The Family of God

I met an exceptional woman 42 years ago in a bedroom community near San Francisco, California.  I have never met a woman quite like her.  Her kindness to others and love for her husband and children is undeniably strong and true.

When we met, the love she exuded was like none I had ever experienced, other than that of my mom’s love for me.  This woman walks with confidence, because of the assurance she has in God.  She lives for Him and knows His peace, because her faith is ‘childlike faith’; the kind that we are to have in Christ Jesus.

The longer I know her the more I love her.  She has become the piece that had been missing in my life for so long that not too many women could have filled.  The quality of her love reminds me of my mom’s love; genuine—real.

This woman’s prayer life is like no other person that I know—early to rise, with a purpose; to pray for the needs of others.  She is none other than my mother-in-law.  I call her Mom, because she loves me like a son.

With the passing of my mother at the young age of 58, it left my heart feeling empty, the kind of emptiness that only a mother can fill.  My mother-in-law filled this void; plus, blessing me with her daughter in marriage.  I received a double blessing for sure.

When I think of the connection that prophets of old had with God, I immediately consider my second mom as being like them—a patriarch for Jesus.  Her faithfulness and loyalty to God rank highest of any person I know; a virtuous woman of God.  When things go wrong I know in whom I want to pray, because her connection with God is solid. 

When decisions must be made, I ask her to call upon God for me.  When my children have needs, they call Grandma to have her pray.  Everyone knows when she prays that God hears and answers her prayers.  When she prays, she believes that He will do what His Word says He will do…such faith!  I believe that she is the apple of God’s eye and has a direct path to Him, because of the measure of faith that she possesses. 

A side note:  My mother-in-law just this minute called on the phone.  I told her that my better half had gone to the store to buy some medicine to get me over the hump regarding the cold I’ve been suffering with.  Mom prayed a couple of days ago for me and I was feeling much better after she prayed; so she prayed again just now. 

At the end of her prayer I said, “It is finished!”  I believe that she called, because God was ready to complete the work in my body.  I only needed to reach out by faith and claim my healing.  I believe I did when I said, “It is finished!”  Thank God for His healing power!  It is finished!

I was certainly blessed to have found a loving family to be my in-laws, rather than another family of outlaws.  At 92 years old and still living in her own little house, her body is in constant pain from arthritis in her back and other places.  She can barely get around at times, because of the pain; yet, Mom's faith in God’s power to heal has not diminished or weakened; only made stronger. 

When anyone in her senior class, in Sunday school, has a need of any kind, who do you think they call?  They call Mom, because they have faith in her prayers.  She prays with the same expectation that Peter and John had when they saw the man that was lame from birth, begging alms at the gate to the temple.

(Acts 3:1-8), “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.”  vs.2 “And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; vs.3 “who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.”  vs.4 “And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’”  vs.5 “So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.”  vs.6 “Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’”  vs.7 “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”  vs.8 “So he leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”

When Mom is moved upon by the Holy Spirit and the anointing of God is on her, floods of living water are unleashed and enter your life; you know that God heard her prayer, because things happen when she prays.

Right now, before you do anything else, please bow your head and whisper a prayer on her behalf.  Ask God to intervene in her body.  She needs a touch—she needs healing!  Will you please pray for Marie?

Thank you.  I believe that God heard your prayer.  I am expecting good reports in the coming days as God’s people bind together on behalf of Mom.  Thank you for being a part of her healing.

We are to pray for one another, because we are in the family of God.  Like the song says that was written by Bill Gaither; “Family of God.”  Some of the lyrics go like this:  “…when one has heartache, we all share the tears, and rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.  I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God…”

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Adrift



I think most people know the importance of boat anchors and how they secure seagoing vessels.  With sails down or engine out in rough waters, without the help of an anchor to secure a boat, it will become unstable and drift out of control; sideways to the waves, which can capsize the boat.  Running aground is another possibility unless an anchor is employed. 

Associated with an anchor is the anchor line, which tethers the boat to the anchor.  Care must be taken to maintain this line in superb condition.  It must be strong enough to withstand the ongoing forces that are imposed from gale winds and rolling seas.  Manufacture's ‘integrity of strength’ specifications are most important to preserve, because human lives are dependent upon the line doing the job that it was designed to do.  

The anchor line must be 5 to 7 times longer than the depth of water.  This standard practice provides the length needed to restore stability to the boat in high wave conditions.  So if the water is 10 feet deep, the line must be 50 to 70 feet long.  That could be a very lengthy anchor line should the water be exceptionally deep. 

It stands to reason that something other than a standard anchor had to be put into operation.  Think about it, the deepest part of the ocean is the Mariana Trench, located not very far from Japan in the Western Pacific Ocean.  It has a maximum depth of 10,923 meters (35,840 ft).  A standard anchor system is non applicable where waters are deep.

Researchers came up with the very successful ‘parachute sea anchor’.  Commercial fishermen have been using these anchors for decades.  The anchor line or “anchor rode” is securely connected to the reinforced bow of a vessel and the other end attached to a large, submersible parachute; designed to slow drift and provide stability.  Drift is reduced up to 90% and the bow is kept pointed comfortably into the seas.

I am not a seafaring person, but rather a landlubber instead.  Like many of my acquaintances, we lack the skills and wherewithal needed to sustain a safe and successful voyage on any type of seaworthy vessel.

I am confident in my abilities to work on cars, and do carpentry, plumbing, and other industrial trades, but sailing is not my forte.  It takes a bigger person than I, with much more experience, to battle the powers of Mother Nature. 

Even highly trained skippers, tacticians and crew members have capsized or ran aground in their expensive, competition sailing crafts and racing yachts; having lost their lives when something unexpected went wrong.

Fishermen in Jesus’ day were familiarized with fishing from youth on; making a living selling the catch from each day.  There wasn’t too much they couldn’t handle when storms arose over the waters they fished.  The skills they had mastered through the years were instrumental in keeping their boat from capsizing or running aground when the waters became troubled.

Though experienced, when fishermen lost sails, oars, or a rudder, they were in trouble; adrift in angry waters, which could mean sure disaster unless they had an anchor to tether their vessel to.  Riding out a storm, tied to an anchor, was a last stitch effort for survival.  They were thankful for the anchor and the solid rock that the anchor gripped.

Many people in today’s societies find themselves adrift on the ‘sea of life’ without the means of directing their lives to a safe haven.  They need shelter from the elements that seek to capsize their physical and spiritual vessel, yet they are trying to navigate through unfamiliar waters within their own strength and abilities; lacking the expertise to combat the storms that Satan brings.  Satan’s attempts to sink their ship are unending—such is life without Jesus at the helm.

Nothing is worse than being adrift in an angry world of unbelief and sin.  Sin, when allowed to engulf one’s vessel, brings fear and death.  The only hope for peace and calmness is in the forgiving power of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  He alone is the rock of our salvation.  We are secure in Him.  In Jesus there is safety from the influences of godless sinners and the storms that Satan sends our way.

There is a hymn called, “The Solid Rock,” lyrics and music by Ruth C. Jones; I used to sing it in church all the time.  Three verses, but the refrain goes like this: 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes He’s the One

This Rock is Jesus, the only One

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock

The rudder of our faith is the Holy Bible—God’s Word.  It provides the wherewithal to keep ourselves afloat in perilous times by giving direction and lighting our way.  Bible truths are the oars and sails that give assurance when strength is needed to combat the storms that Satan creates.  The ‘anchor rode’ is the Holy Spirit, who keeps us tethered to Jesus, our Rock.  We must take care to preserve a good connection with Him; keeping our relationship strong.

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

When storms surround us; trying to capsize our life; and we don’t know which way to go; as long as we are tethered to the unmovable Rock—Jesus, He will hold us fast and secure; keeping us safe from all alarm.

(Psalm 62:2), “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”

If you are looking for the cove of peace, Jesus is the lighthouse that directs you safely home.  No longer need you drift without direction in the blackness of uncertainties.  Jesus is the light of hope in this world of darkness when everything else fails.  You can rely upon His mercy and grace to see you through safely.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

In Him



I retired early last evening, because I had overtaxed my body by mowing and edging the lawns around my house; trimming the five cypress trees that line the north side of my driveway; and I trimmed several shrubs that needed my attention.  I also washed my car and truck.  My body was a little tired to say the least.

While lying in bed my mind was stayed upon the Lord; thinking about His awesome goodness and how He shows longsuffering with regards to my imperfections.  I reminisced past years and thought how wonderful the Lord had been to me and how blessed I was to have experienced His forgiving grace at an early age of twenty-five.  

Since I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, He has never in all the time that I have lived for Him, left me to weep alone or failed to walk by my side in any situation that I faced.   The Lord was always present; allowing me to cast all of my burdens and cares upon Him.

Jesus has stuck closer than a brother and never left or forsook me even in the hard times.  That is certainly more than I can say for some “friends” that I have known through the years.  There has never been a truer statement made than the following Bible scripture:

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

As I laid there thanking God for His perfect, never failing love, and the mercy that encapsulates my very being, I was reminded of the saints of God—patriarchs of old—that walked and talked with Jesus.  They gave their very life for the cause of Christ.

To give ones life speaks of the incredible, solidarity of faith, and the willpower and strength that indwelled each of the disciples.  They were full of the Holy Spirit who gave them the potency and ability to die for godly statutes to which they had committed themselves.

They knew how to live in Christ, and believed that to die was gain.  They were martyred for standing up for the teachings that Jesus lived and taught.  Note:  The sinful nature of mankind refuses to adhere to righteous living, and will try to remove holiness from their presence, because the purity of honor and nobility reveals how dark their world is without the Lord.

The Lord reminded me that He has been with me not only in the good times, but hard times as well.  He has been my confidant and the lifter of my head when I needed someone to talk to and lean upon.  Jesus not only was with me yesterday; He is here today; and tomorrow I can count on Him to be there. 

(Psalm 46:1), “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.”

God’s unfailing love helps me through every obstacle that may come my way.  He has never said, “You again?”  The Lord always makes a way where there seems to be no way, because my steps are directed by God.  He takes care of the small, annoying things that creep into my life as well as the larger challenges.  God speaks peace to my troubled soul when it is needed.

That which Jesus does for me, He will do for anyone that places their life in His hands.  To be a child of God means that Father God is responsible for the wellbeing and welfare of His children.  He is mindful of every need, including the desires of one’s heart.  God gives grace according to His will and good pleasure.  He knows best what we need more than we know ourselves.

God may not always allow us to have every little thing that we think we need, because He knows what is best to make us complete in Him.  He wants the very best.  God causes good to come out of situations that we face or find ourselves in, because of His great love for us.

While lying in bed and allowing my spirit to reach out and touch my heavenly Father, a soothing aura fell across my body like a bed sheet.  I knew God was touching my senses; allowing me to feel His presence.  It was awe-inspiring!

I don’t walk by these special feelings or base my salvation on them when I encounter God’s presence from time to time.  I endeavor to walk by faith, though it is always an awesome experience when my senses are ministered to by the Holy Spirit.  It affirms my relationship with God the Father.

(Romans 10:9) “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.”

To know God is to love Him, and I love Him dearly.  He is not only my all-in-all and problem bearer; He is my problem solver.  Jesus is my sounding board who listens when I have something on my mind and need to talk. 

The Lord is my Savior, Redeemer, and soon coming King.  In Him I stand complete and whole.  In Him lies my hope of eternal life in heaven.  Without this hope I would be of all men most miserable.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Struggle to Measure Up

One thing is sure; we are not strong in and of our self.  Though we may subscribe to goodness and the idea of treating others as we want to be treated, character is what we are when no-one is looking—the true test of moral fiber.

Innocent as it may seem to natural, carnal thinking; telling a little, white lie, for example, is sin.  It will have its day in court—having its own judgment—death. 

(Revelation 21:8), “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Allowing one’s body to rule over a sound, inner conscience, which I believe is the voice of the Holy Spirit; and adhering to acts of depravity, spells ‘disobedience’.  This willful disregard to right thinking is unacceptable to God.  The key word here is ‘willful’.  Every person is at liberty to choose right or wrong; to adhere to the teachings of the Bible or not.  We have the freedom of choice.

(1 Corinthians 6:17-19), “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”  vs.18, “Flee sexual immorality.  Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”  vs.19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”  vs.20 “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

How then can a person put off a sinful nature to measure up to the holiness of Jesus?  Some people exclaim, “It is a struggle!”  The Bible teaches that we are to flee temptation, but the glamour of sin is hard to resist when people try to run from it within their own strength.  Without God’s help it is impossible to restrain oneself from the glitz of temptation, because of human frailties and individual weaknesses.

In my pastor’s sermon last Sunday he stated that Joseph, the son of Jacob, literally ran from temptation when a married woman tried to seduce him, (Genesis 39:12), whereas, King David, because of unrestrained lust, yielded to temptation and lay with another man’s wife.  He then had her husband killed to cover up his transgression after learning that Bathsheba had become pregnant with David’s child, (2 Samuel 11:4). 

How can a person run from temptation when it draws them like a magnet?  Remember, to be tempted is not sin; we are all tempted.  It becomes sin when we entertain immoral thoughts and surrender to fleshly desires, thus, submitting to wrong doing.  This allows sin to come to the forefront.  These acts of disobedience produce regrets and condemnation—sin takes top billing.

Anytime a person colors outside the lines of ‘self-image’, sin is knocking at the door.  It is far better to evaluate the end result of carelessness than to end up with a self-portrait resembling death.

(Colossians 3:1-2) “If then you were raised with Christ; seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.”  vs.2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

God provides a way out of any situation where there seems to be no way.  It is up to the individual being tempted to look for the escape route and then take it.  God is our strength by which we are able to stand against the devil, the enemy of our soul.   

(Corinthians 10:13), “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

To some Christian’s way of thinking it is a struggle to measure up to the attributes of Jesus.  Is this not an attitude or indication of trying to achieve perfection on their own when thoughts like this occur?  They negate the power of the Holy Spirit in their life when they entertain such thoughts.  We are all weak, but He is strong, and that’s what makes the difference.

(Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, the struggle to measure up subsides, because living for Jesus is a way of life, not a drudgery of dos and don’ts.

(1 John 1:7), “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 



Now What



Some people are as curious as cats, whereas, this writing leans toward life rather than the notion that ‘curiosity killed the cat’.  My research has revealed that this proverbial expression has been around for centuries; having different meanings.

I believe that curiosity can be a good thing, but patience must inter into the scenario concerning life.  The shortcoming that can undermine a person’s good sense, in this computer age, is the lack of patience.  Some individuals demand answers now, while others are easy going and take each day as it comes.

The nature of most people is that of impatience.  Curiosity, as it were, stimulates an inner drive of a “Now what?” mentality.  They don’t want things a month, a week, or even a day from now; they want it in the present—now.  Christians are no different.

After I accepted Jesus into my heart, my next question was, “Now what?”  I wanted more of Him and a deeper relationship, yet having questions that needed to be answered.  I was curious and wanted to understand the meaning of life and what it held for me now that I was a Christian. 

Just because God changes a person’s status in Him at the moment of conversion, being born again as it is called, does not always negate that person’s personality traits overnight.  It takes time for questions to be answered through the reading of the Bible and receiving advice and direction from mature Christians in the faith. 

Listening to sermons presented by God-anointed preachers certainly gives insight into God’s plan for our life and what He expects of us now that we have become His child.  It takes a little longer for some people, depending on their personality, to bring positive changes to the surface.

I have seen new Christians that were gung-ho in their newly found relationship with Christ.  They knew the return of Jesus was imminent, so they stepped out in faith; relying on the Holy Spirit to give them boldness to witness. 

Jesus is coming back to earth to receive unto Himself those that are living for Him.  It is called the ‘Rapture of the Church’.  It could happen at any moment.  We must be ready to meet Him if we want to make heaven our home.   

I have seen other new Christians struggle to share their faith, because of personal inhabitations.  Personalities differ with respect to outward boldness, but the Holy Spirit is able to bring about courage if given the time.  God renews strength each day as we learn to trust and obey His Word. 

As a baby learns to walk, so it is with babes in Christ.  With each stumble and fall, God lovingly picks them up and sets them on their feet once again to continue the process of learning how to walk with the Lord.   As they become increasingly sure of themselves and confident in their balance and abilities, they are soon running and doing a work for God, asking, “Now what?” as they grow in grace. 

Life is fleeting and we must share with others the love that God has to offer through His Son Jesus, while there is yet time.  God gives us the where-with-all to be able to achieve goals that are set before us as we yield to His unchanging love, through our eyes of faith… “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).   

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18), “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”  vs.17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”  vs.18 “while we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

I believe that when we invite the Lord into our heart and receive the gift of salvation through Jesus, our spirit takes on perfection, because Jesus is perfect.  We are not saved for who we are or what we’ve done, because forgiveness of sin comes only through Him.  Our righteousness is as filthy rags in the sight of God.

(John 3:16), “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.”

Newborn babes in Christ need to be encouraged and strengthened by those that are strong; mature Christians in the faith.  We are to help those that are weak among us. 

(Romans 15:1), “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak…”

They that are founded in faith should not look upon another Christian, especially those that are new to the faith, and point their finger of accusation and set themselves in judgment against them lest they be judged of God.  We are all sinners saved by grace.  With encouragement and giving a helping hand to new Christians, they too will ask, “Now what?”

(Romans 14:4) “Who are you to judge another’s servant?  To his own master he stands or falls.  Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

(Matthew 7:1-5), “Judge not, that you be not judged.”  vs.2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  vs.3 “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”  vs.4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?”  vs.5 “Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

I have seen those that came to the Lord become impatient with themselves and God when direction or maturity failed to materialize right away.  This breeds boredom and confusion.

It is dangerous when supposed (Christians in the faith) criticize and look down their nose at these new Christians, rather than taking time to give them a hand up and help them become established in the church; seeing that they are firmly planted in activities that support their growth in the Lord.  These unconcerned individuals can cause these babes to stumble.

It is shameful when Christians fail in areas of spiritual discipleship.  They could become God’s hand outstretched to new Christians if they would allow the Holy Spirit to lead them.  Instead of judging and condemning their weaknesses in God, they could become a mentor and strengthen new believers in the things of the Lord.

When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our life, we become a part of the family of God—sons and daughters of God.  We must then hold each other up in prayer.  It is important to the spiritual growth of new Christians that a brother or sister-in-Christ encourages them to share with others the miraculous transformation that took place when they invited Jesus into their heart. 

This verbal assent builds strength and reconfirms in their mind the promise that their sins were forgiven and they are now a new creation.  It helps to cement in their consciousness a subtle awareness that walking by faith and not by sight is a learned process, which takes time.

Though they may still act and do certain things that they once did, God sees their heart and encourages them, through the Holy Spirit, that they will make it and that Jesus will remove old habits one by one and replace them with blessings from on high.

(Philippians 2:12-13), “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” vs.13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

When born-again Christians ask the question, “Now what?” they want more of God’s blessings.  God fills them in His time.  We must crawl before we walk.  God feeds us according to our ability to digest and put off carnal behaviors that are associated with mere men, which lack spiritual maturity.

(1 Corinthians 3:1-2), “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”  vs.2 “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;” vs.3 “for you are still carnal.  For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”

Those that remain babes in Christ and never asking “Now what?” remain weak in the faith; always drinking the milk of immaturity; never learning to crawl or walk on their own; never becoming exposed to the real meat of God’s Word and His promises.

There is an advertisement on television that goes something like this:  “When the body is in a relaxed state, it remains non-active, whereas, an active body stays active, because of stimulation and the practice of doing.”

It is the same with our spiritual body.  We must strive to increase in spiritual strength through witnessing for Christ, prayer, and reading the Bible.  It is like working out with weights at the gym—it builds muscles, which equates to strength.

When Christians ask, “Now what?” they are on the right track for growth and spiritual maturity in the family of God.

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Secret to Life

I cannot agree with or be in the same mindset and viewpoint with the lyrics in Faith Hill’s song, “The Secret of Life.”  In my opinion there has to be more to life than just “a good cup of coffee; keeping your eye on the ball; a beautiful woman, and Marilyn staring down from a barroom wall.”

Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion concerning the secret to life, but I prefer my thought as being the only, sensible choice.  There you have it…CHOICE.  I believe that living one’s life is a menagerie of decision making. 

Our position in life, and the values by which we live, encompass the choices that we have made along the way.  Bad choices bring about backlashes; repercussions that can devastate a person’s comings and goings.   Moreover, good choices help ease the challenges of life, because less negativity follows good choices.

The Bible holds the secret to the meaning of life.  More importantly, it explains what our purpose in life should be and how to find abundant living.  All-in-all, the Bible is the best selling book of any other book on the market today, because within its covers lies ‘truth’ that sets people free from a life of pain and suffering.

The Bible reminds us that the tongue, for example, is full of deadly poison.  It interrupts the flow of perfection that God has ordained for mankind.  The secret of life can become lost when a mindless chatterbox opens their mouth and spews hatred and malicious gossip.  The tongue, when allowed to emit untruths, affects all that is good around us. 

(Proverbs 18:21), “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

(James 3:6, 8), “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”  vs.8 “But no man can tame the tongue.  It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

It is amazing how people would rather flap their gums and talk rather than to listen.  My dad told me that a person that listens is more likely to be informed than those doing all the talking.

Unless it is a lecture or classroom situation, with the one in front having the floor, giving forth significant information, then I believe as my dad believed; the secret to learning is zipping one’s lips.  It is wiser and more prudent to be still and listen to what is being said.

In everyday dealings with people, the person that listens is more able to discern the legitimacy of those that are talking as to whether or not they bend the truth to get what they want or misrepresent themselves to gain recognition, position, or power; like certain politicians that I have heard speak.

God’s Word is without error.  It is God’s will and testament to those that adhere to its teachings.  What other book can communicate truth like the Bible?  It is God inspired.

(Hebrews 4:12), “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

God inspired writings are not as popular to some people that seek out writings or commentaries that center on sex and immoral behavior.  They are looking for something other than truth, because truth shows them the error of their ways.  The Bible is like a mirror, it reflects the image of the person that opens its pages, thus, revealing sin.  It is not pleasurable.

Many individuals prefer to find pleasure in the secret corner of their existence where pornography, alcoholism, drug abuse, and other vises stimulate the flesh, which give momentary highs.  These things can ultimately damage the brain or even kill the body—worse yet, separate their soul from God’s presence.

The secret to life is in Jesus, the Son of God—He is the light of the world.  In Him all secrets are manifested and brought into the light, which brings us back to, CHOICE.  Each person is given a choice…heaven or hell.  It is as simple as that.  If we choose Christ, then a crown of righteousness is the reward and heaven will be our home forever.

(John 3:19-21), “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”  vs.20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”  vs.21 “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

If a person chooses to go their own willful way and neglect so great a price that was paid for sin at Calvary, through the death of the only begotten Son of God, Jesus, then there remains no other sacrifice for sin.  Jesus is the only way to make heaven our home.

(Hebrews 10:26), “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”

Hell is a real place, and those that enter therein are doing so of their own choosing.  No one else makes the choice.  It comes down to the question:  “What will I do with the man called Jesus—accept or reject Him?”

Jesus is God’s answer for a sin filled life that is searching for the secret to peace and lasting contentment.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  Satan, on the other hand, is a master in keeping secrets.  He does not reveal that sin brings death, and that the gift of God is life.

(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The secret to life, an abundant life, is choosing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our life.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Waiting Patiently



Well, here we are sitting in the waiting room at Kaiser Hospital.  My wife and I received a phone call early this morning to come right away!

The room is empty of people; just us sitting here waiting for someone, anyone, to come and let us know the status of what’s going on.

It’s not every day a person gets a call like this one.  My heart is pounding out of my chest.  I’m glad I took my blood pressure medicine before I came.

I’m looking at the pictures on the wall trying to escape the pressure that I’m feeling; attempting to put myself in another place where my mind can find peace, because stress and anxiety are pressing in.  It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this much pressure.

My stomach is churning as I read the sign on the door; HOLD HANDLE DOWN.  KEEP PULLING.  THIS DOOR WILL OPEN IN 15 SECONDS.  ALARM WILL SOUND.  What’s it saying to us!  Are we in the middle of a lockdown!  What does it mean! 

My mind is imagining all kinds of things.  Wait, someone is coming!  What are they going to say?  What is the outcome?  Oh my God, it’s just the house keeper doing her daily chores.

Time seems to stand still.  It was hurry up and come; now wait.  My Lord, what’s keeping them!  Why doesn’t someone tell us?  Doesn’t the hospital staff care about our feelings; our emotional wellbeing? 

But this isn’t about us; it’s about the people in the other room.  How are they doing?  What’s on their mind?  How is this affecting them?  Will this event be a……. Wait!  My phone is vibrating in my pocket.  I just got a text from my son!  “They are prepping her right now.”  Prepping her?  Prepping her?  What does that mean?

I’m not a doctor.  I don’t know this terminology.  Won’t someone tell us what’s going on?  Just tell us…please!

Is he healthy?  Is she okay?  Is there pain?  Thank God for modern medicine to make delivery easier!  This is one great day!  Our grandson is being born!  It is the first day of the rest of his life!  It is a wonderful day!  Thank God it’s over and all is well.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Monsters from the Past



As a child I was afraid to dangle my arm over the side of the bed for fear that something might grab it.  It was a definite concern and to this day I keep my arms tucked safely under the covers at night.  Silly I know, but I do it anyway.

Childhood fears are certainly real, but for the most part are nothing more than a figment of their imagination.  Monsters seldom hide under beds or in closets, and goblins only come out at Halloween and during nightmares.

Adults have fears and concerns as well.  Fears often play a part in mainstream phobias.  Past experiences can haunt one’s peace of mind as adults, because of the fear that is associated with guilt and sin. 

Skeletons in the closet can haunt like nothing else can.  There is a fear that one day they will be unleashed to bring discomfort and pain.  It is horrible to endure thoughts that deal with monsters from the past.  They can preoccupy our every waking moment if we allow them to do so.

The beauty of God’s love is this:  We can cast our unchangeable past upon the Lord, because the Bible tells us that He cares for us.  When we give our troubling experiences and fears to Jesus, He heals our mind; peace ensues as God envelopes us with His love and forgiveness. 

God teaches how to forgive ourselves of the tormenting monsters from the past that so easily beset us.  As these monsters release their death grip, relief comes immediately, because healing has taken place in one’s heart and mind.  Those that live with past regrets must learn how to forgive themselves, especially if God has.

No one can change the past no matter how bad they wish they could.  It is what it is; the past.  The dynamics of forgiving oneself takes work, but it is possible to accomplish this task, because of the promises we have in the Bible.

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 

God’s grace is more than adequate concerning matters of past issues that we cannot do anything about.  He provided the means, whereby, we can be forgiven of past sin through His Son Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross for the redemption of mankind. 

When we acknowledge our sins to God and ask for forgiveness, Jesus comes into our heart and takes up residence.  The Bible says that God forgives and cleanses us from all sin.

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we are born-again and become a Christian, we have to accept our monsters from the past and go on with Christ at our side; learning from past mistakes and how not to repeat them.  You are not the only person fighting inner battles. 

We can control our thought process with the help of the Holy Spirit when the past begins to growl and frighten us.  They are merely images of Satan in disguise.  The Bible says that when we resist him, he will flee from us.

(1 Peter 5:8-9), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  vs.9 “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

(James 4:7), “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

We stand victorious through Christ Jesus.  In Him we are a new creation.  The old monsters from the past are under the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

(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.”

(1 John 1:7), “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

I should not have sinned, but I did.  Thanks to God all has been forgiven.  God has thrown my failures into the sea of His forgetfulness at the moment I invited Jesus into my heart. 

Since God has forgiven me, why then should I not do the same?  Why continue dredging up the monsters from the past that dictate my feelings and attitudes today?  Why live a defeated existence now that Jesus has set me free from bondage? 

Yes, mistakes happen, but can we undo the past?  If the answer is no, why should we live our lives punishing ourselves for the things we cannot change?  God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs.  He makes it possible to forgive ourselves of past failures and to live an overcoming, Christian life, without fretting over the past. 

We can leave the past in the past.  It need not dictate the attitude of our mind today.  As I said earlier, the past serves as a teacher of those things we should not repeat. 

When a Christian truly realizes their position and potential in Christ, as a child of God, is when the door can close on the monsters from the past.  Victory is just a door latch away. 

God tells us to redirect our thinking and to dwell upon wholesome thoughts.

(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.”

Putting into practice (Philippians 4:8) is the secret of keeping the door closed to past negatives, thus, living an overcoming life without bad memories trying to destroy it.  Leaving monsters from the past behind locked doors brings triumph, because of the power that is in the blood of the Lamb, God's Son.  We can experience the abundant life that Jesus talks about in the Bible when we resist the devil's attempts to steal our peace.

(John 10:10), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

As we practice putting God’s Word into action is when it becomes easier to forgive ourselves of past sins.  Monsters from the past run and hide when we speak the name of Jesus.  The mere mention of His name refreshes troubled minds and brings peace and delight to a fretful soul.

Written by,

Papa Boyd