You Can't Out Give God



My early, childhood years revolved around church, as does my adult, golden years.  I love God deeply and I’m learning to trust His Word more and more each day.  He certainly takes care of my wife and me in all areas of living.  I believe this is reflective of our standard of living the past forty years of marriage; paying a tenth of our earnings to God’s programs.  We’ve learned that you can’t out give God.

For years I’ve heard the saying, “You can’t out give God,” prior to an offering plate being passed in church.  What does this phrase actually mean, you might ask?

First of all, I believe that Christians have an obligation to support the local church where they attend with their tithes, and provide financial support to the work of God where He directs them to give.  Paying tithes is a responsibility that every Believer should deem necessary in their striving to be accountable to God.  It stands to reason that without accountability there is little responsibility.  They go hand in hand.

Offerings, on the other hand, are above and beyond the tenth that God requires.  In that God pours blessings into a person’s life, because they are faithful in tithing, there is money to support a good cause now and then as they present themselves. 

The Holy Spirit moves upon obedient hearts that desire to give.  Sometimes they are impressed to give more than their supposed ability to meet the obligation.  I’ve heard it called, “Stepping out in faith.”  They pledge money they may not have at that moment, but with the anticipation that God will soon supply the need.

There must be caution and certainly wisdom implemented here.  Pledging a million dollars and then buying a lottery ticket hoping that God will help a person to win is not wise anyway you look at it.  I believe we can trust God’s Word, but it’s hard at times to put your money where your mouth is when doing reckless things.  Know this, you can’t out give God when the Spirit is prompting you to do something, because of the promise in (Luke 6:38).

(Luke 6:38), “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

It takes money to heat and light the facilities of any business, be it commercial, or the neighborhood church.  The operation and community outreach of such churches require financial support of some kind unless everyone on staff are volunteers and wealthy; which is usually not the case.

The need for money goes hand in hand with the responsibilities that a local church takes on.  If success is the bottom line desire in helping people with spiritual, mental, and even physical needs, with respect to dire needs of the disadvantaged, the church can be that medium to under gird and strengthen those that need it.

The essential need of providing a place for people to come together in worship, the house of God, takes money.  Tithes and offerings need to be received, such, that the programs of God can continue to flourish and excel, rather than failing to meet the needs of people.  This is God’s commission to the “Church.” 

It seems strange to me when I hear people make subtle remarks like, “Why are they taking another offering?” or “All they ever talk about is money.”  In my opinion, these people lack vision of what the Body of Christ is able to do for the Kingdom of God when everyone pulls together and does their part in promoting God’s work. 

Perhaps they are looking for a reason to find fault with the church, but that’s between them and God.  Let’s face it; it takes money for anything worth while to succeed.

(Malachi 3:10-11), “ ‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’ ” vs.11  “ ‘And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

God expects one tenth of our earnings to be given to the work of the Lord—our money is His anyway, yet He only requires a tenth.  Jesus Christ must be presented to those that are lost in sin.  When people are faithful in giving to God, His hand is not shortened in blessing those that obey, while souls that need the Lord are touched and set free from bondage.

I don’t give to receive, although God’s Word says that He will give back to me if I do.  Notice the word if in the sentence above.  God didn’t say receive and then give.  He said, “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will I put into your bosom.”

It’s not that God has someone standing by to write a check to reimburse us for our giving, though He could do this if He chose to.  I believe that God blesses the giver in various ways:  through sale’s items in stores; buying something at a garage sale that we’ve wanted; finding favor with someone that is selling something, and getting a better deal.  I don’t know how it all works; it just does.

The following are examples of the above thoughts:  My youngest son and his wife had their first child last December.  The person that prepared their taxes failed to include the child as a dependent for the full year; only December.  He called and told my son of his error, which made a difference of $500.00 in their favor.

I just got off the phone with my sweet daughter-in-law.  We were talking about God’s promise to those that obey (Malachi 3:8).  In her words she said it this way,  “You can’t afford not to pay tithes.”  She proceeded, “Checks in the mail at random and monetary blessings at showers and our wedding are just a few of the blessings from God, because of tithing.”

I have observed numerous times that God has supplied their needs since they have been married.  God keeps pouring blessings into their life, because they are faithful to God’s programs with their money.  They give with a glad heart, knowing that God is using their tenth to bless other people.  This knowledge, in itself, brings joy to them.

Another example is when I started my construction company years ago.  My first endeavor to secure a job, I presented a bid to a lady that wanted to turn her garage into more living space.  Being a new contractor and all, I had to land this job to put food on my table and continue sending my three children to Christian school.  I gave a ridiculously low bid. 

To show you how God works, the lady of the house asked me if I were making any money, because my bid was considerably lower that another bid that she had received.  My reply was, “A little.”  She said, “Why don’t we tack on an extra five hundred dollars to your bid.”  That’s God!  This was a lot of money when I needed it the most.  God is faithful!

Through that experience I learned to trust God even more that day.  I was His kid and He loved me; but I loved Him too and showed it by giving tithes to my church.  How can a person lose when God is on their side?  But we have a responsibility to Him—trust and obey.

God assured me that He was with me and that my business would succeed as long as I put Him first in my life.  You can’t out give God; I don’t care what anyone says.  He makes a way where there seems to be no way.

One more example of God’s faithfulness is when a former boss gave me several sections of wrought iron fencing and gates that he was throwing away.  The iron had been stored in the company corporation yard for years.  I didn’t have a real need for the pieces, but felt that I had to take all of it home.  I stacked it along the fence at the side of my house.

A short time later I owed a $567.00 bill; with no money to pay it.  A long story short…I advertised the wrought iron in our local newspaper.  Piece by piece people bought what they needed.  At the selling of the last section, the total amount received was exactly $567.00.  Was that God giving back into my bosom?  I believe it was a miracle; and yes, it was!  You can’t out give God.

To this day my wife and I still pay tithes to the church that we attend; not to get from God, but to stay in obedience to His Word.  We have proven the Bible to be alive and true.  I want to obey the Lord in all things, even with my pocket book.  Try it and see for yourself.  His blessings will follow you wherever you go.

I don’t want to stand before God in the judgment and hear Him ask, “Why didn’t you tithe?”  I can tell you from personal experience that I do more with 90% of my income than I could ever do with the full 100%.  I have tried it both ways, but found that it works for me when I give God His portion.  I learned the joy of giving.

(Numbers 23:19), “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.  Has He said, and will He not do?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

You can trust what the Bible says.  It is the inerrant Word of God.  You can take that to the bank, because you can’t out give God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Hand In Hand



Both God’s will and God’s timing go hand in hand.  One supports the other.  When seeking God’s perfect will, we must believe that God’s perfect timing is implemented by Him at the same time.  Together, these two variables equate to God’s very best. 

When God is allowed to make the choices, His peace becomes apparent, and the one doing the petitioning walks in confidence.  The direction they choose is, without a doubt, the plan of God for their life.  They need only to walk in faith and trust the sovereignty of God.  

(Psalm 37:23), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”

The above Bible scripture occurs in life when God is allowed to have full control.  Positive results follow.  If any person tries to manipulate God into blessing the steps that they have chosen for themselves, God refuses.  God doesn’t work this way. 

(Matthew 6:33-34), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  vs.34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  

The Bible doesn’t say to seek first your own will, and then God will follow.  God wants to be first on the list of desires, not last.  When He is given His rightful place of honor, we can ask for guidance and He will answer.  The key to finding God’s perfect will is to seek Him and to meditate on things that are wholesome.  God’s desire is to bless His children bountifully.      

(Matthew 7:7-8) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  vs.8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” 

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.”    

How do we know what is best for us?  We really don’t, but God does, because He is omnipotent; having unlimited power; and omniscient; knowing all things.  God’s purpose is that we walk in His perfection and not be deceived by circumstances. 

Just because things seem to be going well, with little opposition, does not necessarily mean that a person is walking in God’s will, nor does it mean that they are out of His will if they are bombarded on every side with trials and tribulation.  Circumstances do not set the tone for God’s will or His timing.

Timing is everything.  If a person is prone in taking matters into their own hands, because they are tired of waiting upon God, chances are it’s not God’s timing or His will for that particular point in time.  Look at Abraham.  God promised him that he would be a father of many nations through the son that Sarah, his wife, would give birth to.  (Genesis 16, 17)

Abraham and Sarah became impatient, because she could not conceive, so she gave her maid, Hagar, to Abraham to wed.  Sarah wanted her to fulfill God’s promise to her husband, because she was barren.  Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, but Sarah conceived at the age of ninety and gave birth to Isaac, the son that God had promised to Abraham.  Abraham was one hundred years old. 

Impatience got ahead of God rather than waiting for His perfect will to be accomplished.  Because of their impatience, the descendants of Ishmael and Isaac are in constant warfare with each other to this day.

Throwing caution to the wind is only asking for trouble.  When a person blindly sets out to do their thing and leaves God behind, problems follow, whereas, with God’s perfect will comes God’s perfect timing.  They go hand in hand.

God’s time clock may seem slow, but He is never late.  He is always on time.  We need to wait patiently for the right door to open before us.  To get ahead of God and miss His will is tragic, but when it’s God’s time to move, we cannot wait around.  We need to move in faith and not miss the opportunity of stepping through the door that He has opened for us, because of fear or self-will entering into the equation.

How do we know God’s timing and God’s will?  I believe the answer is to walk by faith, while maintaining a “prayer visual.”  This means praying to God for direction and looking with expectancy for the answer.  Today’s prayer is tomorrow’s miracle.  It is allowing God to have control of every aspect of life, because He knows what’s best, and wants to fill us with peace and contentment.  To see peace and contentment birthed within our being, we must learn to trust and obey God. 

(Proverbs 3:5-10), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” vs.6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  vs.7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.”  vs.8 “It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”  vs.9 “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits of all your increase;”  vs.10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

God has the best of everything for His children, not second best that some may choose.  Patience is golden and most important when finding God’s will.  When we wait upon God, He directs our steps and opens doors that man cannot shut.  We can trust Him to close doors that should not be pried open by our impetuous conduct. 

As I have already said; if it’s not God’s timing, it’s not God’s will.  If it’s not God’s will it’s not God’s timing.  They work hand in hand with each other to bring positive results.  You can’t have one without the other and be in the will of the Lord.

A child of God knows which way to turn and what direction is right for them as long as God occupies first place in their life and is included in the planning.  This is the key that unlocks the door to successful ventures and right living. 

My suggestions for obtaining success are these:  Submit yourself to God; allow Him to speak to you; listen to what He is saying; and then do what He tells you to do.  It all works hand in hand.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Indulgence or Standing One's Ground



(Ephesians 6:10-18), “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”  vs.11 “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  vs.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.”  vs.13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  vs.14 “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” vs.15 “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” vs.16 “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”  vs.17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” vs.18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

The armor of God never fails, because God is invincible and unshakeable.  His Word is forever true.  God’s protection and strength is conditional and dependent upon obedience.  God, however, deals with every person differently.  He expresses compassion, long suffering, and love in greater measures than we are even capable of doing.

The Bible points out that when a person endeavors to live according to God’s rules and regulations, thus, obeying His commandments, God reciprocates by pouring many blessings into that person’s life in overwhelming proportions.  These blessings are like a flood of living water flowing from the very presence of God himself.

(1 John 2:3-6), “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” vs.4 “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”  vs.5 “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.  By this we know that we are in Him.”  vs.6 “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

Even though God’s protection and strength is dependent upon obedience, His infinite mercy is extended to all people, in ways far beyond their understanding.  He rewards those that diligently seek Him. 

The adversary of our soul desires to destroy all that is good, and to devour God’s children, were it possible.  God stays the hand of the devil and pronounces mercy where justice is due, because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross of Calvary.  He gave His life that we might have life. 

God gave His son to die, because of His great love for humanity.  It is nothing that we have done or ever will do to merit God’s forgiveness.  Salvation is His gift to us through Jesus.  Every forgiven saint of God can rejoice and be glad in the knowledge that they have found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

(John 3:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”   

God’s grace is available to all that believe on the name of Jesus and come to Him, but the majority of the non-believing populace stands back; pointing their bony finger in the face of God, saying, “I’ll do as I please!”  It’s truly heartbreaking, because God would that all mankind be saved and inherit eternal life.  But it is their choice to make.   

A friend once told me, “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.”  This is certainly applicable when serving God.  Though a Christian may stumble and fall; failing God miserably; God is there to pick them up, to forgive, and help them continue their journey with the Lord at their side.  They need never give up their right of passage that God gave them through Jesus.  God forgives and His mercy endures forever.  A Christian will never suffer defeat as long as they keep trying. 

God is in the process of perfecting every Believer to the image of Christ.  His corrections may seem painful and uncomfortable at times when received, but the discomfort produces worthwhile changes.  The dividends are eternal.  God is smoothing away the rough edges in our life to shape us into a perfect vessel that is pleasing in His sight. 

God uses the tests and trials of life to bring forth vessels worthy to be called children of God.  Each time that God succeeds in touching areas of our life that need refining, another rough spot presents itself.  God continues His work with love and long-suffering—He is very patient.  We are the clay in the Master Potter’s hands.  God is perfecting His plan for our life to bring forth an acceptable masterpiece.

Yes, we are learning obedience, but when someone strays from the teachings they know to be truth, God is displeased.  When a person is drawn away by their own willful disobedience, and partakes of the “Do Not” that God warns against, He has ways of dealing with that wayward child.  God chastens those He loves.  Without this chastisement, the Bible says that we are a child without a father. 

God wants to be our Heavenly Father.  He is able to keep our soul that we committed to Him when we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into our heart as our personal Savior.  We gave Him ourselves, but God gave much more.  He gave His son to die on a cross for you and me for the remission of sin. 

I’m glad for the loving correction that God performs in my life.  Without it, I could never make heaven my home, because my righteousness is as filthy rags in His sight. 

I need His hand of correction to warm my behind and keep me on the straight and narrow path to heaven.  I am grateful for God’s loving hand of mercy.  Through the righteous of Jesus, I am made whole. 

Each of my three children has distinctive personalities, which differ from one another—none are alike.  Correction was administered in different ways respective of each personality. 

One child learned through verbal reprimands, while another learned through restrictions.  The more rebellious child required more than verbal discipline and taking away privileges.  He learned by feeling the flat side of my hand on his buttocks; given in love and not anger.  I knew each of my children’s personality and nature, and dealt with each one accordingly.

God disciplines in like manner.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He instilled in each of us our individual nature and personality.  He is the master designer that created all living things.  If anyone knows how to apply correction, and understands how to take care of His children, God does.

It is not only hurtful to those sinning, but to God, when His children yield to emotions and temptations of the flesh, while giving ground to undisciplined behavior.  I thank Him for His tender mercy, tolerance, and understanding.  God desires that everyone succeed.  Living a self-disciplined, Christian life draws us close to Him.  Dedication to God is truly worth standing one’s ground—in many ways.

(Romans 5:20-21) “…But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,” vs.21 “so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  

(Psalm 84:11) “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

We can trust the Bible.  As we come to God in simple faith, He rewards us openly, forgives our sins, and makes us perfect.  Everything is contingent upon the validity of God’s Word.  Remember, God does not lie; His Word is truth. 

God views the Christian as perfect, because He sees each one through the blood of His dear son.  When Jesus shed His precious blood and died on the cross of Calvary, this act of love bought a miraculous cleansing for whoever asks God to forgive them of their sins.  Jesus paid the price for sin.  The blood of Jesus is the only agent that sets a person free from bondage and degradation, thus, making them a child of God—forgiven. 

We can come to God as we are with all of our habits, questions, hang-ups, and differences of personalities through Jesus Christ our mediator.  He gives rest from wondering and a wayward lifestyle; and new meaning, new direction, and new life to the soul that is living an empty, purposeless existence.

Just as I taught my children right from wrong, God teaches every Believer how to stand their ground in the face of demonic attacks, oppression, and individual temptations.  Believers that stand committed to God always declare victory, because they are standing shoulder to shoulder with Jesus Christ the Righteous.

As we yield ourselves to God’s correction, the Bible takes on new meaning as we recognize that His Word lives; not like other books on the market that are dead inside the covers.  The Bible teaches that perfection comes through overcoming the trials we face in life.  As a person rejects sin and stands their ground in the power of God’s strength, obedience is learned.  At the same time, victory triumphs over pride, immoral behavior, and the like. 

Satisfaction comes when a person refuses to indulge in sin, while standing against the opposition of Satan.  Staying true to God reaffirms the covenant that He made with us through Jesus—He will never leave nor forsake His children.

Standing one’s ground or indulging in sin is a choice.  Every Christian makes the choice.  Standing steadfast promotes peaceful living and right standing with God.  Undisciplined behavior invokes chastisement from our Heavenly Father.  Standing one’s ground brings life.  The indulgence of sin brings death.  “Give me life!” 

(Hebrews 12:6)  “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”  vs.7 “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”  vs.8 “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.”  vs.9 “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect.  Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?”

My prayer is this, and I hope yours:  “Continue to teach me, oh God, how to stand my ground with honor, integrity, and with my head held high.  Help me to not fall in defeat through sinful indulgence, but allow me the privilege of learning at your feet as I humbly kneel before you.  Give me liberty.”

(2 Corinthians 3:17), “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Insane Surroundings

Insanity and crowded working conditions sometimes prevail in the work place.  City office buildings rise majestically toward the heavens and give the appearance from the outside of serenity and calmness.  Palm trees sway in the cool breeze of an autumn morning as dew covered lawns reflect the sun's rays, like the lawns you would see at a golf course that are groomed with perfection.

However, on every floor level the same thing holds true—obnoxious odors of bad breath fill the air, as insensitive, antagonistic supervisors breathe down the necks of dedicated employees, demanding quantity from their performance like never before.  Every employee feels the undeserved pressure that is exerted and passed down from upper management. 

The mere presence of hyper-ventilating taskmasters is almost more than a person can bear. Innuendoes spoken in haste with no regard for an individual's feelings are experienced daily from these overbearing and insolent supervisors.  Innuendoes can cut to the very core of tenderhearted people that are trying to do the best job they know how. 

An employee should not have to experience the embarrassment of a supervisor's insensitive response to a valid question—watching their head shake from side to side in a "No!" type attitude; with eyes rolled back into their sockets; and hands thrown out to the sides with palms up, as if to say, "You dummy!"

           

I worked in a hostile, insane environment like this for several dispirited years.  Each morning I drove into the parking lot outside my workplace and felt an overshadowing, burning desire to just keep driving and not look back, because of my disheartened and repressed state of mind.  Had I been single and not married I would have done just that, but the responsibilities at home of raising a family of three weighed heavily, which prevented me from yielding to the urge of acting irresponsibly, because of irrational thinking. 

           

After finding a stall and parking my Honda station wagon, I sat for a minute pondering the day; listening to my heart as it pounded in my ears.  I was conscious of a squeezing sensation in my throat as if I were suffocating from lack of air.  With reservation I grabbed the brown, paper sack sitting on the seat next to me that sometimes contained a fresh banana, corn chips, and ham on rye sandwich.  I then forced myself out of the vehicle. 

Walking slowly down the long, narrow sidewalk I could smell the sweet aroma of flowers that bordered the walk on each side.  The building's double swinging, glass doors stood like the gates to hell, which seemed to beckon me to step through their portal into bitter torment. 

Realizing that another day of insanity was about to begin, I wanted to break and run, but kept moving one foot in front of the other.  I imagined myself walking down the road to Armageddon spoken of in the Bible, which will be the bloodiest battle ever fought in the history of the world.  According to Bible prophets this will be the last war ever fought.

I felt like I was heading into battle, but this battle was a mental one.  I dreaded the four walls that seemed to close in around me each day.  The clock on the wall, above my desk, ticked loudly the passing minutes, which made the hours seem even longer.  Five o'clock was like an eternity away. 

Work had become a mere existence and a means to an end—feeding my family.  I watched the clock on the wall, listened to my daily orders, and smiled hypocritically as though nothing was wrong when listening to my supervisor. 

           

Another realization that added to the insanity of the work place was having the awareness that co-workers were watching my every move and waiting for an opportunity to make me look bad in front of the boss.  They were back-stabbing, throat-cutting, position-grabbing-anglers, thinking only of themselves. 

Maintaining my sanity was a painful effort.  Weighing my words before speaking, watching my backside at all times, and giving ten hours work for eight hours pay was taxing at times.  This institution was not the Garden of Eden by any stretch of the imagination.  My work place was hell on earth—insane surroundings.

           

To prevent myself from sliding into the pit of despair and allowing self-pity to totally engulf me, I found a "sane place" that helped promote healing and the restoration of my tired mind, thus, preventing depression from devouring me.  This place offered a relaxing, uninterrupted peaceful time away from the unbearable surroundings of work.  It was my alone time with God and reading the Bible.

It’s amazing how strong a person can become when spending a few minutes on one's knees before God and casting all cares on Him.  We rise with new vitality and a smile to face another day.  The Lord is certainly the strength that makes all the difference in how we view things around us.  The Holy Spirit brings contentment to a hurting soul and enriches one’s ability to cope with things that bring pain and frustration. 

This peaceful haven-of-rest allowed my mind to unwind from the mental anxieties that bound my thoughts from day to day.  My special place enabled me, and still does in my retirement years, to search my mind for ideas and thoughts from God that can encourage people like you that read my writings. 

I believe that God allows me the opportunity to express helpful thoughts that touch the very foundation where people live.  Everyone needs help from time to time to see the error of our way, and to see the importance of putting God first in all things.

As a suggestion, try turning off the television and push yourself away from the computer that you love so much, and cease texting on your phone for just a few minutes.  Close yourself in with just your thoughts and open your mind to a more superior power than the boss at work, or the pressing bills that need attention, or the bill collectors that keep calling.  God's grace is sufficient for any need. 

The omnipotent (all powerful) God of creation is available at your beckoned call.  He is patiently awaiting your prayer to share with Him the things that are troubling you.  He will give you direction and sustain you at your lowest ebb.  Put Him first on your list of needs and see what He will do for you.

(Matthew 6:33), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  vs.34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

My office at home is nothing like the beautiful office complex that I worked in.  On the contrary, it is simply furnished, unlike the beauty of the commercial complex that held insanity behind its doors.  My special place holds serenity behind its closed door even though it lacks sophistication and class.  This place of tranquility helps me to think rationally and provides needed quietness, which acts as therapy in calming my nerves.

           

All of the hustle and bustle of life takes second place when I immerse myself in privacy.  These uninterrupted moments with God help to rekindle the flame between us that may be flickering in the breath of anxiety, because of the things that are happening around me and in the world.

Remember, when a supervisor or boss huffs and puffs in the work place, God is your strength.  The Lord will intervene as long as you maintain the right spirit.   When it seems that answers fail to come, keep trusting God.  He will make a way where there seems to be no way. 

I shudder to think where my life would be today had I procrastinated in finding my place of refuge, away from the insane surroundings of the work place.  I surrendered my life to Christ in 1969 and have never regretted my decision for one moment.  The Lord gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by, while speaking peace to my heart.  Try Jesus and see that He is good.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Can't Remember

I can’t remember calling out to God for help and having Him turn His back on me.

I can’t remember a time God ever failed me.

I can’t remember feeling alone when standing in the presence of death.

I can’t remember when God asked me to do something that He hadn’t already prepared me to do.

I can’t remember asking for a job and God not supplying my needs.

I can’t remember praying for a need and having Him refuse my petition.

I can’t remember God saying no when I was praying according to His will and purpose.

I can’t remember God leaving me to stand alone in the face of opposition.

I can’t remember walking alone without the Lord at my side.

I can’t remember are the words that God says after forgiving us of our sins.

I can’t remember standing in darkness without the light of God’s love surrounding me.

I can’t remember the last time I cried and Jesus not being there to wipe my tears.

I can’t remember the Lord not being available to lean upon.

I can’t remember God breaking any of His promises in the Bible that He said were mine.

I can’t remember the world ever being in the state that it is right now.

I can’t remember a time that the second coming of Jesus was as close as it is today.

I can’t remember seeing such a great falling away from Godly principles as there is in this generation of people.

I can’t remember when my heart ached as deeply for lost souls that don’t know Christ as their personal Savior.

I can’t remember Jesus saying one thing and doing another.

I can’t remember the Bible ever contradicting itself.

I can’t remember stepping out in faith and God forgetting to under gird my footsteps.

I can’t remember God being an abusive and unreasonable Father.

I can’t remember having a hunger for the things of God and not being filled.

I can’t remember the storms of life capsizing my ship of faith.

I can’t remember falling flat on my face without God picking me up and encouraging me to continue on.

I can’t remember God refusing to touch my body and bring healing.

I can’t remember anything bad coming from the Lord.

I can’t remember reading the Bible and not having God speak to my spirit.

I can’t remember not being blessed when I gave away from myself.

I can’t remember not feeling the awesomeness of God’s amazing creativity when looking into the heavens at night.

I can’t remember not believing in God.

I can’t remember thinking we evolved from apes when experiencing the miraculous births of my children.

I can’t remember wanting to share my writings with hungering souls more than this moment in time.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I'll Take It God's Way



I have an independent personality that is not easily swayed.  When I believe in something strongly I dig my heels deeply into the turf of "non-mobile" response.  I become set in my ways and it is hard to move me off the dime of hardheadedness, especially regarding things that are right and above reproach. 

Having strong convictions, I demonstrate these important qualities by standing firmly against the attacks of the devil, which saves turmoil when choosing between right and wrong.  Compromising temptations bombard me from time to time, but the Holy Spirit gives me strength to stand for what’s right.

There are days when Satan tries to convince me that momentary pleasures should be enjoyed in the present rather than waiting for God to give them to me sometime in the future.  The devil has a counterfeit for everything that God promised to those that seek His kingdom.  God’s best is worth the wait. 

(Matthew 6:33-34), “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  vs.34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 

When we put God first, before any person, place, or thing, He meets our needs and gives us the desires of our heart.  Our Heavenly Father wants to bless His children, and does, as long as they walk in His statutes and live for Him.

Unlike non-believers, Christians have a promise and undaunted hope of spending eternity in heaven with Jesus and living a blessed life on earth.  Satan will take everything from us that he can and give nothing in return.  He steals dignity, honor, self-esteem, and self worth when people allow him to do so.

Satan is the father of lies and deceives those that lack dedication to God.  As an example, many people view sex outside of marriage as fun and having no commitment.  It is considered exciting and glamorous, because of little responsibility that accompanies a non-binding relationship. 

Some of the hidden factors that the devil obscures from people that practice premarital sex are: the increasing number of unwed mothers, countless abortions, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases that can cause premature death.  And how many times have you read about an individual killing someone in a jealous rage, because of infidelity?  Life is too precious to throw away, because of sin.   

A way to escape the reality of pressured living is sometimes accomplished through foolish choices.  A chemically induced euphoria of peace and tranquility can be achieved with illegal drugs bought on a street corner for a few bucks.  All that a person needs is a drug dealer, dope, a spoon, syringe, needle, fire and finding the right vein; ecstasy is just a push away—a sad state of affairs. 

There is a huge problem that accompanies this kind of lifestyle that Satan purposely blinds the eyes of users not to see, while withholding end-result-affects from their drug wasted brain—like hepatitis and drug overdose. 

It is too late for some people that have fallen victim to the devil’s schemes and tricks.  They are laying on a cold slab in a city morgue somewhere, because of stupidity and taking their eyes off of God.  Reality checks are seldom made when users think it won’t happen to them.  This is another lie that Satan has convinced them to believe.

Alcoholic beverages are deemed by drunkards to calm nerves and smooth out the rough edges of life.  Seldom does liquor prevent them from crossing over solid double lines on the roadway and crashing head-on into an oncoming car full of innocent victims. 

Drinking and driving is like playing Russian roulette—sooner or later the hammer of irresponsibility falls on a live round, called destiny.  The odds are against those that drive, while intoxicated.  Their addiction will one day catch up to them. 

Living on the edge of danger through certain sports that bring an adrenaline rush, create thrills of a lifetime, but luck can change at any moment; bringing heartache to families and friends.  Loved ones have been so badly injured that only their brain function operates normally, while their body remains motionless in a hospital bed, because of total paralyses.  Life is too short to take unnecessary chances.

The irreparable damage caused by the accident is devastating.  The thrill seeker now seeks a miracle for recovery.  We cannot tempt fate without the probability of an accident occurring; bringing suffering and the question, “Why?”

20/20 vision can be worse than total blindness if the person observes wrong things.  The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.  The reason it may seem greener is because there is probably more dung on that side of the fence. 

I remember a song from my youth that was sung by The Flamingos—“I only have eyes for you.”  It was one of my most favorite songs that I could apply to life.  A married couple should write these words with indelible ink across the tablets of their heart and see their mate with clear vision rather than allowing Satan to place shaded lenses in front of their eyes, thus, obscuring sight.  They need not look across the fence to find satisfaction when it resides in their own backyard.

Satan has a bag full of tricks and schemes that entice people to get caught in his web of vice.  Captivity may become certain as a result of allowing eyes to stray.  The devil has the most gorgeous women and handsome men at his disposal to use when tempting a husband or wife to be unfaithful to their mate.

His tactics are cunning, but he is not limited to attractive people that are pleasing to the eyes.  A flame of passion can ignite when a person has a need to be noticed and appreciated by others—someone at work or the person next door, because they lack attention at home.   Compliments are flattering, which may cause one’s guard to lower.  Satan uses any deception he can to steer us in the wrong direction.

Simple fraternization with close friends of the opposite sex is commonplace, which the devil will use against a marriage if we are not careful.  Familiarity sometimes breeds feelings of lust when fantasizing about things that should not be considered.

We must dig in our heels and resist the devil’s temptations.  Living for God requires a made up mind to serve Him and not become easily swayed when Satan comes banging at our door.  He will try to peddle his bill of goods and deceptive trickery to anyone that listens and allows the door to become ajar. 

It’s like buying a pig in a poke, or allowing the blind to lead the blind when giving attention and credence to the devil’s wooing.  Anyone doing this is asking for trouble.  How can God’s blessings be manifested when eyes and ears are tuned into worldly pleasures?  They won’t!

We must be wise and diligent with our affection toward the Lord and recognize that He will never deceive or deliberately lead us astray like Satan tries to do.  I’ll take it God’s way rather than settling for Satan’s counterfeit any day.  God alleviates heartache and sleepless nights that are brought on by worry and sinful living.  God is peace without despair and joy without hopelessness. 

In God there are lasting highs and pleasurable rushes that anyone can have.  The world’s pleasures cannot compare to the things of God, because they are only counterfeits of the real thing that God has promised to those that believe on His name. 

God’s promises are lasting and sure.  They are not seasonal and temporal like Satan’s menagerie of non-truths, which are only smoke and mirrors.  Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; anyone walking with Him can expect good things to come their way.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Grace Freely Given



When tragedy’s cold hand reaches out and taps an unsuspecting person on the shoulder, it causes a chill to permeate to the bone.  The experience can be devastating, which brings the torment of pain or grief, and sometimes a feeling of finality. 

The search for something tangible to grasp hold of begins to take place, because the hurting person feels as if they are in a fog or a deep, dark hole.  The need for someone to speak comfort to them and offer a cup of refreshing water for their parching soul becomes imminent.  Helplessness floats to the surface like cream on milk. 

Those that are sincere in wanting to escape this torment can receive comfort if they choose to open their eyes and look toward heaven where our strength lies, and call upon the name of Jesus.  He makes Himself available to anyone wanting a friend in times of need—our haven of rest.

In Jesus there is sanctuary—the place of safety and protection.  His unconditional love encapsulates the total person; bringing indescribable peace, which sustains, under girds, and comforts the soul that is reaching up to touch bottom. 

Jesus is the cup of cool, clear water that refreshes like nothing else can.  He elevates the downtrodden and gives hope to troubled minds.  The sustenance of His presence brings new meaning to life.  Suffering becomes less and less as the healing balm of love sooths the inner soul.  God’s grace is freely given to all that reach out to Him.

It is amazing how many people refuse the help of the Holy Spirit, because of a headstrong notion that submitting to God means having to give up everything that is fun.  A locksmith would find it hard to unlock the closed mind that is not willing to open do to self-sufficiency and a hardened heart.  These hardnosed individuals need to pray this prayer:  “Make my heart a heart of flesh not a heart of stone.”

(Ezekiel 36:26), “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.”

Reaching out to God does not mean giving up anything; in fact, it is trading the nothingness that is within us for everything that God has to offer—nothing for everything.

Questions may never be answered why we face certain things in life, but knowing that God is touched by the feelings of our infirmities can bring a sense of wellbeing and solace—it’s up to the individual.  The Lord truly loves us and desires the best for all people.  He consoles the longing of our heart as we allow Him to touch us with His grace that is freely given.  God’s grace is sufficient for every need.

(2 Corinthians 12:9), “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ ”

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

God knows our circumstances; hears our cry for help; and knows our name.  He will never leave nor forsake His children.  God is always with us.

(Ephesians 1:3-7), “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” vs.4 “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,” vs.5 “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,” vs.6 “to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”  vs.7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd