What If

 

As you read this writing and question whether or not the things I’m saying are worth while; keep reading.  Though you may consider yourself an intellectual, analytical or non spiritual person; keep reading.

What if the thoughts I’m about to share with you are true, and your heart is touched; causing you to rethink your position?  Wouldn’t it be good to focus on the things you’ve shrugged off as non truths or fables, and consider making some changes?

Perhaps you believe the Bible is full of fairy tales and the stories concerning miracles are only fictional exploits that were written by mindless, uneducated writers…vagabonds that took mind altering drugs or smoked marijuana to attain inspiration.  Maybe you question the Sixty-Six books of the Bible, thinking they contain flawed, erroneous information; keep reading.

It’s very difficult for the natural, non spiritual mind to understand spiritual things, because they must be spiritually discerned.  Such things are foolishness to carnal thinking.  Without help from the supernatural realm it is impossible to grasp the depth, breadth and meaning of the workings of God.  People balk at what they cannot comprehend.  This generates negative thoughts about God-inspired occurrences.  They refuse to believe in miracles such as the Red Sea parting that allowed the children of Israel to cross on dry ground, (Exodus 14:21-22).

Natural thinking questions the power of God.  It asks, “How was it possible that three Hebrew children survived the heat of a furnace that was heated seven times hotter than normal, while the men that threw them in perished?”  (Daniel 3:16-27)

Logic wonders how Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, (Matthew 14:15-21), or that He spoke life into a man that had been dead four days, (John 11:1-44).  There was also the time at a wedding in Galilee that Jesus turned water into wine, (John 2:1-11).  Impossible you say?  What if these miracles really happened?  Could it be that you are wrong in your judgment?

With natural, everyday thinking, it is impossible to appreciate the magnificence of the unexplainable without becoming a skeptic and allowing doubt to rule one’s life.  Could it be that this is the reason a natural mind generates the problem of disbelief?  It takes spiritual discernment to accept and believe supernatural phenomenon. 

(I Corinthians 2:14), “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Just because people believe things cannot happen a certain way does not make their philosophy correct.  Reason takes a back seat to what is, when considering God and His omnipotent power.  What if the things in the Bible are true?

Inasmuch as unbelievers did not witness, first hand, the miracles in the Bible, does not mean they didn’t take place.  Even though they haven’t seen a virgin give birth to a child doesn’t mean it didn’t happen in Bethlehem.  What if it did?  What if the numerous miracles that were performed by Jesus and His disciples occurred just as the Bible said they did?

A person can take the opposite side of what is and stand with the multitudes shouting that Jesus Christ is not the divine Son of God, born of a virgin, yet with all of their shouting, truth is not canceled out.  What if Jesus is the only begotten Son of God?

What if the things in the Bible are as stated, and there was a God-man who walked the earth two thousand years ago healing the sick, raising the dead, and died on a cross for the sins of mankind?

Thousands upon thousands of non-believers that speak out against the Bible fail in their attempts to make the Bible less than truthful.  The outflow of their rebellion is wasted energy and futile.  What if the Bible is the Word of God?  Wouldn’t there be mercy and hope provided for your soul and mine?

Does it mean that Jesus was a phony, or the Bible fictional, because someone thinks a certain way?  Who are they?  They haven’t died, crossed over and returned to negate or vindicate the truths of the Bible.  How can anyone say there is no life after death? 

Jesus declared there is a hereafter.  I believe Him.  He told those around Him that He was going to prepare a place for them, that where He was they could be there also.  He was referring to heaven, (John 14:1-3).  What if this is true?  Don’t you think He would have included you and me in His plan?  To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord, if we have accepted Jesus Christ into our heart, (2 Corinthians 5:8).

When people take a stand against miracles and refuse to believe in heaven or hell, does this make their stand valid?  Hoping there’s no hell leaves little assurance to one’s destiny; only a lack of peace.  What if there is a hell to shun and a heaven to gain?  What then?  Would it not be foolish to believe otherwise?  Is it not reckless behavior and irresponsible suicide for one’s eternal soul to gamble that there is no hell?

What if we closed our eyes for the last time on earth; thinking that death is the final frontier with nothing following, and we open our eyes only to find ourselves in the presence of Almighty God?  What then?

What if God looked through the pages of the Lamb’s Book of Life where the names of His children are written and couldn’t find your name?  What then?  The Bible declares in (Psalm 14:1), “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.  They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.”

What if there is a God who loved humanity so much that He gave His son as a sacrifice for the sins of the world?  What if God planned everything from the beginning of time to the end when this world will be destroyed by fire?  Don’t you think He would have provided a means of escape for our soul?  I believe He did.  His name is Jesus.

What if the so-called fairy tales in the Bible were legitimate miracles and the uneducated vagabonds were actually men of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit to record accounts that happened?  Would you then believe?

Where do you think a person’s soul will end up if they insist on saying, “Bah Humbug!” to God’s Word?  What if you are wrong in your natural, intellectual or analytical thinking?  What if…

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God Uses People

What are words if no one listens?  What is love if no one receives?  What is forgiveness if no one repents?

Recently, these questions puzzled my mind as I reminisced and considered the many, restless years that I walked without Christ.  My life was lonely and filled with confusion, because I had chosen to live in my own strength, without recognizing the supremacy of God.

Though concerned people talked to me about the beauty of God’s divine nature; His love for humanity; and that Jesus was God in flesh and died for my sins, I refused to listen.

I wondered why it took so long for me to find meaning to the words that were spoken by these genuine, caring individuals.  Though they were meaningful directives to abundant living, I side-stepped endeavors of those trying to share their faith, because my spirit was rebellious and lost.  But God’s timing was and is perfect.  He knew what would bring me to Him.                                          

God uses people to demonstrate love and compassion to souls that are searching for answers.  His plan is accomplished as they encourage others in the ways of right living.  A person witnessing for Christ must not become discouraged when they assume people are not listening to the words they speak; they are.  Their thirsty soul is like a sponge, even though outside actions say otherwise.   Answers are desired and needed even though the questions are not asked.

God uses words that are presented in love to set ajar the door of a person’s heart, thus, preparing the heart to understand and recognize their need of a Savior.  It takes a little longer for some people, but God is patient.  In time His plan is fulfilled in their life.

After many years of running from God I finally understood the meaning of shared words regarding God’s love and forgiveness.  My soul became fertile, because of faithful people doing God’s work. 

One by one they came, until I received the seed of God’s plan.  Words of encouragement and concern allowed the Holy Spirit to till and prepare the soil of my heart, which enabled roots of understanding to take hold from the planted seed. 

I was ready to hear, believe and receive the things of God.  Every effort that was extended to me by God’s people; planting and watering the seed of God’s plan; finally came to fruition.  Amazingly, I began to comprehend what they were talking about.  It took time, but repentance was offered and forgiveness was manifested.  I became a child of God!

When a follower of Christ testifies about God’s omnipotent power and how it sets people free from the bondage of sin, it facilitates the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing souls to Jesus.  Believers can only tell of God’s amazing grace, but God makes the words come alive and become powerful; piercing the hardest of hearts.

The simple words that are spoken in love and the acts of kindness expressed by committed Christians help people to realize sin in their life and the need of a Savior.  At this juncture, forgiveness becomes reality when the wayward soul petitions God for deliverance.  Peace and harmony that were missing now flows like a fountain of living water.  The emptiness and deep longing of the heart is satisfied.

God changes a person completely.  The old, sinful nature that possessed their soul passes away, and all things become new through Christ Jesus.  The Lord sets free those that are bound, because God’s love is for anyone that desires fulfillment in living.  God yearns for one and all to repent of their sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

(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.”

As a person allows God to work through their efforts of sharing their faith with those needing direction, it enables lost souls to find peace.  The walls of bitterness, resentment and doubt crumble as a result of Christian testimony.  It opens the eyes of the wayward soul that God is no respecter of persons, and that His love is big enough to include them in His perfect plan of salvation.

God uses people to bless others with the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the only means of becoming saved, and that there is no other way to make heaven their home except through Him.  (Acts 4:12) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

God’s plan is accomplished when lost souls ask forgiveness of past sins.  You too can become a testimony of God’s love, and plant seeds of your own, because God uses people.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Tuned-In

Each day holds ongoing challenges for Christians as they endeavor to walk in truth and remain faithful to the message of God.  These challenges will either draw them closer to God or cause them to stumble and fall, depending whether or not they lose the frequency from heaven.  This can happen if self-discipline is ignored.

Every Christian needs to strive for better communication with God the Father.  It takes the Holy Spirit helping Believers remain tuned-in to God’s frequency.  Christians must keep their antennas pointed in God’s direction, while maintaining all connections to prevent corrosion from reducing audible communication.

Many people hear a different sound, rather than the clear, understandable voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks.  Their ears are filled with the clamor of disorder and the noise of worldly entertainment.  Clarity is muffled, because the heart is not tuned-in to God’s frequency.  These people are without direction and wander aimlessly, because of the vague and indistinct messages they receive from other sources. 

Finding the right frequency takes willpower for anyone living in this promiscuous generation of self-indulgent; self-centered thrill seekers.  There is too much ungodly interference that drowns out the voice of God, because the volume is controlled by Satan.

When a person finds the proper frequency and gets tuned-in to Jesus, they realize in a moment of time that they were deceived into listening to the wrong wavelengths.  Peace and contentment fills the airwaves of their heart, because they finally tuned-in to peaceful listening.

The unbearable sounds that blast day and night are silenced when the Lord speaks peace.  God’s tender voice is music to the ears of searching souls as they point their antennas of lifted hands toward heaven. 

The calmness of the words found in the gospel, according to St. Matthew, enriches the reception that was once drowned out by sin.   (St. Matthew 12:28-30)  “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God restores hearing to ears that were damaged by the blaring noise of sin.  No longer are they filled with static, because of undisciplined living.  Clarity replaces unclear messages. 

When a person gets tuned-in to God through Jesus Christ, the high pitched ringing brought on by disobedience is dispelled by grace.  The frequency is now clear and without distortion, because Jesus paid the price for sin.  He gave His life on a cross to free humanity of impaired hearing. 

When a person repents of their sins and accepts Jesus as their personal Savior, this act of faith closes the communication gap with God the Father; bringing clarity of understanding.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Forward Motion

The old adage, “Inch by inch, anything’s a cinch,” is applicable to Christian living.  When a Believer strives to have a closer relationship with God, it’s going to happen.  Dedication improves, while commitment becomes foremost.

If a Christian’s prayer life lapses into laziness and Bible study declines, sensitivity to God diminishes.  Godly interests begin to compete with unimportant matters such as material gain or worldly pleasures.  Satan uses insignificant, trivial things to draw the attention of Christians away from God.

It is sad when a Christian reneges on their commitment to God.  It slows down forward motion.  Their walk with Him begins to waiver the more they relax and settle into the status quo of “just living life.”  A mindset of “oh well” develops, and coasting through life manifests itself if adjustments are not made.  This lifestyle is not an option for Christians.  I believe they step forward in Jesus or backwards into self-absorbed ruination.  There is no middle ground according to God.

(Revelation 3:15-16) “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I could wish you were cold or hot.”  v.16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Spiritual maturity is affected in a positive or negative way depending on what things are allowed to feed one’s mind.  If a person is lax regarding the eye and ear gates, attitudes are negatively influenced.  The heart begins to harden like a stone and loses sensitivity to God.  It ceases to be a heart of flesh that is pliable to the Holy Spirit.  Coldness and indifference to the things of God take up residence, while spiritual wellbeing begins to decline and the awareness of God’s presence grows faint.

If the neglect of Godly influences persists, there is a falling back into the old, carnal nature that Jesus saved us from.  It’s dangerous ground to tread upon.  Before long, the desire to attend church and to fellowship with Christians of like faith dwindle.  The burning zeal to do God’s work becomes secondary to the things of the world. 

(Matthew 16:26) “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Christians must keep the forward momentum going lest they become bogged down with the weight of complacency.  Forging ahead through daily challenges, in the power of God, prevents mundane living from getting a foothold.

As long as forward motion is practiced and maintained, the saying “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins,” is realized by the one maintaining discipline, because their mind is centered upon Jesus.  They realize that a committed walk, coupled with intestinal fortitude, is imperative to achieve victorious living.

“Keep on keeping on,” are four words that describe Christians that are successful followers of God’s Word.  Triumphant living remains strong, untouched and unshaken by selfish desires when forward motion is put into practice.

Hobbies are another concern.  For the most part they are fun and acceptable pleasures, as long as they don’t interfere with serving God.  If hobbies captivate our thinking to the point of obsession, perhaps an evaluation of activities is in order. 

(Matthew 6:19-21) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;” v.20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  v.21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

An idle mind produces problems.  If we allow our mind the satisfaction of idleness, it can become the workshop of the devil. Christians must guard their mind against complacency as well as over indulgent, recreational playtime.  The Bible is specific when it gives caution in (Proverbs 19:15, 16).  “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.”  v.16 “He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.”

(Isaiah 26:3) “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  As Christians move forward in faith, God’s blessings follow.  When they sense that things aren’t quite right spiritually, with feelings of being out of step with God, it is the Holy Spirit making them aware that changes need to be made.  As soon as this is done, forward motion resumes and peace of mind returns. 

The following song lyrics are certainly true.  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” 

Christians cannot remain motionless and expect to survive spiritually.  They will either advance in Christ, or retreat in shame.  My desire is to maintain my forward motion in Jesus Christ and live a victorious, fulfilled life.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

What Does God Know

The four words in the title express the attitude of millions of people throughout the world.  They believe they know better than God how to live and find happiness in the material things around them, yet often see themselves as misfits; not measuring up to the status quo of others whom they regard as successful; always trying to keep up with the Jones, as it were. 

There are those that see themselves as ugly or failing to come up to par with respect to the expectations of others—they are too fat or too skinny; their breasts are too small or too large; they are too tall or too short.  Their inner worth searches for something better than what they possess, or they feel that God shirked His responsibility and gave them a substandard body.  People are looking for stability and happiness in all the wrong places; unable to find peace.  Could it be that Jesus has been left out of their life?

Perhaps God was color blind when He put the perfect hair color with certain skin tones.  It’s amazing how many blonds want black hair; brunettes, blond hair; and red heads, any color but red.  Some people are always trying to improve their outward appearance by doing something impulsive or as they would say, “Creative.”  It’s all in the name of enhancing beauty, which is the trend of today’s populace more than ever before.

People sometimes rebel against God through their actions.  They feel He should have been more in tuned with the desires of mankind when He created us.  Perhaps this is what people are saying when they redo their physical appearance, because of God’s failure to do the job right in the first place.  What does God know?

Different industries make colored contact lenses for those that think God didn’t know what He was doing when He gave them blue, brown, hazel, or green eyes.  Why can’t people be happy with the way God made them?  Sadly, the probability is that they cannot find true satisfaction in the person they are.  They are looking for perfection, which they believe will bring happiness; but perfection will always be just beyond their reach. 

There are many reasons why people change their appearance through dress or more permanent measures.  But when the newness wears off there is a feeling or need to change something else, because satisfaction is short lived; seasonal at best.  It only gives momentary pleasure, which quickly fades.  This is a typical reaction when trying to find happiness.  There is a misconception that God threw them together at conception, but they are focusing on the outer shell through wanting eyes.

Perhaps God didn’t know what He was doing when He made male and female.  What do you think?  Just because men and women change their sexual orientation; men becoming women or women becoming men on the outside, does not mean they have found satisfaction on the inside.  The search for contentment continues, because something is lacking inside.  This is the reality of life when God is rejected.

Vain glory is a curse to anyone that desires perfection in one’s self.  No person is perfect.  The sooner people realize this truth; the less money will leave their pocket book for unnecessary surgeries and a plethora of other ventures.  To learn contentment is absolutely possible without all the radical changes, but it takes reaching out to the One they turned their back on and allowing Him to touch their inner soul.

Rather than living each day with a pessimistic, condescending attitude toward oneself and God; with self destructive thinking and negative words spoken into the mirror each morning; it takes the Lord working from the inside out to bring about change.  Transformation comes when hurtful words cease.  Unconstructive words are self mutilating to the inner psyche.  When they are spoken, the brain believes what is being said and acts upon it. 

Finding something good to focus on, rather than pointing out all the flaws and less attractive areas of the body, feeds the mind with positive input, which results in optimistic output.

Our brain is wonderfully made; a marvelous computer.  But you know what they say about computers…“Garbage in; garbage out.”  So when we focus upon the good that God brings into our life, quality follows.  No one need revert to worldly escapades to find happiness, because satisfaction comes from within after God heals the inner torment.  As a person searches for more ways to please God, and begins to spread kindness and love to others, confidence builds inside them; self esteem replaces want.  

When we become acquainted with real happiness that is revealed through Jesus Christ, the mind familiarizes itself with His perfection.  There is then less focus given to unattractive flaws.  Feelings of trying to measure up subside.  A new realization of awareness and understanding surfaces and says, “True beauty comes from within; not the exterior beauty that is only skin deep.”  A superficial appearance cannot produce true happiness no matter what is done to try an improve it. 

What does God know?  He knows all things.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  God understands what we have need of and desires to impart His blessings upon us; bringing happiness and peace of mind.  When the Lord is helping our thought process, everything else falls in place.  God supplies the grace to overcome any idiosyncrasy.  (Psalms 139:14)  “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Peace in the Midst of Storms

Are you living in an arid, parched climate of regrets, or suffering seasons of self condemnation?  Perhaps the only calmness you experience is just before the storms of discourse and torrential downpour of antagonism. 

Is there ever a lull in the blowing winds of contempt and accusations from those around you, or are you under constant assault?  Has your attempts to find shelter from the on-rushing tides of calamity been futile and seemingly hopeless?

When we allow God to breathe peace into our life, the drudgery of everyday encounters that tend to capsize our searching soul, fades.  When clouds of gloom insist on hanging around, God’s breath moves them elsewhere.

To succumb to negative influences is not an option for Believers.  Every child of God can stand on His promises; having confidence that He will never leave or forsake them.  When we put our trust in God and allow Him to work in our life, victory is ours.  The climate changes and peace prevails.

We need not fight the battles alone.  The Holy Spirit fights them for us.  The Lord will shelter us from the blistering heat of gloominess and quench our thirst with comfort as He bolsters confidence through Him.  He calms the troubled sea of fear with words of authority…“Peace be still!” 

The rainbow of God’s love comes forth as His light shines through the daunting clouds that surround us.  “Victory ahead!” is the battle cry of all Christians that trust God.  “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  (II Corinthians 3:17)  When God speaks, the antagonist of our peace must listen and obey.  We walk in health, mental stability and self assurance through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Rewriting History

To make statements such as:  “I wish I hadn’t…” and “If I had it to do all over again…” or “I wish I had only…” are statements of wasted breath.  All the wishing and longing in the world cannot change what is.  What’s done is done.

We can certainly learn through past experiences, but it is impossible to rewrite history.  There is no changing what has already happened; the past is the past.  Some people live their life trying to make amends for earlier periods when certain attitudes dictated behaviors.  Their attempts to turn over a new leaf in their own strength are futile.  

People can change, and some do, but memories never change.  They remain with us forever.  They are what they are, and very hard to forget.  I am not the person I once was, because of a man called Jesus.  In 1969 He changed my attitude, disposition, and the way I treated people when He forgave me of my sins and became my Savior. 

Memories prior to this date are still vivid in my mind, bringing regret and sorrow, but I choose not to dwell in the recesses of intellect.  I try not to live in the past, because of the hurtful pangs of remorse it brings.  With God’s help I’ve learned to close the door to past history, because I cannot change what I was, nor can I take back the things I said and did.

I cannot change what was, but with the Lord in my life, new and better memories are being formed each and every day that I walk with Him.  Do I wish I could change past events?  Absolutely!  But I can’t.  History cannot be rewritten no matter how hard a person wishes they could do so. 

I can only strive to better myself in the present in hopes that people that knew me then will see the good in me today and accept me for the person I’ve become.  My desire is that tomorrow holds better memories of today.  (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.”

It is hard to change how people think; their opinions and attitudes; especially those that know our past.  We can only show them that we have changed through the deeds we do today.  It is up to them whether or not they want to accept the new person that we have become or remember the old.

Time has a way of healing bad memories when people observe the good in others.  We must stop trying to rewrite history and allow today to speak for itself rather than living in past memories.  Stop the rhetoric; action speaks louder than words anyway.  As we show improvements through our actions, tomorrow’s memories will sooner or later reveal who we are today.

When a person stops trying to convince others of the changes that have taken place in their life and just live the person that God has changed them into, rewriting history takes care of itself.  People see the good works and learn to love them for whom they have become today.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Success Takes Committment

It seems of late that God is dealing with me concerning the spiritual needs of others.  It’s amazing to witness first hand how God uses simple things to make His thoughts known.  It reminds me of how Jesus used parables to explain spiritual things to the crowds that gathered around Him.

Yesterday, while relaxing on a weathered bench, I was overlooking a picture perfect setting; enjoying the serenity and grandeur of nature’s greatness.

A large manmade pond lay before me amongst some maturing, maple trees.  Evergreen shrubberies lined the banks and numerous, colorful flowers adorned the area.  Everywhere I looked was beauty.  A fountain in the middle of the pond completed the ambiance.  Everything was pleasing to my eyes.

I could hear birds singing their songs, while playful squirrels chased each other up and down the trees.  The beauty of it all refreshed my inner consciousness; bringing peace and tranquility to my mind.  Nature in its entire splendor was touching my whole being.

In the quietness of the hour God spoke to me regarding my commitment to Him and the importance of sharing my faith with non-believers. 

The Holy Spirit directed my attention to the fountain.  He made me to realize its importance to the pond.  The beauty of the fountain was wonderful, but the purpose it served was the greater message that God wanted me to see.

From the hole in the top of the fountain a continuous stream of water sprayed into the air like a geyser, high above the surrounding body of water.  As it flowed nonstop; cascading back into the pond; it seemed my spiritual ears could hear the fountain shouting, “Behold the gift I have for you!”

People are able to see the fountain from all around and the beauty it provides.  When the sun shines through the mist coming off the spray it creates a perfectly formed rainbow; adding even more color to the already magnificent setting.

I began to see more than just the brilliance of the fountain.  Understanding of its purpose was being revealed.  The fountain spoke to me like a parable.  It helped me to understand the importance of sharing my faith with others.

Watching the fountain, I considered the electricity that powered the circulating pump.  As long as the electrical current was not interrupted, the fountain remained functional and performed the task for which it was designed.

The fountain and its workings caused me to think about God’s limitless flow of living water that is for anyone desiring satisfaction in life.  I likened it to Christians that are mindful of their responsibility of impacting the world for Christ that are always giving away from themselves.

God showed me, as long as born-again Christians remain connected to God’s infinite power, blessings from God continue flowing.  People all around are touched and changed in positive ways, because of the flow.

The body of water surrounding the fountain is significant of the vast supply of resources that God has available to everyone that accepts Jesus Christ as Lord.  The water enables the fountain to display not only its beauty, but provides the means for maintaining the freshness of the pond. 

Oxygenated water, produced by the fountain’s spray, provides life giving oxygen to the pond’s depths, which helps keep the water free from stagnation.  It also supplies a healthy environment for fish and marine life in the pond.

I felt God’s nudge when I understood His message to me.  He used a fountain to show as long as Christians work at their full potential sharing the message of God’s love with others, and keeping His plan of salvation fresh and alive, those needing healthy minds, souls and bodies will receive life.

As God’s resources flow without restriction, people all around will see not only the beauty of God in the faces of Christians sharing their faith, they will receive the life giving blessings of God’s wonderful resources.

I learned a valuable truth.  The more I allow God to flow through me, the more people I touch for Him.  Success follows Christians that are committed to God.  A Christian that shares the Gospel to a lost generation is like a fountain in a pond that gives forth beauty and life.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Experience is Not the Greatest Educator

The road of hard knocks is not the best road to travel, nor is it to our advantage to expose ourselves to the lessons it brings, especially the ones that follow deviate misbehaving.  Freely indulging in sinful pleasures in a world that caters to lascivious behavior is not an expedient way to gain wisdom and knowledge.  It is not wise to do so.

God gave us the Holy Bible as a roadmap to help guide us away from compromising pitfalls that can destroy not only the body, but the soul as well.

I’ve listened to profound testimonies from Christians that were bound by sinful pleasures; who were slaves to their own desires.  They were wonderfully transformed into new creations by the power of God, through Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit that drew them, and the grace of God that saved them, made the difference.  This is the beauty of salvation.

The Lord changes hopeless sinners into children of God and enables them to turn their back on the old sin nature and provides the where-with-all to put on the clean, fresh garments of forgiveness, honor and good sense.  Jesus made this possible through His death and resurrection.

Children that give their heart and soul to Jesus in adolescence and continue to serve God through adulthood are to be commended.  They are certainly blessed of the Father in heaven.  Their life with Christ is wonderful and rewarding.  Dedication to God allows them to walk in peace.  They never worry about venereal diseases through undisciplined promiscuity; kidney or liver failure from using alcohol and drugs; decaying lungs and heart disease, because of tobacco use; or physical and mental problems caused by horrific life styles.  Their walk with Christ eradicates fear and trepidation.

Yes, situations and tragedies of life befall every Christian; however, the odds of not contracting certain diseases are in favor of those that refuse to partake of sin.  They are not subject to the undesirable affects that sin brings.

Hearing testimonies from Christians can strengthen our walk with Christ, but we seldom hear testimonies from people that have remained true to God’s principles their whole life.  Regrettably, recognition and credence is given to miraculous conversions of retched sinners more often than consecrated “lifers” with Christ.

I believe there are instances when Christians forget the most important factor of their conversion…Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  The plan of salvation and personal testimonies, thereof, must be centered upon Jesus and not their own individual experiences when they were in sin.  Too often new-born Christians become enamored with themselves and the attention they now receive. 

The focus of “new beginnings” must be centered upon (John 3:16) and not how great we are.  It is nothing that we have done to receive homage and praise of man, we are merely sinners saved by God’s amazing grace.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

If caution is ignored, testimonies of past sins can be glorified more so than glorifying the one who set captives free.  God’s forgiving grace should be the main focus of any testimony.  I believe, at times, there is more emphasis placed on the negative aspects of past shortcomings, by means of explicit details, that the true meaning of salvation is missed.  I call these people; “Look at me” Christians. 

Salvation is made possible only by the blood of the Lamb; Jesus Christ the Righteous.  People sometimes fail to realize (Zechariah 4:6), “…Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”  No matter how deep in sin, every Christian is a sinner saved by grace; unable to do anything to save themselves and merit God’s favor.  It is Jesus Christ that liberates the souls of mankind.

An hour long testimony of past rebellion, with disgusting details, and a five minute credit to God at the end is not using good judgment.  It is a thin line between self exaltation of the past and total thanksgiving to the Lord for complete and utter forgiveness.  Which do you think should be glorified more; past escapades with the devil or present encounters with God?

I also believe there are Christians in the audience that enjoy hearing testimonies of smut and superficial life styles, because it provides a platform for self-destructive thoughts to grow concerning their own shortcomings in life.  It allows them to not only surround themselves with a “nobody’s perfect” attitude, but it encapsulates them in a fruitless environment of “what ifs”, thus preventing growth in the Lord.  It’s their excuse for walking the fence between right and wrong.  How foolish they are!

Yes, experience can be an educator, and the road of hard knocks illuminates the mind at times, but God’s Word is of greater value.  It has much deeper insight to right and wrong.  Allowing the Bible to be a lamp unto our feet and a light to our pathway provides less heartache, with virtually no scaring or regrets.

As we abide in the warnings of the Bible and the strength it provides, these warnings help sustain our covenant relationship with God.  God’s strength becomes our strength.  God’s Word remains our guide to a more fulfilled and productive life, without all the turmoil that accompanies sin.

Fire need not be experienced to know that it’s hot.  Greater education comes through experiencing the promises of God’s Word; knowledge that the world cannot provide.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When Hell Freezes Over

“When hell freezes over” is a term used by many people to declare their deepest opinion regarding a non-compromising situation.  This made up mind concerning life-changing matters is commendable and says a lot about their character.

A disciplined resolve to do what’s right is the common denominator found in most Christians that are dedicated to God.  When the devil tries to lead them astray they dig in their heels-of-resistance and may well speak words like, when hell freezes over, or words similar to these.  "Get behind me Satan in the name of Jesus!" works just fine.  But whatever words or phrases work to help keep you on the straight and narrow path of righteousness, keep using them.

Resisting the devil is an attitude of one’s spirit that all Christians should maintain and embrace when combating the devil on questionable issues and situations.  We know that sin tears the soul away from God, but a strong willpower to resist Satan is the determining factor that prevents this from happening.  A person that remains dedicated to their faith walks in victory.

God’s Word, when spoken in earnest, invokes authority and causes the devil to take flight.  He knows what the Bible says in (James 4:7).  “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  Satan must obey the omnipotence of God’s Word.

Satan will always tempt Christians to compromise their faith for a moment of pleasure, but when they stand firm and resist his attempts to seduce them; he soon gives up and departs.  This is the steadfastness every Christian should apply when being confronted by the enemy of their soul.  An attitude like this is the non-compromising strength that the Holy Spirit extends to all Believers.  We need only to practice it.

God’s Word says that Satan will flee when Christians resist him.  Believe what you read!  The Bible is inherently true.  It is factual and without error.  You can depend on its truth, and stand on its promises.

On occasion I’ve heard people command Satan to go to hell when they were fed up with his antics.  I don’t know if I concur with the terminology, but to speak words of resistance is like spitting in the eye of Satan, while knowing that our big brother, Jesus, will fight the battles for us.  The Lord will never leave us.  (Hebrews 13:5) “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:  for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

There is power in the name of Jesus.  The spirit of anti-Christ trembles at the mere mention of His name.  (Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Still Under Construction

My background as a general building contractor, in a highly competitive industry, has proven to be enjoyable and fulfilling.  I build desirable and safe structures, using plans that have been carefully drafted by licensed architects that painstakingly and systematically detailed each phase of construction in their plans.

If I chose not to comply with the approved plans by cutting corners and using substandard or inferior building materials in order to save construction costs, my refusal to comply with the architects requirements may prove to be a foolish choice.  The success of my business could be jeopardized, because of compromise, thus, affecting future projects and even my career.  My dad always said, “Your name goes before you.”

Engineers, working closely with architects, design houses to withstand wind and seismic forces.  Failure to comply with their directives can result in calamity and negative repercussions.  Everyone loses if this were to happen.

It is most prudent, as a general contractor, to be responsible and diligent to follow plans and to build in excess of minimum code requirements.  These vital things I do for the sake of those that will live in the houses I build.  Every individual deserves a safe environment in which to dwell.  It is my duty and obligation to do what is expected of me, and more.

The goals and desires I have are to take pride in my ongoing projects and to rest in the knowledge that I have done everything in my power to insure that each house is built safe and sound for occupancy.  I envision God doing this very thing as He erects our spiritual dwellings.  I am confident in the perfection of God, and I believe that He has done everything to insure a safe haven for all Christians through Jesus Christ, as it pertains to life. 

Though Satan uses calamity and discourse as a means of trying to collapse the Believer’s spiritual structure, we can know assuredly that when God builds the house it will not fall!  For this reason we must rely upon God’s master plan for our life, and recognize that He is the architect and builder in whom we can trust.

God’s plan is sure and without error.  The technical details explaining how to build a successful housing for Him, namely ourselves, are drafted in the Bible.  These details are clear and precise.  It is up to us to follow this plan if we want success in life; not as the world measures success, but the success of building a desirable home where God can dwell.

We have a choice to build our life with inferior materials, taking shortcuts, or we can acknowledge God’s perfect plan and allow Him to be the architect and contractor over the project of our life and soul.

Because of foolish choices, people that live in structures of their own making can suffer calamity and discourse when the storms of life batter against it.  There is a better plan.  Building our life God’s way is the only sure way for success.  His techniques are safe and secure.

Time and discipline are two factors that help build a good, dependable dwelling place.  God builds our spiritual house with patience and careful consideration to detail.  He doesn’t get in a hurry lest the step by step process of building a Father/son, Father/daughter relationship be compromised.  As we allow the Holy Spirit to build us up in Christ Jesus, the structure that He builds is unmovable and sound.

My spiritual house is still under construction, but as God pours the foundation of truth; lays the under flooring of honesty; erects the framework of purity; stands the trusses and beams of Godly integrity; and applies the roof and wall coverings of the whole armor of God, I can withstand any onslaught from Satan’s tempest.  I remain protected; safe and secure from all alarm.  This house of flesh becomes the dwelling place for God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our Comforter.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Behind Closed Doors

Seeing the depth of a person’s character does not happen on public transit, in crowded elevators, standing in long lines, or at church.  The true test of character shows up behind closed doors when no-one is around. 

Integrity stands firm with principles and speaks opposition in the face of temptation, whereas, a lack of character tucks its head in shame and surrenders to enticement.  It’s up to the individual which road they travel.  It’s not what we appear to be on the outside that matters most; it’s who we are on the inside when no-one is looking.

Character is a product of the heart; the inner self.  A person knows what they truly are even though they put on a facade of decency to prove otherwise.  God smiles on them or He doesn’t, depending upon the character of the one hidden from view.  God sees the heart. 

The true test of an individual’s moral fiber is measured when they are alone.  When a person takes on the attributes of Christ, the inner being changes.  (2 Corinthians 5:16) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

A hypocrite can be a giving, caring person in the public’s eye; sing louder than anyone else at church; or give money to charitable organizations, but the depth of their character shows up in the privacy of their quiet time behind closed doors when no-one is watching.

A person may fool others most of the time, but they will never fool God.  They live their true character when alone; having to admit to themselves what their weakness is, especially when the Holy Spirit reveals it to them. 

Every individual, including Christians, need to get their heart in line with God’s Word.  This allows their character to shine forth like diamonds, even when God is watching.  They can then hold their head high and know they are walking in the footsteps of Jesus.  Rather than self-centeredness ruling their personality, a desire to please God comes from deep within.

There is no greater feeling than knowing that all is well with our Heavenly Father.  The recognition we should desire more than anything is having the Lord smile and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Nothing in this world can give the peace of mind that a person receives when serving God at all times; even when they are alone behind closed doors.

Written by,

Papa Boyd