positive reflection of Moms; generation to generation.

Proverbs 31:10-31 express what a virtuous wife is and what she is able to accomplish.  I encourage you to read these scriptures.  They are a blessing.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Sitting on the Fence is for the Birds

A person makes a statement not only to the people around them, but to God, when he or she chooses to sit on the fence that separates holiness from evil.  Rather than committing oneself in a definitive way, choosing one side or the other, they are saying by their actions, “I want gratification in both worlds.”  They refuse to pick which one to pledge their loyalty and devotion, because their allegiance is torn between the world of right and the world of wrong; good and evil; black and white; righteous and unrighteous; sweet and bitter; holy and unholy living. 

The fence is the line of demarcation that is straddled with one foot on one side and the other foot on the opposite side.  This individual is attempting to satisfy the lust of the flesh, while playing mind games, telling them self that it’s okay to take part in both worlds.

Our church pastor made a statement in his sermon regarding greener pastures on the other side of the fence.  He said, “The reason the grass is greener is because there is more manure on that side.”  This is certainly true.  The world is full of dung; a cesspool of corruption and sin. 

Inquisitive eyes peer aimlessly into the devils territory where unrest, turmoil, questions, and pain are camouflaged by eye-catching twinkles of cheap, glittering rhinestone-pleasures that blind unsuspecting, searching eyes. These carefully orchestrated temptations are not found on the lea side of the fence where protection and shelter from the winds of deception reside. 

This world of sin is full of pleasurable deceptions that are temporal and transitory.  All that is seen are illusions of happiness that quickly vanish once they are consumed.  Stability and the hunger for something tangible elude double minded people.  The pursuit to find happiness and satisfaction slips from the grasp of unclean hands, while the realities of fruitless excursions, void of peace, remain. 

Though sin is enjoyed for a short period of time, it soon passes.  Heartache replaces gratifying groans as superficial nothingness takes flight into the abyss of anguish.

A person that refuses to allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to truth; making it possible for them to see clearly what the opposite side of good holds for them; blindly pursue foolish and reckless living.  They prefer to wallow in degradation and fool themselves into believing that they are having a good time.  Their eyes are glazed over with cataracts, formed by the scorching rays of disillusionment and deceit. 

Undisciplined, wandering eyes gaze upon the devil’s relentless display of pleasure, fame, and power. That which they are looking at is only a thin-layered surface that disguises the carefully hidden agenda of treachery that lay beneath—arranged to destroy the soul of an unsuspecting, foolish-minded on-looker; as they persist in their pursuit of unchecked behavior. 

Straddling the fence with legs dangling on each side—evil and good—causes both legs to go numb as the life flowing blood is cut off.  The whole body suffers as a result.  When left to dangle too long, the numbness that sets in promotes early signs of decay such as gangrene, and finally death comes, unless intervention takes place.  Sin destroys! 

The ability to relocate is within the power of any individual that wants to restore health and vitality to themselves.  Even though legs and feet may be numb to the point they no longer function as they ought, or move on their own, the Holy Spirit lends strength and potency; providing a shoulder to lean upon, while Jesus takes the failing legs and gently places them in His arms; helping the person off the fence; establishing their feet upon the firm foundation of life.  Together they walk in victory on the side of holiness.  A person need only call upon the name of Jesus and they will be saved from their dilemma—sin.     

Sitting on the fence becomes yesterday’s memory when God removes a person from their place of perching.  As the decision to commit one’s life to Christ, and the abiding in God’s standard of living is being fulfilled, all the things that were thought to be beautiful and gratifying; pleasurable and pleasing to sinful eyes, become secondary and trite.  A new desire to esteem Jesus as Savior and Lord becomes foremost as they respectfully look into the eyes of Him who set them free from bondage. 

When a sinner sees the face of Jesus and finally realizes what they've been missing, the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  Committing one’s soul into the loving arms of Jesus brings life and restoration to a weary existence.  Blinded eyes are opened, which bring focus upon the side of peace, tranquility, hope, strength, direction, and everlasting life.  The old nature passes away, and the new person in Christ walks tall and healthy on the side of righteousness.

(2 Corinthians 5:17), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Sowing and Reaping

Activist members of society are pushing hard their agenda to achieve the same rights for homosexuals that are enjoyed by heterosexuals.  As society, in general, is becoming more and more tolerant to this type of lifestyle and beginning to accept this way of life as norm, the fact remains that it goes contrary to the teachings of the Bible, and those that practice this lifestyle are in danger of the judgment of God. 

Though men and women everywhere are leaving the natural affection of the opposite sex and turning to the same gender, the push for global acceptance and to win the approval of the straight populace remains their ultimate intent. 

As long as Christians set on their laurels; making a choice to remain silent by not speaking out in opposition; and not going to the poles and casting their vote for God fearing individuals to put into office, the active voice is heard and will win.  This is not to say that the mainstream population is in danger of altered structure, but where sin is not challenged, sin abounds. 

One day we will ask the question, “How did the United States of America fall so far from God’s grace and principles?”  I believe we are experiencing this in the present—children disobedient to parents; disrespect for the laws of our land and the people that enforce them; sexual promiscuity running rampant and out of control; the increase of sexual transmitted diseases; the killing of thousands of unborn children every year in the name of “Freedom of Choice;” and on and on. 

Yes, testosterone and estrogen are still with us and desirous for each other—the attraction between a man and woman is still alive and well, though I use the word well with reserve and deprivation.  It seems that everywhere I look there are people coming out of the closets that were thought to be straight. 

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.”

How a person lives determines where they will spend eternity when they pass from this life, or at the return of Christ.  There are only two choices; heaven or hell—every person has freewill to choose which place.  What they sow they reap.  If they sow corruption, so shall they reap corruption in hell; but if they sow righteousness through Jesus Christ, they will reap the righteousness of God Almighty in heaven.  The choice is ours to make.

The Bible says that we will know the season when Jesus Christ returns to earth for His bride; the “Church”.  The signs are everywhere if a person chooses to see them.

(Luke 21:10-11), “Then He said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.’ ” vs.11 “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.”

Written by,
Papa Boyd

Success

Think for a moment what you feel is the most important thing in life.  I’m sure it’s a bit hard to zero in on one particular thing, because so many areas are significant and of a high priority.  It may be family members, friends, or merely looking for an opportunity to help someone that is in real need.  It might be to find success in all of your attempts to better yourself. 

           

Let us consider for a moment the word, success.  I will endeavor to create in your mind's eye an image of how I view success and how I feel it directly influences our very existence.  Success affects all aspects of life, especially in the pursuit of peace and happiness.

           

Life is interesting; full of surprises, to say the least.  It’s amazing how one person can look at a surprise and see it as a challenge to conquer, while refusing to collapse beneath it’s heavy load, whereas, another person breaks into pieces and crumbles as they gaze at the insurmountable mountain of defeat that stands unmovable before them. 

What causes, or creates the differences in these two people?  Even though the surprise is exactly the same in both cases, what makes one succeed and the other to bend and break in defeat?  What causes one person to be crushed under the burden, while the other rises above the problem?

           

Personality, parental guidance, peers, the environment in which they were raised, and their mental state of mind, to name a few, have significant impacts of influence.  Let us look at the mental state of a person's mind.  The psychological state of the mind plays an important role in how successful or failure oriented they are—optimistic and unbeaten, or pessimistic and a defeatist. 

The manner by which the brain has been programmed certainly lends to this emotional struggle to achieve and succeed, or succumb and fail.  It’s a roller coaster ride that not only plagues individuals in this nation, but people around the world.  Success comes through working at being successful and taking the right steps to achieve it.

           

Positive environmental influence, good parental persuasion, and quality friends directly or indirectly affect the mental assent to success.  Is this to say, conclusively, that all people that come from a bad environment; having had an abusive or inert parent; or the association with the wrong crowd of questionable integrity; are hell-bent for negative results and failures?  A hundred times no!  A thousand times no!  Success is up to the individual. It is a choice.

           

The answer is not setting back on one's laurels in self pity and feeling that because something happened to them yesterday, or earlier in life, that these are the reasons for their dilemma today.  Pointing an accusing finger in another person’s direction is not the answer.  This type of attitude only reveals the immaturity in a person.  It’s this poor me syndrome that creates bondage.

At whatever level in life we find ourselves, peace equals success, and it’s attainable.  Peace can be ours just for the asking.  It is the number one, most desirable reality there is. 

If you are looking to the world as your source of peace, it will be impossible to find.  The world only offers seasonal pleasure, not a lasting calmness.  It is filled with unrest and wickedness, and only gives heartache as its reward; bringing turmoil to an empty soul.  When things are possessed, or if things possess us, true peace evades the grasp and quickly slips away, leaving confusion and pain behind.

Is there a person that has reached the pinnacle of success that we should desire to pattern our life after? Who can offer peace of mind to a person that is tired and weary from the agonizing search for answers?  How can true peace enter our being and provide rest for the weary mind?  The answer to these questions and more are summed up in five letters—Jesus. 

It is not the other five letter word that so many people think will bring peace, which is money, but it is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God that the hungry soul is longing for.  Peace brings happiness, satisfaction, and yes, success.  Jesus is complete and total success as we follow His lead.  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life—true success.

When a personal commitment to follow Jesus has been made, a "keep on keeping on" attitude springs up from within the inner person.  Peace reigns in their soul and brings success, because of the Lord.  God's Word (the Holy Bible) guarantees that the moment a person chooses to follow Jesus, it is this step that provides a more loving and peaceful existence in a world of troubled souls. 

To touch other lives with this newly found success, through the act of sharing Jesus with hurting individuals, is an act of love.  Sharing about the miraculous transformation that took place in one’s life enables others to experience the same peace for themselves.

           

God, through His Son Jesus, gives direction and stability to sustain us as we encounter life's surprises.  He provides a sure ability to succeed, while allowing us to possess the peace that our soul has been longing for.  The full benefits are beyond our full comprehension, but they are ours just the same, because Jesus loves us and died on a cross that we might have life; life more abundantly.  Jesus has gone to prepare a place in heaven for those that follow him—a successful ending to a perfect life in Him.

           

Disciplined people that are strong and successful in life, because of Jesus, need to look beyond their own four walls of success and get acquainted with the weaknesses of others.  They should open their mind to the principle that when a hand of support reaches out to a weak person, that individual now has someone to lean upon.  Not only are they supported, but blinded eyes open that reveal true reality to the one searching for answers to unanswered questions. 

When the course on which they are traveling has been altered through caring intervention, lives are changed.  Success begins to reign in their life also.  Seeing the results of witnessing to others brings satisfaction to the one reaching out their hand in compassion.  Taking the time to stand in the gap and giving of one's self helps searching people realize their short comings, which enables them to be elevated to a level of maturity that is so desperately needed when seeking success in life.

           

Asking forgiveness of our sins is the first step to success.  Seeing another person’s need and acting upon this awareness is the second step of God’s plan for our life.  Directing people to Jesus and helping them realize that others are not to blame for their misfortunes is the beginning of maturity in them.  Self discipline takes hold when hurting people learn how to pattern their life after the example of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

(1 Samuel 2:8), “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap; to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 



Teetering on the Edge of Giving Up



When it becomes easier for a Christian to throw in the towel of responsibility, accountability, and dependability, rather than standing unmovable in the face of opposition, that person may be teetering on the edge of giving up their inclination of doing outreaches for God.  Their talents and positive influence may be on the verge of becoming misplaced or lost.  If this happens, feelings of indifference may become paramount in their character.

Not only can they fail in personal commitment, others watching their life are affected.  The positive influence that's appreciated so much is now missing.  The problem is not in the supporting force behind them; God doesn’t change; it’s with those that allow themselves to teeter on the edge of giving up, because they do nothing to affectively change their lethargic status in Christ.  They shift into neutral, which causes the desire to do a work for the Lord to subside.  Contentment with the statuesque follows; a sad commentary for any person that excelled in furthering the kingdom of God.

The person that stood unmovable now sits motionless on the sideline doing nothing—their spiritual life filled with atrophy.  The desire to give to others and to be used of God diminishes.  A comme ci, comme ca, ho-hum attitude replaces the enthusiasm they once had.  Their talent ceases to be used for God and soon fades from sight.  “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” becomes reality.  The testimonies relating to God’s divine power to change a person’s life begins to wilt and die like a flower without water.  Neutral gear becomes comfortable.

Satan’s opposition then relaxes—his relentless, oppressive thrust subsides.  No longer does he feel the need to oppress and hold back the efforts of the person that once made a difference in other people’s lives, because that worker has ceased to be a threat. Think about it.  If opposition has stopped, and there is little or no challenges from the devil any longer, how close to the edge of giving up are they?

None of us are an island unto ourselves.  Christians strengthen one another whenever the need arises.  Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and God uses talents, positive influence, and the faithfulness of brothers and sisters in Christ to help those that are getting too close to the edge.  We need one another in times like this—the family of God.

When tiredness occurs and the edge of giving up is creeping closer to one’s busy schedule; if that person rests for a spell to catch a second wind, they should quickly renew their zeal and become active again doing the work of the Lord before complacency grabs them.

A place where they don’t want to be is on the outside looking in; seeing someone else filling the vacancy that was created when they left for too long a period.  By just saying, “I know I should be involved and using my talent for the Lord,” does not get the job done.  A commitment and follow through of that commitment is needed; not a ho-hum attitude.

Worse yet is seeing no-one fill the vacancy at all, and watching the program of God suffer in areas where tiredness and instability grabbed a once faithful person.  They know they should be helping out, but don’t.  With all the wrestling back and forth, anyone can have a stubborn streak and not listen to the voice of God if they do nothing to rid themselves of the lack of interest that has befallen them. 

God knows when a Christian commits to a Godly task they are most happy and fulfilled.  He wants Believers to feel alive and vibrant.  (Matthew 5:9), “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”  There is no feeling like knowing you are in the will of the Lord.

(Matthew 5:13), “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”  vs.14 “You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”  vs.15 ”Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”  vs.16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Responsibility, accountability, and dependability must once again be awakened within the person that is feeling weary in the work of Jesus.  It is time for the veil of sleep to be lifted.  When tiredness has been shaken from oneself, the quiet, dull existence changes into real victory.  An awakening from the comatose they were in is reignited with newly found energy as they return to the work of God.

As God’s children sincerely pray for His strength and revitalization, tired spirits again soar like an eagle in flight.  God brings revival to teetering behaviors and thoughts of giving up.  God has a place of ministry for each of His children.  There is always something to do for the Kingdom of God no matter how old a person is.  As faithful servants listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice and yield to His prompting, a fresh and new beginning takes place.

(Isaiah 40:31), “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be wear, they shall walk and not faint.”

When a dormant Christian becomes re-acquainted with responsibility, and they decide to again stand in the gap with God’s workforce, this commitment prevents the devil from getting a foothold, called complacency.  They are blessed—others are blessed.

God uses Believers to strengthen those that are in their weakest hour.  Encouragement and words of love prevent them from teetering on the edge of giving up.  It is important for those that are strong to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ that are weak.  Read (Romans 14)—it tells how to treat a weak Christian.

(Isaiah 35:3-4), “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.”  vs.4 “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘be strong, do not fear!  Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’ ”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Thanksgiving

I wrote this several years ago when I was going through a very hard time in my life.  When I read it, faith wells up within me.  If you need a miracle in your life—keep reading.

(Romans 15:13), “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

It’s wonderful to be able to enter into the presence of the Lord with singing and thanksgiving; to worship Him, because of who He is.  He is the Great I Am; the creator of the universe; the creator of all living things; He is our Heavenly Father; and He loves us! 

God loves us with a never-ending love!  He loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die on a rugged cross for our sins, that we might have life and have it more abundantly.  (John 3:16)  Jesus took the stripes for our healing. 

As we worship Him, the God of all creation, something begins to happen.  When we open our mouth wide and allow songs of praise to ascend into heaven, God receives our offering of praise and draws nigh to us—communion takes place.  God inhabits the praises of His people—He is in the very midst of praise.

I’m glad tonight and thankful that I can praise Him with a song, and that He listens to me.   He loves it when I sing to Him…when we sing to Him, because He loves us so much!  

But there came a time about eleven years ago, that I was told I would never sing again.  I had a small lump about the size of a pencil eraser in the soft pallet of my mouth.  I thought it was scar tissue from the time that I was eating a Doritos chip and bit down, puncturing this same area with one of the corners of the chip. 

I was aware of this lump for about four years, touching it every once in a while with my tongue; just aware that it was there.  One day I noticed it was getting a little tender to the touch and thought perhaps it was getting a little larger.  I showed my dentist and he told me that if it was his mouth he would have an ear, nose, and throat specialist look at it. 

I made an appointment and told the specialist about the Doritos chip and he reached into my mouth with his finger and felt the growth, saying, “Yes, 99% chance that’s what it is, just scar tissue.”  I was relieved to say the least, and got up to leave.  Something came over me and I stopped, turned, and said:  “While I’m here why don’t you take a biopsy and find out for sure.”  He said, “I can do that,” and proceeded in taking two plugs out of the soft pallet. 

Boy did that hurt after the numbness wore off!  I suffered for two weeks with the pain, and telling myself, “What a stupid thing to do—everything’s going to be alright anyway.” 

Finally I got a call from the doctor’s office and was told that I needed to come in for more tests.  I asked, “Why?”  But the person said I would have to talk to the doctor.   A cold chill came over me and I felt the blood drain from my face.  I began to cry uncontrollably.   Fear gripped my heart like I had never felt before.

When I saw the doctor he told me the bad news.  I had cancer of the minor salivary gland.  One in a million people had it.  He said it had to be removed.   The first thing I asked was, “Will I be able to sing after the surgery?”  I’ll never forget the words he said, “You’ll never sing again like you did before.” 

I went home and cried for two days.  My heart was broken, because I’ve been singing in church since I was five.  As an adult, I’ve sung at rest home services, special events, weddings, and funerals when needed. 

For the next few days I really got serious with God.  He came to me, speaking peace.  He wasn’t through using my talent as yet.  There was still work to be done.  He put a song of praise in my heart, because I believed that I would sing again.  Even though the doctor said no, I knew in my heart that I would, because God is good all the time; even in my darkest hour, God was good!

The next time I saw the doctor I told him that I was going to sing again, but he laughed and said, “You’ll never sing again.”

My family and I stood on two specific scriptures:  (1 Corinthians 2:5), “That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”  And when fear would try to creep in we would read (2 Timothy 1:7).  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”

My wife fasted and prayed for three days that I would not have to suffer the pain that accompanies this type of surgery.  She literally placed the Bible on the floor and stood on it.  She was standing on the promises of God’s Word.  She believed Him for a miracle.

After surgery the doctor came in and told me that he had some drugs that would help me through the pain.  I shook my head back and forth and conveyed to him that I didn’t have any pain…NO PAIN AT ALL!  He said, “You’ve got to have pain.  This is the tenderest part of your mouth.”  Well, I didn’t and we know the reason why.  God answered my wife’s prayer. 

When I finally got up the courage to look into my mouth, I saw the huge gapping hole, (1 ½” x 1 ¼”).  It screamed out at me, “SEE! YOU’LL NEVER, NEVER SING AGAIN!”  When I tried to speak, it was impossible to form vowels and syllables—and again I heard the words, “SEE! YOU CAN’T EVEN TALK; YOU’LL NEVER SING AGAIN!”

But we continued to stand on God’s promises, believing Him for another miracle.  Little by little—cell upon cell—flesh upon flesh, the hole began to shrink in size.  The doctor couldn’t believe what was happening.  He had never seen a wound like mine ever become smaller, only larger.  Even my prosthodontist thought that I had skin grafts.  The power of God was at work healing my mouth!  He was closing the hole!  God wanted me to sing again!

--

It’s now twenty-one years later since the surgery.  The hole is completely closed and I’ve been singing for the Lord for years without any problem.  Doctors don’t know everything.  They don’t have all the answers.  God is on the throne!  He is our answer for all things! 

Do you need a miracle in your life?  Stand on God’s Word.  Stand on His promises.   Have confidence in Him, because He is God and He does all things well.  God bless you.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The ABC's of Thanksgiving

Thank you for Abiding with me.

Thank you for Blessing me.

Thank you for Caring for me.

Thank you for Dying for me.

Thank you for Embracing me.

Thank you for Forgiving me.

Thank you for Grace.

Thank you for Healing me.

Thank you for Indwelling me.

Thank you for Joy.

Thank you for Keeping me.

Thank you for Loving me.

Thank you for Mercy.

Thank you for Nurturing me.

Thank you for Overshadowing me.

Thank you for Protecting me.

Thank you for Quality living.

Thank you for Redeeming me.

Thank you for Saving me.

Thank you for Teaching me.

Thank you for Understanding me.

Thank you for Victory.

Thank you for Walking with me.

Thank you for Xnty.  (abbrev. Christianity)

Thank you for You.

Thank you for Zeal in witnessing.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Replacing God

The brilliance of man’s creative mind has not only extended the life expectancy of humanity through the discoveries of vaccines and medicines; thanks to the innovation of computers and the machine age, many labor-intensive jobs using manual labor have now been reduced to pushing buttons on machinery and having them do the work, or typing commands into a computer, via the keyboard, that helps forego the strain on muscle tissue.

These mind boggling accomplishments have caused mankind to think more highly of themselves than they should, which is unhealthy in many ways—feelings of exaltation and pride that hinge on hastiness, with sanctimonious overtones. 

This vast knowledge that’s gleaned from various sources of intelligence exemplifies hard work and perseverance, but it opens the door to egotistical attitudes in people everywhere, which cause cerebral know-it-alls to sometimes turn their back on the Lord—replacing God with manmade ‘stuff’.

Where has knowledge and resourcefulness taken us?  Where will it end?  How far from grace has mankind fallen because of ingenuity?  How far will he go?  It is unnerving to know that by merely pushing a button, the world can be destroyed with weapons of mass destruction—it’s a sobering thought. 

The quest of the United States has always been, in my opinion, that of supreme power in the world, under the guise of good neighbor relations and foreign aid, and being the overseer of world peace through the policing of other nations, which I believe is taking this country to the brink of potential annihilation. 

World leaders having nuclear armament, with their arsenals full of killing machines, now have the capability to finish what the United States introduced in World War II; the obliteration of every living creature on earth.  They don’t like the U.S.A. butting their nose into their business of running their countries.

While seeking supremacy as sovereign nation; to be recognized and respected (feared) by all others, it is apparent that the United States of America, which was once “Under God,” has lost sight of God.  This nation was once God fearing, with Godly principles, and honorable leaders; founded upon the premise, “In God We Trust!” 

I watch the news media on television and sense that the U.S. is falling short of the recognition that we once had.  Logic tells me that respect is lacking from other nations, because of our passive leadership.  They probably see us as a weaker nation; unable to protect our own boarders, let alone someone else’s. 

Left wing radicals and many leaders of our land have elevated themselves to such heights of self exaltation that they have bumped God out of the way, saying, “We don’t need you anymore!  We can take care of ourselves!”  They sit smugly on the throne of their own making and boast of the power that stands ready under their thumb—the button. 

The devastation that this button represents, (World War III), holds little consequence to warped minds that are out of touch with God.  They need to be removed from office by casting our vote at election time.  Americans need to begin acting like Americans that care about liberty and freedom.  Shame on those that sit back and say, “What will be, will be.”  Everyone needs to get out of their easy chair and vote; especially Christians.  There is strength in numbers.

Godless men and women throughout the land find it ridiculous to pray for healing when doctors and medicines give life.  No longer do they feel the need to step into the water and have God part the sea, as He did for Moses and the children of Israel; (Exodus 14:21-22), as long as this faithless generation has the ingenuity to erect floating bridges in a matter of hours—who needs God?  No longer do they pray for victory, because armories are full of weaponry that will get the job done.  No longer believing or sensing the need to repent of their sins, they curse God and take Him out of our schools and judicial system. 

There is no need for despicable people to worry about shelter and provisions as long as they go into another person’s home and take what they want, by force if necessary.  They do unto others before others can do unto them, and have pleasure in doing so.  A side note:  State leaders want to ban the sale of firearms to law abiding citizens that want to protect their homes and rights.   

Multitudes of people sleep with the same gender and say proudly, “I’m homosexual,” while believing it is their right to choose whom they want to love and call partner, whereas, thousands upon thousands of unborn babies are killed each year in the name of, “Freedom of choice.”  This nation is being led down the wide road to destruction by Satan himself.

Allow me to ask these questions.  Is this nation taking care of itself since God is being replaced with carnality?  Now that God is ousted on every hand, how do you think we stand with regard to survival or protection from those that have spit in God’s face?  It is only a matter of time that this nation will reap what it has sown if there is not an about face concerning Almighty God.

(Galatians 6:7-8) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  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.”    

I believe any nation that rejects the true and living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, will not succeed, and are in danger of being reduced to ashes much like Sodom and Gomorrah, spoken of in (Genesis 19:12-29).  They refused to fall on their knees before God and repent of their inequities, and because of their noncompliant attitude and haughty spirit they paid with their lives.  Ungodly behavior, with an arrogant self-will, separates mankind from God.  When God removes His hand of protection, that populace can expect just about anything to happen.

If a nation, state, city, town, or individual person leaves God out of the equation and tosses Him out like yesterday’s trash; pulling Him from the throne and placing godlessness on the empty seat; woe unto those greedy, ruthless, power-hungry sinners that desecrate God’s throne.  We must all take heed that God does not see our face, with eyes staring back at Him when He looks at who’s sitting there.

When God is returned to His rightful place of authority; and this nation begins to abide by God’s Ten Commandments; and bows their head in repentance; and votes God-fearing men and women into office; we will once again blossom and flourish.  The fragrance of God’s beauty will permeate to the nations around us, and God’s peace will be our inheritance, because of our obedience to His Word. 

God will restore sight to the blind that were blinded by sin.  God will give back what the Cankerworm has devoured and destroyed when Americans call upon the name of the Lord and repent of their sins.  It begins with you and me as we do our part to pray for this nation’s survival; asking that God’s mercy be extended to her once again. 

Replacing God is not an option to consider, nor is it the answer to a peaceful existence!  Let us not forget with whom our allegiance should be focused and where strength originates—In God we trust!

Written by,
Papa Boyd