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