A Quick Note



God’s love is as vast as the universe—without end—and deeper than the deepest ocean.  Words cannot begin to capture the full magnificence of His amazing love.  His grace goes beyond our comprehension, because His love is pure and without guile, but He makes it easy to know Him in the power of His forgiveness.

If I can be a part of God’s marvelous plan for your life through the words in my writings, my prayers have been answered and my efforts are not in vain.  Every word has been written with you in mind.  I want you to know that God knows your name and every need that you have.

(Matthew 10:29-31), “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”  vs.30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”  vs.31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Through the years God has given me thoughts that have helped me to face challenging moments in life.  My writings speak of these thoughts and are being compiled in the hope of blessing you, the reader.  I pray that my humble words and God’s Word speak life into your heart.

I believe as you read my writings that you will be strengthened and encouraged.  May the peace of God be yours!  Please know this; God works in many ways to promote the good news that Jesus Christ, His Son, is the only answer for today’s heartache and tomorrow’s dilemmas.  These writings are a small part of His plan—wonderful reflections of His undying love for you.

(John 3:16-17), “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.”

As you continue reading, God’s love will be revealed and you will become more enlightened and sensitive to His presence.  God’s Word sheds light to our pathway and gives a more clear understanding of His will in lives that are searching for answers.

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Content or Discontent



In which ‘tent’ do you live?  Unless you are mentally out of sorts with reality, unbalanced in your thinking, or somewhat of a masochist that gains gratification from pain, deprivation, degradation, etc., which is inflicted or imposed on oneself either as a result of one’s own actions or the actions of others, most people desire contentment over discontentment.  Who in their right mind would rather be miserable than happy?

A person’s actions and lifestyle reveal the tent in which they dwell.  The glimmer of worldly pleasure and the glitter of earthly treasures seem to outshine heavenly treasures of God’s untold riches, because people choose to interact with sin more so than righteousness, thus, experiencing a life that is discontent.

I’m not so naïve that I don’t recognize that sin gives pleasure for a season, but the bottom-line reality of sinning spells: DISCONTENT.  I am well aware that the enjoyment of this world brings certain highs and moments of ecstasy from time to time, but the longevity of their enticement quickly fades.  They are short lived.

When a person ceases or refuses to look upon the face of Jesus, and allows their eyesight to become enthralled with sinful pleasure, they soon find their world turning upside down.  Their topsy-turvy lifestyle speaks loudly the growing discontent that affects a wide range cross-section of their life.  It is filled with dissension and regrets.

Some people are deceived with the notion that all that is required to be content is following the crowd and let nature take its course—“If it feels good then do it,” is their motto.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Satan is a liar and seeking whom he may devour.  For this reason we must place our allegiance in Jesus.

Natural instincts can become stumbling blocks when yielding to their deceptive overtones.  They become the under-toe that will erode an unreliable foundation of sinking sand; a riptide that is most difficult to escape its powerful influence.  When we fix our eyes upon Jesus, the things of this world fade, while we become content in God’s love that permeates our innermost being.

(Hebrews 12:1-2), “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” vs.2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The hymn that was written by Helen H. Lemmel, in 1922, said it quite well when she wrote the words and music of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”  The words in the chorus are these:  “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.”    

The Bible says that we are to abstain from sin and present our bodies to Christ.  When doing so, we remain content, because we know our relationship with God is on a solid foundation and not sinking sand.

(Romans 12:1), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

A person that willfully continues in self-destructive behavior, without regard to the consequences of sin, is only fooling themselves.  Their defiance will sooner or later catch up with them.  There is a day coming when everyone will give an account for the deeds done in this flesh.  If we yield to self-will and disobedience to God’s Word, we ourselves establish our destination after passing from this life.

(Galatians 6:7-8), “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  vs.8 “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

I am content in knowing that my sins are forgiven, because Jesus Christ died on a cross and shed His precious blood for me—not only me, but for all mankind.  All we need to do is tell him that we are discontent with the lack of true peace in our life and invite Him into our heart, because He is the Prince of Peace.

(Romans 10:9-10), “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” vs.10 “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 

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

(Revelation 3:20-21), “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  vs.21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Faithfulness of God



It is sad how much people worry and fret, while in the midst of a spiritual ‘wait’—a headwind of varying circumstances that cause one’s heart to fade into a state of depression.  It is sometimes easier to complain and give into feelings of helplessness rather than standing fast in the strength of God’s Devine Word.

Satan tries to steal God’s Word that we have hidden in our heart when we need it most, but the Word is sharper than any two-edged sword.  God is faithful to deliver us.  He will never allow anything to come upon us that we are unable to bear.  The faithfulness of God reaches to the uttermost depth of despair, which enables a person that is losing heart to rise above the situation that has befallen them.

God is not only aware of the dilemma or perplexities that we are facing, He has the answer how to counter the problems to bring victory and satisfaction.  As we trust in Him, rather than leaning upon our own understanding concerning a matter, answers and direction come, because Jesus is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.  The Lord wants us to rely upon Him, because He cares for us and desires peace in our life. 

(Hebrews 4:15-16), “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  vs.16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We honor God through our trust in Him and He directs our comings and goings.  Yes, waiting on God can test our faith and patience at times.  It can become a tedious affair, because of our very nature.  We want things now.  No-one likes to wait when things are seemingly falling apart at the seams.

(Proverbs 3:5-8), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” vs.6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  vs.7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.”  vs.8 “It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”

If the wait is allowed to consume every waking hour with worry, rather than giving it to God, the anticipation is full of defeat and confusion.  The ability to trust, without worry, is dependent upon the depth of a person’s belief system. 

The natural instinct within us is to want things immediately, without the wait.  Impatience is a typical flaw in people, which can reveal an individual’s inner character.  It shows forth especially in times when something doesn’t go exactly the way they think it should.

Everyone needs more patience, but patience comes with a price; tribulation and trials.  God loves us so much that He is not satisfied or willing to allow us to live below our privileges in Him.  He desires that we live an abundant, fulfilled life, which means that He permits certain situations to come our way to test our faith, which draws us closer to Him, thus, building our level of patience and longsuffering.

It is hard to live by the quote, “Good things come to those who wait.”  Patience is a virtue; it is not easy to be tolerant.  God knows when we learn patience that our blood pressure remains healthy and our stomach is not tied up in knots, causing ulcers.  Our whole physical makeup is healthier when patience prevails.

(James 1:2-4), “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” vs.3 “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”  vs.4 “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Some individuals are insistent on allowing impatience to rule their better judgment, rather than waiting for God’s best.  Counterfeits are sometimes mistaken for the real thing, thus, bringing more confusion and heartache in the days that follow. 

When these people ask for self-control, tolerance, and forbearance, it goes something like this, “Lord give me patience, and I want it now!”  Learning to wait for God’s plan to unfold and reveal itself is most difficult, but the dividends are great when we do so, because God’s plan is perfect.

There is a propensity or tendency within people that limit the ability to trust that God is really in their corner and wants the best for them.  If they could get it into their head that God is all caring and loving, they would wait without complaining. 

Everyone must learn that the faithfulness of God is not dependent upon creed, culture, our nationality; how beautiful or ugly we think ourselves to be, or how wealthy or poor we are.  God is no respecter of person.  We are all made in His image and likeness.

God is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (knowing all things), and omnipresent (in all places), yet people limit the faithfulness of God through impatience, which initiates doubt.  It can cause them to get out of His will and pursue their own plans and wishes.  Doing so, without the blessings of God, is not wise.

The following story speaks to the faithfulness of God.  It is about two people; living in two different cities; going about their daily routines; but having the same common denominator.  Both wanted a Christian companion.

They were raised in Christian homes by God-fearing parents that desired God’s will for their children.  These parents believed in God’s providence; that God was always faithful and that He was never late, but right on time.

The boy in one family and girl in the other had certain expectations as to what they envisioned a perfect scenario of life should be.  While years passed, each child fulfilled certain goals in their teens, but as adulthood quickly approached, goals changed with maturity.  Each knew that God was sovereign and could grant their deepest longing, which was a Christian companion; the person of their dreams.

Time was slipping by without the perfect scenario coming to pass.  The wait was agonizing and long; unbearable at times.  It seemed that God was afar off, and their faith was being tested. 

Tired of waiting, they ventured out on their own and tried to work out their own future.  Frustration and disappointment soon closed in on them bringing questions of whether or not they would ever see the faithfulness of God fulfilled in their life.  Their faith was shaken. 

This was a hard place to be for them, because Satan made it seem that they were unworthy of such blessings and that it would never happen.  The devil is a liar and the father of all lies.  The sooner we realize this, the better off we will be spiritually.  We must guard our mind against the wickedness of Satan’s deceptions by taking the helmet of salvation as a daily precaution, which is part of the ‘whole armor of God’ spoken of in (Ephesians 6:10-18).

It didn’t take long before each of them realized that perfect peace, joy, and real satisfaction had evaded their grasp.  In their heart of hearts they wanted God’s perfect plan to be revealed, but the wait was tough.  They became weary and began to have doubts if their dream would ever come true.

The saying, “God may be slow, but He is never late” became just that, a meaningless saying.  Their faith was beginning to waiver, because the wait was a heavy burden to carry by them alone. 

Giving their future, unreservedly to God, was hard to do, whereas, most people find this difficult.  The two, tired of the wait, struck out in their own impetuous search for Mr. and Ms. Right.  They hoped that they were in the will of God, but not knowing for sure, both continued cautiously on their quest.

I believe that when a person lays everything before God and truly surrenders all to Him and says, “Not my will Lord, but yours be done,” is when the faithfulness of God and His perfect plan can come together and be revealed.  It wasn’t until they totally surrendered their will to God that things started to materialize.

Paths not yet crossing, the young man and woman continued in faith, becoming fulfillment in God; knowing He had everything under control and that in His time Christian companionship would come to pass.  They trusted the words in the Bible and stood on God’s promises.

(Psalm 37:4-5), “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  vs.5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” 

Though counterfeits presented themselves, coming and going like the seasons, they continued to trust God, because they believed that His timing was perfect, and that the wait would be worth it all.  Their hope was in God not in their own unfulfilled endeavors to find someone.  Both knew if they were patient, the right person would come along to complete them. 

The faithfulness of God goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, “God is faithful!”  We may not be able to see around the corner or beyond the horizon, but God sees all.  He has asked only that we to trust and obey His Word, and then see the fruition of our faith come to pass.

A fluke occurrence took place that caused the paths of these two people to cross.  They fell in love, got married, and had children of their own to raise in the fear and admiration of a holy and righteous God. 

My wife and I are the happily married couple that this story was about.  God has never failed, nor forsaken us.  He has supplied our every need these four plus decades.  The truths in the Bible have sustained our relationship in the good times and hard times, because it is truth—without error.  God’s Word is perfect and everlasting.

Was it a fluke happening that brought us together or the faithfulness of God?  I believe it was the faithfulness of God working in both our lives.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Life Without Purpose



What amount of pressure becomes too much when considering the mental state of an individual that is overwhelmed as a result of diverse responsibilities, or merely trying to find meaning to life?  Where is the breaking point?  How many people are on the tightrope of despair and ready to plummet into utter dismay at any time? 

The strain of trying to maintain balance and level headedness quickly takes its toll when people lean on their own strength and abilities.  How many hurting people are growing tired of insurmountable challenges and overwhelming uncertainties in life?  Many I'm afraid.

It should concern us all when considering how many people in the world are on the brink of a nervous breakdown or in need of psychiatric evaluation and help.  We rub shoulders with them every day, and seldom, if ever, do we know who they are.  Everywhere around us are needy people that are giving into feelings of oppression and misgivings that there is little reason for living.

More teenagers are committing suicide in America than ever before in the history of this great land; a land of liberty, yet so many are floundering hopelessly; bound to the notion that there is no purpose in life.  They feel like their existence is void of meaning, with no future.  They believe that killing themselves is the only answer to their unhappiness. 

Their world has become a living hell; mundane, insignificant and boring.  They have accepted the lies that Satan has fed them that there is no hope.  He has convinced them to give up and end it all.

Realization to the needs of others hits home when reading the daily newspaper or watching the evening news on television when the reporter announces that a person has taken the lives of innocent bystanders before ending their own life. 

Answers may never be known why they did such a senseless act, but I believe it was because of despondency, the lack of stability, and having no direction in life—a life without purpose.

Think about it.  Could this person or others like them be the individual that we get angry with while driving?  Is the co-worker that we speak harshly to in the workplace one of these people?  Is the moron that cuts in line in front of you ready to explode at any moment?

Who are they?  What do they look like?  How close are they to snapping?  We can become oblivious to the needs of others, because of our own perplexities in life.  What gesture or comment that we speak to them in haste could put us in harms way?  What straw might it be that finally breaks their will and pushes them over the edge?

  

I don’t have the answers, but I do know that I would rather not find them out the hard way and be on the receiving end of frustration at its highest peak.  For this reason alone we should treat others with respect and kindness; the way we want to be treated.  Kindness goes a long way in preventing unnecessary happenings. 

In this hustle and bustle environment in which we live, we are prone to give others a piece of our mind at times when diplomacy, coupled with kindheartedness, should be implemented.  If we would practice (Proverbs 15:1-2) we would be more able to resolve a bad state of affairs before something irreversible takes place.

(Proverbs 15:1-2) “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  vs.2 “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.”

When conversing with strangers, and even a family member, it is wise to be kind.  We don’t know the depth of despair in which they may be drowning.  Are they going down for the third time?  We don’t know, but a smile or a word fitly spoken can change a potentially bad situation into a good one, because of benevolence.

Life without purpose can drive a person to the precipice of irrational thinking, which causes poor decisions and reckless behavior.  Judgment becomes unbalanced and even impaired, because they have given themselves over to hopelessness, which causes sound reasoning to take flight; slipping out of one’s grasp.

Jesus is life with purpose.  He gives a reason for living and hope for tomorrow’s sunrise.  Christians possess the very thing that people in the world are searching for…peace of mind through Jesus Christ.

Christians must not hide Jesus under a bushel and say by their lack of concern, “I don’t have time for you.”  It is most important to share the ‘Good News’ that Jesus Christ can change lives and bring good out of any situation.  To be the Lord’s mouthpiece and hands outstretched is the calling of every Christian.  We must allow others to see Christ in us through our actions and words.

(1 John 3:17-18), “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”  vs.18 “My little children let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

Having compassion, love, and a caring heart is the love that God displayed when He gave His son to die on a cross for our sins.  By sharing this love with others, we can have a positive influence on those that are lost and without hope.  It affords them a choice—hope through Jesus, or hopelessness, because of self-will.  The choice is theirs to make; we cannot make it for them.

The message remains true.  Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  Perhaps the next person you witness to may be contemplating taking their own life or some other person’s life that day.  The Lord makes all the difference when a person yields their life to Him.  God provides peace and a reason for living. 

A LIFE WITHOUT PURPOSE need not be the epitaph on anyone’s tombstone.  Christians have the power within them to change lives for the better.  They can speak life into the heart of hurting souls before it is too late.  Jesus is the answer for a life without purpose.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Rhythm of Truth

My dad believed and taught his children that a person’s name went before them.  People will perceive you as honest and trustworthy or they may see you as dishonest and untrustworthy as they observe the nature of your character.  It’s called, “Getting to know you.” 

Ones actions speak loudly that person’s character, because actions speak louder than words, although, words come from the innermost part of a person’s soul.  What a person is on the inside will sooner or later be revealed on the outside.

(Luke 6:45), “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

Jesus expects us to love without pretense.  A person is known by what precedes out of them.  The rhythm of truth is the heartbeat of true love.  To love without dissimulation is the mark of a Christ filled walk with God.  We are known by the love that emanates from our personality.  A person’s name goes before anyone that radiates God’s love.

(John 13:34-35), “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  vs.35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Truthfulness is certainly honorable and expected from God.  To be less than 100% honest is like saying that Christ is deceitful and untrustworthy, because a devout child of God will not cheat or misrepresent truth at any level.  If they do, their testimony is tainted and the rhythm of truth decays like a corpse when the soul has departed from its earthly housing.

The word Christian means Christ-like.  People that rub shoulders with God fearing Believers should most assuredly be able to see Jesus Christ through the actions and words presented by these that are professing Christianity. 

How a Christian walks and talks directly reflects how people perceive Christ.  Christians ought to be like a magnifying glass, amplifying the attributes of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit.

(Galatians 5:22-23), “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.”

The Holy Spirit enables individuals to walk in truth without yielding to temptations to live otherwise.  Every person that yields themselves to God’s divine plan for their life becomes strong in Him, which allows the rhythm and balance needed to walk in righteousness. 

Our body is built to stand erect and upright—walk and to run with our head held high.  The rhythm of swinging arms allows a person to move forward without falling.  The arms give balance to the whole body as the joints work together in harmony bringing rhythm to their stride…such is the walk of a Christian in the spiritual realm.

When we allow the arms of Jesus to bring the rhythm of truth to our life, truth promotes trust and trust begets honor, integrity and good character.  The representation of a true Christian is all of these.  They are walking in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ; magnifying His very nature and demonstrating God’s love.

When the rhythm of truth is exercised on a daily basis, a strong persona precedes that person.  Their name goes before them, and people recognize that they have been with the Lord and are walking with Him, because they are reliable, honorable, and trustworthy. 

Our name says something about whom and what we are.  People that have met us and are watching our life will see the rhythm of truth walking in us—Jesus Christ. 

What is the rhythm of your walk saying to those watching your life?

Written by,

Papa Boyd