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

Be Yourself

Not every Believer is expected to do the ministry of Evangelist Billy Graham, Mother Mary Teresa, or Moses.  They were specifically called to stand in God’s strength and supremacy against principalities and powers of darkness. 

Were they blessed of God?  Absolutely, but God loves all of us, equally, with a never ending love.  He gave His Son to die for humanity’s sins—every man, woman, boy, and girl.  This includes you and me no matter how deep in sin we may be. 

All Christians have his or her battles to fight, but God brings the victory when they position themselves to face the opposition, wearing the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)… Belt of truth; breastplate of righteousness; shoes of the gospel; shield of faith; helmet of salvation; sword of the spirit; praying in the spirit.

It is not difficult to put on the whole armor of God as you might think.  When individuals give themselves to Jesus, they are clothed in God’s armor.  All the pieces of the armor are found in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

God needed personalities like Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, and Moses of whom could endure the challenges they would face, while standing the test of time.  Each of them was faithful until death.  They were special in their own right with character traits that was necessary to do God’s bidding.  There was only one Billy, one Mary, and one Moses.

Mother Teresa was a great humanitarian, nun and missionary.  One of her quotes is this:  “Not all of us can do great things.  But we can do small things with great love.”

When God saves a person’s soul from sin, He expects them to stand with their feet firmly planted in a place where they are needed.  Differing personalities and talents are used by God to bring about positive results in His perfect plan for lost souls.

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

“God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.”—Mother Teresa

Yes, God uses people like you and me to work in His harvest fields where hopelessness and despair abide.  We are special to Him just as those needing a Savior are special.

God wants us to be our self, not someone else.  Each of us will touch others in ways like no one else can.  God uses our qualities and individuality to spread the “Good News” that Jesus Christ is Lord and that in Him there is forgiveness of sin and newness of life.

This is exactly what Evangelist David Wilkerson did when he felt strongly that God was calling him to the streets of New York City where crime and mayhem were widespread.  David’s compelling desire to testify to gang members that Jesus Christ could give them hope and new purpose in living was met with defiance from Nicky Cruz, the leader of a gang called, the Mau Maus—the Dragons.

Cruz exclaimed, “You come near me and I’ll kill you!”  David replied, “Yeah, you could do that.  You could cut me up into a thousand pieces and lay them in the street, and every piece will still love you.”

God miraculously touched Nicky Cruz.  He, like his protégé, David Wilkerson, expressed the same desire to bring hope, peace, and joy to others.  He accepted a position as director of Teen Challenge that Wilkerson established.

In that David Wilkerson obeyed God and went to New York City, Nicky Cruz was born-again, touching countless lives for Christ.  David or Nicky was not Moses or Billy Graham, but they stood in the gap where they were needed and did the work that God called them to do.

Wilkerson told the story in, “The Cross and the Switchblade” the book he wrote of his experiences.  We all have our stories to tell, but it is the same God that brings the increase of souls into His family through our faithfulness in witnessing about Jesus Christ.

God desires that we show love and servant-hood to those lacking hope, needing a Savior, just as Jesus did when He walked the earth.  It is much easier to live our faith around other Christians, but in the real world where the rubber hits the road, it is more difficult to keep the right attitude when personal feelings are strained and tested to the breaking point.

It is important to remain examples of God’s love and strive to retain the mind of Christ by showing His attributes in our quest to do God’s work.  People are watching and listening to everything Christians say and do.  One’s demeanor will repel or draw them to the Lord.

I remember my sister telling me the importance of not showing negative feelings in the presence of others, even though I may be going through a spiritual battle of my own.  I had just been saved and elected to the position of youth president at the church I attended.  Her counsel has stuck with me through the years.

Words and actions can lift up or tear down another person.  A leader needs to maintain a smile without complaining.  Another quote from Mother Teresa is this:  “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

You may say, “I’m not a leader and have no desire of becoming one.”  I understand there are different personalities that make up our populace.  Some are outgoing, while others are inward and non confrontational. 

What ever personality is yours, God wants you to be yourself and not someone else.  We are unique to Him and personable in our own right.  I believe that everyone that becomes a Christian is a leader.  Some share their faith openly, while others allow Christ to show through them.

We need not compare ourselves to any other Christian… just be yourself and let God do His work through you as He sees fit.  There is only one you and one me.  God just wants us to be willing to stand in the gap where our personality and talents are needed.  He will do the rest through us.

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

(Zechariah 4:6)  “… Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

God gives us the courage and where-with-all to get the job done in a manner that is pleasing to Him.  He brings the increase. We cannot save a person’s soul, but God’s Spirit draws sinners to Himself through our witness, verbally or living the life in such a way that others see our good works.

Being ourselves, while standing in God’s strength and love, gives us a good moral center that depicts kindness, ultimately putting Christ at the center of everything.

Do people see Christ in you or do they see a reflection of themselves—nothing different…

Written by,
Papa Boyd