Spiritual Balance

When I was just a little shaver, no bigger than hop-o’-my-thumb, Mom and Dad took me to church quite regularly.  They were adamant about teaching me right from wrong to the extent of not allowing me to visit those terrible places called, “movie theaters.”

Even though free tickets were given for Saturday morning matinees to each person on the crossing guard squad, which I was a member of in grade school, there was no gray area with Dad.  He wanted me to shun the very appearance of evil, as it were.

I was disappointed not being able to watch Disney or hop-along Cassidy movies, but I didn’t want to go to hell as I thought I might.  I did not disobey my dad.

I envisioned God as someone waiting for me to make a mistake so that He could put a black check-mark next to my name in heaven.  Anyway, that is what I was told would happen by my older siblings.  The truth was certainly exaggerated in order to keep me on the straight and narrow path.

I remember sermons being preached about hell, fire, and brimstone, which indelibly branded my mind.  I tried my best to be good lest I end up in hell, so I watched my “Ps” and “Qs” until my teens.  It was then a new world of discovery raised its ugly head and I began to run from God, trying to find myself and where I belonged.

In my youth, I seldom heard messages about the love of God and that if I slipped and fell, He would forgive my sins.  Emphasis was on DO NOT SIN OR REAP THE CONSEQUENCES!  At least that's the way I remember it. 

Yes, (John 3:16) was preached, but my conception of God was misconstrued, that of fear.  I am not saying that preachers of old should not have taught on the wages of sin leading to death, but the merciful, tenderness of God should have been communicated, more so, to offset the hell and damnation that my young brain was exposed to.

I am sure that today’s rating of some of the sermons preached would have been at least PG (parental guidance).  I respectfully call these types of messages, scar tactics to get a person to serve God.  In any case, they sure scared me.

I truly believe that old time evangelists were God conscious and wanted His will in the lives of people as they painting vivid pictures of the place to shun.  I am sure their aim was to save people from hell.

Perhaps for this reason I find it difficult to totally grasp the love of God as an adult.  No doubt God loves me with a never ending love and is long-suffering and merciful, yet I struggle to understand the depth, breadth, and height of agape love.

In today’s society, this type of teaching does not go over well in my opinion.  As I see it, it is a sore subject with some folks, because people are prone to take a stand against someone telling them what they can and can’t do.  I guess it’s the times in which we live…individuals pushing against authority figures, and the notion that someone is dictating to them how to live.

It has been years since I have heard a message about hell, and that if we sin, this terrible place is where we will find ourselves.  I believe this food for thought concerning hell is needed, inclusive of messages that Jesus Christ is the Savior who delivers us from sin.

The Bible says that we are no longer under the law; we are in the dispensation of grace, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God.  In that He paid the full price for sin through the shedding of His blood on Calvary’s cross, you and I can be set free from the bondage and stigma of sin.

When Jesus becomes our Savior, we need not fear hell, because we become sons and daughters of God Almighty through Jesus Christ.

(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.”

If I blow it and sin, the old teaching I received in my youth sometimes kicks in and I wonder, “Am I going to hell?  Will God really forgive me?”  If God does not forgive sin when we stumble and fall, will there be anyone in heaven?

God desires persistence not perfection, because we will never attain this status.  If we fall, He wants us to get up, brush ourselves off, and continue the race.  God forgives sin when we ask Him.  He is our heavenly Father who wants us in heaven with Him. 

There was only one perfect man that walked the earth—Jesus.  We are not perfect, just forgiven.  We learn through life’s experiences how to put off the old ways of the world and walk in newness of life through Jesus; in the strength of the Holy Spirit.

God looks at the heart, (the soul), and sees our true desire to live for Him, not the outside that is fallible.  God sees the mistakes we make through the blood of His dear Son, who freely gave His life for our redemption; for the failures we make.

God wants intimacy with the real you, not someone else you are trying to be.  We must pattern ourselves after the attributes of Jesus Christ, not some great spiritual leader or guru.

(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.”

When I was standing on the precipice looking into the vastness of past sins, I felt hopeless and alone.  It was at that instant the teachings of my youth flooded my mind and I cried out to God for help.  He was there, took my hand, and led me to a safe haven of refuge and security.

The Lord gave me peace of mind that all things were controlled by Him and not to worry.  Accepting Jesus into my heart was the pivotal moment that changed the rest of my life and the afterlife too.

When I read about the compassion that Jesus had for people and the love He expressed to all He met, I am encouraged that had He not loved me, He would not have died for me.  The Lord desires that all should come to Him and repent of their sins and be born-again.

(John 15:13), “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Though preachers and evangelists bombarded young minds with messages about sin and death, I am persuaded that their intentions were honorable and pure.  They preached what I needed to hear at that time, because I am serving God today.  Everything works together for good.

(Romans 8:28), “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Today’s society needs the teaching that there is a hell to shun and a heaven to gain.  We must not bury our head in the sand or sing Kumbaya, while refusing to listen to sound doctrine like old time Pentecostal teachings about hell, fire, and brimstone.  It is what our soul needs in addition to the teachings of God’s eternal love.  Together they provide spiritual balance.

Written by,
Papa Boyd

Tomorrow Is Here Today

As you embrace these thoughts, my prayer is that they help to open closed ears and broaden your visual horizon of upcoming events if needed.  They are not meant to discourage or offend in any way, because it is my desire that you experience the very best in life and heaven too.

Most people shy away from asking themselves:  “Do I really wanna die and go to hell?”  This question is quite specific in nature and most likely intimidating, yet it is a most important question to ask oneself rather than numbing the senses to a vital subject matter.

I, for one, refused to think or talk about such things when I was living a reckless existence.  It was easier on my psyche and less stressful to occupy my mind with other things and leave worrisome thoughts for when I was too old to enjoy life.

“Just let me sow my wild oats” is usually the cry of young people wanting excitement and a lot of relationships.  The sad part of this philosophy is that it doesn’t always work out this way.

In my youth and into adulthood, I was heartbroken when a couple of my friends succumbed to the pressures around them by ending their life.  I have witnessed people of all ages dying from the effect of a disease or injury before reaching their twilight years.

I don’t know anyone that desires death and I am sure that most level-headed people do not want to go into eternity without their sins being forgiven.  Dying and hell are not the most favorite subjects to talk about, especially if a person is walking away from God.

It is systematic suppression that causes non-Christians to hide their head in the sand-of-procrastination rather than facing the inevitable with an open mind.  Remember, no one is getting out of this world alive.

Life doesn’t come with safety nets included.  We are all walking a high-wire and not having a net.  Standing on the periphery of the unknown is more than a bit scary; the thought of it is terrifying to some individuals.  For this reason they close their ears and hope to escape the haunting thought of the inescapable, a certainty that is coming no matter what we think or believe.

When I became a Christian I told my friends about the love of God and a heaven to gain and hell to shun.  At times a quiet hush would fall.  My words were met with the sound of silence, because my friends were faced with a decision resembling a life/death scenario; uncomfortable to say the least, but necessary to talk about. 

Some attitudes were, “Tomorrow I will consider God.” I was endeavoring to tell them, “Tomorrow is here today.”  It was like I had a fistful of smelling salts attempting to awaken them from their slumbering lifestyle. 

The adage, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” hints at a “hide or seek” game; hiding from what’s to come.  I associate it with someone pretending to be unaware or choosing to look the other way. 

Some friends were hearing, but not listening.  They resembled the world’s populace that has forgotten how to listen…minds filled with computer games and bombarded with text messages, while surfing the internet consisting of interconnected networks.

It is becoming easier for the adversary of our soul to squeeze the very life out of us, making it effortless for humanity to become lost in the world of cybernetics rather than thinking about tomorrow or the next minute, while there is yet time to say yes to Jesus.

Life is brief, but people, in general, think they have time to make things right with God.  In this present day of delight and pleasure, those that delay or postpone getting their life on track have a typical response, which is someday—a code-word meaning never.  They are being deceived by the devil who says, “God is no fun; let me show you what real fun is all about.”  

Satan is the great deceiver and father of lies.  Hell is the destination when giving ear to his lies whether we want to face this fact or not.  But God has a way to escape this terrible place—Jesus Christ.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.

If we are fortunate enough to experience a ripe old age and not die prematurely, we actually choose our own destiny.  The entity we serve on earth determines the place we spend eternity—Jesus or Lucifer; heaven or hell.  The choice is ours to make.  Putting off and saying, “I will serve God when I am old,” is wasted words if death calls today.

(2 Corinthians 6:2), “…Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

I believe the few years that we have on earth is a dressing room for eternity.  How we live our life and what we wear as apparel, righteousness or unrighteousness, will determine tomorrow’s residence and the days, years, and millenniums that follow.

I understand why people skirt conversations and refuse to think about what happens after death.  I was apprehensive to close my eyes at night for fear of where my soul would end up should I die in my sleep.

As a Believer, I now have a hope through Jesus Christ that heaven will be my home forever and ever.  Fear departed and peace of mind replaced it.

You too can walk in calmness of spirit, because God gave His Son to die for your sins and mine.  Just ask for forgiveness and receive the free gift of salvation.  Be born again through Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of mankind.

(2 Peter 3:9), “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

May you have a long and prosperous life, but the time to serve God is here today.  Make the decision now, because tomorrow may never come.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Ask and Believe

My daughter-in-law came over yesterday to show my wife how to use the new pressure cooker I bought.  She brought her grandson, my great grandson, of whom I hadn’t seen in some time…how he had grown! 

He is eight years old and very personable with great manners.  As he and I visited in my home office, he proceeded to tell me that for the past two or three weeks he has had a cold and unable to shake it.

I got up from where I was sitting and laid hands on his chest to pray.  I spoke the name of Jesus, because the Bible says in (Isaiah 53:5), “By His stripes we are healed.”

Jesus suffered a brutal beating prior to being crucified on the cross.  He was God’s Son dying for the sins of mankind.  There is all power given unto that name.

(John 14:13), “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

I prayed that God would heal his body from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet.  I felt the power of God in my prayer as did he.

He stood there motionless, kind of in awe, and not saying anything.  I knew he felt the touch of God, because tears welled up in his eyes.  I proceeded to tell him of the times that my dad prayed for me when I was his age, having immediate results after he prayed.

Dad was a man of faith and believed in laying hands on the sick and praying that they be healed of their affliction.  He raised me by showing the power of God through prayer.  He believed that prayer is the key, but faith unlocks the hasp that binds people.

It would be enjoyable to write several pages on the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, but my thoughts today revolve around the gifts of healings, which is certainly a blessed gift to have.

I believe a Spirit-filled Christian can be used, by God, in all nine gifts if occasions warranted these actions to be implemented.  The Bible says that we are to pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1).

If it was not possible to stir up the gifts of God in us, Believers would not have been encouraged to do so.  There are nine gifts in all and nine fruit of the Holy Spirit; a writing for another day.

Of the nine gifts, the gift of healing resounds loudly in my spirit, because there are so many people around us that need a touch of healing from the Lord.  I am sure that when Jesus walked the earth He was moved with compassion at every turn.  I am convinced that He healed all that had little hope in their struggle of life.

I believe in prayer and raised my children with prayer; results following.  We do not have to beg God when making our petition known, we need only to ask and believe that He hears and answers prayers.  We then leave it with Him, knowing that He is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.

I have been around a long time and heard many sermons on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Sadly, I seldom hear messages preached on the subject.  Just because society is shying away from talking or singing about the blood of Jesus does not nullify the power that allows me to plead the blood over any situation and expect a miracle.

I’ve heard that the consensus of certain faiths feel that gifts were for the early church and not prevalent for today’s refined culture of church goers.  I understand that some printing companies have removed songs from hymnals that speak to the blood of Jesus.  I perceive that they don’t want a bloody religion. 

As for me and my house, we believe in the power of the blood that Jesus shed for the healing of body and soul.  I try not to get caught up in the whys of omission or become stagnated in what Christians do not do.  I would rather focus on what I can do through Christ who strengthens me when I step out in faith to put into action what I believe, whenever the occasion presents itself.

You may think, “I have little or no faith at all.”  For this reason I am sharing my thoughts today.  First of all, faith is generated by reading the Bible.  It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

(Romans 10:17), “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

I believe Christians should be ready to stand in the gap where needed to do whatever the Spirit of God is prompting.  My grandson’s cold and the action I took is a small example of this.  He will remember the power of prayer in days and years to come, as have my children as they raise theirs.

A Believer can move with boldness and assuredness that God will intervene whatever the need may be, because He cares.  This means having responsibility to the need and to God, being willing to move in faith at any time or place to use one or all nine of the gifts.

Christians can walk with God’s anointing in their daily life and not fear or be embarrassed to be used of God in any situation, because it is not you or me that perform miracles, it is the Holy Spirit working in children of God.  It is up to God as to the results of our obedience in doing what He wanted us to do.

(1 Corinthians 12:7-10), “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”  (vs.8) “for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,” (vs.9) “to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,” (vs.10) “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”

No doubt there will be times that we balk and fail to do what we are prompted to do, but that’s okay; God will use plan “B” when He needs to by using someone else to bring about His will.  It happened to me.

I remember sitting in church having a strong impression to go pray for a young man I had never met.  The moment I quenched the Spirit and didn’t move out of my seat, another Christian got up, walked over to him and proceeded to minister to his need.

I missed the opportunity to be part of God’s work.  It was a lesson I’ll never forget.  Rationalizing things to the point of vetoing the power of the spiritual realm in me, in favor of what I was feeling, fear and embarrassment caused me to miss a blessing to grow even stronger in the Lord.

When we pray for boldness, God gives it.  When we ask to be used, He uses us.  To be His hand extended is my desire.  I hope it’s yours as well.

It is my belief that the Holy Spirit can manifest any of the nine gifts at anytime through Believers that walk in God’s anointing, if they allow Him to do so.  Let us not forget the free access we have as children of God.  God is not limiting us to only one gift.

The following choruses express my sentiments regarding ministry:

To be used of God to sing, to speak, to pray

To be used of God to show someone the way

I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire

To be used of God is my desire

Oh to be His hand extended

Reaching out to the oppressed

Let me touch Him, let me touch Jesus

So that others may know and be blessed

Sharing the Good News that Jesus heals, through action, not only builds confidence that God still answers prayer in today’s unbelieving populace, it encourages the person being prayed for to reach out on their own behalf to believe God for miracles whenever they or someone else has troubling issues.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Patience Sooner or Later

I am a “get it done” kind of guy, not letting grass grow under my feet, as it were.  When there is a project that needs my attention, I’m on time, I’ve got my tools, and I’m ready to meet the challenge. 

I understand the premise of “an acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree” in that a child exhibits the same or very similar traits as his or her parents.  My dad taught me great work ethics of how to stay employed by working hard. 

I find that my character is a lot like his.  Patience was not his forte, nor is it mine.  I guess I learned through example, or is it my God-given personality?

The one thing I do not ask God for is patience.  I understand that the trying of one’s faith, through trials, has a way of teaching long-suffering, but I prefer to take it in stride and allow patience to express itself at its own, natural pace without rushing God.

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

It’s not that I don’t want to be patient or gentle spirited, I do, but let’s face it, I am not a glutton for punishment either.  Life is hard enough without petitioning for more challenges.  After all, a super hero I am not.  I’m just a sinner saved by grace.

With all levity aside, I am persuaded that God loves me with a never-ending love.  I am thankful that He is tolerant, understanding, and a forgiving God.  His love is deeper than the deepest ocean and higher than any mountain.  He is our heavenly Father and loves us more than we could ever love our own children…and we would do anything for them.  

Receiving patience, through trials, goes hand-in-hand with God’s chastisement of His children when correction is needed.  I believe most Christians do their best to please God, while allowing the Holy Spirit to help them do so.

If Christians lack forbearance with others, God will show them the error of their ways, one way or the other.  He desires that they become more like His Son, Jesus.  Believers should be thankful when God disciplines them; it shows Son-ship.

(Hebrews 12:5-8), “… My son; do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;” (vs.6) “for whom the Lord loves He chastens …”  (vs.7) “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”  (vs.8) “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” 

Correction reminds me of my childhood when Mom and Dad taught me the value of honesty, integrity, and having strong moral principles by not sparing the hand-of-persuasion. 

I could never understand the statement, “This hurts me more than it does you,” in that I was on the receiving end of discipline.  Go figure. 

Looking back, having raised children of my own, I know my parents corrected me in love, because they desired that I learn respect for myself and others.  I have seen through the years that without accountability there is little or no responsibility, while patience runs amok.  Teaching children respectability, early in life, has merit.

The preceding thoughts speak to gaining more patience where patience is needed.  I am all for growing in the Lord and doing His will, but some Christians need more help in the area of patience than others. 

I am convinced that God in His wisdom and knowledge will sooner or later get the message across to His children that patience is a wonderful virtue to possess.  It is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Without patience, working within the confines of God’s timeline becomes more difficult, creating frustration.  It seems that His timekeeping device runs much slower than my clock, because I am prone to want things quickly.  It is this nature that I am trying to change.

My behavior reminds me of the fellow that prayed, “Lord, give me patience and I want it now!”  It takes a little longer for the Holy Spirit to work with intolerant personalities like this, but He knows exactly what it takes to get the job done.  Sooner or later patience arrives.

Frustration can discourage some Believers to give up the fight, because of feelings that every time they turn around they fall short of what God expects of them.  They surrender to the notion that they fail to measure up to brother Tom, Dick, and Harry, or Sister Tammy, Dawn, and Helen, regarding their ability to trust God and wait patiently for an answer to prayer.

We must remember that each of us is unique to God and He knows how to teach patience with love.  After all, God gave us our personalities, didn’t He?  God is not done with us yet.  His long-suffering will one day bring us to a place of self-confidence and self-assurance with patience leading the way. 

Look at Mother Teresa.  She was a lady who willingly allowed God to perfect and use her in areas where patience was often needed.  She had a heart of gold with an unruffled sense of humor.  One of her quotes went something like this:  “I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle.  I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

I believe that God knew she would get the job done no matter how long it took.  It was the way God made her; to preserver though the tasks were many.  You and I are also special to Him as He transitions us into the image of Christ.

I am persuaded that the total repertoire of godly attributes, The Fruit of the Spirit, would be manifested in its entirety if people were more patient to receive them.

(Galatians 5:22-23), “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.”

Not everyone’s character is like peas in a pod.  My wife and I, for example, are at opposite ends of the spectrum of patience.  My “Type A” personality is what God gave me, which drew me to my wife of whom I want to become more like.  Opposites do attract, if you were wondering.

Her spirit exudes kindness, consideration, love, and yes, patience.  She, for sure, has the patience of Job.  God knew I needed all the help I could get to bring me around to His way of thinking, regarding patience.  With her help I am doing much better. 

For years I’ve been trying on my wife’s qualities to see how well they fit with my individuality.  They are working out fine.  It isn’t that I have to become her to do God’s work or please Him, it’s just that patience comes in different ways through varying manifestations, hence, my wife.  The Lord is at the helm of my existence, perfecting me.  It is my desire to become more like Him.

I am easier to live with, while giving away from self is becoming more frequent as I put into practice what my wife lives before me.  With forbearance, she is imparting the fruit of patience through her example, which allows the other eight Fruit of the Spirit to be cultivated in my life.

The quote by John Bytheway expresses my thoughts quite well:  “Inch by inch anything’s a cinch.”  And let us not forget the adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”  It attests to the need for time to create great things. 

God bless you in your quest for patience…it will come sooner or later.  Be patient.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Friend and Helpmate

Kindheartedness is a wonderful virtue to have.  In my opinion, it runs in the same vein as godliness.  It is the mother lode of compassion that God desires that we have for one another. 

A person can search the deepest depths in the earth or dredge streams and rivers to find the riches of this world, but kindheartedness is the one possession that is more cherished than gold, silver and precious stones.

Eureka is the shout when something of value has been found.  We can count ourselves privileged to have found the jewel of great price in a soul mate that has qualities of kindness and consideration for others.  A person with these traits has decency as their middle name.

God must have loved me a lot to orchestrate the meeting with a young woman I was to marry.  It was better than winning the Lottery, though I never play the game, because it is too chancy to throw my hard earned money away. 

Meeting my helpmate for life was not by chance; it was ordained of God.  It all began with a phone call.  At the crossroads of conversation is where our paths met. 

A dear friend of mine gave me the telephone number of a single lady that attended her church.  My friend was known as, “Queen Cupid,” because she had been instrumental in several successful marriages already and now was working her God-given ability in my behalf.

When I called the girl’s number, she had already been forewarned that I might be calling, via my friend.  I was pleasantly surprised and found that we had many things in common.  I was taken aback when she told me that she knew who I was since she was 13 years old; she was 22 when I called. 

When I was sixteen I sang in a gospel quartet and from time to time would sing to an auditorium filled with young people.  The gatherings were called, “Eye Rally’s” that were sponsored by a Christian organization for youth in the area.  It was at these rallies that she noticed this tall, curly headed boy singing for the Lord.

We talked for about 45, enjoyable minutes.  When I got off the phone I said to my dad, “I think I found the one I’ve been looking for.”  I fell in love with her beautiful spirit.  It was like a magnet drawing us together. 

We were married six months later and she confessed that she was smitten with me as a teenager and hoped that one day our paths would cross.  Go figure.  Could that be God?

She is kind, thoughtful, and a friend to all, indeed a helpmate that loves me even with my faults.  I am glad I waited for just the right person that God had for me—God’s best.  When we are patient and wait on God, He does all things well.

God saw that I needed help in bringing out the softer me, the side I had difficulty showing, because of my personality.  Past experiences had left a bad taste in my mouth that was complex in nature.  I was defensive and shielded my feelings.

My now wife, having an even-keeled character and charming nature, is teaching me that it is okay to show softness and that I don’t have to worry about people taking advantage of me.  This newfound temperament is helping me to tear down protective walls that I had built around my emotions.

My helpmate demonstrates the positive side of kindness, which is rubbing off on me slowly, but surely.  I believe this is the reason God created woman to come alongside her man to help the Lord guide “hardheadedness” in the right direction.

The idiom, “Behind every great/successful man there stands a woman,” is certainly true in my case.  A man’s success often depends on the work and support of his helpmate.

My wife, for the most part, is long-suffering and patient.  She has to be to put up with me at times, but I’m coming around little by little.  I am finding that the softer side of me is a more enjoyable behavior to show others.  Christians are to let people see the nature of Christ in all things.  With her help this is happening.

She is the jewel, a priceless gem that God had just for me.  I am blessed to have her in my corner, at my side, and behind me lending support in decision making, raising children, producing Godly influence through her prayers, while making it easier for me to show her and others love.

I believe that a helpmate’s Spirit-led wisdom strengthens the wisdom of the man and vise versa.  The blending of my wife’s wisdom with my wisdom is an optimistic way to live.  We make a good team even though our personalities are totally different.  Our relationship works, because she undergirds my weaknesses.

(Proverbs 18:22)  “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.”

I have learned through the years that giving to my mate is not a 50/50 proposition; it is the giving of 100%.  It takes time for some people to grasp the meaning of coexisting with the opposite sex in marriage, especially if either party has a strong personality.  Love flows in our household, because God is head of our commitment to one another. 

Perhaps you are a person that feels you have all the answers and refuse to listen to what other people have to say.  There is nothing wrong with being strong-minded and strong-willed, but no one individual has all the answers all the time.  There is safety in council.  It makes sense to listen and then proceed with caution.

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

Learning to blend ideas with our spouse and focusing on ideas presented, without balking to harshly, make for a peaceful environment in the marriage, which promotes reliance in one another.

Though I still find it hard to listen at times, I’ve discovered if I close my mouth, my wife’s input is solid and God-inspired, because she is a praying woman. 

Things don’t always have to go your way.  Cut the other person some slack; remember, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”  Their ideas may be better than yours.  Allow input, being gracious, and giving credit where credit is due with a smile.  God is still working on them, and no doubt you as well.

1 + 1 = 2 … Two minds are better than one, yet God’s equation is 1 + 1 = 1.  Woman completes man and man completes woman, which equals a whole.  Two become as one. 

I have to agree with God’s math, because two people becoming one flesh in spirit and mind is better than two remaining unmovable, refusing to listen to the other part of the equation.  When you have found the missing piece to make you complete, that certain sole mate that God has for you, things just add up.

“It’s not working,” you may say.  Give it time and allow God to work on them and you as well.  Prayer changes things.  Whether you are male or female and reading this, don’t be so hardheaded that you refuse to let the Lord do what He does best—harmony united with peace.  There is always room for improvement on both sides of the relationship… just my thoughts for today.  

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Cost-Plus Contract

Let me begin my thoughts with this definition:  “A cost-plus contract is a contract where a contractor is paid for all of its allowed expenses, plus additional payment to allow for a profit.”  (Wikipedia)

I am acquainted with people that believe “religion” is nothing more than, in their opinion, a crutch for weak-minded individuals that need something or someone bigger than themselves to make it through life.

Perhaps this line of thinking, in part, is the reason why it is difficult for strong-minded, self-sufficient, analytical people to accept the fact that they are getting something for nothing regarding the free gift of salvation.  No doubt this area of thinking comes from life’s experiences dealing with people.

My dad always said, “Nothing in life is free; you’ve got to work for it.”  So I understand why people balk at the message that salvation is free with no cost-plus factors that may not be revealed until a commitment has been made.

They, like me, were probably raised with the notion that there must be underlying payola to be paid that is not spoken of or negotiated prior to a contract between God and man being finalized—cost-plus as it were.  The mentality that you don’t get something for nothing can play a part in having a suspicious mind.

Whatever reason for not subscribing to a free gift that is offered, many people want to make it harder than it is to find true happiness, coupled with peace of mind, not as the world gives peace, but receiving the Prince of Peace, Jesus.  They over think everything; there’s got to be more to it than just asking for forgiveness of sin.

I can relate to those that assume religion or religiosity is throwing in the towel, figuratively speaking, which is giving up one’s own identity.  Surrendering their individuality feels like identity theft; allowing an invisible God whom they cannot see or hear to control everything they have and police all that they do; taking all the fun out of living.

Bottom line, they are afraid to relinquish everything to a perceived cost-plus contract with God for a myriad of reasons.  If they would just try God, all negative thoughts would be dispelled and put to rest, because God loves without dissimulation and pretense.  His love is perfect in every way. 

It is not hard to surrender our will to God no matter what type personality we have, nor is it hard to find forgiveness of sin.  All this and more is free of cost with no underlying plus this or plus that attachments.  God doesn’t want this or that; He wants us and nothing more.

(Isaiah 1:18)  “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

People that skirt a commitment with God that are skeptical or self-sufficient in their thinking, may not want to be beholding to anyone or anything, because of pride or having been taken advantage of in the past.

When The Great Depression first hit after the stock market crash on October 24, 1929, it was below a person’s dignity to accept Federal aide or government hand-outs, because of pride.

Allowing oneself to accept the free gift of God’s amazing grace and mercy is not giving up or giving into a feeling of inadequacy, it is trading our nothingness for God’s everything.

As I said before, people make it harder than it is to be born-again, having their sins forgiven by God and becoming His child through the acceptance of Jesus Christ.  Even the fool shall not go astray when they find the Highway of Holiness, spoken of in (Isaiah 35:8). 

Everyone has freewill to choose or reject the free gift from God.  He will not twist an arm or make a person do something they don’t want to do.  The cost of salvation has been paid in full without adding pluses to God’s plan.

I understand the nature of people that work in the business world being hesitant about cost-plus add-ons, especially the contract between God Almighty and self.

God’s contract is simple and easy to understand, foolproof with no add-ons.  It is totally backed by the blood of Jesus that He freely shed on the cross of Calvary for the sins of mankind.

The contract God offers favors the recipient in every way, in that Jesus gave Himself to redeem you and me from sin.  It cost us nothing.  Salvation is free to whoever will.  It is that easy!  Reach out and receive God’s gift.  Just try Him and see if He is not good.  What have you got to lose other than your soul?

(Mark 8:36)  “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

A cost-plus relationship with our Creator takes into consideration that Jesus is enough.  There is nothing or no one else needed to fulfill the contract with God.  He promised in the Bible (His Word to us) an abundant life with sins forgiven and heaven too.  What more could a person want or ask for?

Making heaven our home is the most important thing in life.  Nothing in his world compares to what the Lord has prepared for born-again Believers.

When His peace floods a person’s soul, blessings unspeakable and full of glory is the plus side of being saved.  Cost is Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, and Plus is the peace of mind and joy that He brings.  The half has not yet been told of the pluses that God has for His children.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

20/20 Vision

Satan is like a nuisance cataract that impairs vision.  Falling into his traps makes it difficult for Christians and sinners alike to see the end result of seasonal pleasure in sin. If a person persists in looking at wrong things, clarity of vision is always affected.  This disregard for doing right will ultimately form irritant scales over the pupils of wondering, spiritual eyes.

As a child, my sister was caught up in the moment and looked intently at the sun’s eclipse to see the phenomenon of the moons shadow passing across its surface.  In doing so, one of her eyes was permanently damaged for not wearing eye protection.

Protecting our eyes is most important, but protecting our spiritual eyesight is just as important and more so.

Blinders are attached to a horse’s bridle to keep its gaze ahead, not sideways.  Were it possible, it would be advantageous for Christians to wear blinders to protect their sensitive eyes from straying.  They would help keep eyes looking forward, focused on the straight and narrow path of righteousness where the word of hope shines, and illuminating the way to heaven.

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

Sinful distractions are everywhere, which can damage spiritual vision.  We need all the help we can get to keep our eyes centered upon Jesus in this “show-all,” X-rated wasteland of disobedient behavior.

I know in (James 3:8) the Bible says that the tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison, and that no man can tame it, but I believe the eye gate is most difficult to manage regarding the wrong images that are allowed to enter one’s brain via the eyeballs.  These images can have a lasting, negative affect on the gray matter between the ears.

I am convinced that an array of immoral imaginations can surface and become habit-forming behaviors that will, in time, take control of better judgment and move the God-mind into 2^nd place, leaving humanistic thinking to rule the senses.

God cautioned in one of His commandments that we are to discipline our eyes, such, that 20/20 vision is maintained to prevent filthy thoughts from entering the mind and finding a foothold.

(1 John 5:3)  “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments…”

The Holy Spirit helps us maintain 20/20 vision.  He is never too far from where we are to give us strength to resist temptation.  He sticks closer than a brother. 

When the master deceiver, Lucifer, tries to blind us with the glittering brilliance of immoral hindrances, God’s blinders and “sin-glasses” promote 20/20 vision.  God is faithful to heal near and farsightedness if needed.  He protects us with the shades of purity and godliness.  Clarity of eyesight remains strong in His care.

Jesus protects the eye gate to the mind.  There is all power, total supremacy, in His name.  He enhances perfect eyesight for the soul when we encounter temptation, while facing our nemesis, the devil.

If eyes, for whatever reason, become cloudy, and a person finds that they are beginning to walk in darkness and experiencing night blindness, because they fell for one of Satan’s tricks, God’s grace is sufficient to restore perfect vision.  He fixes damaged eyesight and brings back the beauty of the journey home—heaven.

I believe when God brings the light of His dear Son into our darkened world of sin, fear of the unknown leaves, because our surrounding environment ceases to have a negative impact on our, now, God-conscious-mind.  We see the world through new eyes, an awakened state of understanding and awareness.

When our eyes are steadfast on Jesus and we are committed to the commission of keeping our eyes pure, 20/20 vision is the end result.  Eyesight need not be compromised when we keep our eyes on Him.

The Bible says in (2 Timothy 1:12) that God is able to keep what I have committed to Him.  If someone’s eyes are not as sharp as they once were, God will send someone their way to encourage them in the Lord, because Christians, in love, help one another to see the error of their way.

You might say that they put holy-eye-drops of encouragement in eyes that are weak from the glare of Satan’s eye-catching deceptions.  Or the person needing support will come across a Bible scripture that opens their eyes once again to truth.  God wants us to succeed in our walk of faith.

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.  Jesus is our great physician and ophthalmologist who keeps our spiritual eyesight healthy and heals any abnormalities.

The key to successful vision is listening closely to what God’s instructions tell us in Bible Scriptures, which provide good eye care if we read and apply them to our life.  Preventative eye care requires discipline.  Listening to our ophthalmologist is a must; just as abiding in the truth of God’s Word is a must.

When we allow the Lord to care for us, our outlook on life is grand with 20/20 vision.

(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.”

I will take 20/20 vision any day over blindness.  Before I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of my soul, I was blind as a bat, but now I see clearly the beauty of God’s grace and mercy.  The moment I received Jesus into my heart was the moment God forgave me of my sins.  Vision became 20/20.  I could truly see like never before.

Jesus paid the price for a world of lost sinners that were blinded by Satan’s trickery and deceptions.  Jesus died at Golgotha, the site of the crucifixion, Calvary, so that you and I could be saved from utter darkness of sin.

(John 15:13)  “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Bridging the Gap

The Great Depression was a severe, worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930’s.  It was the most widespread depression of the 20^th-century; an intense decline of worldwide economy.  Financial instability was at its lowest, as was the morale of every man, woman, boy and girl.

People, for the most part, was kind natured and considerate of others though reports say otherwise, but it was only news-media hype trying to sell papers, while diminishing the good that people were doing for others when the depression first hit.  

My dad, trying to raise three children in a collapsed economy, lost his job as did many others, but he experienced, first hand, compassion from those that were bridging the gap of poverty in his community. 

Soup kitchens sprang up everywhere, while churches did their best to help sustain the needs of their congregations; people helping one another to literally survive.  The outpour of help from neighbors and friends was awe-inspiring, according to Dad.

Another blow that shook the very foundation of our nation was the series of four coordinated attacks on the United States by the Islamic terrorist group, al-Qaeda, on the morning of September 11, 2001.  2,996 people were killed and over 6,000 others injured. 

I was riveted to the television and witnessed countless people helping others the day the Twin Towers were hit by two jet aircraft in New York.  Foreboding pressure was in the pit of my stomach.  I couldn’t grasp the severity of it all.  “What just happened?” I said aloud.  Feeling such trepidation I wanted to vomit.

That sickening day of 9/11 and days following, people were bridging the gap of fear and fretfulness with encouragement and love like I had never seen heretofore.  People wanted to help, and they did.

It is when things go South that I am reminded how vulnerable we are when circumstances beyond our control come our way, like Hurricane Dorian.  Recently, this Category 5 hurricane, with 185 mile-an-hour winds, struck the northern Bahamas and destroyed homes, businesses, ships and boats, bringing devastation and death.

Again, I watched communities rally together to bridge the gap on behalf of people in need.  I read that an individual bought 100 electric generators, food and miscellaneous things from Costco to assist the Bahamas.  $50,000.00 is how he bridged the gap to help the less fortunate.

It seems when Mother Nature slams into our world of unconcerned simplicity, she awakens the sleeping nature of mankind.  We boast of our strengths, and swank our head from side to side in the face of other nations, but people everywhere are predisposed to the fury of title waves, tornadoes, hurricanes, electrical and hail storms, earthquakes, raging fires, and erupting volcanoes. 

When disaster happens, I am happy to say that people are awakened from their stupor to bridge the gap where tragedy strikes.  All for one and one for all is the underlying, common denominator that brings people together.

(Matthew 10:42)  “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”    

My wife and I financially support an organization called, Convoy of Hope.  Wherever calamity and heartbreak happen, the compassion of this group exceeds wonderment when they reach out to feed, cloth, and support hurting people.  They are bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots, like a bridge over troubled water or spanning rugged terrain filled with peril.

They work endlessly to bridge the gap between those people helping and people needing help.  Convoy of Hope is there meeting the needs and being God’s hand outstretched to hopeless, less fortunate people.

Helping others is far more rewarding than you might think.  I always feel better about myself knowing I had a part in bringing a glimmer of hope to someone’s heart.

(Acts 20:35)  “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.  And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Bridging the gap can be labor intensive at times, but the reward comes when the need has been met—feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction.  The joy of it all is when we choose to address the gap rather than looking the other way.

(1 John 3:17)  “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?

(James 4:17)  “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

I am talking about bridging the gap, whereas, the gap of sin occurred in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God.  Sin entered the world, which separated them from God, which caused all generations to possess the sin nature of Adam—needing sins forgiven and reconciliation with God.

Since the separation, humanity is attempting to span the gap between God and man with good works, religion, idealistic philosophy, being a humanitarian and having compassion for others, but to no avail.  Let me explain. 

Though these things are commendable and good in themselves, they will come up short in the end when standing before God, because our righteousness and good works are not enough, because of sin.  Only the Cross of Calvary can span the “sin gap.”

If a person knows God, because of a personal relationship with Jesus, compassion and good works should follow, depending upon the personality of the person saved.  It doesn’t happen immediately for some people.

It is taking time for me to learn how to treat others, because of my nature and how I was raised.  God is perfecting me, as He will you, by teaching the importance of representing the attributes of Christ as a Christian.  The Holy Spirit is helping me to grow daily in the knowledge of Jesus’ character.

No one can span the gap of sin, because of who they are or how much money they give to charities.  There are many wonderful people that are filled with compassion that are not Believers, but it is not they that God recognizes; it is Jesus, His Son. 

Though countless people give to help others, there is something missing at the end of the day if they don’t know Jesus as Lord.  They lack the peace and true satisfaction that come when God forgives their sin.  By allowing Jesus to span the gap of sin on their behalf, this act of faith brings completeness to their life.

It is hard for a person that is good-natured, compassionate, and gives away from self, to grasp the notion that they are sinners and cannot span the gap to connect with God even though giving money and time rendered is exemplary. 

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

If humanity were able to bridge the gap between God and man, Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins would have been in vain.  The plan of salvation that God offers is the only way to be united with Him.  There is no other way.  We have no say in the matter, because we have all sinned and are unclean. 

We are in the dispensation of grace, rather than under the Law of Moses.  No longer do we depend upon high priests to sacrifice animals for our sins, because Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God without moral defect or fault—sinless.

God accepted the death of His Son for the sins of the world.  Jesus, bridged the gap of sin, because of God’s great love for His creation.  You and I are the reason He gave His life on the cross.

(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.”

God’s grace is sufficient for all sins and any calamity that befalls us.  Thank you, Jesus, for spanning the gap and making a way, (the only way) for me and the reader of these thoughts.  To be born-again (sins forgiven) unites us with Almighty God.  We become children of God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd