Stewardship

The following thoughts are threefold in nature, of which, come under the heading—Stewardship: self, others, and God. 

In that God is the Creator of all things; He has absolute ownership and rights over everything, yet He has entrusted humanity with the responsibility of managing what belongs to Him.

Stewardship is not a scheme that God established to take from us; on the contrary, it is the act of bestowing His richest gifts upon His people.  Stewardship is more than just the management of time, possessions, surroundings, and our health; stewardship is one's obedient witness to God’s sovereignty.  It’s what motivates the follower of Christ to move into action, doing deeds that manifest their belief in Him.

Preparedness and follow-through are two key components that are necessary when individuals attempt to achieve something worth while.  It is hard to distinguish one from the other, because they work so well together.  When people put into practice the coupling of these two elements, things happen to help promote success.  They are two basic fundamentals of stewardship. 

There can be no destination without a beginning.  The journey has to start somewhere in order to realize the full benefit of achieving one’s goal.  A beginning to a happy ending is taking the first step and sticking with it; otherwise the destination envisioned will never be accomplished or fulfilled. 

It takes a made up mind and help from God to keep-on-keeping-on.  For example: losing weight begins with a plan and then sticking to the plan.  Weight reduction becomes reality if the effort to lose has a beginning and follow-through, therefore, the goal is realized in do time.  A fit body is impossible to achieve without proper exercise and eating nutritious food.  It just doesn’t happen. 

Speaking of exercise, there is no better exercise for the betterment of neighbors, a community, or nations around the world than to reach down a helping hand to minister to struggling people.  This happens when individuals involve themselves in community outreach programs and charitable organizations. 

Giving of time and money to achieve certain objectives is what’s needed.  At my church it is called, “missions giving.”

Another case in point deals with religious convictions without love being taught or implemented.  Love is the motivating factor that spurs a person to action.  This, coupled with true concern for one’s own soul and the welfare of others, is stewardship.  If love doesn’t exist, it is a sham.  Efforts put forth, if any, are in vane and unproductive; lacking effectiveness.

The reality of stewardship in helping others is twofold—seeing the need and then acting upon what is seen.  If goodwill-giving sticks to a person’s fingers and they hold back because of greed or excessive gluttony for personal gain, there is no way they can realize the joy that giving brings.  Materialism limits the flow of God’s blessings to the receiver and giver.  

I believe that selfishness and self-centeredness play a disgusting part in stifling the full impact of benefits that could otherwise be realized.  The negative influence that self-interest brings affects the level of involvement that people exert in helping others.  It limits them with respect to what God expects.

(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.”

When a person focuses beyond their own four walls of self-indulgence or their immediate circle of friends to view the difficulties and spiritual poverty around them, it is shocking how many lives can be touched in the wake of personal giving when something is done to help the plight of others. 

“There but for the grace of God, go I” is a phrase I think about from time to time when I see someone suffering misfortune.  Were it not for God’s mercy and grace, a similar fate could have befallen me.

(1Corinthians 15:10), “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain…”

There is a fine line separating wealth and poverty.  Of course there are varying degrees of affluence and deficiency on whichever side we find ourselves.  The pendulum that suspends from the horn-of-plenty can quickly swing from one side to the other or midpoint without warning, depending upon circumstances of life.  Environment, culture, and a host of other underlying factors determine what side of the line a person inhabits.

Those that “have” can lose their possessions and/or money through bad investments, or they may lose employment, whereas, their status, position, and health can change in a heartbeat, which can hurl them into the category of “have not’s.”  This can be the shocking reality of living life.  For the most part it happens without notice.

I choose to believe and am persuaded that God undergirds those that live according to His Word.  But He expects Believers to exercise caution and good sense regarding frugal spending habits.  This process begins with paying tithes on the first part of a paycheck; not at the end, lest there not be any money left to give tithes and offerings that God expects of us.

(Luke 6:38), “Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

(Psalm 37:25-26), “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”  vs.26 “He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.” 

If it’s all the same to you, I am going to continue doing what the Bible tells me to do.  Since becoming a Christian, God has proven over and over that I can depend on Him, because I am abiding in the truth of His Word. 

Yes, I give a tenth of my earnings to God.  He has shown me that I can do more with 90% than the full 100%.  He pours out blessings I cannot contain in a multitude of ways, because His Word is true.

If a person is not careful, a false sense of security can raise its ugly head to rule one’s better judgment, because of the good credit line they’ve established.  Taking on debt and buying things that should not be bought is typical in this “plastic money” society. 

It is more sensible to buy the things we want, with cash in hand, rather than indebtedness sinking our ship.  By waiting, we might decide that we really don’t need the item after all when it comes to shelling out that hard-earned cash. 

It is easy to swipe credit cards in the present, but when the bank statements come at the end of the month, it’s another story.  A reckoning day always accompanies uncontrolled spending, but rarely at an opportune time. 

Trivial, insignificant things bought with plastic money add up quickly when excessive spending rules a person.  It can easily break the back of anyone, figuratively speaking, that is not able to pay the piper at the end of monthly requests from banks to remit payment.

A good time to buy is when finances line up with the decision to purchase something.  People must learn how to put things on hold until such time that cash money is available to lesson the impact and burden that indebtedness brings.  There is no pressure like financial woes.  It affects every area of a person’s way of life.

When living from credit card payment to credit card payment, the reality of indebtedness is quickly realized do to overspending.  The shocking reality slaps them in the face and they question, “Where’s the money to pay these debts?” or “Why is the amount so much?” or “Could it be because I don’t pay tithes?” if in fact they don’t.

I believe the following Bible verse is very meaningful and truth at its highest.

(Malachi 3:10),  “ ‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’ ” 

Before a person buys what they think they need, or should I say want, God must receive His 10% first.  When Christians do as the Bible explains in (Malachi 3:11), not only do miraculous deals come their way, things just go right.  Financial pressures cease to buffet their existence each month, and life becomes in tune with God’s plan for the abundant life that He wants them to enjoy.

When a person begins doing what they know is right through giving away from self to the less fortunate, they then see how their time and money provide wonderful dividends.  This beginning and follow-through increases their realization of the importance of choosing to be part of the bigger picture (the benefits of giving). 

It is quite rewarding to see these results and experience the destination (or goal) that has been achieved.  Try it if you haven’t already; you will see God do amazing things that He said He would do when we obey Him.

To summarize my thoughts: a plan must be implemented and set into play with discipline being adhered to.  These steps of faith generate change in spending habits, and how we view the needs of others, and how to find security in God’s Word regarding stewardship and tithing.    

The journey must begin now, not tomorrow or the next day.  It starts with the first step in the right direction.  God will direct your path and help you to achieve success and happiness, because of stewardship.

(Psalm 37:23-24), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”  vs.24 “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Willing Heart

Clarification may be in order to explain the context by which I use the word “heart.”  For all intents and purposes of this writing, I am not referring to the organ that circulates blood through the body.  Emphasis will be the heart that is associated with the center of a person’s thoughts and emotions, especially love or compassion. 

A willing heart in the following thoughts refers to one’s mood or feeling, courage or enthusiasm; the attitude a person has inside them regarding the commandment that Jesus gave in (Mark 16:15).  Perhaps He was, in part, referring to the world of our immediate neighborhood or witnessing to fellow workers that we rub shoulders with each day.

(Mark 16:15), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

God uses people like you and me to do His bidding; ordinary people that love Him.  How else will unfulfilled individuals learn about God’s love and the peace that they can experience through His Son, Jesus?  The Bible calls it abundant living.

There are people everywhere that attend churches, yet, have not awakened to the all-important revelation that it takes “doers” to reach souls for Christ. There is more to it than just taking in all the time.  We must give away from ourselves.  I don’t think spending an hour in church on weekends is what the Bible means when it says:

(Hebrews 10:24-25), “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” vs.25 “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being like a sponge and soaking in the messages of a preacher’s sermons is good, but it does little to help others if the one in church fails to squeeze out some of these nuggets on the poor in spirit the rest of the week.  How can those around us come to the knowledge of God’s love without the testimony of a willing heart regarding His compassion and love?  It takes someone telling them the good news that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

There is always a need for workers in every church; to teach a Sunday school class, sing in the choir, do outreach ministries, or give a tenth of their income (tithe) so that the lights, heating, and air-conditioning can remain on.  It takes you and me having a willing heart to get involved and get connected.

God is seeking for willing hearts.  They don’t have to be scholars of the Bible, intellectual Bible thumpers, or full of charisma, though God certainly uses these individuals to reach people.  God wants someone to stand in the gap and make up the wall where they are needed to do ministry for Him.

We do not have to go to seminar school and become a minister of the Gospel to be qualified to work in the harvest field of lost souls.  This is a special calling from God.  We need only a willingness to be used of God and then do what He asks us to do. 

People that are timid and soft-spoken can become powerhouses for God when He empowers them with boldness and passion, which may not otherwise be their character or personality. The Holy Spirit makes the difference in a person's life.  

God prepares those He calls.  He does not ask us to do something that He is not equipped and ready to provide—the wherewithal to get the job done.  The only thing God needs is a willing heart (a heart of flesh).  He will bring about His perfection as He speaks through us.

(Psalm 81:10), “I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”

God is saying in this scripture that He doesn’t want us to fear.  He wants us to trust that He will fill our mouth with words that are not our own at the time they are needed with that which comes from heaven; not from our own intellect or charisma alone. 

God wants to astound those that live outside the kingdom of God through the testimony of godly people.  He wants to lift us to a supernatural plane by filling us with His Spirit.

When we give away from ourselves, in any capacity for the Lord, God gives back into our bosom.  It is not that we give to get, but it just happens that way, because God said that it would.  I have learned, by doing, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

(Luke 6:38), “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

God fills a willing heart with confirmation that they are doing the right thing.  The joy and feelings of accomplishment that He brings are overwhelming at times.  A Believer doing God’s will can be the means of miracles taking place in another person’s life, because of God’s faithfulness to bless their efforts.

(Isaiah 55:11), “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

I believe that a willing heart is like a heart of flesh that the Bible speaks of.  It certainly isn’t a heart of stone; a person set in their ways and not willing to help or see how God could use them in positive ways.

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

How can you tell if a person has a heart of flesh or heart of stone?  Listen to them speak and watch how they treat others, especially those closest to them.  Actions speak loudly the kind of person they are inside—volumes.  You will know.  The evidence speaks for itself.

(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.”

I believe that when we listen to what our heart (Holy Spirit) is saying, and act upon it, we shall be the means of winning someone to Christ.  They then can have a willing heart to stand in the gap to help someone else with similar needs.  A heart of flesh reaches out to people, because Jesus makes the difference in one’s heart when they choose to stand in the gap. 

Too many people are caught up in the non-important things of life and do little, if anything, for the kingdom of God.  It is heartbreaking, but true. 

(Ezekiel 22:30), “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

I want to be the person that God is seeking after.  I do not want to turn a deaf ear toward Him.  I want to hear the knock at my heart’s door and obey His voice when He calls my name.  My prayer is this:  “Please Lord, give me a willing heart to be Your hand extended to those without hope.”

(Revelation 3:20), “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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Acquitted or Sentenced

In a court of law environment, those appointed to sit on the jury and the observers in the courtroom might hear the jury foreman read the ruling pertaining to the findings of twelve jury members surrounding the preponderance of evidence against a defendant that has been accused of a criminal act against society, thus, breaking laws pertaining to the offense.  “Not guilty” or “Guilty” is usually the verdict that is rendered.  

A “hung jury” sometimes occurs when members of the jury cannot agree as to the guilt or innocence of the one accused.  Another trial is then ordered by the judge unless the prosecuting attorney drops all charges, because there is a lack of evidence to convict the defendant.

Depending on the verdict, the person on trial will either be acquitted and set free or sentenced and incarcerated; separated from loved ones and friends for the period of time that the law prescribes; pronounced by the judge.

In the United States judicial system, a person is considered innocent until proven guilty, but when a person sins, they are automatically condemning themselves as being guilty in the eyes of God no matter the degree of sin.  Sin is sin.  There is no safe level of sin that God endorses, not even a little, white lie.

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

There has never been a person on earth that has not committed some type of sin except Jesus Christ.  He alone is the only individual that never sinned.  He was God in human flesh when He walked on earth.  The God of creation was incarnated (embodied) into a baby boy that was born to a virgin named Mary—Jesus, the Son of God. 

This wicked world needed a Savior, because of sin.  All generations of people since Adam and Eve have been declared “Guilty” because of the “adamic nature” that is born in every person.  This common denominator of disobedience and immoral character of self-indulgent living are the ensnaring fibers that separate us from a holy God.  

The Lord came to seek and to save those that were lost and condemned to hell.  God took upon Himself, flesh, and dwelt among man, because everyone was and is guilty as charged.  Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, which separated them and all future generations from God.  This judgment is inherited by default, but God made a way to reconcile humanity to Him.  

Only God can acquit fallen man for breaking His laws.  His Son’s death on the cross made it possible to set humanity free from their state of rebellion (sin) against the Godhead; free from the sentencing that accompanies sin. 

Humanity need not be sentenced to an eternity separated from God, because we are in the dispensation of God’s grace.  The human race is no longer under Old Testament laws, but if we confess Jesus as Lord of our life, we will certainly endeavor to live by them with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside every Christian. 

God shows mercy to those that believe on the name of Jesus and repents of their sins.  Jesus paid the full price for our redemption when He willingly died and shed His blood for the sins of mankind.  He is the mediator, our attorney that stands between God and us and pleads our case before Him.

Jesus bridges the chasm that separates us from God by showing Him the evidence of suffering that He endured for our redemption; nailed-scared hands and feet, and a wound in His side that was placed there by a Roman soldier when he speared Jesus as He hung on the cross suspended between heaven and earth.  The Lord paid the full price for our acquittal.  He willingly died on our behalf, because of His unconditional and absolute love for you and me.

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

When a person cries out for forgiveness and takes a step of faith toward Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to receive clemency and a purpose for living, God sees them through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.  God immediately releases them from the bonds that held them fast—amnesty is manifested.  The blood reminds God of the promise He made to all people.

(1 John 1:9-10), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  vs.10 “If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”  

There is no other way to escape the sentencing of God except through His Son, Jesus.  God’s guilty verdict is the final ruling if a person stands before Him without the blood of Jesus covering their sins. Sentencing will take place at God’s judgment seat if their name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

(Revelation 3:5), “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

Acquittal happens at the moment of conversion.  What is conversion?  It is when an individual realizes their need of a Savior and surrenders their life to Christ by asking forgiveness of their sins.  God then rights the wrongs that they have done and forgives their sins.

This act of mercy is grace at its finest; given in love.  It is like being born-again.  Our spirit is pronounced clean—“Not guilty.”  We become spotless and white as the driven snow, because God removes the blackness of sin from our heart.  He then throws these sins into the sea of His forgetfulness, never to remember them against us again—even those little, white lies that we thought were okay, but weren’t.

Those that have found grace in the eyes of the Lord are born into the kingdom of God.  They become children of God in His forever family of Believers and joint-heirs with Christ.  His Spirit indwells the inner-being, which makes it possible to worship Him in spirit and truth.

(John 4:24), “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

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

Every individual is given freewill to choose right from wrong.  They will either live as God would have them live; separated from the pollution of uncleanness, or go their own way and sin, thus, sealing their fate, because they chose Satan’s way of living.  No one can serve God and Satan at the same time.  Freewill chooses one or the other. 

The choices made in this flesh determine the outcome of where our soul resides after death—heaven or hell—acquitted or sentenced.

(Matthew 6:24), “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon.”

(Revelation 3:16), “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

The period of time that the Word of God prescribes to unbelievers is eternity in hell for those that refuse to submit their will unto God and turn from disobedience.  They are separated from God and loved ones forever. 

The verdict is not dependent upon twelve jury members.  God is judge and jury, but we are the ones that determine our destiny; no one else.  The choice is ours as to whom we will serve while on earth—God, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, or Satan, the father of lies and deceit.   

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Will Miss You Mom

It is without a doubt one of the most terrible things in life that we will experience; the passing of a close friend or loved one, especially a mom.  When the final call has been made, “Come home my child.” and the shadow of death falls across the threshold of someone whom we hold dear to our heart, it hurts us deeply and our heart aches, because of the loss. 

Happiness fades under the weight of its sadness, and our world is turned upside down as it crashes around us.  It is difficult for our natural mind to grasp the finality of it all, and without failure, we begin to question, “Why?”

Many times a person can feel cheated and alone even though their siblings are near.  As they filter through the varied and mixed emotions that are being experienced, it is not uncommon for anger to burn within the bosom; a deep, gnawing rage that refuses to let up.  Some individuals, because of grief, blame God for His lack of concern. 

A finger of accusation is quickly pointed in His face with words crying out, “You made a mistake!” while reminding Him of how much their mom had to give and how much love she had to share. 

“Why did He take her?  How could He do this to my family and me?  How could He take our children’s Grandma away from them? How could He turn His back on our prayers and abandon us when we needed Him most?”  These and more are some of the questions asked.    

One thing is sure.  We cannot offend God, nor can we separate ourselves from His love—He is bigger than that.  He hurts when we hurt and wants to embrace us with His outstretched arms of compassion if we allow Him to do so.

(Romans 8:38-39), “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,” vs.39 “nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

God desires to hold us close at these hurtful times and impart strength and peace to our grieving inner-self.  He wants to be that solid rock on which we can stand in times like these.  He is our comforter and hears every prayer we pray.  He sees the tears that fall.  God wishes to soothe and console our troubled heart with His perfect peace, of which we are searching for.

Though answers may never come to the many questions that we have, still we must believe that there is a higher power (God Almighty) that knows us by name and wants to be our strength.  He is always near; a breath away in times of need.  God is in the corridor of our heart speaking peace if we allow ourselves to hear Him.

No one will ever take the place of our precious mom.  She not only gave life to her children, she nurtured and loved us as only a mother could.  Wonderful memories are what she has given. 

As we take a moment to reflect on the countless good times spent with her, we feel her presence once again—memories of how she combed her hair; the smell of her perfume; and the times she corrected us, because she wanted her children to grow up having been loved by her, not only in training, but always.

(Proverbs 22:6), “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

These prized memories will be shared with her grandchildren as they grow into adulthood; sharing with them the legacy that has been such a part of our lives, because of her positive influence and enriched life.  Mom was a woman of prayer not only for her spouse, but as a mother, grandmother, and friend to many—a woman of God.

We are indeed blessed to have had a mom as precious as her.  Thank you, Mom, for loving us so much.  We will miss you dearly.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Bridges

Now and then I find myself entertaining thoughts of my youth when life was simple.  The games I played with neighborhood friends and the kids at school were fun.  These activities kept our minds engaged and our bodies healthy with wholesome enjoyment.

Hide-and-Seek and Kick-the-Can were my all-time favorites.  Ring around the Rosie, Tag, and Dodge ball were also gratifying.  Oh yes, singing the Mother Goose rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down” was also fun.

My forth grade teacher, Mrs. Hughes, loved music and wanted it to be a part of her student’s curriculum.  She called it, “The hour of music.”

I remember singing “Low Bridge” also known as “The Erie Canal” song.  This old folk song was written by Thomas Allen in 1905 after the change of mule power to engine power.  The chorus goes like this:

Low bridge everybody down

Low bridge for we’re comin’ to a town

And you’ll always know your neighbor

You’ll always know your pal

If you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal

Another pastime game that people have enjoyed since the 1930’s is Bridge.  It has been one of the most popular card games in the world.  But the subject matter of this writing does not pertain to games that people play around the dining room table with friends or family members, or the games we played as children.  The following thoughts explore the value of bridges, which are structures carrying a road, path, or railroad that span across a river, ravine, or other obstacle.

As a case in point, let us look for a moment at the aura that radiates from a freedom loving person that lives their life treating others like they themselves want to be treated.  This bridge of goodwill toward people is contagious when seen by others.  I have learned by observing and through the natural course of hands-on-doing that this way of treating people goes a long way in keeping relationships on an even keel.

It is never a good idea to burn bridges behind you, as a matter of speaking, because a person never knows when they might need to backtrack to the other side with regards to acquaintances they have met.  

Maintaining one’s integrity, while safeguarding relationships, attribute to the peace-loving nature that accompanies kindness when striving to keep the return path free from obstacles that clutter and make passage impossible.

Personal values and respect for others, when maintained, prevent an encumbering buildup of restrictive sludge that could impede or cut off communication with those on the other side of the bridge.  All too often, individuals with rude personalities lack the wherewithal and foresight it takes to learn lessons when dealing with personalities that differ from theirs.

Hindsight is ignored, because these people do not seize the time it takes or the moments available to think about past, negative encounters that they have had, nor do they consider earlier periods with people when ill-behavior trumped better judgment on their part.  They disregard other people’s feelings; not caring how the conversation was received or the impact it may have had on those around.  They regard kindred relationships as a form of weakness. 

Sadly, they use people and then toss them aside like an old pair of socks when they are through with them, thus, burning another bridge.  Perhaps they have a self-sufficient, self-reliant attitude that spits in the face of common decency.  They have not learned how to safeguard bridges and respect the worth of them.  For the most part they are most miserable people, because true happiness comes when giving away from oneself, which they refuse to do.

I believe that a haughty, thankless spirit is a sure recipe for failure.  Everyone needs someone, because we are not an island unto ourselves, although some people think and act like they are.  Liberation comes when communication is free flowing.  We were made by our Creator to interact with one another; learning by the other person’s failures and successes rather than keeping people at arm length.

How a person handles stressful situations or the challenges they face say a lot about that person’s character, which ultimately can affect those around them in negative ways if they radiate a downbeat personality.  Like the aura around freedom loving people that influence in positive ways, unappreciative people affect others in non-constructive ways, because of their self-centered lifestyle.

A self-absorbed heart is like a house built on shifting sand; lacking a solid foundation having reinforcement steel and adequate piers that reach bedrock. 

Personalities like this try to span the ravine of life by implementing their own way of building bridges by depending on their own brain power.  They do things without first considering the means that it takes to have a successful journey to the other side. 

Though intelligent and intellectually astute when it comes to making money or when capitalizing on material gain, they lack good judgment and the skills to build sound structures that can span from one side to the other; bridges to true freedom over impassable chasms.

Several people helped me to succeed in life’s ventures through their words of encouragement, giving me business insight, and sharing their personal experiences of what not to do.  Their advice saved me from taking the wrong fork in the road many times.  Their savvy and good business sense that I gleaned certainly helped me to do well. 

Good council is priceless and always beneficial.  Each person that helped me made up the integral members of the bridge that spanned the distance over the abyss of troubled waters.  I am glad I took note and listened to their words of wisdom and guidance.  

I suppose it is the natural instinct and character of some people to think they can exercise their own plan of attack to achieve something worth while, whereas, the physical realm and rules of engagement to attain possessions pertaining to material gain and financial success fall short of the mark when spiritual insight is necessary for true happiness.  This involves a higher power than the intellect of modern man’s high-energy philosophy and misguided ingenuity.

If a person, within their own ability, were able to achieve spiritual utopia with supernatural insight to the complexities of the universe and the hereafter, there would be no reason to honor a Nativity scene at Christmas, or imprint the words “In God We Trust” on our currency and coinage, or attend church, or read the Bible.  They would be self-sufficient in their own right.

(John 4:24) “God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Though many sects, false religions, and cults believe that there are other ways to span the gulf of sin, which separates sinful man from a Holy God, the Bible teaches that there is only one bridge that connects unrighteousness to righteousness.  His name is Jesus, the Son of God.

(Acts 4:12) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The damming lie that Satan poses to mankind is that we, through good works, personal righteousness, going to church on Easter Sunday and Christmas, intellectual mumbo-jumbo through meditation, and the worship of idols, will make up the bridge to everlasting freedom for the soul of man. 

Those that are beguiled in believing this lie-from-hell will ultimately condemn themselves to an eternity away from the presence of Almighty God, because they rejected the only bridge not made my hands.

God can set at liberty any person that is bound by traditions, habits, and unproven religions if they so desire.  God gives each of us freewill to choose our way or His way.  Freedom comes through Jesus Christ.  He alone brings total forgiveness of unrighteous living.  It was the blood He shed on the cross that cleansed us from an unholy existence.  He died for the sins of humanity, because of love.

(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.”

The cross spans the gap, called SIN, which separates disobedient people from God.  Jesus hung there and was suspended with His hands nailed horizontally to unite a fallen people with their Creator—the bridge of forgiveness and grace.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  Not a soul can come to the Father except through His Son.  The cross is the only bridge connecting sinful man to the holiness of God.  When we embark upon this straight and narrow path, the only way to salvation, it insures that our homecoming will take place in heaven. 

When Christians pass from this life they will spend eternity in the presence of unending love.  While the angels are rejoicing, those that are born again Believers will be united with the true and living God. 

The bridge to freedom is sure, solid, and unshakeable.  When other means fail to provide lasting peace and the assurance that (all is OK with my Maker), remember that the blood of Jesus was the price paid for our redemption.  The bridge toll was paid in full for those that accept Him as Lord and Savior.

We do not have to worry about the flames of hell burning this bridge.  The fiery darts of Satan are extinguished by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God.

(Romans 10:9-10) “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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd