The Me Me Me Stigma

It is unbelievable how people across America are turning into crowds of self-indulgent, self-centered renegades.  I would like to know how their sense of worth, self-discipline, and compassion for hard working retailers has eroded to the level it is today.

It is sad they do not recognize the effort and hard work it takes to try to make ends meet.  It takes a lot of money to keep shelves and inventory filled for paying customers. 

It is shameful when thieves smash and grab what isn’t theirs.  These people certainly need God, more-so than someone else’s property that they stole.  I am sure they have the me, me, me stigma and lack the statutes of God within them.

If they only knew that God has joy and true happiness free for the asking, with an inventory overflowing with peace and blessings superb.  They need Jesus and a lot of prayer to bring them to Him.

Seeing what they do lights a huge fire-of-rage in the pit of my stomach.  Talking about prayer, I also need prayer for forgiveness regarding my attitude.  If it were not for the grace and mercy of God, I might be going down the same path as these rebels.

Yes, we live around people that have the me, me, me stigma that refuse to live within restrictions, but what’s new?  My father-in-law told me that there are takers and there are givers. 

We are in a world of takers, but we do not have to act or become like these misfits that take advantage of others and do what insolent people do.  They are individuals without an ethical foundation that need salvation.  Jesus Christ is the answer for the unrest and anger in their soul.

In the beginning of time, a female named Eve, wanted her way without restrictions.  She determined in her mind to take a certain piece of fruit that she was commanded not to eat.  But she did not take into consideration the consequences of her actions when she disobeyed God.

Before I met the Lord, I was well on my way to acquiring the me, me, me stigma.  My wayward soul was headed down the wide road to destruction, but Jesus changed the old nature that was in me.  He replaced it with Godly values that were missing.  He gave me a feeling of worth deep within my heart.

I am old-school and believe in working for the things I want.  I am God fearing, honest, and consider myself a man of integrity.  I thank the good Lord for being my moral compass that leads me on the path of righteousness.  I also thank God for the good sense He gave me.

The following rhetoric came my way from a person I know.  I could not believe what I was hearing when he said that I needed to spend my money, live for today, and let tomorrow take care of itself. 

In essence he was saying, if I run out of money, because of bad investments or just blowing it on nonessential things, I should just kick back and let society take care of me.  Doesn’t that sound like excellent advice with outstanding logic?  I think not.  This person spends just about every dollar he earns, and I doubt has anything laid away for retirement.  Go figure.

It seems like this kind of thinking can become habit-forming with some people that are reaching for something, which is beyond their reach, because they lack the funds to pay for it, but they buy it anyway, usually on time.

I believe the reason they are prone to make bad choices is because they might be materialistic, and in a lifestyle of predictable habits.  They need someone to come along side and teach them how to save, if they would listen.

When I was growing up, my dad taught me to live within my means.  Having a job is wonderful, but to justify wrong choices by exceeding one’s income or budget to buy something they cannot afford is foolish.

Everyone should consider job security may be here today but gone tomorrow.  I do not drink, but I heard someone say, “There are people with Champagne taste on a beer income.”  This statement makes my point very well.  I am acquainted with people who have this mindset.

Anything can happen in this whirlwind economy with skyrocketing inflation and stores going out of business, many of them because of thievery.  They just can’t make it, so they must close the doors of their business.  Some companies have been successful for decades, but because of dishonest people taking without paying, doors close, and jobs are lost.

With the me, me, me stigma and having untamed desires, logic sometimes takes flight, while commonsense moves to the backseat of sensible thinking.  Often, it does not matter if cash money is not readily available, if there is plastic money to purchase what a person probably doesn’t need in the first place.  All they need to do is simply insert the plastic Visa (or other) into the card reader, and presto, the purchase is made.

People sometimes go into debt, while closing their mind to the undue strain that excessive obligations can place on the household budget.  But they do it anyway, because they want it. 

My dad was a lay-in-store type of person when he was alive.  He believed in saving money when he could, because he went through the Great Depression that started in 1929 and lasted until 1946.  He saw tough times where money was hard to come by.

Dad raised me to save for rainy days, which was great advice.  We never know when something unexpected might come our way.  It was as if Dad watched the pennies and allowed the dollars to take care of themselves. 

Dad thought it was poor judgment to go in debt for something that you could save for and perhaps buy later with cash, thus saving interest payments.  He invested wisely, when he bought his first house late in life.  Other than that, he paid cash for everything.

There is a nature in mankind that hates to wait for anything.  They want it now!  I once said it was because we are in a computer age, but I was wrong.  More than likely, it is due to poor judgment and being impulsive.  Taking time to weigh the cost when making decisions is critical.

I am sure you have noticed people are refusing to be second fiddle to anyone or anything.  They refuse to consider others before themselves.  Try merging into traffic on the freeway and watch the person behind, speed up and then lift their middle finger at you. 

What’s happening?  What is causing people to act as they do?  It’s the me, me, me stigma.  It is getting harder to recognize the world that I grew up in.  It seems like more and more people are becoming less and less tolerant of others and more self-absorbed than ever before.

Like I said, thieves are boldly going into stores and taking merchandise that does not belong to them, with no fear of consequences or retribution for their actions, because they want it now.  Home invasions are becoming commonplace and more prevalent, because of the me, me, me stigma.  They want, so they take.

We need to fall on our knees and pray for a Holy Ghost revival to fill our land and bring every man, woman, boy, and girl back to Whom America was founded, “In God We Trust.”

(2 Chronicles 7:14), “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

I saw a religious tract a few years back that showed “man” sitting on the throne of God, with God underneath.  Think about it, Eve wanted to be like God, or become a god, as Satan (the serpent) beguiled her to transgress against God.

(Genesis 3:4-6), “but of the fruit of the tree, which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ “(Vs 4) “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die.’ “(Vs 5) “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

As a precaution, I believe everyone should seriously consider the cost of something before being sucked into a decision they will regret later.  I am not saying we are like Adam and Eve if we want something.  We need to just take a moment and consider the bottom-line reason for wanting a certain thing and if we can really afford to purchase it.

Eve wanted something so bad that she didn’t think it through and regretted her reckless decision when she and Adam were escorted out of their home (The Garden of Eden).  I believe it was the me, me, me stigma that got them into trouble.

And now you have the whole story on my slant regarding the me, me, me stigma.  I hope you sensed my sincere desire to help in some way to make life less stressful for you.

Written by, 

Papa Boyd

How Soon We Forget

Have you ever been in a frightening situation where you felt compelled to cry out to God for help and promised Him you would do anything He wanted you to do?  I think most everyone, at some time in their life, has done this.  They may even have prayed, “If You get me out of this mess, I’ll never do it again.”  I wonder if they kept their promises.

It is shameful how soon we forget the vows we make to God when situations finally become less turbulent or threatening.  After a while, these promises can lose significant value in one’s mind, having less emphasis and quickly fading in memory.  They then make their way to the dead-file of the brain.

We should not make promises in the present and then forget to do them in the future.  It is a grievous thing to promise something to God or anyone for that matter, and then renege on the promise.  I am sure God frowns on such things.  It is better to not make a promise than promise something and then break it. 

Anyone can justify their lack of diligence regarding accountability, by saying, “I forgot.”  But does this make it right or does it justify irresponsibility?  I think not.  How soon we forget.  This probably applies to most everyone, so we should all pray for forgiveness.

Allow me to call this lack of follow-through for what it really is.  I believe it is a lie.  My prayer is this, “God, help me not to lie to You or to anyone else.  And help me to always do what I say I will do.”

I feel strongly that it is unacceptable to say, “I’ll pray for you,” and go away and fail to pray for that person.  Any excuse they tell themselves for not praying is shallow at best when they try to soothe their own conscience. 

In essence, I believe they are saying within themselves, “I was too busy with more important things.”  Bottom line, they didn’t do what they said they would do.  How soon we forget.

I could think of a hundred excuses if I failed to fulfill a promise to God or someone needing intervention.  I am sure none of these excuses would hold water with God.  Good intentions do not get the job done, but follow-through does, with the Lord’s help.

The road that fails to demonstrate honesty and integrity is always paved with good intentions.  Accountability must enter the situation at some point.

We should count it a privilege if we are in the right place at the right time to listen to another person’s woes.  I would be remiss to not remember where boldness to witness and a sensitivity to discernment come from.  Almighty God is our source, but how soon we forget.

If we become lax in our devotions and prayers to God, we can lose His inspired words.  It is the Spirit of God that draws souls to Himself.  It is not a person’s good looks, or how intelligent or spiritual they perceive themselves to be.  It is God.

It can become easy to use empty, fill-in words that sound good in the moment, while hoping they show empathy and a spirit of caring to a person in need.  If there is a lack of true, inspired concern, words become cold and passive.  They have little power to lift and encourage a person’s spirit or convince them of their need for Christ.

The absence of a Spirit-filled encounter with someone is like spewing the following words in passing, “How are you?”  It’s a cliché at best.  It is habit and is what people say in general.  Mediocre concern may happen in the moment, but anything long-term, especially if it means going out of one’s way to help, can cause some people to back out and go the other way. 

It is sad when people, because of busy schedules or other excuses, become so entangled in non-important things that their prayer life ceases to be foremost, thus coming in second place to what is most important, their communion with God.

Without prayer, words become trite, passive, and scripted, while becoming the norm when trying to witness or be a lifeline to someone.  Sad to say, it is what people have been programmed and taught to say, which sounds spiritual and holy at the time.

To make my point somewhat clearer, consider this cliché?  “It was nice meeting you.”  And then the person goes away asking, “What was their name again?”  Using a cliché gets us by in life, yet the mere, empty guise of sincerity can leave something to be desired.  They appear as gestures of sincerity but are only on the surface in nature.  They lack spiritual depth of God-inspired substance.

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

Shallow words are usually wrapped in skins of false promises and fake goodwill wishes.  Where is God’s anointing?  We need to get serious with God and ask Him for pure, unadulterated compassion for others and a hunger to minister with genuine concern. 

We need to visit the floor in our bedroom, on our knees, and ask God to put a watchman at our mouth that will help us speak Godly words of true and pure encouragement that are from Him.  We need to see, clearly, the importance of follow-through to what we say we are going to do.

I want to be a vessel that when I speak to someone needing council or those that want a sounding board to run something past, that they sense and feel the presence of God in our meeting.

(Matthew 18:20), “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

When I tell someone that I will pray about their situation, my desire is that God, in some way, will be exalted as I lift my voice to Him.  Extending my hand in love and as I speak with a sincere voice of exaltation, these efforts will change lives, because God fills my mouth with words that are not my own.  They are life changing.

Let us put action to our words and allow God to shine through us.  It behooves each of us, if we say we are going to do this or that, we should, assuredly, make every effort to do this or that.  It is our responsibility and duty to move in faith and get the job done.

It should be our honor that God chose us to intercede on behalf of another person.  My dad always told me that my name and words went before me in business and dealing with people.  I am sure this applies to God and the work we are to do in His name.

Dad also exclaimed, “If you say you’re going to do a certain thing, then do it, period!”  I believe Dad’s reference to self-discipline applies to everyday living if we have breath in us. 

God knows my name and He hears every promise I make.  Do you think He expects me to follow through with what I said I would do?  The answer is Yes, beyond a shadow of a doubt.

(Ecclesiastes 5:4,5), “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools.  Pay what you have vowed.”  (Vs 5) “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”

May we see our need to draw closer to God and be ready to minister in season and out, every time an opportunity presents itself to do something for Him.  Remember, it is the power of Almighty God that brings the increase.  Positive results will be many. 

The title of this writing, “How Soon We Forget,” does not apply to those that are diligent and moving in God’s grace and power.  Grass will never grow under the feet of any person that is progressing in faith and doing God’s work.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

On Which Side of the Fence Does a Black Sheep Reside

The other day, to my surprise, I started singing, “Baa Baa Black Sheep.”  It rolled off my tongue like it was my favorite song to sing.  In fact, it was a nursery rhyme taught to me by my mom when I was just a kid running around barefooted, wearing hand-me-down shorts, and bare-chested with a potbelly.

I asked Siri what she had to say about the song.  I read that “Baa Baa Black Sheep” is an English nursery rhyme, which was printed around 1744. 

If that wasn’t interesting enough, I then read that in the English language, “black sheep” is an idiom that describes a person that is a miss-fit and different from the rest of those in a group, or family member who is regarded as a disgrace that doesn’t fit in.

The latter definition gives me pause to liken it to someone struggling with a decision as to which side of the fence to set up camp.  Stagnating in thought, they sit atop the fence-of-indecisiveness with one leg dangling on one side, while the other leg is on the opposite side.  It’s called, “straddling the fence.”

Let us imagine, for a moment, that God is on one side and Satan is on the other…good vs. evil.  In my mind, I imagine that this undecided, undisciplined individual may feel like a miss-fit in most everything they set out to do.  They are wishy-washy in their thinking, while living in a confused state of existence.

It could be that they struggle in their attempt to hold onto one side but are afraid to make a lasting decision of which side to choose.  Perhaps they think they may be missing out on something good on the other side that they are not on.

Spiritually speaking, God would have us either hot or cold and not lukewarm in our spirit and decision making.  In (James 1:8), the Bible is specific when it says: “…he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

I believe this to be true when people face spiritual battles of trying to decide between right and wrong, while riding the fence.  They could very well be considered a black sheep, with regards to the definition.

I wonder who the first black sheep was in the Bible?  It must have been Cain, who slew Abel.  They were the sons of Adam and Eve.

Consumed with jealousy and hatred for his brother, Cain allowed himself to become unhinged in judgement and became the miss-fit of his family.  He yielded to an impulsive act of uncontrolled rage and killed his brother.

Later in the Bible there was another man that by today’s standard of weirdness, this man would probably be considered a black sheep.  Allow me to speculate.  I believe people in his day also perceived him as being peculiar in his thinking and certainly bizarre in his actions, because of the overwhelming task that he was undertaking.

His name was Noah.  This man is known for building a huge ark that took approximately 120 years to build. 

To give you some insight as to the reasons why, God regretted that He created mankind, because the earth was corrupt and full of violence.  He decided to destroy all living things, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, because he was a righteous man.

The great flood that God referred to would cleanse the earth and eliminate sin when humanity perished…everyone except Noah, his wife, their three sons and daughters-in-law.  God also directed Noah to prepare for many animals that would board the ark at its completion—two of every sort.

The Bible states that the windows of heaven opened, and it rained 40 days and 40 nights, nonstop.  Before the flood became fact, people must have asked Noah what he was doing as he built the ark.  He, no doubt, told them what God was going to do.

I believe he warned of the unprecedented event that was going to take place regarding rainfall and emphasized that a great flood would cover the earth and wipe out all living things.

No one listened, because it sounded absurd to them.  Afterall, creation’s green life was watered by the morning dew and springs of water, before rain ever happened.  People probably asked, “Rain?  What’s that?”  They then went about their worldly lifestyle as though Noah was crazy and a miss-fit, the black sheep of his family.

Slurs and negative comments from people must have been hard for Noah and his family to hear.  But he obeyed God and continued building the ark despite what people called him and the things they murmured behind his back.

No doubt he was thought to be a lunatic and out of sorts with reality for building an ark on dry land.  As I see it, his persistence must have troubled those in his family, which strained relationships with everyone concerned.

If the truth were really known, they probably thought he had a screw loose and was indeed a black sheep that lacked good sense.  Again, this is me speculating and allowing my imagination to soar.

Remember what the English definition of “black sheep” was?  This was me when I was running from God—a miss-fit, to put it nicely.  In my reckless thinking, I chose the wrong side of the fence to roam, because I could romp and play with sin as I pleased with no one telling me what I should or should not do.

Sad to say, I became the black sheep of my family and to those that loved and knew me best.  I wasn’t like Noah who obeyed God, on the contrary, I was at the other end of the spectrum, disobeying God’s statutes.

In that I chose to be on the wrong side of the fence, I soon realized that this ungodly side failed to provide lasting satisfaction.  I was lonely, full of heartache, and double minded in all my ways. 

Listen, anyone that sins can tell you that sinning is not all it’s cracked up to be.  It repels everything that is good and will cause a person to become lost in a whirlwind of calamity.

The very act of sinning detracts from happiness for those running from God.  In fact, being on the wrong side of the fence is miserable in every sense of the word, especially when a person pillows their head at night and recalls the disgusting day they just had.  There is only momentary pleasure at best…nothing lasting.

It was most ugly when I was on that side, but my praying parents, siblings, and other Christians that knew me were praying for my salvation.  I can positively exclaim that prayer changes things!

I found grace in the eyes of the Lord.  I am no longer on Satan’s side of the fence, nor do I straddle the fence.  I live on God’s side where there is joy and peace that passes all understanding.  I am no longer the black sheep, because I have been saved by the Lamb of God.  His name is Jesus, God’s Son.

In that Noah suffered ridicule for obeying God, Christians are sometimes perceived as black sheep, because of their obedience to God in sharing the Good News to sinners that God forgives sin, and that Jesus is coming back in clouds of glory to receive Believers unto Himself.

Like the people in Noah’s day, they say, “I don’t believe this will ever happen.”  But some listen and are saved, whereas others go their way and continue doing what they want to do without regard to the unprecedented event that will, assuredly, take place.

Just like the flood that came, Jesus is coming back.  He is our ark of safety—our hope.  We need to get on board with Him, while there is yet time.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

 

It's a God Thing

Our daughter took my wife out the other day for lunch and the lady working there came to their table and asked my daughter, “Is this your mother?”  The answer, of course, was yes.  And then the lady exclaimed, “I just love your mom!”

My wife and I had eaten there several times prior to this day, and she was acquainted with the lady.   But what was it about her that caused the woman to express admiration?

Katie, as I call my wife, is always trying to make others feel important by complementing them, smiling at them, and recognizing them with words of kindness.  No doubt, this is why the worker expressed kindness in return.

I have heard Katie say more than once that she wants to be just like her mother and show God’s love.  Mom, as I called her, was most definitely a woman of God and did not hesitant to express her faith in Jesus Christ.  She loved people.  The same God that was in her is in Katie.

It was God’s Spirit that drew me to her in the first place.  His presence was obvious when speaking with her on the phone for the first time after a lady in my church gave me her telephone number.  I surmised that there was someone very special at the other end of the line.  This was before cell phones…Teehee.

I was at my father’s house when I made the call.  When I got off the phone, after talking with her for almost an hour, I turned to Dad and said, “I think I found the one I’ve been looking for.”  I was drawn to this individual before I even met her.

There was something about the gentleness of the inner person that I sensed.  She was and still is a born-again Believer, so it had to be Christ within her that was sending out waves of wholesome vibes that I picked up on.

Katie has always championed others before herself, just as her mom did when she was alive.  Our daughter has the same Spirit within her.  I have heard her say on different occasions, “It’s a God thing.”  This phone encounter with Katie had to be a God thing, because we married six months later.

How many times have you met someone that you felt was out of the norm?  You couldn’t put your finger on it, but you knew there was something special about that person.  They were probably a Christian. 

I am sure it was refreshing to see a smile coming your way and feel their vibe of kindness in a society where frowns are becoming commonplace.  Interaction with others is not what it used to be.

I am finding that more and more people are less friendly and wearing a scowl on their face, because of high inflation and our economy falling apart.  Perhaps they lost their job and are trying some way to make ends meet.  Surely, there are other things disturbing the mind of those that feel they are adrift without a rudder.

Worry can certainly take the joy out of living.  I can understand why frowns are present more than ever before.  I recognize that the peace of God may be absent in many people that are searching for answers to their problems. 

Everyone needs a kind word spoken to them.  Everyone needs to feel that things are going to get better.  We need to take note and help where we can.  Were it not for God’s grace, I could be in the same, desperate situation.  If a genuine need presents itself and we fail to respond to the call for help, how does the love of Jesus dwell within us?

If we can give assistance to people that are struggling, and God is speaking to our heart to do so, it’s a God thing to follow through and stretch forth a helping hand.  We will be blessed for it.

Instead of a scowl, I saw the light that Katie projected the very first time I saw her after setting up a time to meet at her parent’s house.  Thank you, God, for Your faithfulness to me.  I knew if I waited for the right person to come along that God would fulfill His promise to me, because His timing is perfect.

Things certainly went my way when I recognized that it was the Holy Spirit radiating from Katie’s soul.  I valued her relationship with Him, because my bond with the Lord was certain and my desire was to meet someone with the same values.  I knew there was more to her than just her surface beauty.  She was beautiful inside.

You have heard the phrase, “Beauty is only skin deep.”  My sweetheart is beautiful inside and out and everyone sees it.  I am blessed to know that God loved me very much to give me such a wonder woman as my helpmate.

I am thankful that I put God first in my life.  In doing so, He gave me the desires of my heart.  Like our daughter said, “It’s a God thing.” 

(Matthew 6:33), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

For Lease or Not

I just saw a large sign above the entry of an empty suite, “For Lease”.  It made me feel bad that another store closed its doors.  It only stands to reason why vacancies can reduce the flow of customer traffic in a strip mall, affecting other businesses that may be treading water and ready to tap out. 

The reduced number of patrons reflects the money flow in businesses that are left.  No doubt there are a host of reasons for absentee retailers to close shops.  Poor management, substandard merchandise, or fewer consumers shopping on the isles may be attributing factors for closing.

Any business that closes creates concern in the heart of other business owners that may be struggling to make ends meet, especially Mom and Pop stores, which brings us to my following thoughts.

The heartbreak of lost souls that are spiritually bankrupt is more than a concern to God.  The prosperity and wellbeing of born-again Believers depends on maintaining superb management, and stocking shelves with top notch products having high-quality standards that will enhance survival from exterior influences that try to sink them spiritually.

The presence of the Holy Spirit presents the highest standard possible, which enables recipients of God’s grace, (Christians), to stay in the business of witnessing to others about the love of God.

Lost souls that live and work around Godly people will always reap the benefits of topnotch offerings they share, which includes aboveboard stewardship.  Dependability and honest leadership-skills are two more factors for success.

A non-wavering, non-compromising commitment to God transcends to a sincere concern for people in need of a Savior.  We are not an island unto ourselves.  I am a Christian and I realize that people are watching my life.  They are checking out the quality of merchandise that I offer, not only in word, but in actions as well. 

As Christians promote A-1 productivity, shoppers that are looking for peace of mind and happiness will, in many cases, come to them and reject sub-standard junk and unsavory merchandise that Satan is trying to deceive them with.  Such misgivings are substandard and dangerous to one’s spiritual wellbeing.

Wavering souls can count on Christians to provide sound advice, with words of encouragement that help them to keep their head above turbulent water and other acute situations that may be swirling around them.

Blinded by Satan, some people may not even realize that they are, subconsciously, looking for someone to care, someone they can count on, someone competent to help them make right decisions, and someone to take charge in the wheelhouse of their soul.

They need a compassionate and trustworthy pilot to steer them away from danger.  This entity is Almighty God.  They need to hear about Jesus, who calms troubled seas.  This is where a Christian’s responsibility to witness is most important.

More times than not, individuals that are adrift are frantically looking for concerned people to intervene and throw them a lifeline.  The need for someone to outstretch a helping hand, in the name of the Lord, is imperative in times like this.   To be God’s hand extended to people that are oppressed is what Christianity is all about…helping one another.

The Bible is like a dependable weather report, or compass that helps to navigate vessels away from storms, turbulent seas, and treacherous coastlines, thus preventing an overboard experience.

Too many people are drowning in sin that need a lifesaver.  Because of deception, their spiritual ship is piloted by an incompetent, untrustworthy, and unsanctioned imposter that is known for his inept behavior of running people aground on the rocky shores of sin.  This happens in the dead of night, because sin loves darkness rather than light

God is my captain, and Jesus Christ is the lighthouse-of-hope.  I sail life’s sea with full confidence that my destination is planned out well in advance by the pilot of my vessel, while Jesus lights the way to the safe and calm harbor of God’s love.  The Holy Spirit is the rudder that steers me in the right direction, keeping me safe from all alarm.

Many wayward sailors and passengers that become capsized in angry seas of despair are hopelessly floundering and going down for the third time.  They need a lifesaver.  These souls are posting signs, “For Lease” because the merchandise inside them is substandard and broken.

Their supplier, the devil, lied to them about the quality of his products being top notch.  The fact of the matter is that everything he supplies is inferior at best.  They were beguiled into believing a lie, and now suffer bankruptcy for choices made.

But wait!  There is hope!  God supplies superb, dependable, and trustworthy guidance to whoever will.  This means every soul that needs a Savior.

I sail in peace as I allow God to pilot my vessel.  It is very sad to see how many “For Lease” signs are around me, because people are empty of wholesome merchandise and going bankrupt.  But God still hears their cry for help.

They need to do business with the true and living God  Great merchandise and heavenly support are just a prayer away.

(Philippians 4:19) "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Process of Elimination

My wife is spring cleaning a bit late this year, because she broke her ankle in three places, seven months ago.  She is doing fine now.

My better half, as I sometimes refer to her, is on me to eliminate some of the old shoes and graphic T-shirts that take up a lot of room in our clothe closet.  What can I say, they are broken in just the way I like them.

I know if I give in, she will just turn around and buy new.  So, what is my hesitation?  Well, they are comfortable, that’s all I can say.

Such is sin.  Being involved with it is comfortable at times and it’s what sinners do, as I did before meeting the Lord.  Sinning becomes a way of life and is hard to rid oneself of this nature.  Apposing God was part of my everyday wardrobe, because I am part of Adam’s race and Gene-pool, as are you.

In that he and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, we are born with the sin nature within us.  Everyone has this same inherited affliction.  I might say, too many old clothes or skeletons were in the closet of my heart—unwanted wear that needed to be eliminated.

Jesus did this when He saved my soul, but it is an ongoing battle to keep myself from falling into various temptations.  I strive to keep my heel upon the neck of the old sin nature so that it does not raise its ugly head.

God removed the old, worn-out, sin-apparel that was not pleasing to Him.  Since I took the positive step in God’s direction and Jesus filled my heart with His Spirit, God is helping me to not do the things I once did.  One by one I am eliminating old habits.

I can do without the confusion and heartache that sinning brings.  God is showing me a new way to live, free of regrets.  Doing things His way brings joy and lasting peace.

As a newly born, babe in Christ, and the years following, through the process of elimination I am putting off the old man as God opens doors to new experiences in Him.  The more I eliminate things of my old nature, the more of God I receive.  The more of God I receive, the more of Him I want.

(James 4:8) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...”

God’s blessings are deep and wide, like a great river that never runs dry.  God is like a beautiful fountain of endless love. 

Being affected by sin or should I say, infected by exterior influences and their visual effects, I liken this lifestyle to a kid walking through a toy or candy store wanting to touch and sample everything he sees.  But his parent or guardian is with him and helps the boy control his urges through correction.  God disciplines those He loves.

(Hebrews 12:7) “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

It’s like walking with Father God and experiencing the positive changes that He brings through correction, if needed.  Just knowing that God has far greater goodies for His children than what Satan has to offer, it causes me to dig deeper and pray harder so that I walk even closer to God than ever before.

The devil’s candy store and toy store lose their appeal, because God outshines the negative aspects of worldly glimmer.  It is amazing how the Holy Spirit comforts me in times of sorrow, while Jesus embraces me when I weep alone.  God the Father always speaks words of encouragement to my heart when I am dealing with things out of my control.

These are just a few positives that take place when eliminating unwanted sin in one’s life.  There is more room for the Lord when we do so.

When I ran track in high school, before my heat (race) in the 880-yard run, I always eliminated my warm-up sweats and heavy Converse tennis shoes.  I didn’t want to be encumbered with unnecessary, extra weight.

The freedom I felt in shorts and a thin jersey made running the half mile much easier, especially after putting on my lightweight track shoes.  They were the lightest ones that I could buy.  It was like running barefooted.

After my new birth experience with the Lord, I eliminated drinking, partying, cruising the main to meet girls, and a host of other unnecessary weights that so easily beset me.  They once bogged me down spiritually, but no more.

The burden of sin that was pressing me down was lifted and I could breathe.  It was like getting a second wind when running the 880.  This is exactly what it feels like when Jesus takes up residence in our heart.

I am running a race toward heaven, remaining unfettered by worldly influences that weigh me down.  This ongoing process of eliminating temptations is achieved with the help of the Holy Spirit, as I have stated.  He is my strength.  All things become new in Jesus when God forgives sin.

After conversion, it is a process of learning how to eliminate unwanted temptations by listening to the One who wants to give me a new wardrobe of righteousness.  I keep my eyes on the Lord.  This cleaning process provides more room in my heart to receive God’s blessings as I work out my own salvation in fear and trembling.

The wonderful gifts that God imparted to you and me at Calvary are ours for the asking, when we accept Jesus as Lord.  We become God’s kids and part of His family.  The same privileges that Jesus is given are ours to share.

As I learn how to eliminate habits obtained in the world, I am amazed at how white and clean the blood of Jesus has washed my sin-stained soul.  According to the Bible, God made it white as snow.  It is as if I had never sinned. 

The blackness of sin disappears, because of the grace and mercy that God extends to whoever calls upon the name of Jesus.  When Jesus freely gave His life on the cross for sinners, He had you and me on His mind.  Even before we were born, He knew our name and loved us.

The process of elimination is about sin that was holding me fast in its ugly clutches until God eliminated them.  The river-of-life now flows from His throne to me.  God’s blessings will never run dry.  There is a vast, unlimited supply.  His pure, fountain of love, whom we know as Jesus, freed my soul from sin.

I am a sinner saved by grace.  God will do the same for every person that is searching for peace, true freedom, and a new way of living, without all the drama and shenanigans that the world presses in on us.

We cannot buy or obtain salvation because of who we are, and certainly not by our own good works lest we boast of our accomplishments.  Salvation is given freely through Jesus, God’s Son.  No other name, not mine or yours can save humanity from their sins.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Prioritizing Life

What does the word prioritize mean to you?  Simply put, it is something that is more important than something else. 

I believe a person that wants to keep things in right perspective with God, must prioritize their involvement when it comes to anti-Christ activities that can disrupt the very core of a Christ filled life. 

If adjustments are left unattended or placed on the back burner of things to do, it gives room for wayward thoughts to infiltrate the mind and capture one’s full attention.  This initiative to prioritize life, certainly depends on the circumstance and nature of the involvement that is before us…good or evil.

As an example, we know that oil and water will not mix or blend together.  It is the same scenario when dealing with the things of God in relation to the things of this world.

The Bible explains to us that Christians are in the world but not of the world.  In other words, we are to abstain from entangling ourselves with questionable encounters that can hurt us not only physically, but spiritually as well.  The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Considering the preceding cliché, we should prioritize our coming and going, such that we don’t offend the Holy Spirit or those around us that may be watching our everyday texture-of-character as to how we deal with the ups and downs of life.

The Bible also says that we should be like a city on a hill, allowing others to see the brightness of God’s glory in us as we express a good attitude, while diligently working to portray His love by not hiding His light under a basket.

(Matthew 4:14-16) “You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (15) “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (16) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Prioritizing life, while striving to emulate God’s attributes, will help others see the peace of God through our actions and the words we use.  We should treat people as we want to be treated.  To say we love and respect someone to their face and then cut them down behind their back, or indiscriminately gossip about them, are errors in judgement.  This kind of activity is worldly, and not Christlike. 

It is easy to go the way of the world and flirt with sin, because of its drawing power and the dark forces surrounding us that are trying to compete for our attention to persuade us to backslide against the Holy Spirit.

(Ephesians 6:12) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

It is challenging to be the person standing out in a crowd, because of our position in Christ, but I would rather be known for my relationship with Him, by prioritizing life, and reveal His love to others, than not.

It is my desire to not close my bowels of compassion when dealing with those that I rub shoulders with each day.  I want to bless them with the Good News that God forgives sin, through His Son, Jesus, and heaven is a real place. 

Yes, prioritizing life requires discipline and hard work, but God is our strength, and He expects nothing less than our best.

(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.”

As Christians, it is in the Lord’s strength that we stand against the wiles of the enemy and battle pressing temptations that we face.  I believe that most people desire recognition and want to belong and feel accepted by others, rather than being rejected by co-workers, family members, and peers. 

It is sometimes like trying to mix oil and water.  Some non-Christians accept the Lord, and some do not.  It is the responsibility of Christians to share Christ, and then leave it up to the Holy Spirit to draw them to God. 

We do not have to partake in non-Christian activities, but the Bible says that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.  This is where prioritizing life is most important. 

The temptation to regress in faith is sometimes easier than taking a stand for righteousness.  If a person loves God, they will keep His commandments and prioritize the level at which they serve Him...without compromising their faith.

We can ask ourselves this question: “Do I halfheartedly serve the Lord and wink at sin from time to time, or do I resist, for holiness’ sake, temptations to sin?  Christians should demand of themselves, that the inner person within them, reject worldly lust and then follow through with discipline not to partake of the wrong things.

Do we want sin to roll off our back like water off a duck’s back or let it water down our faith in Jesus?  Only you and I can answer this question.  God does not demand or make us serve Him.  He created us to be freewill moral agents that can choose to prioritize life God’s way or run with the crowd.

“Birds of a feather flock together.”  It takes moxie to stand against evil in a world where right is becoming wrong and wrong is becoming right in the eyes of the unrighteous and those that are halfheartedly serving God.  As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

In my opinion, prioritizing life does not mean compromising one’s faith.  I do not believe in compromise, nor do I believe in misrepresenting God in a negative connotation by overloading others with mixed signals.  God forbid that I do such things!

I do not want anyone to stumble because I lack the responsibility to prioritize right from wrong.  This is a thin line of decision making.  No doubt there are areas that I am weak in that may cause me to fail, likewise, others may stumble and fall if they see my indiscretions.

I remember my dad telling me that I needed to be a testimony of the goodness of God, always, to help others come to Jesus and discipline their life.  A person can do what they feel is right in their own eyes, but we need to consider what character image we are presenting…Christ or the world’s standard of living.

(Philippians 2:12) “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” 

I think where Christians miss the mark and sometimes fall into temptation is when they know something is wrong, yet they go ahead and push the envelope to get as close to the line of demarcation as they can, thinking that they will not step over that line.  Tempting fate is not wise.

This is where Satan can merge and push us over the line like he did to Eve in the Garden of Eden.  He tempted her to sin against God and eat of the fruit that God commanded her and Adam not to eat.

I believe that each time she walked past the fruit, she got a little closer to it.  No doubt Eve felt that the fruit was calling her name, but it was the serpent that was deceiving her.  Perhaps she even touched the fruit a few times to see what it felt like. 

Finally, temptation won out, and sin entered the world.  Sin raised its ugly head, because Eve failed to prioritize what was most important to her. 

The appearance of sin is brilliant to the wondering eye and sparkles like expensive diamonds, but the truth of temptation is that it is only cheap rhinestones that are seen.  We need to turn our eyes upon Jesus.  When we do so, the things of earth grow dim in the light of His glory…like a city on a hill.  This is what I call prioritizing life.

 

Written by,

Papa Boyd