The Redemption Story

How many ways can a person share the love of God?  I’m sure there are many, but the redemption story of a personal experience is sufficient to get the story of His love across to someone in search of lasting love.

I remember the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.  This wonderful account is found in Chapter 9 of The Acts, in the New Testament. 

One day Saul was on the road to Damascus to do evil against the Lord’s saints at Jerusalem when he was struck blind by a light from heaven.  When he fell to the earth he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”  v.5 “And he said, who art thou, Lord?  And the Lord said I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:  it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”  v.6 “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do,” (The Acts 9:4-6).

Saul thought he was doing the will of God by getting rid of these radicals.  Reading the complete chapter brought tears to my eyes, seeing the amazing love and mercy that the Lord had for Saul.  He was renamed Paul at a later time.  I’m sure you would be blessed to read the story in its completeness.

After Saul had regained his sight and was baptized in the Holy Ghost, his witness for Jesus was anointed and convincing to the point that certain people in Damascus wanted to kill him.  I’m sure his message consisted of the encounter he had with the Lord on the road and how God gave him a new direction with regards to God’s saints and his own personal life.

We need not become scholars of the Bible and attend Bible College to get the word of God’s love to unsaved people, though Bible College is good.  Sharing with others the incredible experience of how the love of God changed our life and gave us hope for the future, gets the job done.  This is what Paul did and it was successful for the cause of Christ.

Written by,
Papa Boyd

There in Lies the Problem

In my opinion, radical, far left thinking is indicative of delusional, self-indulgent misfits of society.  Do to this unstable kind of thinking, societies, in general, tend to lack common goals and good sense to better their communities.  It seems like everyone is pulling against each other in different directions; not working together to achieve goals that would better serve all parties concerned. 

A common denominator is likely to evade those with different philosophies and differences of opinion.  There in lies the problem of unrest in the world today.  It’s this undermining, influential thinking that suppresses growth, prosperity and productivity.

When humanistic thinking gets in the way of Godly thinking, the battle for civility and decency prevail; causing dissimulation amongst people.  There in lies the problem of the lack of peace between nations and within one’s own rank.

To remove God from His rightful place on the throne of our life by negating His authority and replacing Him with one’s self creates a separation between God and mankind.  There in lies the problem.  It is called pride and a haughty spirit.  “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).

“And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”  (St. Mark 3:25).  To lose sight of God’s plan for humanity opens the door to calamity and pain, which befalls people of disobedience.  There in lies the problem of sinful societies and Godless nations.

Are we going to continue down the path of destruction or turn from our wicked ways and ask God to forgive us of our sins?  There in lies the problem; rebellion against God.  Surrendering to God’s omnipotence is a wise choice, which brings peace and satisfaction.

With conservative thinking being the common denominator, unrest becomes rest; division changes to unity; pride switches to submission; calamity reverts to order; and wickedness takes second place to righteousness.

Written by,
Papa Boyd

Tomorrow May Never Come

It remains to be seen how far our nation will plummet into utter poverty and ruination, because of turning away from God’s laws.  A nation cannot trample God underfoot without paying the consequences for their actions.  (Galatians 6:7) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

When a country refuses to abide by the principles of a holy and righteous God, and pursues personal gain and power rather than God, that nation will suffer.  Lacking the true leadership of the Holy Spirit is their undoing.

A great responsibility befalls leaders of every nation.  They need the true and living God to bring harmony and success to their leadership and to the people they have rule over. 

How can any leader think that their own meager power is sufficient enough to safeguard and sustain them and their people from calamity?  It can’t!  History proves this.  Look at Sodom and Gomorrah.  They turned their back on God and were destroyed by fire from heaven.

The United States of America was founded upon God’s unmitigated truth and has been most blessed of all nations.  But this nation, once under God, has now exalted itself above God and is suffering because of it.

How far must the leaders of a nation fall before seeing the need to have God in their decision making?  Will greed and corruption prevent this from happening?  Tomorrow holds the answer, but tomorrow may never come.  We are well on our way of becoming a second world nation, because of ignorance, haughtiness, a freewill spirit and selfish pride.  We are allowing evil to reign instead of righteous indignation standing against wrong doing.

(Proverbs 16:16-25) “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold; and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver?”  v.17 “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.” v.18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  v.19 “It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”  v.20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.”  v.21 “The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increase learning.”  v.22 “Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it, but the correction of fools is folly.”  v.23 “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.”  v.24 “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”  v.25 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

I believe that God is withdrawing His hand of blessings and protection from this land, not because of hate or revenge, but because of love.  People more readily lift their eyes toward heaven in hard times rather than times of plenty.  (2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  Whatever it takes to get our attention, God will allow it to happen.

Christians must cry out to God like never before on behalf of obstinate, disobedient people in order to change the mind of God.  I believe that when Christians band together as one, this unity of belief demands the attention of God. 

Christians, in general, have lost their first love, because of complacency and becoming spoiled with plenty.  Did they stand for righteousness when one atheistic woman demanded that Bibles be removed from schools?  No! 

Where were Believers when debased men and women sought political positions in government?  Did they cast their vote to prevent it?  Few did.  This is shameful!  Bellyaching after the fact does little when ungodly leaders are taking our cities, states and nation down the path of poverty, while allowing god-less acts against unborn children through abortion.  Politicians and judges have also permitted prayer to become outlawed in public schools and are attempting to bring about a Socialist, Marxist form of government.  Instead of the government working for the people of this great nation, they want the people to be subservient to what they say and do. 

When are Christians going to stop cowering to sinful leadership and vote them out of office?  Tomorrow holds the answer.  But I’m afraid if we continue down the path of least resistance, tomorrow may never come, because of the foothold Satan is gaining in key places of government and the courts of our land.

When one person can cause city leaders to fear retribution of a lawsuit if they fail to remove stars and angels from Christmas trees in government owned buildings, something’s wrong.  When they bow to their wishes without a fight is when our rights and the pursuit of happiness fade away. 

How far have we fallen?  When are the voices of holy men and women of God going to rise up in opposition and be heard above the immoral few?

When a cross offends a group of people, because of their religious beliefs or lack thereof, and the cross is removed in keeping with political correctness in order to not offend them, we deserve what’s coming our way!  Shame on us for not standing up for Godly principles!

This is America, the land of the free!  The true and living God is our source of strength.  If other nations, religious affiliations, atheists or reprobates want to bring us down to their level of degradation, I say, “Go back to where you came!  Crawl back under the rock from which you slithered and leave our values of Godly living alone!”  

If our nation’s leaders refuse to stand for liberty, justice and the American way, impeach them.  Run them out of office.  I’m ashamed that we allow god-less leaders and court justices to set the bar so low that we wallow in the mud of disgrace.  Our passive, uncaring spirit has brought us to this place of shame.  God help us!

Get with it America, before it’s too late.  Tomorrow may never come.  Change begins in me.  It begins in you.  What are we waiting for?

Written by,
Papa Boyd

Traps

To help generate revenue for county and city fiscal budgets, sheriffs and police officers capitalize on certain areas where the likelihood of traffic violations are higher.  They lie in wait to catch unsuspecting motorists in speed traps.

If a person is driving sensibly and obeying the laws, chances of getting a ticket are generally minimal or nil.  But when attention is not given to the speedometer or speed limit signs along the way, this is the time when the inevitable takes place.

Talking your way out of a ticket is a useless waste of breath.  The deed was done; the consequence imposed.

Likewise, Satan lies in wait for people that disobey God’s laws.  When speeding in the wrong direction, it is easy to disregard signs that read:  STOP; WRONG WAY; DO NOT ENTER; KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.  One can fall into Satan’s trap when heart and mind drift away from God’s teachings.

Satan not only wants to shame us with his ticket of condemnation, he desires to make an arrest and take us to his eternal prison.  In his ungodly territory he appoints himself judge, jury and executioner. 

The devil demands a guilty verdict as he throws the evidence of our unrighteous behavior in the face of God, claiming that he now owns our soul.  But Satan doesn’t have the final say.  Jesus is the court appointed attorney who makes intersession to the Father, the righteous judge, on behalf of the accused.  Jesus reminds God that He paid the price for all wrong doings and then bails us out of prison with the blood He shed on Calvary’s cross.  All we need to do is ask for forgiveness.

Though the deeds were done, and the infractions many, our advocate pleads the case for us.  God’s verdict is, “Not guilty!”  Because I made that one call to the Lord rather than trying to defend myself against my accuser, God dropped all charges and said, “Dismissed! Case closed!”  Jesus won another victory.

It’s an effort in futility when trying to get off the hook in our own righteousness and good works.  It’s useless to use them as a defense before God.  (Isaiah 64:6) “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” 

Only the blood of Jesus can make our violations disappear from sight, because God sees us through the crimson flow and remembers Calvary.

Written by,
Papa Boyd

Where's The Reef

Even the most skilled helmsman of a boat or ship can run aground if their navigation is off; bad weather sets in with heavy fog; or if they are asleep at the helm.  For whatever reason that causes a misfortune at sea, regrets become many, but regrets cannot help a sinking ship.

While visiting the coast on vacation one year, my wife and I watched as a large schooner was pummeled by the raging surf after having struck a jagged reef.  Gale force winds had caused it to break anchor the night before. 

All anyone could do was watch as this beautiful vessel took on water through the holes in her hull.  The crushing waves smashed it against the rocks without mercy.  This is what sin does to wondering souls that are adrift without an anchor to hold them fast.  When the billows of Satan claim another vessel, all anyone can do is watch as sin takes its toll on body and soul.

Everyone needs an anchor to grip the solid rock of salvation.  This rock is Jesus.  Like the lyrics of a song, “Without Him I could do nothing.  Without Him I’d surely fail.  Without Him I would be drifting; like a ship without a sail.”  Jesus is the sure foundation; the cornerstone of life.  He prevents unnecessary shipwrecks of displaced souls. 

A lighthouse, too, provides protection in times of storm and supposed times of calmness.  It gives a visual awareness of danger and that of sanctuary.  As long as the helmsman remains alert and keeps eyes on the warning light, a safe haven is attainable. 

When attention to details, navigational map-reading, and a watchful eye on the light are ignored, trouble and unexpected things can happen.  It takes vigilance and a cautious effort of proficiency to avoid catastrophe.  If those having responsibility put aside good sense and wise practices in exchange for a good time or not doing what they ought, calamity visits the vessel.

God warns us in the Bible, our navigation map, of the reefs to maneuver around and stay clear of.  When a person gets involved with the wrong things and becomes blinded by Satan to the dangers ahead, misfortune visits their world, thus, capsizing them without mercy.  But God is merciful!   (Isaiah 59:19) “…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

When I was in sin and allowed fleshly desires to supersede good judgment, before seeing the light, my soul piled against the reef of worldly pleasure.  I was sinking deep in sin and going down for the third time.  When I reached up in desperation from the darkness that engulfed me, a hand of mercy grabbed mine and pulled me to a safe haven of peace.  God placed me on the solid rock of His grace where the storms of life could not displace me any longer.  This rock was Jesus; the son of the Living God.

Now when I cry out, “Where’s the reef!” the Lord is faithful to show me the right channels to flow through, while providing sufficient lighting to make my journey safe.  Like a lighthouse on a hill that overlooks life’s sea, God in His love is overlooking my trek through life.  I live without fear, because I am safe in His arms of love.  (I John 4:18) “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear hath torment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love.”

Though I am tossed about by the squalls and tempests that rage in a world having every wind of doctrine, I am never separated from my Father’s love and protection.  He helps me direct my vessel through these dangerous waters by steering clear of treacherous reefs that would sink my spiritual ship.  Like Noah’s ark, Jesus is my ark of safety and refuge who gives buoyancy to life.

(Psalms 107:23-30) “Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters,” v.24 “They see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.”  v.25 “For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.”  v.26 “They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble.” v.27 “They real to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.”  v.28 “Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses.”

Written by,
Papa Boyd

Yesterday's Blessings

Yesterday’s blessings from God are wonderful when looking back on them.  They encourage, strengthen and ignite the flame of trust, today.  Blessings have a way of uniting our spirit with the Spirit of God, bringing unity and a favorable outlook in situations we face in the present.

Sharing yesterday’s blessings with others opens the door to their heart, which allows opportunities to share about the God of miracles.  Christians are commissioned to go into the entire world to preach the gospel.  I believe, for me, it is the world that lives next door, across the street, and those I rub shoulders with at work.  God wants to minister to and change lives.  Family members that need the Lord are also the world that requires my attention and love. 

Opportunities are everywhere if we look for them, but we must be ready, willing and equipped mentally and spiritually to share God’s blessings.  If we are cold or indifferent in our soul, how can we minister adequately?  It makes little difference what we once did for God or how He met our needs back when, if we lack the drive and confidence to share yesterday’s blessings.

I’ve heard old timers testify about their experience having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit back in the year ….  Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit is a door that opens to a room with many other doors that need to be opened for Christ.  Not stepping through the first door of ministry is like standing on the outside of a hospital in possession of the needed miracle vaccine for those dying inside.

What about the scriptures in (Ephesians 5:17-21)?  “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; v.19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; v.20 “Giving thanks and always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

We are not to set back on our laurels thinking that we finally achieved the ultimate blessing from God when we receive the baptism in the Spirit.  Little gets done for the Kingdom of God when we do so.  It is the door to deeper, enriched blessings as we minister to others.

To keep the anointing alive and fresh in our heart today requires being refilled everyday with enthusiasm to witness for the Lord.  Without it, we become stale and weak in our presentation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In fact, if our experiences of yesterday’s blessings or yesteryear’s spiritual awareness become foggy memories, how can zest and convincing dialog take place today?

Memories are great, but everyday experiences pose a more meaningful, influential impact on people, because our faith is strong and we believe what we say.  Enthusiasm is fresh and alive like a cloud burst from heaven that drenches everyone that listens; getting soaked to the bone in the cleansing, fresh anointing that falls.

Yesterday’s blessings were tremendous for that time and place, whereas, today’s blessings are just as important and necessary for the present state of affairs, as is tomorrow’s blessings for tomorrow’s needs and spiritual guidance.

When David faced the giant on the battle field with only a sling and five, smooth stones, past blessings were fresh in his mind how God enabled him to kill a bear and lion, while watching over his father’s sheep.  It was supportive and encouraging having powerful memories of God’s sustaining intervention.  I believe he lived a life with daily experiences in God as he walked with Him.

David had confidence that God would not fail him in his present hour of challenges.  God proved that He was faithful in past situations and could be counted on when times got tough. 

When we keep our personal experiences with God fresh everyday, we are more inclined to step up to the plate of involvement and make a difference in someone’s life; at the same time creating another wonderful memory to look back upon tomorrow.

Written by,
Papa Boyd