Hearing But Not Listening

Consider the following thought for a minute.  What do you think communication gaps stem from?  Personally, I think the reason that some people run into communication problems may encompass the habit of hearing but not listening.

Another thought, they may need to just turn up their hearing aids.  But wait, they may be turned down on purpose, because of the round-the-clock bombardment of exhausting words they hear.

It is certainly probable, in my opinion, that mental insecurities may be associated with listening or lack thereof.  Two valid questions are these.  What about the communication gap that people have with God?  Could it be the same thing, hearing but not listening or not hearing at all?

Perhaps the lack of listening, which follows hearing, is more prevalent than one would believe or suppose because of the effort it takes to hear God’s quiet, still voice.  The conveying of words cannot be one-sided. 

To improve on better communication requires being a good listener, but it takes a “want to listen” attitude to discipline oneself and be willing to break old habits of tuning people out, whereas in this scenario, tuning God out.  It makes sense to me that people should not always be the ones talking.

I’ve watched people stick their index fingers in both ears when they’ve heard enough from another party to get the point across that enough is enough.  It is so easy to carry this type of action over to the spiritual realm when God is trying to get our attention.

Many people tune God out.  We need to train our spiritual ears to hear His voice when He speaks.  The first, and foremost step is an important one.  This process of training is difficult at times, because it takes control to stop talking long enough to not only hear, but to listen.

I believe the best choice is to say nothing when God is talking.  The proverb “Silence is golden” says it quite well in just three words.  The goal to rid ourselves of the communication gap between us and God is attainable.  To listen closely for God’s still, small voice requires a quiet environment to hear Him.

(1 Kings 19:11-12), “Then He said, ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’  And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;” (vs 12) “and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice.”

When we discipline ourselves and refuse to be mentally brainwashed and blindsided with spiritual abuse via the vulgar nonsense on television and paying good money to watch and listen to Hollywood’s declining rhetoric and filth at movie theaters is like removing thickened wax from one’s ears to recognize and know the voice of God.

(John 10:27-28), “My sheep hear My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (vs 28) “And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.”

The realization of “garbage in garbage out” and recognizing its subliminal effects is a huge step in the right direction of disciplining ourselves to not allow our spirit to consume things that can influence us negatively.  Doing something to prevent bad stimuli is a must. 

Accepting the statuesque of things, while thinking, “I’m strong enough, it won’t affect me” Is a deception from the enemy of our soul.  It is possible that this kind of justification may end up being a stumbling block when walking with the Lord. 

As my father-in-law would say, “We can justify anything, but it doesn’t make it right.”  Yielding to devilish things vs. listening to God to resist those things are opposites.  Good and evil, God and Satan do not mix.  They are like oil and water.

A friend of mine was having real problems with his hearing and believed it was the result of aging.  It was getting so bad he felt embarrassed to ask people to repeat what they were saying.

After some encouragement, he finally gave into his better judgement and made an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist.  The doctor saw the problem right away.  He removed a large buildup of wax from both eardrums.

My friend said that when he left the doctor’s office, he could hear the sweetness of birds singing and the wind rustling through the leaves in trees.  He was amazed at what he had been missing out on prior to visiting the doctor.

The same is true when we open our ears to what the Holy Spirit is whispering to us.  We miss out on so much of God and the blessings He wants us to enjoy, because subconsciously some people refuse to listen with their spiritual ears to hear His voice.

I think they may be afraid to hear and listen for fear that God might ask them to give up something that they don’t want to give up, or to do this or that, because they feel inadequate to do it. 

People play the “I can’t hear You!” game with God.  But they are not fooling Him, whatsoever.  He doesn’t force Himself on anyone.  It is up to the individual as to how much of God they want to be exposed to and depth of involvement they want to pursue.

Holding onto God with one hand and the world with the other is not wise.  It might be spiritual suicide, but that’s between them and God.  God’s grace is without measure and His mercy is coupled with love everlasting—without end.  I used to sing a song entitled, “His grace is sufficient.”  I found this to be true in all areas of my life.

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

Ears hear different frequencies and some frequencies not at all.  Through practice, and disciplining what enters the ear gate, the practicality of finding the frequency of God’s voice is 100% foolproof.  He is always ready to have a wonderful, one-on-one conversation and relationship with us.  Again, we need to listen and not do all the talking.

I would be remiss if I failed to encourage you to hide Bible scriptures away in your heart through memorization.  God absolutely speaks directly to our soul through His word.

(Psalm 119:11), “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

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

When I was a young boy, I learned a few Bible verses while attending Sunday School at a local church.  The teacher rewarded the children that memorized certain scriptures with prizes.  Toys and money were great incentives.

Before I became a born-again Believer as an adult, I searched for peace and the meaning of life.  One day when I was praying to God for help, one of those scriptures came flooding back.  It helped me make the decision to become a Christian. 

The scripture came alive and touched me deeply at a time I needed it most.  God spoke to me through His word.  God was at the bottom of my list of desires.  I was putting the things of the world before Him, but He made me aware of this with the following scripture.  My life changed when I put God first above all things.

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

Can you hear that?  Can you hear the sound?  It’s adventure calling.  God bless you!

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

When We Listen

I just let my wife off at the crosswalk in front of one of her favorite stores to do some shopping.  Before she stepped out of the truck she said, “You can see what pops into your brain to write about.”  She’s always an encouragement.

At that point I had nothing, but after finding a parking place to wait for her return, my brain began to awaken.  Sitting there with my air conditioner blasting, my mind shifted into high gear, while praying to receive something extraordinary from God.

Perhaps the following thoughts might uplift and strengthen you in some way.  I’m hoping that I can encourage you with the awareness that when you are finished reading these words, you will feel that the Holy Spirit has spoken directly to your heart, giving you clarity of mind and a direction to pursue.

Whether you feel God or not is not relevant.  It is spiritual health to trust God and not live by feelings alone, but to walk by faith, while allowing Him to direct your footsteps.

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

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”  The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  What He has done for others, He will do for you.  His love does not fluctuate one-iota, nor does it falter in any way. 

God will never, ever fail us, because His love is deeper than the deepest ocean, wider than the east is from the west, and higher than the highest mountain.  God’s love for us is without end.  It is infinite.  God loved us so much that He died on a cross for our salvation to free us from sin when we ask for forgiveness and surrender our lives to Him.

(Deuteronomy 31:8), “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

We need to learn how to trust this love in all things…emphasis on ALL THINGS!  Before I became a Christian, when something came my way that I couldn’t take care of myself, I tried just about everything worldly in a feeble attempt to find answers to my unresolved issues.

Most of the time I was filled with disappointment, because my search failed to materialize positive results that left me feeling helpless and alone.  The wise thing I should have done was petition the God of Creation to intervene, and then trust Him for a miracle, but I was headstrong and not on the same wavelength as the Lord at that time.

When a person believes and gives their problems to God and says, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” peace takes over as they rest in Him, while watching the hand of God calm the raging storm and the troubled sea with words like, “Peace be still!”  God cares for us deeply and wants us to live a victorious and over-coming life.

(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.”

Several years ago, I went through cancer surgery.  My wife literally stood on the Bible and believed God for a miracle.  He honored her faith and brought forth the miracle.  I thank God that I am still around to author words that I pray will bring peace to troubled hearts at the precise moment they need it most.

During my recovery, I received a wonderful letter from a lady in our church that strengthened my spirit during challenging times.  She drafted such amazing words that I knew they had to be from God, and that He was using her to bless me in such a way that the words penetrated the very core of my being.  I WAS ENCOURAGED!

I could feel the anointing of God’s Spirit as I read each word.  I lifted my head toward heaven and thanked God for the woman’s obedience to take time and send the letter my way.  It was strength and healing to the very marrow of my bones.

Perhaps you are feeling a churning within your spirit to do something nice for someone.  I say, “Do it!”  Maybe that person’s name is being manifested in your mind at this very moment.  Don’t wait until they become totally indifferent to receive any acts of goodwill that God may be coxing you to do.

Do it before their heart becomes hardened with the notion that no one really cares.  I am sure they will appreciate a note, phone call, text, flowers, or perhaps give of your time to lend a helping hand in some way.

Showing concern for others can be healing if they are floundering and could use some encouragement.  Everyone needs someone in their corner when the storms of life become intolerable.  Contact them as if you are doing it unto the Lord.  They may be grasping for an act of kindness and thoughtfulness to come their way.  Don’t wait.

(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.”

(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.’ ”

Your benevolence could very well make the difference in helping someone choose rightly or prevent them from giving into hopelessness or having a nervous breakdown because of stress.  They may be fighting a battle to not lose faith in God, because they think their problem is too big for Him to handle or that they are not worthy of God’s love.

You can be the instrument or conduit that God flows through to bring hope into their life.  If God is speaking to you, listen to His voice.  If He has already given you a name that may need your compassion and understanding, know this, the results of your kindness can move mountains as you trust God and step out in faith.

Why am I writing these thoughts?  God only knows.  When my wife got out of the truck, my mind was not on you the reader, or any of the preceding words presented here.  But as I opened my mind to what God had for us today, the words seemed to flow like a rushing, mighty river that stimulated my mind.

Maybe all these words are meant for you or for me, just like the letter I received from the lady in our church that touched me.  God bless you as you become a blessing and strength to someone else!

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Better and not Bitter

How many times have you sipped a beverage or swallowed medicine and found them to be bitter to taste?  Sugar sometimes helps to sweeten a drink, or a peppermint lifesaver can cover up the aftertaste of bad tasting medicine.  These steps can make them better and not bitter.  Of course, better is always more favorable than bitter, as I see it.

The lyrics of the following song said it very well when Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews in the 1964 film) sang it.  “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

Coffee, tea, and lemonade are prime examples of drinks that are enjoyed with sweeteners.  As for me, I drink them without.  I don’t know if it’s because my wife tells me that I’m just too sweet for words, or that she’s trying to build my ego. 

I’m teasing, she is expressing love.  In any case, I try to stay away from sugar of any kind and sodas with artificial sweeteners.

People use the following words to express affection: Sweetheart, Sweetie, Sweet-pea, Honey, and Sugar when addressing loved ones.  These words are not used in bitter conversations, because they are meant to relay compassion and love.  They help to magnify better communication, not a bitter one.

When I was a non-Christian, my relationship with God was bitter, not on His part, but mine alone.  After accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, my relationship became and is becoming much better as I learn to put off the old nature and slip on my garment of praise in the new nature that God gave me when I became His child.

This change from a bitter heart to a better one is because Jesus gave His life, freely, on a cross for our sins.  He put a heart of compassion within me and took away the heart of stone when I became a born-again Believer.  It all happened when God forgave my sins.

(Psalm 51:10), “Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Life is full of ups and downs with many challenges.  Not everything that comes our way is sweet like honey; they can be bitter like medicine.  Medicines certainly have positive influences on the body, so we take them for the good they do—better health.

We can obtain and be joyful, while experiencing victory over bitterness, because of God’s strength within us.  He brings maturity and health to our spiritual growth and life to a mundane lifestyle.

Uplifting songs can inspire spiritual health and help dispel bitter feelings in one’s heart when they listen to the lyrics or sing them, like the old song, “Jesus is the sweetest name I know.”  The power of His sweet name changes things for the better and sets people free from bitterness.

When I was walking in carnal flesh, without the Spirit of God within me, I was bitter because there was no joy inside me.  I was searching for a better way to live but was running in the opposite direction from God.  I finally realized that He, and He alone, could satisfy the longing in my soul and make things better and not bitter.

When I surrendered to the wooing of the Holy Spirit, I was able to find the sweetness of God’s love in Jesus Christ.  He dispelled my bitter attitude.  The wonderful thing is this, I didn’t have to be perfect to find God’s love. 

God’s word declares that we can come to Him as we are, with all our hang-ups, questions, and sin, and the Lord will set us free.  God was waiting patiently for me to decide that He was the only way to possess a better life rather than a life of bitter regrets.

I was thinking how a single letter in a word can change the total meaning of that word.  Take the letters “i” and “e” for example.  The word ‘better’ is spelled with an “e”, whereas ‘bitter’ is spelled with an “i”.  One letter makes a difference as to the meaning.

The letter “o” in ‘Son’, and the “i” in ‘sin’ conveys different meanings.  The perfection of God’s Son vs. Satan’s sin is the defining difference between a better life in Jesus rather than a bitter life with Satan.  I’m glad that God threw bitterness to the wind and replaced it with His Son, Jesus.

If you are searching for meaning to life and a better way to live, I give you Jesus.  He is the Prince of Peace.  He provides lasting peace that passes all understanding.  He is the answer to all your quandaries.  Through Him, heaven is our hope for eternity.

(John 3:16-17), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (vs 17) “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com 

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Words Have Power

After saying my prayers and retiring for the evening, I laid in bed thinking about the goodness and beauty of God’s love and how life changed when I redirected my loyalty at the crossroads-of-new-beginnings.  The day I chose Jesus to be Lord and Savior of my soul, the experience of being born-again was an absolute turning point that affected my life in many, positive ways.

God gave me peace of mind that was certainly unattainable in the lifestyle I was living.  It eluded my grasp.  Joy unspeakable filled my being as quickly as I asked God to forgive my sins.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit made their abode in my heart that blessed day.

The Lord gave me wonderful hope that I will spend eternity in heaven with Him someday.  At that appointed hour I will have a new, glorified body that is able to behold the full magnificence of God’s Shekinah glory as I look upon His face.

Laying there, I allowed my mind to embrace the awesomeness of how God has gifted me with the ability to arrange words in such a way that people are touched when they read them.  This awareness is mind-boggling, knowing that the writings I post on my blog are read around the world.

It is amazing to see how many viewings are recorded each day and in what countries.  ‘Blogspot’ tracks this information through their database, which I can view.

One day my sister texted me a message that encouraged me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet.  She joyfully wrote that I was fulfilling scriptures with my blog and gave me the associated verses in the Bible.

(Mark 16:15-16), “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’ ” (vs 16) “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Seeing the countries that my blog reaches, my sister was saying that my writings could be considered as being a parallel to physically going into all the world, via the internet.  I never thought of it this way until she brought it to my attention.

I am blessed to know that I am, in some way, inspiring others and encouraging them when they read my writings.  I am sincerely touched when I receive their positive comments.

I laid there with the covers pulled over my shoulders, tucked under my chin, and stared at the ceiling, thinking that we can allow the Holy Spirit to be the watchman at our mouth to help us share words of encouragement or talk off the top of our heads with little thought to the power of words spoken.  It’s our choice.

Spoken words, written words in a letter, or published writings to a blog can be powerful one way or another depending on the attitude and disposition of the one drafting the message.  I believe the content depends on the author’s heart, whether it is a heart of stone or a heart of flesh that is spoken of in the Bible.

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

Words can come across as a resounding gong or clanging cymbal when they are lacking love.

(1 Corinthians 13:1), “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.”

Hopefully, the words that we speak and the words we author are words of life that echo strength and stability, while inspiring those that hear or read them.  I want the words that come from my mind and heart to be Spirit enlightened.  I pray that they will be light in the darkness for someone that needs hope as they read them on my blog.

I’ve listened to music and the words moved me in ways that my soul was rejoicing by the end of the song, whereas I’ve listened to songs that left me empty, a voidness in my heart after they ended.  I believe the positive or negative result is dependent upon the attitude and spirit of the composer.  He or she makes the difference in how the words are received.

A person can read the Bible and be touched in such a way that the words challenge them to change what direction they want to pursue, the path toward heaven rather than the wide road to destruction.  It is the power of Almighty God that rests upon each word in the Bible.  They were blessed by the Holy Spirit as godly men of old penned God’s living words for humanity to receive direction, the road map to salvation through Jesus Christ.

God breathed upon each person as they authored His words without error.  God’s words are infallible, full of inspiration and alive, not dead like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.

(Hebrews 4:12), “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

I pray that the words I use in my writings have the same anointing on them, with the power to open the minds of people to truth and encourage them to look in God’s direction for their needs.

As thoughts come to me, I jot them down.  When I sit to put these words into sentence-form, many times my eyes tear up because my soul is touched with what God is speaking.  My hope is that the same awareness touches you, the reader.

I believe my writings and Bible scriptures will make positive differences in your life.  I pray that my words will never become like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal.

As I author and post “Writings of Hope” on my blog, I trust that God will give my “Thoughts for Today” power to be like a cool, refreshing glass of water to parched lips of those needing living water from God’s throne.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

20/20 Hindsight

At times, memories can be troublesome when a person wishes that certain things would have turned out differently.  It’s called 20/20 hindsight.

When looking into a rearview mirror, the driver of a vehicle cannot see everything there is to see behind them, so they must drive cautiously and with care.  We don’t go through life looking in a rearview mirror to see where we’ve been.

Have you ever considered that perhaps things that happened in your past happened for a reason?  Maybe those moments of maturing had to take place because it was God’s plan for you.  I believe God has a wonderful plan for each of us.

How many times have you said, “If I had it to do over again.”?  I have either said it or thought it many times.  Perhaps you are like me in some ways, most critical of ourselves when it comes to doing our best in getting things right the first time to sidestep having regrets later.

People that know me would, no doubt, say that I am very analytical and some would call me picky.  The above perceptions are true.  I try to stay away from bad decisions that affect me negatively later when I relive those bad choices.

Please hear this, things that have happened in the past are just that, past happenings that need to be left there rather than allowing them to beat us up when we remember all the negatives.  If we dwell on them, they can produce anxiety, which can cause ulcers and steal the joy we have in the present.  It is counterproductive to live with and recall past mistakes.

God has a plan for you.  Are you living for Him today and allowing Him to fulfill His plan in your life, or are you walking in the opposite direction and living with 20/20 hindsight regrets?  Who knows the reason why certain things took place in the past.

I don’t have all the answers, but God does.  Can anyone say, for certain, that because of 20/20 hindsight, things shouldn’t have gone the way they did?  I can’t, I’m not God. 

Was it someway in God’s long-range plan that certain things happened to bring a person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?  Again, I don’t know, but as a Christian, walking by faith, I believe that God loves each of us very deeply.  I trust that He has everything in control and can bring about good out of things that we perceive as bad.

(Genesis 50:20), “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” 

The above scripture is referring to a man named Joseph.  Look at Joseph, a man of God, and how everything seemed to go against him in his earlier life, but God was with him and had the perfect plan for him and the saving of his family from starvation. 

God made Joseph second in command, under Pharaoh.  He was the saving grace to the survival of his family and all of Egypt when a great famine came to the land.  This wonderful story begins in (Genesis 37) regarding Joseph and the hand of God upon all that he accomplished, because God was with him.

Looking into a rearview mirror and being able to see everything that’s behind is impossible.  Such is true when looking back at happenings in our past.  We cannot see the whole picture or the plan of God for our lives.

It is hard to reason why some things happened the way they did, but they did for whatever reason, we can’t change it.  We can question why all day long and still not come up with all the answers. 

If we know Jesus as Lord, we need to thank Him for grace and mercy and go on living in the peace that He gives to all Christians.  Living a 20/20 hindsight existence only brings pain and unrest in the present.

If you are not a Believer yet, allow God to heal memories that were bad experiences; accept Jesus into your heart.  God wants to forgive past sins and wrong choices to provide an abundant, joyful life as a child of God.

Nobody is perfect, but God can set us free from the bondage of our old nature and put a new desire in our heart to do right before the Lord and not live a 20/20 hindsight existence.

(2 Corinthians 5:17), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

I must say, the one good thing about my past that I remember is the training I received from Mom and Dad in my youth, regarding Jesus, the Son of God, and the plan of salvation for all humanity, which included you and me.

Though I strayed for a time from God, it was this training that brought me back to the Lord as I matured.  I was looking for peace of mind and remembered Jesus, the prince of Peace.  I asked God to forgive my sins, and the Peace of God entered my soul.

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

Are you tired of living a 20/20 hindsight existence?  I give you Jesus!  Let go and let God be your heavenly Father who wants perfect peace for your mind without all the regrets of yesterday’s mistakes that haunt and try to rule the sanctity of present day living. 

Just try God and see if He is not the answer for your troublesome memories.  Let go and let God set you free.  You can forgive yourself and live victoriously in Him because He forgave you of your sins when you asked Him for forgiveness.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Responsibility vs. Accountability

We need to pray for a Holy Ghost filled revival to sweep across our nation and touch the hearts of the youth in America, tomorrow’s leaders.  The parents of these kids need our prayers as well.  This writing is merely food for thought to anyone with an open mind; no condemnation intended.

Watching the youth of today and listening to how they rattle off certain words of filth in the presence of women is despicable.  The disrespect they show to teachers, police officers, authority figures of any kind, including their own parents is shocking.

It’s hard to grasp, with understanding, what is happening to this generation of youth.  I can only speculate.  We must be going into the end times spoken of in the Bible; the beginning of sorrows where children become disobedient to parents and the love of many shall wax cold.  (Matthew 24:3-44) 

The rude and untamed tongues of some of the youth show their rebellious attitudes and contempt for authority through the words they use and the unacceptable deeds they do.  It doesn’t matter where they are or who hears their foul mouths, they don’t care.

These kids have someway lost, misplaced, or haven’t been taught the value of shaking hands with ‘an allegiance to kind-heartedness’ and the importance of respecting others, hence the Golden Rule.

I’m not saying that all kids are like this, far-be-it, but it is apparent to me that things are not as they once were; miles from them.  Rebellion is raising its ugly head like never before.

I was taught to respect my elders, and those having authority over me, especially Mom and Dad.  I certainly did not talk back or disrespect them lest I suffer the consequences of my harsh words and uncontrolled attitude. 

Disobedience didn’t happen, because I was raised with integrity to treat others the way I wanted to be treated.  I cared how people perceived me, and yes, I had trepidation regarding punishment, if you know what I mean.  I knew where the line of demarcation was, and I didn’t cross it.

Trying to reason in my mind why today’s generation of children and young adults are the way they are, it seems to revolve around a common denominator that is becoming more prevalent as time goes on.

I suspect that some parents are finding themselves subject to the wants and whims of their kids, while trying to be their friend.  These parents would rather give into their child’s demands than to rock the boat and disappoint them in some way.

I understand the frustrations that accompany parenting at times.  It’s hard work that is not appreciated in many cases, but worth the effort when a child expresses moral values, principles, and above average ethics.

Expecting, or in some cases, insistent on respect from children requires verbal requests with action to support the expectation, which takes wisdom and follow-through.  Kids become accustomed to empty and shallow words that have little or no impact, because there is a lack of consequences coupled with enforcement.  Kids are quick to find their parent’s number, figuratively speaking, pitting one parent against the other.

I’m not talking about the nonsense of, “Do as I say not as I do” type regiment.  Children learn by example and through the teaching of right from wrong, which befalls the parent or guardian to do some soul searching in their own life that involves self-examination that can produce self-control and the example they should be in the home.

It is a grave responsibility to live a disciplined lifestyle before our kids that we expect them to live.  With God’s help we can achieve integrity in our children through prayer and supplication before the Lord.

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

There are four words that express my ‘go to advice’ for today’s rebellious generation, “God is the answer.”  The depth of despair that children are experiencing and exhibiting through words and deed shows me how much things have changed from the days of my youth; it’s mind boggling.

I believe obedience and respect are learned.  This process begins in the home at a very young age—the informative years.  But know this, there is hope in Jesus no matter how old a progeny is.  God is still on the throne and prayer changes things when we pray for our children.  It’s never too late for a miracle to happen.

My wife and I did our best to instill good character habits and goodness in our three children, as our parents ingrained in us.  They showed us by their example how to behave and become successful in life.  It took persistence on their part; it just didn’t happen.

It’s difficult to comprehend the number of spoiled kids that are out there.  In my opinion, they need to hear the words, “No, not this time!” with proper follow-through behind the narrative.  Arguing back-and-forth, begging in some cases, propositioning, or asking a child to do something more than once is frustrating.  

Some kids are totally irresponsible, because their parents have allowed this behavior to develop and become habit-forming early on.  Some of these children’s heads are in the clouds regarding most things.  As the saying goes, “They couldn’t fight their way out of a wet paper bag.”  I’m not trying to be curt or brisk.    

I’m sure you know what the word ‘enabler’ means.  It involves caregivers, moms, dads, or guardians that always make decisions for the children under their care.  They insist on taking responsibility away from the child.

Most parents would rather their children not have to suffer any discomfort whatsoever.  They don’t want them to struggle at all, of which I can understand.  We want the best for our children; there is a ‘but’ coming.

But in my opinion, having raised three responsible children, a parent needs to learn when and how to backoff from being an overprotective ‘helicopter’ type parent, the enabler that is always hovering.  It is quite apparent that without responsibility there is no accountability, as I see it.

I believe that children must learn responsibility and be accountable for their own actions in life.  After all, they are the child and not the parent.  They need to know their place in the home, surrounded with love and controlled discipline.

Children should not be allowed to become the authority figure that’s in charge.  I’ve seen parents walk on eggshells around their children hoping not to hurt or offend them in some way.  I know a few parents that find it very difficult to let go of the reigns and allow their kids to learn by their own mistakes and how to work things out for themselves.

Responsibility builds character, self-worth, and self-assurance in the face of challenges that life brings.  Their mom or dad may not always be around, then what? 

An ongoing ‘put out the fire’ type of intervention by those in charge, teaches a child that it’s okay to not think for themselves, that someone else will most likely pick up the pieces if they wait long enough or work the angles just right.

A young person that is always looking for a designated hitter to assume their responsibility may very well be an Achilles heel through life.  This ineptness will ultimately affect children, negatively, to depend on other people to bail them out of situations that they’ve gotten themselves into.

God wants us to think for ourselves and make wise choices, having sound judgement as we walk with the Holy Spirit.  We are freewill moral agents to choose for ourselves what is right and wrong.  We must give our children the ability to make decisions for themselves, while maintaining a visual with open communication.

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Why

Why is it that when I feel strong in spirit, standing erect with shoulders back and my head held high because of the power of Almighty God within me, something happens?  Without warning, out of nowhere, the vail of doubt creeps in and the daunting cloud of agitation overshadows me.  Irritation then raises its ugly head, resulting in struggles.  What’s going on?

Allow me to speculate.  I would venture to say that ‘vail’, mentioned above, is synonymous with self-doubt.  This feeling of gloom, as I see it, must be related or connected to the battles Christians fight on their journey to heaven.  We wrestle against the powers of darkness that strive to oppress and take away our victory as children of God. 

There are two choices.  We can sit on our ‘do nothing’ and whine about the uncertainty that we feel, and yield to the onslaught of Satan’s antagonism in allowing the initiators of confusion to persist with their attack, or we can immediately take control of the situation and rebuke the spirit of evil, lest it finds a foothold in our psyche.

In doing the latter, we can defeat the enemy and proclaim victory in the name of Jesus, while facing our adversary, the devil, by standing in the power of Almighty God.  Children of God have the power over fallen angels when the name of Jesus is invoked. 

All power is in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names.  He is omnipotent (having all power) who dwells within every Believer.  In Him we stand firm and unmovable, because of who we are in Christ Jesus.

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

Though it may seem that we are walking alone at times, know this, God is never too far from where we are.  He is always within hearing distance, just a prayer away.

(Deuteronomy 31:8), “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

I believe that these challenging times not only test our patience, but they are also trials that test our faith.  Through trials we learn that God is present in every situation and that we can call upon Him at any time and He is there even if we don’t feel Him, because we walk by faith and not feelings.

We learn how to stand in God’s strength, and we can claim our requests as if we already possess them, because we belong to Him; this is called ‘faith’.

(Hebrews 11:1), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

(James 1:2-3), “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” (vs 3) “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

The Holy Spirit teaches Christians how to walk by faith through the trials that buffet them.  We learn how to hold our heads high in the presence of the spirit of darkness in this sin-filled world.

If Christians never had a problem, how could they know how to solve them.  If we haven’t been given the opportunity to exercise faith, how can we learn about the power of God that is within us?  God wants us to think for ourselves and be strong in faith to make wise decisions with the help of the Holy spirit. 

This writing would not be complete without one more ‘why’.  I may never comprehend this word in its fullness when applied to God’s gift to humanity—Jesus. 

Why would the God/Man, Jesus, perfect in all ways, and having no sin or guile in His life whatsoever, choose to die on a cross for a detestable, wretch like me?  I was nothing before Jesus found me. 

The ghastly suffering that Jesus endured was a cruel and agonizing death.  But why did He do it?  What possessed Him to give His life in such a horrific way as this?  Why would He do such a thing?

Heartaches and ruined lives are the reason.  I was a vile sinner walking in the opposite direction from God that wanted to do my own thing.  I had nothing in common with Jesus, but He loved me anyway.  “Why?”  I ask. 

The Bible tells us that it was because He loved you and me so much that He not only was willing to die for our sins, He did exactly that on Mount Golgotha, also known as Calvary.  It is a skull-shaped hill found in Jerusalem.

The Lord’s great compassion for a rebellious sinner like me surpassed my acknowledgment of Him.  I believe that Jesus looked down through the corridor-of-time and saw me in my mother’s womb and was saddened that I was lost without a Savior.  I’m sure it broke His heart.

Jesus could not sit idly by at the right hand of God the Father and watch me enter hell as an adult without doing something about it.  Jesus wanted me in heaven with Him and called me by name to surrender my life to Him. 

God made a way, where there seemed to be no way, so that I could rejoice in heaven with the redeemed of the Lord, to enjoy the blessings that Jesus prepared for the saints of God, those that were born-again Believers who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.  This is the ‘why’, now answered.

Jesus is the Savior to whom we give honor and praise for His gift of life the day He died on the cross for our sins.  Thank you, Jesus!

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd

One Foot in the Grave

A little over a year ago my wife slipped on a flight of stairs and broke all three bones in her right ankle.  With surgery, a hand full of screws, and metal plate to hold everything in place, the bones were able to mend and fuse together.

It was a long recovery with physical therapy and a lot of prayer.  I thank God she is doing much better now.  There was a point she feared that she wouldn’t walk again, it was that bad.

Have you ever been walking, minding your own business, or running and enjoying your daily workout routine, and without warning you found yourself on the ground, because you slipped on something that shouldn’t have been in your pathway?

A buildup of moss across a sidewalk because of an ongoing water leak can be quite dangerous.  A banana peel that someone tossed aside can prove just as troublesome if a visually impaired individual steps on it.  Ice buildup on walkways can upset a person’s day if they slip and fall.

Talk about slipping and sliding…some of my friends from high school have slipped through the years sliding down the slippery slope of hard knocks.  A few of them have bad health, because of an undisciplined lifestyle.

My wife and I attended my 25^th high school class reunion years ago.  I lost contact with most of the people after graduation and thought it would be the perfect time to rekindle friendships.

There was plenty of food and an abundant supply of alcohol that several of my friends took advantage of.  They were no strangers to the concoctions they guzzled down.

When the gathering ended, I left wishing that I hadn’t attended.  I should have left the memory of their faces on the pages of my Senior Yearbook that sits on a shelf at home.

When we walked through the door of the venue it broke my heart to see some of my closest friends that looked like they were still burning the candle at both ends like they did in high school; a metaphor relating to the tiredness I saw on their visage. 

Some appeared unhealthy and gaunt.  They looked bad, as if one foot was on a banana peel and the other foot in the grave.  With my heart aching, I made my rounds saying hello and talking about old times.  After a closing thank you from the host, everyone said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. 

I drove home discouraged, feeling old, and out of sorts.  I asked my wife if I looked as old as those I introduced her to.  Being the lovely lady that she is, tried to encourage me when she exclaimed with an elevated voice, “You look so much younger, there’s no comparison!”  No-one really sees themselves as others see them until looking at a recently taken photograph, and then the reality of aging hits home. 

Twenty years prior to going to the reunion, I had given up the night life, drinking, and living like the devil, because I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior five years after graduating high school.  At twenty-three years of age, I cut all ties with the influential people that I associated with and backed away from all the vises that were affecting my physical body in negative ways.

I felt blessed when God redirected my steps and set my feet on the solid, unmovable rock—Jesus Christ.  All things became new and old desires passed away, because of the transformation I experienced when my soul was filled with joy and everlasting peace.  I was now on the straight and narrow path that led to heaven.  By giving my life to Jesus, my decaying soul became alive.

Attending the reunion was a sad, eye-opening experience.  I saw, firsthand, the effects of sin and how it aged my friends in more ways than one.  I couldn’t help but compare myself to them.

It wasn’t that I thought I was better than they were, it was an awakening, an introduction to what might have been had I not changed life’s direction.  Instantly, I concluded by just looking at them, were it not for the grace of God, there go I.

Silently, I was thanking the good Lord for the life changing experience He gave me, and I was grateful that I made the transition to Christianity when I was at a young age.  But know this, it’s never too late to make a change.  God is calling your name if you are not a born-again Believer.  He loves you and desires that you become His child.

Sadly, my friends did not choose that lifestyle, and it showed.  Living life as a Believer encourages good health and physical fitness.  As the song goes: “I don’t regret a mile I’ve traveled for the Lord.”

When I was heading down the wide road to hell, it was covered with the slime of sin.  For a time, I too was on the slippery slope that my friends were sliding down, living with bad habits and making unwise decisions.  It was unclear from one day to the next if I would slip bad enough to lose total control and skid off the road into the abyss of death without having my sins forgiven by God. 

It would be like slipping on a banana peel and feeling the pain of falling, because of blind disobedience.  Eternity in hell may be just a slip away.  Without God’s mercy and grace to intervene we would all be lost.  No-one had to tell me where I was headed all those years of choosing to remain on the road that led to the abode where the spirits of the dead were spending eternity, because I knew.

As the providence of God was revealed to me, I took a detour before slipping into eternity without the Savior.  I had one foot in the grave and the other on the slimy road of sin. 

For years I was too foolish and strong-willed to make a change in those lonely days of rebellion, but something happened that opened my eyes to the fact I needed Jesus in my life.  This is a story for another writing.

Our time on earth is like sand in an hourglass.  There is only so much sand, an hour’s worth.  How long is the lifespan we have in this body?  Only God knows.  Both sand and time make their journey as they were designed to do, to end up in a place that awaits their arrival.

Sand and life itself pass quickly through the tiny orifice of time much faster than we can grasp the older we get.  Sooner or later each of us will enter the place where we will spend eternity, heaven or hell.  This destination depends upon which entity we choose to give homage—Jesus or Satan.

The choice is ours to make just as it was with my friends in school.  This is the fact about our fleeting life.  Do not slip into eternity without your paid ticket in hand to present at the pearly gates of heaven.  Jesus paid for that ticket when He died on a cross for our sins.  He is the only one-way ticket to God Almighty that God recognizes.  No other manmade ticket will suffice.

(James 4:13-14), “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’;” (vs 14) “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

www.wordsfrompapa.blogspot.com

Written by,

Papa Boyd