Curiosity



“Curiosity killed the cat” is a proverb used to warn of the dangers associated with uneventful involvement and unnecessary investigation into areas that should be left alone.  Nonessential experimentation of any kind should be shunned.  To be involved with such things is bad judgment.  Regrets usually follow when curiosity is allowed to merge into one’s psyche. 

On occasion, people are faced with controversial issues and happenings that are unscrupulous, yet horrific in nature.  When caution is thrown to the wind and curiosity overrides good judgment, chance takers, as I call them, wish later that they hadn’t dawdled along the way; stopping to take notice of things they shouldn’t have.  The indelible images and impressions experienced now are a part of their inner consciousness not only in the present, but future recollections as well. 

It is hard to erase what the mind has recorded through sight and hearing once unpleasant things are absorbed from opening Pandora’s Box.  Try as a person may to erase these audible and visual images, because of wrong choices, the past is now with them.  There is no changing what is; they must live with the choices that were made.

When opportunity seems to be knocking and it is misconstrued as being a good thing to take notice of, it would behoove any visionary person to ask themselves the following questions prior to blindly embarking into uncharted water.  “In what condition will this experience leave me?” and “Am I willing to risk feelings of remorse at a later time?” and “Will the encounter or viewing of the matter make me a better person? 

If thoughts enter the mind that a quest should be ignored, because they might be mentally and emotionally disturbing, or perhaps unstable in nature, that person should listen to the inner voice and cease the quest—it may be a ruse from Satan. 

Mysteries of the unknown can get us into deep water—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  We needn’t yield to curiosity that peaks our interest and inquisitive mind, which can produce bad decisions and choices.  We should guard against the invasion of ungodly things that entice us to look and listen.

It is not until images and remarks enter the eye and ear gate that regrets are manifested, and the realization finally hits that it was unwise to choose to partake.  It is bad enough that such things were allowed to enter the mind, but they have now found lodging; bringing misgivings, which affect all other senses. 

People react in different ways when trying to find solace and understanding of what they just experienced, because of the traumatic impact on their senses.  In times like these, the depth of the expression “Curiosity killed the cat” is understood, but it is too late to do anything constructive except suffer from the experience.

An example of the above thoughts took place sometime back when my youngest son was surfing the net and came across a video clip of a horrific and barbaric crime against an innocent human being.  It was the brutal beheading of an American Citizen that had been captured in Iraq by a group of pagan insurgents that wanted revenge in the name of justice. 

This cold-blooded murder of a twenty-two year old man was reprisal for the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners that were captured and incarcerated by the U.S. Government upon the invasion of Iraq, and for the supposed brutalizing of fellow countrymen.

I believe in the “eye for an eye; tooth for a tooth” concept, but this willful display of hate and cowardice, with a disregard for life, speak loudly the reasons why the United States invaded Iraq; dethroning the wicked powers that ruled that country.

The killing of this young man serves as a warning to the rest of the world that hate, which is the driving force of terrorism, can touch any country’s boarders.  Tyranny comes from those that would rather kill innocent people than to reach out a hand of friendship.  They are the enemy of freedom. 

Such people pride themselves as “martyrs for the cause” when they strap explosives to their body and become human bombs to kill blameless men, women, and children.  They believe their heroics will be rewarded with a houseful of virgins in the hereafter, wherever that is.  It certainly isn’t God’s heaven.

Every act of terrorism is just another blow from Satan himself.  A true glimpse of his face was seen as I viewed the video clip that my son had found.  The devil is ugly and heartless, and those that are manipulated by his influence are unscrupulous and unprincipled people. 

Their attacks of cruelty and the mayhem that follows them will require the ultimate price for their malice.  Their souls will burn in hell for eternity along with Lucifer and his angels when God pronounces His final condemnation. 

Peace will one day reign, but how much farther must mankind fall from grace on their one-way trek to hell before God says, “Enough!”  I am afraid that we are seeing just the tip of the iceberg and will witness even greater horrors as Satan continues his campaign to consume that which is wholesome and good. 

Hell was prepared for the devil and a third of the angels that rebelled against God.  If any person goes there, it is by their own choosing, because they allowed Satan to influence and have control over this short span of time, called life.  It is this senseless surrender of their will to him that determines their fate.

We gasp and are appalled at the grotesque manner in which the boy’s life was taken, yet, how many innocent babies are slaughtered through dismemberment in the womb, and having their brains sucked into a sink at partial birth abortions in the name of “freedom of choice”—a cause that is an abomination in the sight of God. 

Over four-thousand precious babies a day are thrown away like unwanted garbage.  Is there nothing sacred anymore in this sinful nation?  Humanity, in its desire to rule as gods, has only scratched the surface of what is to come as they persist in giving their minds over to Satan and becoming reprobates.  Man’s mind is vicious, sadistic, and inhuman when seeking power, self-gratification, and exaltation.

I wish that I hadn’t given into curiosity by viewing the video clip.  Numbness and heartache is present as a result of watching it.  I close my eyes and see the knife severing the young man’s head from his quivering shoulders; and the screams of pain will forever haunt me.  I will be more cautious in the future as to what I allow to enter my mind. 

We must all guard our minds against the works of the flesh that deprive and deplete the wholesomeness of God’s influence.  Gore and mayhem, riotous living, sexual promiscuity, R-rated and X-rated movies, mind-altering drugs and alcohol, and pornography must be guarded against in order to maintain some kind of semblance of a God fearing nation.

(Galatians 5:19-21), “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:  adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,” vs.20 “idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,” vs.21 “envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

When the United States of America, or any nation for that matter, leaves God out of the picture, uncontrolled curiosity is allowed to manifest itself.  The end results are things like the video clip that I viewed on my computer monitor.  I feel that this young man’s blood is on all of our hands, because mankind, on the whole, is backsliding away from God’s presence.  We must take a stand for righteousness like never before! 

Many of the world’s populace spit in the face of God and say, “We can do it on our own!  We don’t need you!”  We are seeing the results of this disobedience and self-will.  My prayer is: “God, help me to strive harder in allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in my life.”  There is a price to pay for rebellion and I don’t want to go there.

(Galatians 5:22-26), “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” vs.23 “gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.”  vs.24 “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  vs.25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”  vs.26 “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Uneventful curiosity has no place in a Christian’s life, because there are too many other avenues of interest to pursue in Christ, which bring fulfillment and wellbeing as we walk with Him.  Believers must protect their mind from the conniving forces of evil.

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Tree



I’m sure you have read or heard the traditional children’s story, “Jack and the Beanstalk.”  It is a story about a mother and her son, Jack.  They lived in a small cottage and were very poor.  Their most valuable possession was their cow, Milky-White.  When the old cow stopped giving milk, Jack’s mom told him to take the cow to the market and sell her for a good price.

On his way, Jack sat down by the side of the road to rest.  A passerby asked him what he was doing with the cow and he told the man what his mother had instructed him to do.  The old man talked Jack into exchanging the cow to him for five beans. 

When Jack returned home his mother was furious with him, because of what he had done.  She was so enraged that she flung the beans out the open window and sent him to bed without supper. 

As the story goes, Jack awoke the next morning and to his amazement a huge beanstalk had shot up overnight that reached beyond his sight into the sky.

Jack climbed out of his window and up the beanstalk he went.  It was larger than any tree that he had ever climbed.  At the top he saw a huge castle where a giant and his wife lived.  The story revolves around two gold coins, a hen that laid golden eggs, and a golden harp that played beautiful music.  Reading the story will inform you of the adventures that Jack encountered.

I know the story is just a fairytale, but in this present economy it would be nice if there was a beanstalk outside my bedroom window that I could climb to attain riches that would sustain not only my wife and me, but our children and their families as well—or would it be in my best interest?

“Jack in the Beanstalk” is a cute story, but the true essence of its content is not good.  First of all, Jack steals two gold coins from the giant to help with the financial needs at home.  When that money ran out he climbed the beanstalk again and steals the giant’s hen that laid golden eggs.  Later, he steals the golden harp.  Finally, Jack killed the giant by chopping down the beanstalk, while the giant was pursuing him.  Greed and doing the wrong things brought forth death in the end.

There is a phrase that most people are acquainted with—money doesn’t grow on trees.  If it did, wouldn’t it be great if we could plant a money tree in the back yard for those times when we needed a little extra cash?  We could go out and pick a few hundred dollar bills to help us out.  I guess this notion is as far fetched as wanting a beanstalk like the one Jack climbed.

I was getting dressed this morning and my mind centered upon two people named Adam and Eve.  They had it made in the Garden of Eden if they would have obeyed God.  All their needs were met and they didn’t worry about the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Stock Market, or A&P 500 crashing overnight.  God supplied all their wants and desires.  All that Adam had to do was to tend and keep the garden.

There was just one stipulation that God had.  Adam was not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  I wonder if this tree might have been the money tree, because of what the Bible says about loving money.   

(1 Timothy 6:10), “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

All joking aside, I often see people attempting to get around God’s Commandments and do their own thing, as it were—only to find that when they blindly pursue wrong things, their spirit of rebellion causes them to be in the same state of affairs as Adam and Eve—losing out with God.  It pays to obey God if His blessings are desired.

If we are not careful we can justify our actions when wanting something, because of circumstances or the situations we find ourselves in.  Like Adam and Eve, we sometimes do the wrong things, which bring hurtful consequences.  Flawed choices and immoral actions bring the judgment of God.

Adam and Eve experienced death, because of disobedience.  Death is the ultimate sacrifice when self-centeredness is present and sin raises its ugly head.  Look at the sin of King David in (2 Samuel 11).  He allowed his hormones to rule his better judgment concerning Bathsheba.  He conceived a son with her out of wedlock, while she was married to Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s military captains. 

David tried to cover up his sin, but in the end he gave orders that Uriah be sent to the front line of battle and then for the men to pull back; leaving him alone—he was killed.  David was ultimately responsible for his murder.

The price of David and Bathsheba’s sin was the death of their newborn son.  We need to keep our choices in line with God’s choices, or suffer the consequences of our actions.

Breaking the rules reminds me of Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion, which are three physical laws that form the basis for classical mechanics—every action has an equal and opposite reaction.  Sin has an opposite reaction of spiritual death in the end if something isn’t done to neutralize its curse.

Because of disobedience (sin) in the beginning, the result was the separation between God and man, which brings us to the emphasis of this writing.  Adam and Eve listened to the serpent and were deceived.  They ate of the tree, thus, sinning against God.  Their defiance caused sin to be upon every generation that followed.  We are all born with the human tendency to sin.  It is called the “Adamic or Adamical Nature.”

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

Read (Romans 3:21-26).

God desires to reconcile with His creation, but cannot, because of our sin nature.  The only way that we can be reunited with God is through Jesus.  God gave His Son to die on the tree, which was hewn down and assembled into a cross. 

God requires the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sin; not just anyone’s blood, it took the blood of the Lamb that was without spot or blemish.  Jesus is the Lamb of God—free from sin.  He died for the redemption of fallen man. 

(John 3:16-18), “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.”  vs.17  “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  vs.18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Jesus is the Savior that gave His life willingly on the tree to reunite humanity with the Creator—our Heavenly Father—God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Seldom Realize



We seldom realize the impact that certain individuals have on our life until they are no longer with us.  The influence can be a pleasant or unpleasant experience.  Pleasant experiences create a thankful heart for the time that we were able to spend with them, whereas, unpleasant ones serve as lessons how not to treat others in our circle of friends and family.

True friends are hard to come by—few and far between.  When we find a good one, every effort should me made to keep that friendship free flowing and open.  It is better to have had one true friend in life than none at all. 

I have never had the pleasure of knowing true friendship with another individual that lasted a lifetime.  Acquaintances, yes; school chums, yes; but none with whom I’ve kept in contact with during these fleeting years that I have lived.

I can only imagine the impact that losing a lifelong friend would be like, were they to pass away; never to enjoy the beauty of camaraderie any longer.

My wife of forty years is the one person that I consider a true friend.  To try and explain the tremendous hole that would be left in my heart if something happened to her is indescribable.  The thought of her dying brings a lump to my throat.  She is not only my friend; she is everything that I hold dear.  My life encompasses her, because she brings meaning to my existence and fulfillment to my being.  We have become one.

I’m sure you have a close friend that would affect your emotions in similar ways as losing a soul mate, depending upon the depth of that friendship.  We seldom realize the worth of their presence until it’s too late.  Flowers of recognition or a card in the mail are always nice to receive.

Separation by death is a terrible thing to experience and difficult to deal with.  With the passing of time, the longing for that person relaxes its chokehold, and healing prevails, because memories of past experiences, conversations, and togetherness never fade.  They are treasures that are carefully tucked away in our subconscious, which allow us to keep our friends and relatives alive in our heart.

Think about it; to have walked with Jesus during His time of ministry must have been awesome and very enlightening.  The Disciples of Christ not only viewed Him as their Messiah and Raboni, meaning master, but their friend who was closer than a brother.

Let us not forget that Jesus was the fullness of God in flesh.  He was and is the pure essence of love.  What person would not take pleasure in and benefit from walking and talking with unadulterated love?  

For Jesus to be ripped from the disciple’s presence, beaten, and crucified on a cross, had to have been the most devastating event ever to take place in each of their lives.  The loneliness of separation was more than they could bear, but Jesus did not leave them comfortless.  He sent the Holy Spirit to console them and bring to remembrance the amazing and wonderful hours that they had spent with the Son of God.

(John 14:15-18), “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  vs.16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever—” vs.17 “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”  vs.18 “I will not leave you comfortless:  I will come to you.”

It is awe-inspiring to know that Christians, today, have the power of the Holy Spirit who gives strength each and every day when we face trials, tribulations, and the lose of loved ones.  God does not leave us comfortless; we too have the Comforter.  He is always with us, even to the end of life.  God has also given us the Bible as a roadmap to help us see clearly the path that we are to travel.

(Psalm 119:105), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Unless we slow down our fast pace living in this computer age existence, and consider where we stand with God, we seldom realize the need that is within us for a true friend and Savior.  The Lord wants to be our friend forever.

(Proverbs 18:24), “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Heaven Bound



There is a story in the Bible, (Genesis 28:10-22), about a man named Jacob, who had a dream.  In this dream a ladder was set up on earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.  The Lord stood above it and spoke to Jacob telling him of many wonderful things that He was going to do for him. 

The dream was so real that when Jacob awakened he built an altar, a pillar to God upon the stone that had pillowed his head the night before.  Jacob called the name of that place Bethel, which means, House of God.  It must have been an awesome feeling for Jacob to have such an encounter with heavenly beings and hear the voice of the Lord.

I heard another story that a lady shared with me a few months back involving a ladder.  In the story, a little girl went to her mommy and asked her to buy a ladder so that she could climb up to heaven to visit her grandpa.  The innocence and simple faith of a child is something that we should all strive for.    

This story touched my heart.  It caused me to take inventory of my life; to stop and evaluate if there was still childlike faith present within me as much as there was in my childhood.

I guess if it were possible to visit our loved ones in heaven by this method of travel, we would no doubt grab the nearest ladder to see if it would work for us.  Hypothetically, when word got out, carpenters everywhere would come out of the woodwork to specialize in the building of ladders, because of the tremendous demand for them throughout the world. 

Serious, money hungry entrepreneurs would build only one ladder and sell round-trip tickets to anyone that wanted to climb to heaven to visit their loved ones.  Perhaps these money handlers would purchase properties everywhere to set up many ladders and hang signs outside the gates that read, “Heaven Bound—Lowest Prices Anywhere.” 

There is a problem with this scenario.  When people reached the top of the ladder and looked into heaven for the first time and saw all of the splendor and magnificence, the desire to return to earth would quickly fade into oblivion. 

Money would become worthless like confederate currency, because of the mass exodus taking place.  The entrepreneur’s money that became their god would become valueless.

“Ladder Climbers,” as they would be called, would quickly realize that nothing on earth compares to the majesty and splendor of heaven.  Nothing measures up to the beautiful mansions, streets of gold, pearly gates, and the absence of pain and sorrow.  The will see that everyone’s tears have been wiped away—never to cry again. 

Ladder Climbers would recognize that the world is nothing more than a dressing room for eternity.  With this awakening comes the realization that the things they place so much value in are nothing more than sticks and stubble; temporal at best that soon fade away.

If people everywhere could catch a glimpse of heaven and look into the face of God as He welcomed His children home, they would be more inclined to rejoice at the passing of their loved ones rather than trying to hold on to them. 

Thinking about heaven and God’s “perfect rest” causes me to feel a little selfish and self absorbed when wishing that my parents were still with me and not in heaven with Jesus. 

If people could see what lies beyond the veil of death they would certainly live differently.  They would possess an exceeding expectation for the wonderful things that are to come for those that have been born-again.   The Bible teaches in (2 Corinthians 5:8), “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”  This is the hope of the Christian. 

My folks are basking in the presence of Almighty God.  What greater prize is there in this life than to fall asleep and wake up in heaven; being surrounded with angels and loved ones that have gone on before?  The Lord is there to welcome us with open arms and say, “Enter into the joy of your Lord; good and faithful servant.”

Death is nothing to fear when considering what awaits the Christian.  Just think, our loved ones that have passed from this life through death’s door have completed the race and finished the course.  Their journey here has ended, but their journey on streets of gold has just begun.  How can we think of calling them back?

This lifespan on earth is like a vapor.  It is a span of time that, in the scheme of things when measured alongside eternity, it fails to even register, yet God places tremendous value and emphasis on these few short years that He has given us.  How we live this life directly impacts where we will spend eternity—heaven or hell. 

Depending upon which garments that we choose to put on in this dressing room called life, determines where our soul will live forever and ever.  Both garments are in this dressing room—the garment of righteousness, or the garment of self.  The choice is ours to make as to which one we will wear.

There is no doubt that I would choose to go by ladder, escalator, elevator or an airplane, though I hate to fly, if I didn’t have to taste death.  The Bible says in (Hebrews 9:27) that we will die one time and then be judged by Jesus.  Bear this in mind; Jesus is our Savior now, but in heaven He will be our Judge.

(Hebrews 9:27-28), “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” vs.28 “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

(2 Corinthians 5:10), “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

The one and only way to make it to the other side is through Jesus Christ.  He spanned the gulf (Sin) that separates man from God by shedding His blood.  He allowed His hands and feet to be nailed to a cross for our sins.  His side was wounded for our transgressions and He was bruised for our iniquity. 

We are healed of sin and our infirmities by the stripes that Jesus suffered at the hands of merciless torturers and tormentors.  He suffered and died a cruel death to provide the only means possible to get from earth to heaven. 

Only the death of Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, bought our ticket to heaven where we will rejoice and praise God forever with our loved ones.  Jesus came to earth, died, and rose from the dead on the third day.  He went back to heaven to prepare a place for all those that serve Him in this life. 

We need only to confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, and our name is then written in the Lambs Book of Life.  Our reservation in heaven has been made.  Thank you Father for the hope we possess in Jesus.  We are heaven bound.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



God's Perfect Plan or Mine



Could it be that I, like so many other people down the street, around the corner, and across town have a tendency to bury my head in the sand when making decisions that should be grounded in wholesome, old fashioned honesty, without ulterior motives in mind?  I pray not! 

I look around and it appears that a trend is becoming more and more prevalent for which today’s populous is saying by their actions, “I’ll get them before they get me.”  It is a clear attitude of, “Do unto others before they do unto you”—full of malice.

The integrity and moral values of mankind are spiraling downward in a steady decline, while the actions of people that were once looked upon by society as being abnormal and lacking purity are now becoming the norm and acceptable ways of living in this new age.  It is frightening to see how emotions and personalities are becoming out of control, which lack honor, decency, and nobility.   

Think about it, the offspring of this generation are going to be the future leaders of this country—influenced by their parents as they follow in their footsteps.  It is a sobering thought to say the least.  What decay lies ahead for America?  My heart flutters when I think about the direction this great nation is headed—a hell-bent path for sure.  It is only going to get worse according to the Bible.  We are in the incubation stages of sorrows spoken of in God’s Word.

(Matthew 24:3-8), “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be?  And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ ” vs.4 “And Jesus answered and said to them:  ‘Take heed that no one deceives you.’” vs.5 “‘For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.’” vs.6 “‘And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.’” vs.7 “‘For nations will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.’” vs.8 “‘All these are the beginning of sorrows.’ ”   

As for me, I refuse to fall prey to this declining society, and I reject any notion that enters my mind that I will change and become like it.  I walk daily in God’s Spirit and allow Him to direct my coming and going, while maintaining sensitivity to His voice.  I strive to remain in tune with God’s way of thinking and in step with His way of walking.  The corruption and vice that's around will not rub off to contaminate and make me unclean as long as I keep my eyes upon the Lord. 

(1 John 4:4), “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 

No one wants to be on the losing end of something, and I’m no different.  It is how a person looks at losing that determines if sleepless nights are experienced, or anxiety and depression prevail.  I believe when God is in control, an individual sleeps well at night, because all things work out according to His good pleasure.  The peace of God surrounds those that live for Him. 

When people attempt to manipulate others, including God, the “caution boundaries” that have been established, become outdated and unimportant in the minds of those trying to work the system, as it were.  For these scheming individuals, all of the tranquilizers known to man; the most educated psychiatrist; and even yoga will not help them pillow their heads at night in peace to get a good nights rest.

There is nothing wrong with having a plan for life as long as God is included in the equation and development of it.  Too many people, today, desire their own style of living; excluding God from the scenario.  They prefer the ungodly plan of achieving their goals as apposed to God’s perfect plan. 

The methodology of justification speaks loudly its disregard for the feelings of others—giving little respect if any.  People become oblivious to the needs of those around them and really don’t care anyway.  The word lose is not in their immediate vocabulary of the most favored words to use.  Losing is not in their game plan at all. 

A man that I once worked for made this statement more than one time.  “If you watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.”  I observed this man verbally abuse people and misuse his position in negative ways.  I was ashamed of him.  It seemed to me that money was his God, and the more he obtained the more miserable he became.  I believe his ultimate plan was to win at everything he did and not lose at any cost.  He had a nasty disposition at time with an impulsive nature.  I was happy when we parted company.

Addressing another thought, I pose this question.  Why is it that upstanding, true-blue lovers of the American flag that love truth, justice, and the American way, not excluding Christians, are faced with tests in areas of stewardship, going the extra mile, or just doing the right thing for someone? 

I believe that it is God’s way of drawing people closer to Him.  He shows us that when we obey His statutes, He then gives us the desires of our heart.  He prospers and makes good His promise that all things will be added unto those that call upon the name of the Lord. 

Tests have a way of perfecting a person.  They help teach us that by walking, talking, doing right by people and God, and taking on the image of Christ, others around us can learn through our example.  God uses situations to draw mankind to Himself.  If they would stop long enough to listen to sound doctrine, look into the eyes of Jesus, and turn from their compulsive, self-centered ways, they would realize that God’s perfect plan is the most wholesome way to live.

How many times have you found yourself experiencing a meltdown, because of a mind or hairsplitting decision that teetered from side to side on the line of demarcation, which left you feeling that your ability to choose the right and honorable thing to do was being tested? 

As your heart skipped a beat and you took in a deep breath of air; as you exhaled slowly, you probably heard these words being uttered, “It’ll be okay.”  As you breathed out your next breath you heard, “Or is it?” 

Thin line decisions are the most difficult of all decisions to make.  One part of you, because of something to gain or something to lose, beckons you to think selfishly, while the other part is pulling in the opposite direction.  There is a clumsy, misfit feeling that comes over you.  It is not fun to be torn in two different directions with the nagging question, “Which decision is the right one to make?”

Most people acknowledge that there is safety in council as stated in (Proverbs 11:14), but even in some counseling sessions the individual that is doing the counseling, whether a friend, family member, or professional psychiatrist, chances of being stirred in the wrong direction is possible, if not probable, depending upon their position in Christ.

Let’s face it; they are prone to err in judgment as much as anyone else, although using someone as a sounding board can be helpful in many cases and most enlightening.  There is safety in council.

(Proverbs 11:14), “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” 

In the humanistic sense or humanistic way of thinking, people lean toward making you feel good rather than giving you a negative thought.  They don’t want you to go away having wished that you hadn’t come to them in the first place. 

Friends and family members mean well and want to help, but on occasion they give poor advice, because of error in judgment and a desire to spar feelings.  For whatever reason, they may feel that you are justified in making a decision a certain way, and justify the decision based on what they themselves might do given the same circumstances.   

We can get caught up with dwelling too long on something that we might lose if we decide a certain way, so we find ourselves in an endless process of justifying our actions for the decision that we want to make; at the same time sensing in the back of our mind, words telling us something totally different.  It's the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Justification can be the trap that snares good judgment, thus, causing us to make bad choices and wrong decisions.  It clouds the mind just enough to allow reason to choose unwisely.  Justification from others can be confusing at times.  It sets in motion a “release factor” that causes us to side with them and say, “Yes, I am justified in doing it this way.” 

Be careful.  Do you want to be justified in the eyes of your friends, family members, and even your own eyes?  Truth comes when a person asks, “Am I justified in the eyes of God?”  This question gives the correct answer every time. 

When God is included in decision making, answers come much quicker.  There is less turmoil and stress to contend with.  One’s conscience is at rest with itself, and peace resides, which replaces confusion. 

When we do what Jesus would do, were He here making the choice, the decision will always be the right one.  I would much prefer to experience God’s perfect plan than slithering through life having my eyes blinded by the dry, chocking dust that is kicked up because of justification and wanting my plan.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Give Him Time

We live in a society that expects immediate results rather than having to wait for something.  When a computer is outdated it is quickly discarded and replaced with a faster, more efficient model.  For the most part, today’s society is full of rude and disrespectful people, especially at a stoplight, or when standing in line.  They expect others to bow or submit to their impatience.  Moreover, when longsuffering and tolerance take flight, that which remains is an attitude of insolence.  Impertinence and impudence quickly follow.

Self centered individuals are usually greed-stricken; not caring about anyone else’s well-being; just their own.  All they see and think about is themselves and how to satisfy their needs and wants, or acquire another dollar by whatever means is at their disposal.  This is a sad commentary, but true none the less.  It is a sad environment in which to raise children…a “Do as I say not as I do” mentality. 

This kind of approach to life is integrating into neighborhood churches, because of economical struggles.  Churches have become community stopovers or “swing-by stations” for people that need a quick fix (handout) for their troubled and sorted challenges of life.  The heartrending part facing churches that give out of love is seeing the attitude of a number of these people that expect compensation for their state of affairs—wanting it now. 

As a person learns to refrain from the old nature of restlessness, patience is acquired, and good work ethics is learned, especially at times when God allows people to walk by faith.  This teaches, to a greater degree, how to trust Him as His attributes of calmness and longsuffering take hold of one’s life.  There is a lesson to be learned on how to depend upon God’s truth to help stay the course and continue the walk of righteousness.

There are times when we feel that we’re in a vacuum and the heavens have turned to brass.  It is then we need to believe in someone bigger than ourselves to see us through.  We must learn to trust God.  Though people fail us, we must keep trusting.  When circumstances don’t go the way we think they should, we must keep walking—continuing to place one foot in front of the other.  If there is a question as to where the next step may land, stand fast and wait for the voice of God.  Don’t give up!  Give Him time to work out the matter.

When an answer to prayer is belated, keep praying—believing God for the answer.  Give Him time to work on your behalf.  Don’t fall into the trap of the three D’s...Disappointment, Discouragement, and Doubt.

God hears every prayer.  We need to learn how to put off the old nature of impatience and elect to become more long suffering by praying, “Not my will Lord, but yours be done.”  The hand of God will move when we give Him a chance to work.  Give Him time.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



From Whence Comes My Strength



If a person, or any person for that matter, takes the time to ponder where true strength originates, the realization of weaknesses and vulnerability in oneself will be revealed.  Experiencing failures in past trials and challenges should be evidence enough to show this undeniable truth about ourselves.  Yes, we are weak and vulnerable, but God is our source of strength and protection.

If fruitless attempts to achieve sustained elation of self-reliance and self-sufficiency are subscribed to, a rude awakening begins to unfold.  As people continue to strive to be their own person without the help of God, a host of questionable areas lacking good judgment become apparent.  These areas are humanistic in nature, which is the fundamental reason why good judgment becomes impaired.

This self-imposed, freewill nature that people pursue runs into opposition and confusion at every turn.  When they think all is well; believing they are on course; reality slaps them in the face.  This realization shows them that they are surrounded by trouble and floundering without direction—the way is unclear.  They seek assistance, yet find themselves going to the wrong sources for help; falling deeper into dismay.  Dearth is the result of self-sufficiency.   

Have you ever found your emotions running high and feeling alive with self-confidence, only to find that you are becoming fortified with a false sense of self-inflicted energy, and finding yourself deflated when something trivial comes your way to disrupt the flow of tranquility and contentment?  No doubt you found yourself in a state of unconscious retreat as well-being gave way to complacency. 

When the above emotions are allowed to run unchecked, feelings of melancholy and uncertainty begin to surface.  The gung-ho drive surrenders to a defeatist attitude.  How can a person that was super high with emotion one minute, plummet to a point of despair the next?  What happened?

Let us consider for a moment certain areas that cause unstable footholds, which bring an unrelenting tossing motion like a ship in rough seas.  The answer lies about eighteen inches below the knees.  It is the floor beneath one’s feet.  When we kneel or lie prostrate before Almighty God and ask Him for the reasons why things are going as they are, the following paragraphs may hold some answers and explanations.

We should guard against neglect.  Neglect hinders our relationship with God when we fail to include him in our daily living.  Walking close to Him alleviates a wishy-washy, unstable way of living.  

Reading the Bible maintains a hedge of protection around us that encapsulates the mind, renewing it with God’s truth, while encompassing our way of life in every activity.  It provides sustenance for the inner, spiritual being.  Bible truths filter thoughts that are constantly bombarding our subconscious mind, while giving strength.  God's Word promotes a deeper walk with Jesus. 

(Psalm 119:103-105), “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”  vs.104 “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.”  vs.105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 

Prayer stays the devil’s attempts to rob from us dignity and integrity.  It prevents strength from ebbing away that would cause exhaustion and weakness, which tends to produce a defeatist lifestyle.

God encourages a steady diet of holiness; not that of our own self-righteousness.  Godly influence dispels the fiery darts of Satan.  When we put on the whole armor of God we are at our strongest in the Lord. 

(Ephesians 6:10-18), “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”  vs.11 “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  vs. 12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  vs. 13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  vs.14 “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” vs.15 “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” vs.16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”  vs.17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” vs.18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–” 

We are weak within ourselves, but in Christ we are made strong.  When having an attitude of self-sufficiency; thinking that we need nothing more than our own intellectual abilities to get the job done; are the times when problems befall us—complications arise.

Attempts to use pathetic measures to direct one’s life and lean upon a self-made confidence are no match for the devil’s deceptions.  He will win every time, however, Satan recognizes the power that is in the blood of Jesus and trembles at the mention of His name.  The devil is a defeated foe, because of what Jesus did.  

Jesus paid the price for sin on the cross of Calvary.  Because of this love for mankind, we can walk victorious every day.  With His precious blood covering those that are born again, having experienced the new birth through Jesus, Satan has no dominion.  God’s children are free to live life abundantly through Jesus Christ the Lord.  His blood keeps Believers safe and secure from all wiles of the devil.

Christians need to renew their commitment to God each and every day, acknowledging their position in Jesus, while thanking God for His saving grace.  It’s not that Christians are reborn each morning as in the new birth spoken of in (John 3:3), but it is allowing the Holy Spirit to again baptize them in the protective, cleansing flow of Jesus’ blood—His shroud of empowerment.  We are to walk in the Spirit daily, which prevents falling prey to Satan’s deceptions and the lust to do wrong.

When we allow God to reign supreme in our life and give ourselves completely to His care, we walk and talk differently.  Our heart is changed from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh.

(Ezekiel 36:26-27) “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”  vs.27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

The old, sin nature is defeated and we become a new creation in Christ Jesus.  All things become new and the old things pass away, because of our desire to serve Him.  Exterior, negative influences and the spirit of darkness cease to have power over us.  We take authority over them in the name of Jesus, because greater is God that is within us than the spirit of anti-Christ in the world.

(1 John 4:4), “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Our strength is in Jesus who overcame the world.  In our weakness we are made strong through Him.  Jesus enables us to walk in power and truth.  We need not fear, because perfect love casts out all fear.  Jesus is this perfect love—God’s gift to you, me, and all of humanity. 

All we need to do is receive this gift of life—God’s only begotten Son.  We then have everything we need to combat the enemy of our soul, thus, being enabled to walk in strength and victory.

(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.”

The Lord is our beacon of hope; the lighthouse for our soul when the storms are raging.  He guides us to the safe haven of rest and shelter.  Though Satan tries to swamp and capsize our vessel, as long as we keep our eyes focused upon the Light ahead and remain on course, “Port Jesus” will be our refuge. 

I know from whence comes my strength.  His name is Jesus.  He gives direction and calms the troubled sea.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is Lord.

Written by,

Papa Boyd