But I Want It

Have you ever given thought as to the age of Eve when she disobeyed God and allowed the serpent to deceive her in the Garden of Eden?  Was it immediately after God created her that sin entered the garden, or was Eve in her 30’s, 40’s, 50’s; or perhaps one-hundred or one-thousand years old?  How long did it take Eve to give into temptation and allow the devil to beguile her?

The sin-nature that Adam and Eve passed down to humanity is the same driving force behind every obsession that mankind deals with when told they cannot have something.  It only fuels the fire of impetuous behavior. 

When some individuals are denied their impulsive desires, it creates a self-centered, self-indulgent attitude deep within their psyche.  Their rebellion says, “But I want it by whatever means possible, fair or unfair; by hook or by crook.”

God forbid if someone else wants the same thing they do, especially if there is only one item available.  If you don’t believe it, think back to the craze of Cabbage Patch Kids; they were the rage.  People were literally fighting each other to obtain one of these dolls to satisfy their obsessive and uncontrollable behavior.  Some store employees were trampled as they opened the doors for business. 

E-bay is an example of uncontrolled bidding at times when others want the same thing.  It amazes me when one person starts bidding and then someone else jumps in with their bid and on it does until the highest bid takes the auction. 

Many times the item sells for more than it is worth, because of bidding wars between people that refuse to submit to better judgment.  They wanted it whatever the cost, because someone else was obsessing over the same thing they desired, which made the craving all the more intense.  

Bidding brings out similar emotions as if someone is saying, “You can’t have it.”  It intensifies the quest to obtain the item; causing the heart to palpitate faster and blood pressure to rise; all because of the drive to obtain.  Good sense should have taken precedent, but the desire to acquire raised its ugly head, which surpassed the capability to say, “No, it’s not worth it.”  Adam and Eve fell as a result of a similar temptation. 

Like Eve, people get caught up in the momentary frenzy of decision making, which is stimulated by ongoing cravings that a covetous heart generates, thus, producing regrets at a later time.  This temporary insanity says, “But I want it.”  I think that most people can relate to comparable fixations at times.

Buying a new car that exceeds the household budget is a good example of wanting something so badly that failure to consider the hidden, negative aspects that encompass indebtedness is overlooked—exorbitant, monthly payments for one.  A person living from paycheck to paycheck should not give into temptations that obsession and the longing of their heart produces, until such time that they can truly afford the plunge.

Plastic money makes it easy to achieve ‘wants’ that people brood over, especially those individuals that are unable to kick the craving out of their yearning mind.  The penalty for their fixation is high interest rates and possible late fees; making the item cost more than it is worth; if in fact all of the required payments are made on time.  Stress accompanies the lack of money when payments are due, which is another factor of bad decisions.

A shortage of money will tear at the very foundation of marriages and personal self-worth when creditors start calling, because of a past due accounts.  Financial woes of indebtedness produce anxiety when people exceed their maximum limit of what they can afford to buy; all because of the “But I want it” nature.

As I said earlier; desire can overshadow good judgment.  When a person continually obsesses over something that they want, even having the knowledge that they should not involve themselves, sooner or later, because of over zealousness and a weakness of moral fiber to say ‘no’, they give into their aspiration and make irrational decisions that can affect every part of their living, depending upon the degree of the blunder they made.

I wonder how long it took the serpent to persuade Eve to eat the fruit of the tree that God placed in the midst of the Garden of Eden.  How many days passed after God told Adam not to eat the fruit that Eve gave into temptation and then encouraged Adam to do likewise. 

I believe that she made a point of walking past the tree each day, because the fruit was pleasing to the eye.  I have no doubt that she touched the fruit; squeezed and smelled it rather than directing her mind elsewhere and leaving it alone.

I think Eve toyed with the idea of taking a bite even though she must have remembered what God had told Adam.  No doubt she thought she was strong enough to resist fleshly desires by getting as close to the forbidden fruit as possible without fulfilling her throbbing desire to taste it. 

This is typical of present day fence sitters that tempt fate by straddling God’s line of demarcation that separates good from evil; a place where angels fear to tread.  Let’s face it, curiosity and rebellion affect good sense, thus, enticing a person to get as close to sin as they can without doing the deed.  It is trouble knocking at the door when this occurs.  Lust usually wins out and sin is realized, which brings remorse, condemnation, and regret.

If it actually took a period of time for Eve to yield to temptation, it stands to reason that she must have reluctantly left the tree each time, only to return another day with her heart racing in her chest, because of obsession, weakness of flesh, and a mouth that salivated at the very thought of the fruit. 

Assume, for the sake of argument that Eve continually reflected upon the fruit and how wonderful it would be to taste.  The end result, however or whenever it happened, was that she allowed the relentless urge to defeat her, while listening to the serpent (the devil) tell her that it was okay to do so.  Eve finally gave into temptation and sinned.

Eve should have ran in the opposite direction just like humanity should do today rather than allowing themselves to be deceived by Satan into sinning.  They should not take time to reason with self and the devil as to why they should be denied certain things that God says in His Word is sin.

Temptation is not sin of itself, but it becomes sin when individuals permit themselves to be manipulated by uncontrolled urges, while listening to the lies that Satan tells them, and then doing what they know is wrong in the eyes of the Lord.  So why did God create us in the first place?

God wanted to commune with mankind so much that He created man in His own image to walk and talk with in the cool of the evening.  I believe the body was made to live forever, because of the magnificent ability that God gave the brain to regenerate itself, and the rest of the cells throughout the body to reproduce.  

God’s plan for humanity was perfect until sin entered the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the fruit that the ‘tree of the knowledge of good and evil’ produced.  At that moment, man’s physical lifespan was altered, which sealed their fate—death.

They chose to sin rather than keep themselves pure before God.  It was they, not God that made the choice, which I believe, at that moment, their bodies began to die.  Immediately thereafter they were ejected out of the garden after God confronted them regarding their sin.

(Genesis 2:16-17), “And the Lord God commanded the man saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;’ ”  vs.17 “ ‘but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ ”

From the beginning of time to present day living, people are trying to figure out ways to lengthen their life of the seventy or so years that God limited mankind to, yet, every person born in the world, since Adam, will die one day, because of sin. 

The Fountain of Youth is nonexistent, though the development of new drugs and the advancements in surgical procedures have, without a doubt, lengthened our years.  What we do with this limited time matters most in the end.  Whether we abide in the Truth of God’s Word or yield to sin, our decision to serve God or Satan ultimately determines our final destination of heaven or hell. 

Two things are certain in life; death and taxes.  Don’t you wish you could live forever without having to die?  I know I do, but thanks to Adam and Eve and their “But I want it” attitude, my body will die just as theirs did, because of the sin-nature that befell me by proxy. 

My hope is not in things of this world, but in Jesus Christ only, of whom I have accepted as Lord and Savior.  Because of the price He paid on Calvary, my soul will live for eternity in heaven.  The blood that He shed on the cross for my sins, bought my salvation and the salvation of mankind.  All they need to do is invite Him into their heart, and they will be saved.

The most significant thing that separates the spiritual realm from the physical world of flesh and blood is simply this; eternity is just a heartbeat away.  Even though scientists have lengthened our lifespan, sooner or later, even if we live to be a hundred, the end will come.  This body will return to the dust from whence it came. 

I am delighted, beyond words, that I asked God to forgive me of my sins and invited His Son into this life form.  I need not fear what tomorrow may bring, because I have the assurance that I will awaken in heaven when I close my eyes for the last time on earth.  You too can have this confidence in God through Jesus Christ.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Window Between Two Worlds

It is not always clear or distinct which door a Christian should walk through when decisions are needed.  For this reason, prayer is the key in finding God’s direction; remaining prudent and steadfast until such time that visibility is made clear where to place our next step, and then move with caution, while listening for God’s voice to speak to our heart.  It is a walk of faith.  

I've heard my Father-in-law use this illustration more than once.  He said, “When a person gives their life to God they are in His perfect will, but finding direction takes prayer.”  My dad believed that a person could, as he put it, “Pray through on things.”  He too believed in prayer and the positive results that praying brought about.

My wife and I just left McDonald’s where we go once in a while to just hang out and enjoy each other’s company.  This particular restaurant is kept immaculate in every way.  The restrooms, floors throughout, and tables are always clean.  The windows are free from children’s syrupy hand-prints; super spotless, so much so that I had to wear my sunglasses; sparkling clean.

Some restaurants are disgusting when it comes to cleanliness and the general appearance of things, which, in my opinion, speak volumes about the quality, or lack thereof, regarding the food that’s prepared in substandard kitchens.

I have walked out of establishments like these after visiting the restroom and seeing the lack of good housekeeping practices.  You know what I mean.  The thought of eating in places like this turns my stomach, but a person must open their eyes to see, rather than being blinded by the establishment’s name or chain of restaurants that they are a part of; which brings me to my thought for today.

What do clean windows or obscured, filthy windows have to do with anything in the light of God’s Word?  To see through a glass darkly, or in other words, difficulty in seeing through a pane of glass is indicative of the lack of clarity and good visibility.

The ancients of old used polished stone and metals such as brass to serve as mirrors.  They were nothing like today’s mirrors, which show exactly what we look like at any given time, while peering into them.

Sometimes I wish my vanity mirror was obscure and outdated like those in the past, because the older I get the more I see my dad, now in heaven, staring back at me—balding head, wrinkles, and jowls that are covered with gray whiskers each morning.  It is amazing what clarity reveals.

The scripture verse in the Bible that refers to the non-clarity of glass is found in (1 Corinthians 13:12).  For all intents and purposes, as I understand it, the analogy presented in scripture refers to a mirror that is not distinctive; having characteristics that are blurred and unclear to the beholder; not being able to see visibly the reflection that it is limited in providing.

(1 Corinthians 13:12), “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:  now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Another translation of this same scripture reads:

(1 Corinthians 13:12), “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

Generally speaking, Christians desire to abide in truth and see the manifestation of God’s Spirit in their life, but too often, things have a way of getting in the way; an enigma or mystery as to how vision has become impaired and hampered to the point that dedication to God becomes a challenge. 

Christians need to keep their eyes on Jesus so they can see more clearly the way that leads to heaven…like the chorus, “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.”

As long as we are in this world, we see in part and we know in part.  But when Jesus returns to earth and receives all Christians unto Him, no longer will vision be impaired or hampered.

(1 Corinthians 13:9), “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”  vs.10 “But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

Temptation can interfere with good vision when a person yields to it.  It is as if temporary scales or cataracts form on inner, spiritual eyes that cause momentary blindness, which the devil strives to accomplish, until such time that sight is restored by the Holy Spirit when repentance is put into action through prayer.

It is like the flash of a camera that affects the natural ability of a person to see.  It is most difficult after the bright flash enters the eyes.  All that is seen is the brilliance of the bulb and its temporary affect that the flash has on the retina.  But when the eyes are closed, little by little, vision is restored.

(1 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.”

The ability to observe God’s plan in one’s life can be clear as long as they walk by faith and put their trust in God, even in the midst of the brilliance and temporal flash that temptation may create.  Though sin exists and there is a temporary lose of sight for the goal ahead—heaven, sight can be brought back by closing eyes in prayer and asking God to forgive them of their transgression.  Vision and the purpose of a Christ-filled life are restored. 

(2 Corinthians 5:7), “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

(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 Christians enter heaven, the imperfections that accompany visibility on earth become visibly clear; and the lack of knowledge is transformed into total understanding.  Faith is no longer needed; it is swallowed in actual sight, and hope is replaced with enjoyment.  There is no room to believe and hope when we see and enjoy the excellence and perfection of heaven.

The window between two worlds, the spiritual and natural realm, is no longer a mystery, nor is it a challenge to see through, because we will see God face to face.  And when we see Him we will be like Him.

(1 John 3:2), “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

The Fear of Dying

Though I have limited understanding in the realm of psychology, I still believe that most people, if they were honest, would say that dreading death is the number one fear they have.  To protect their innermost psyche, they bury the thought of it in the deepest recess of their subconscious, because they are uncomfortable talking about the unknown.  The only time it surfaces is when someone they know passes away. 

The realization of dying, when brought to the forefront of one’s thinking, produces fear.  People, in general, prefer living on the non-reality side of life where fear seldom shows its ugly face.  It is a fear of the unknown that people shy away from.

My wife just shared with me that when she recently went in for a medical procedure, she was fearful that she would not wake up from the general anesthesia.  This possibility is certainly in the back of most of our minds when going under any type of anesthetic.

The other day a young man emailed me regarding the trepidation that accompanies the mystery of dying and hell, of which I had touched on in one of my previous writings; “Messengers of God.”  I appreciate his sincere candor concerning my position on the subject matter of hell, whereas, his opinions inspired me to write these thoughts for today.

I would like to share a few of his viewpoints if I may.  He wrote, “People are already freaked out about death.  Sometimes hell feels so far away or non-existent, but death is ever-present.” 

He continued, “I know that the Word is clear about the consequences of sin is death, however, I feel that non-believers are more afraid of the unknown; the certainty of death and if there is a life after death.  That alone is cause for someone to believe in Christ that will give them hope.”

His perspective was thought provoking when he said, “I know that hell is reality, but when a person is afraid of death, in general, that is more frightening than hell, in my opinion, because we see death all around us.”

His remedy for combating the fear-factor of death was encapsulated in his following sentence:  “It is simple—admit that you have sinned (made bad choices), believe that Christ died on the cross for you and rose again, and confess that Jesus is Lord in your life—then you will not worry about death or the afterlife—God will take care of you.”

In that the devil is deceitful and the father of all lies, he is deceiving people everywhere with his deception; telling them that there is no hope for their station in life, especially the youth of our land.  The suicide rate of young people is staggering, because they lack hope.

It is not natural for people to harbor a death wish rather than enjoying life at its fullest unless they are perhaps suffering from a chemical imbalance in their body or enduring peer pressure or facing dismal circumstances that have removed all hope, which has caused them to give up on living.

It is a terrible thing when a person lacks hope, then nothing seems worth living for.  I can relate to this notion.  When I was younger I was quickly approaching an area of instability, like thin ice; living in sin with hope slipping through my fingers like sand. 

Satan was making me question, “Is this all there is to life?”  But Jesus gave me hope to face another day when I asked Him to forgive me of my sins.  The moment I invited Him into my heart He spoke peace to my trouble soul.  Now, everyday is new and exciting, because of the hope I possess.

I knew an individual that despised growing old.  When he was alive, if he heard a clock ticking, it disturbed him, because he felt that each tick of the clock was that much closer to him dying.  I think he was obsessed with the finality of death, and the thought of dying terrified him.  I believe that he feared dying more than anything.

Another person I knew also hated the thought of dying.  When turning thirty years old it devastated him and forty was worse.  It wasn't until the half-century mark was knocking at the door that something wonderful happened.  His friend said these words to him, “When you consider the alternative of having another birthday, it’s not so bad growing old.  Six feet under or another year older; what do you want?”  It put things into right prospective.

We need not only look at the beauty around us; we need to stop and smell the roses; to enjoy every moment of every day.

Like so many other people around us, another fellow that I knew was living so far from the peaceful shore of a Christ filled life that the darkness surrounding his topsy-turvy vessel was unbearable.  It was like being caught in a horrific whirlpool that was sucking him under for the third time; life ebbing away.  He did not want to die for fear of the unknown and what it held for him.

This man lacked the peace that being a Christian brings; peace that produces hope through Jesus Christ.  He was afraid to sleep at night for fear that he would die before morning light.  He knew that if there was really a hell he would end up there.

Remember the young man that emailed me?  I agree with his concept concerning death and the fear that the mind can produce regarding the certainty and finality of death; being afraid of the unknown.  But God can take away all fear.

I have heard of people dying and then coming back from the dead; telling others of their experience.  I will not comment on these stories.  As for me, I believe the moment that I am pronounced dead, I am already in the presence of God.  This is my hope, just like the thief on the cross next to Jesus on the day they were crucified.

(Luke 23:42-43), “Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ ” vs.43 “And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’ ”

The words of the young man that emailed me, resonates in my head.  “People are already freaked out about death, and that hell feels so far away or non-existent, but death is ever-present.”  Please allow me to end these thoughts with the following, loving remembrance. 

My mother-in-law, a mighty woman of God, passed on to her reward in heaven a short time back at the age of Ninety-three.  She was a prayer warrior that arose early each morning to pray for her family members, grandchildren, and those people needing God’s touch that were on her prayer list.  She then read the Bible and did her devotions. 

Just before she went to be with the Lord she came out of the comma that she was in; in her right mind and asked for the telephone.  She called each of her grand-kids and emphasized the importance of serving God and possessing the hope that He provides.  She quoted scriptures, prayed for them, and blessed each one.  She turned to those around her bed and bid each one goodbye and told us not to grieve her departure. 

She had no fear of dying, because perfect love casts out all fear.  Her hope was in whom she loved—Jesus Christ.  Mom knew where she was going, because she was made perfect in love.  There was no doubt in her mind, whatsoever, where her destination would be.  She had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  There was laid up for her the crown of righteousness in heaven.

Her demeanor and expressions were like she was saying, “Let’s get this show on the road” because she was ready to meet her Lord and Savior.  She closed her eyes; slipped back into a comma, and peacefully went home to be with Jesus. 

What a legacy Mom left!  Her example of a Christ-filled life will live on in the hearts and lives of her children, grandchildren, and their children’s children.  We need not fear death when hope of the resurrection is within us, because perfect love casts out all fear.

(1 John 4:17-19), “Love has been perfected among us in this:  that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”  vs.18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”  vs.19 “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd