Time Lost

I came across this writing that I wrote several years ago.  I want to share it with you in an attempt to bring awareness that time waits for no man.  The passing of today is one more day closer to eternity.  I know most people don’t want to think or talk about the inevitable appointment that every person must keep with God, but it’s our destiny sooner or later.  Please read these following thoughts with an open mind.

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It was most assuredly the fastest moving, head spinning event of the century—the passing of 365 days of double-time living.  This year, 1993, which is now gone, was without a doubt a similar year that my father was referring to fifteen years ago when he was alive. 

           

I was thirty-three at that time and he was in his early seventies.  We were sitting on the couch in my family room enjoying each other’s company, while sipping hot chocolate.  The house was warmer than usual on this cold, autumn night, because I had turned the thermostat a few degrees higher to make Dad more comfortable. 

I listened as he reminisced the days of his youth, telling stories of antics that he did.  My heart was saddened when he began to compare his ageing body with his still, sharp mind.  He said, "I sit here tonight an old man.  My mind is sharp like an eighteen year old boy, but my body says otherwise." 

As I looked into his eyes I saw that the blue was not as deep as it once was and the wrinkles in his face were many.  A chill went up my spine as I too realized that he wasn't as young as he used to be.  Time was taking its toll…and yes, zipping by.

           

He paused for a moment and then began chuckling to himself.  "What's so funny?” I asked.  He shook his head from side to side as he lowered it toward the floor and said, "I can't believe how fast my life has passed!  It seems like yesterday that I married your mom and now she's dead.  The years have come and gone quickly.”  He continued:  "You'll find the older you get, the faster the years go.  It’s time lost."  There have never been truer statements made than these. 

           

Looking at the crossed off numbers on the last calendar month, I fail to see individual events and happenings of 1993, I only see another year has blown by faster than ever before.  My understanding of Dad’s realization of time is becoming more apparent to me with each passing year.

           

It is now a computerized evolution in which I live.  Though Dad experienced many wonderful discoveries and saw varied inventive changes in his lifetime, they do not compare with the degree of mind-boggling innovations of today that exceed my natural ability to grasp.  I am being passed in supersonic proportion by hi-tech breakthroughs in technology, which are pulling me relentlessly behind in its draft.

           

As I endeavor to escape time travel and the draft it produces, I find that it is impossible to break away from its pull, which creates frustration and a stressful environment.  The things I encounter, with regards to this computer age, bring unrest, because it seems there are so many things coming at me that there is little time to grasp how everything works. 

I am constantly fighting anxieties, which cause me to assert myself to attain deeper depths of knowledge, such, that I can feel confident in my ability to sustain a status quo existence in the event that this drafting whirlwind ceases to be, thus, leaving me stranded with no compelling force of my own to provide sustenance.

           

Being manipulated by the underlying motivator of progress only enhances the words of my father that echo in my mind… “Time lost.”  Time becomes secondary, while the goal of achievement becomes first and foremost.  Before long, time will have passed me by, and like my dad I will become old.

           

Where has the time gone?  Is it too late to find it?  Time is slipping through my fingers like sand in an hourglass that is falling relentlessly to its resting place—motionless—like death.

           

Achievement is celebrated at whose expense?  Children look with great pride as their father displays in his hand college degrees showing his capabilities to be able to carry on, but where are the days?  So quickly they have passed.  Where are the moments that are so important to adolescents that are growing into adulthood?  Are the years gone, never to return? 

Yes, these moments are gone forever, but the days ahead are within my grasp.  It is not too late for tomorrow.  I will have more than a diploma to pass on to my offspring.  I will give them me.  The year 1994 is going to be different.  When I am old and I talk of the past to my children, I will have few regrets as I speak these words, "You'll find the older you get, the faster the years go.  It’s time lost."

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Tomorrow Has Become Yesterday



I’m finding the older I get, the years are seemly passing much faster than they once did.  I remember a long time back inviting my dad over for dinner one evening; Mom had gone on to her reward in heaven and he was alone.  While my wife prepared the table, he and I sat on the couch enjoying each other’s company. 

At one point in our visit I noticed that he was looking off into the distance with a blank stare; lost in thought.  He began to chuckle to himself under his breath, shaking his head from side to side.  “What’s up Dad?” I asked.  He answered, “It seems like only yesterday that I was in school, and now I’m seventy-three years old.  Where did the time go?” 

He then said something that stuck with me through the years that is becoming a reality in my life today.  He said, “You’ll find the older you get the faster the years go.”  I didn’t comprehend the depth of its meaning until now.  I was in my thirties, working very hard to put my two sons and daughter through Christian school, clothes on their back, and braces on their teeth—making ends meet, with many years ahead of me, not worrying too much about the passing of time.

I am now in my golden years with an empty nest and grandchildren that call me Papa on their frequent visits to Nana and Papa’s house.  I understand what my dad was saying when I look into their little faces and realize how fast they are growing. 

I especially identify with Dad when I pillow my head at night and the same question keeps coming to me, “Didn’t I just do this?”  Before I can blink twice, another week has passed and the weekend that I was looking forward to is already here.

The days come and go so quickly that it is hard to grasp that my three children are now in their thirties; pushing forty.  My wife and I couldn’t wait until we had the house to ourselves—that day is here.  Tomorrow has become yesterday and today has gotten lost somewhere between tomorrow and yesterday.

I look into the mirror and see my dad staring back at me—balding head and gray temples.  A closer look reveals wrinkles that were caused by the sun from many years working out-of-doors.  Muscles have seen better days, once toned and strong. 

I am following quickly in my father’s footsteps as he did in his father’s before him and my great, great grandfather’s footsteps before him.  It is the cycle of life.  One day sooner than later my boys, too, will see their dad staring back at them in the mirror.  Life is just this way.

So what do we do on life’s fast track to tomorrow?  We must live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself.  Don’t look at yesterday as being wasted and unproductive, because we can learn through yesterday’s mistakes and not repeat the same ones today.

We should strive to make today meaningful; giving a smile or sharing a kind word with someone.  When today becomes yesterday we will feel more like meeting tomorrow with new zeal and less regrets, because yesterday’s memories are good ones. 

We cannot stop the process of aging, but we can age gracefully when we know that we did everything we could to make today count for something.  The peace of God can be ours when we refuse to worry and fret, because we are getting older. 

When I was turning fifty and complaining to one of my friends about becoming another year older, I’ll never forget his words.  He said, “When you consider the alternative of having another birthday, it’s not so bad growing old.” 

My mind immediately weighed the pros and cons of his statement…enjoying another year or six feet under; I decided quickly I’ll take an additional year and be happy about it.  I stopped complaining from that moment on.

The popular song, “Yesterday” by the Beatles, and “Yesterdays Gone” by Chad and Jeremy, only speak of the negatives that yesterday held for them.  As Christians, our yesterdays need not be filled with regrets and sorrows when we live today in the statutes of Jesus Christ our Lord.  He makes all of our yesterdays, today’s, and tomorrows worth living for.  His love is unchanging and never fails.

(Hebrews 13:8), “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a good thing.  When people strive to acknowledge and practice forgiveness, it enables them to walk in peace and harmony with less worry and confusion in a dismal world that is filled with dissension.  The song, “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” written by Jackie DeShannon, says it all. 

Forgiveness helps to remove the heavy burdens that suck the life out of a person.  Forgiveness, through love, promotes a more affectionate environment, whereby, people can show appreciation for one another.  It’s what the world needs more of…forgiveness and love.

The definition of the word ‘forgive’ in Webster’s Dictionary says:  1. “To give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon.  2. To give up all claim to punish or exact penalty for (an offense); overlook.  3. To cancel or remit (a debt); To show forgiveness; be inclined to forgive.”

I like to think of forgiveness as the act of love at its highest, emotional level, and the surrendering of one’s pride.  Whether it is a person forgiving another, or the one asking to be forgiven, forgiveness is the most blessed gift a person can offer.  We all make mistakes and need forgiveness from time to time—no-one is perfect.

There are people that harbor animosity, contempt, and even hatred in their heart for something that may have happened years ago.  The feelings and mixed emotions that can be generated through non-forgiveness destroy relationships.  It’s like picking off the scab of a wound.  It brings back pain, discomfort, and memories of when and how the injury occurred.

A non-forgiving spirit produces pain and suffering to our inner person.  It is unhealthy and a burden to carry.  Refusing to forgive can also bring on certain physical illnesses.  It has a negative affect on one’s emotional stability, yet some people insist on carrying unresolved matters anyway.  It seems that they would rather suffer instability than to rid themselves of built-up hurt and anxiety.  I don’t understand this. 

I believe it could be a matter of pride that prevents a person from lowering the protective wall that they built around themselves. To swallow one’s pride and reach out to a person that is estranged takes courage.  No-one wants to be taken advantage of, so the wall is kept strong and erect, because people don’t like to show weakness, especially to the one with whom they need to be reunited.

To believe Satan’s lie that we are weak, or that another person will take advantage of us if we ask them to forgive us, are certainly from the pit of hell.  Forgiveness is God’s way of promoting healing between individuals.  The notion that the other person may achieve the upper hand must be dispelled.  We must reject this untruth and expose it for what it is, a trick of the devil to keep disharmony alive.  When we eliminate this kind of thinking, resolution of differences take place.  We find ourselves wanting to forgive one another as God had intended us to do.

Forgiveness unites liberty with freedom, because liberty promotes freedom—freedom to love; freedom to communicate; and freedom to enjoy companionship.  When the words, “Forgive me” or “I forgive you,” are used, positive results follow.  Freedom begins to take hold.  Though it is difficult to reach out to a person that is estranged, the dividends are worth the effort.   

(Proverbs 29:23), “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

When God forgives, it is without dissimulation.  He never brings up the past to throw in our face.  He is compassionate, loving, and kind.  God receives our offering of repentance without equivocation or hesitation.  He doesn’t begrudge our coming to Him, but welcomes us with open arms and forgives our sins.

When we swallow our pride and say we are sorry for our sins, the dam of pride is broken; allowing rivers of living water to flow freely.  This flow begins the moment we receive forgiveness from God. 

The walls that we built around ourselves fall to the ground, and our relationship with God sores to great heights.  As we reach out to others and forgive them of their wrongdoings, or we ask for forgiveness for ours, healing begins to take place, which brings those that are afar off even closer than before.

Repentance coupled with God’s forgiveness heals wounds.  Personal relationships become healthy and flourish.  The act of forgiveness brings new life, new hope, and a new beginning.  We are admonished in the Bible to forgive one another, such, that our Father in heaven may also forgive us.

(Mark 11:25-26), “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”  vs.26 “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

 

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Memories

It is fun to look back now and then at past events and accomplishments.  Some of the things I did as a child make me smile.  The memories are pleasant and wonderful, whereas, others are a bit gloomy and even painful.  If I could change the hard times I would, but I can’t—the past is the past. 

It’s good to see and recognize how far God has brought us and to where He is leading.  I believe it can be unhealthy to continually spend time looking back.  People that fall in this category struggle in the now, especially if the focus of recall is on negative experiences.  Bad memories can steal joy and precious moments from today.  It is important to establish quality memories each day, which allow the enjoyment of looking back tomorrow. 

Frequently looking back, living in the past, is like driving down the road peering into the rear view mirror; seeing only where we’ve been rather than enjoying the trip ahead.  There are people that do this and wonder why they live a life of dissatisfaction.

Living in memories of years past leaves little room to enjoy the present.  The “should-a/would-a” is just that, the unfulfilled “could-a” of yesterday.  We cannot change the past, but we can learn by past experiences.  It’s called 20/20 hindsight.  I believe that God gave us a memory to produce positive changes today through yesterday’s lessons.

Looking back can be good to a point, but to live in past memories can stifle one’s enthusiasm for new experiences today.  Creating new memories in the present gives life its fervor and luster tomorrow.

Dwelling upon the “should-a/would-a” brings despair and fear to venture out today in areas that will enlighten us tomorrow.  False comfort is found in the world of lonely memories.  They can cut us off from friends and family members, because of the choice to live in the past.  Choosing yesterday over today becomes a way of life that smothers productivity.  In addition to this, it gives that closed-in feeling.

The world of memories often becomes a safe place to dwell in one’s mind, yet uneventful and sometimes lonely.  Little is given and nothing is received except the same old, stale memories that were experienced years ago. 

Half the joy of living is giving to others.  To receive we must first give.  If the phone seldom rings and people never drop by for a visit, it may be a sign that something is wrong; not with them, but with us.  Are we removing ourselves more and more each day from a one on one exposure with people, because of inner inhabitations that are sucking the very life from within us?

(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.”

Living in past memories can become an endless cycle of repeat performances like old, movie reruns that fail to keep our attention and the interest of others.  Each time the memory is replayed; a shrinking feeling persists, which pulls us deeper and deeper inward and shoves people farther and farther away. 

Memories then become the only means of escaping the four walls around us, which inevitably includes the bad memories as well.  The lifeline to reality—experiences around us—become harder and harder to grasp with a firm hold.

It develops into an easier way of living, with less responsibility, than trying to expand toward new horizons in God.  Accepting the status quo of what is or what was, fails to generate creativity.  It takes discipline to look forward, thus, opening oneself to the imperfections of others. 

When we learn how to accept the shortcomings in people, we discover how to accept our own inadequacies and failures.  It is a whole new way of living, which is attainable through Christ.  We need only to want it bad enough to do something about it.

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

Good memories are wonderful, especially family activities and remembering God’s blessings, but making new memories today is the key to fresh tomorrows.  Stagnated, old memories of years gone may be fine to a point and certainly needed at times, but wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to family members or grandchildren for them to listen to new memories other than the ones they’ve heard a hundred times before?

I believe our relationship with God the Father provides luster and excitement as we endeavor to create new experiences, involving Him each day.  As we see God answer prayers on a daily basis, and He uses us to bless others with a deeper understanding of the Bible, these efforts build enthusiasm and abundance in living.  Our excitement causes others to want what we have—to know more about the Lord.  We must be in the now with new experiences each day to be a successful witness for Jesus.

When we give freshness and the purity of God’s love away from ourselves, hungry souls want to be in our presence, because the memories we share are current, fresh, and alive.  We cease to be an uncaring, down in the dumps kind of person that people don’t want to be around. 

The old, worn out memories have been replaced with interesting, helpful ones.  No longer do we see the need to escape today by holding on to yesteryear’s memories.  There is now a desire to make new, delightful memories today for tomorrow.

Looking through the windshield of life; enjoying every second of every day is time well spent.  We understand what the scripture is saying when it tells us that all things have become new in Christ Jesus.

(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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Love Will Make a Way



If your personality is anything like mine, it’s hard to look the other way and feel good about a passive involvement when someone needs help.  I sometimes feel guilty when I don’t make myself available.  In my mind I’m still young, but my body is telling me something completely different—I’m not as young as I use to be.

When it comes to my three children and their family’s needs, I’m Johnny on the spot, ready to meet the challenge when they call for help.  Though my aging body aches at times depending on the extent of my participation, it’s nice knowing that I had another opportunity to show love, and see the appreciation and gratitude it brought.

I can perform many different tasks, because I’m gifted at working with my hands.  I’m able to find answers to problems and resolve them.  I will find a way, if possible, to satisfy the needs of my children, because I love them.  Love will make a way when it seems there is no way.

God has enabled me with abilities to bless other people through my versatility of skills, and gifted me with common sense.  Though I may complain and sometimes fuss when my children make unwise choices and wrong decisions, when they need my advice and help to assist them through a situation, I cannot say no when they come to me.  Even though they made bad choices to place them there, they are still my children.  Love will make a way to intercede on their behalf.

God is like this.  He wants blessings for His children.  When I make wrong choices and find myself up a creek without a paddle, or out on a limb that’s about to break, I’m glad that I have God to call upon.  He is my heavenly Father and will never turn His back on me. 

God is always there to help us through the hard times even though we are responsible for the mess we’ve encountered.  He reminds us, in love, to involve Him in the planning stages next time. 

God, because of love, initiates His plan of intervention when we approach Him in humility and a repentant heart.  There is never a time that He is too busy or tired to assist His children when they have a need.  God is able to bring good out of any bad situation. 

There is a chorus that we sing at church that says it quite well.  “God will make a way where there seems to be no way.”  God is love and love will make a way.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Mountain or Molehill



Steppingstones are often used around a place of residence to provide a safe path of travel to areas difficult to access; otherwise, an individual can stumble over obstacles that may obstruct the way.

Some houses have been built on up slopping lots, which make for a real challenge to acquire the varied elevations, unless steppingstones are utilized.  Without the help of these stones a simple hill in one’s backyard can seem like a mountain when climbing it and the chance of falling and skinning a knee or two is quite probable. 

By using a prepared pathway that someone has worked very diligently to make safe  enables the higher elevations to be achieved more easily, thus, making it feel as though it was only a molehill and not a mountain that was being scaled.

Life resembles this scenario.  It is an upward climb; sometimes hard and sometimes easy; depending upon which path is chosen.  Steppingstones may seem like stumbling blocks at times, and the reason they are in our pathway can be misunderstood. 

More often than not we kick at them and try to move them elsewhere out of the direction that we desire to go.  All the while, God has lovingly placed them there as ‘helping’ stones to make our journey more easy and pleasurable.   

God is helping us to reach our intended goals; making it possible to scale the mountaintops if we use the stones that He has provided.   God never places a stumbling block in such a way to disguise it as being a steppingstone.  God desires that we succeed in life.

When we use the path that God has gone before us to prepare, the insurmountable mountains in our life become molehills.  Following the right path of travel and using the steppingstones that were provided prevent unnecessary bruising in our trek through life.  It averts becoming battered in our journey—happiness prevails. 

We are refreshed, because we have trusted God and followed His lead.  When we do these things we become stronger with each step, which brings us to the next level in life, thus, helping us climb to success. 

The stability that we encounter beneath our feet is Jesus, the solid rock; the steppingstone upon which we stand secure.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Life

I hear the term ‘pro-choice’ wherever the operational influence of Satan is killing innocence.  The reverse side and opposite end of this controversial issue is ‘pro-life’.

Exuberant, interested parties on both sides of the fence are as far apart today with their convictions as ever before.  One side says, “I have rights!” while the other says, “Babies have rights.”  I shudder when I read the warning that Jesus spoke regarding the offense against innocent children.

(Mark 9:42), “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”

God will forgive this nation for its disregard for life and willful transgression of God’s commandments if its people will fall on their knees and entreat the Lord’s forgiveness.  God gives every person, those that are of the age of accountability, the freedom of choice. 

We can choose righteousness or unrighteousness; right or wrong; good or evil; purity or filth; peace or rebellion; birth or abortion.  The choice is ours to make.  God does not infringe upon our right of personal choices in life.

With rights come responsibility and accountability for our actions.  God says that what we sow we reap.  When we sow goodness, we reap the beauty of good things, while walking in peace.  If we sow to its opposite, we reap ugliness and become a walking corpse.  Life is what we make of it through word and deed.

(Galatians 6:7-8), “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  vs.8 “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

Beauty begets God’s blessings, whereas, ugliness begets His wrath.  How long will God tolerate the mistreating of innocence?  I believe this nation is on the brink of calamity if people persist in doing their own thing in the name of ‘pro-choice’, while disregarding what God says about it.

I pray that this stiff necked generation of vipers and degenerates will see the error of their way before it is too late.  I’m talking about those that are arrogant; dubious concerning commitment to God, and who sets themselves above the holiness of God Almighty.  Their self-appointed positioning to godhood must end.  Life and death is in the hand of God the Creator, not man.

I in no way wrote the preceding paragraph to offend you.  It was not my intent to cast aspersions toward anyone that may have erred in judgment and had an abortion.  God is in the business of forgiving sin.  No-one can change what is or what has happened, but God forgives our transgressions when we lay them at His feet.  We must then forgive ourselves to allow God's peace to heal our regrets.

 

The purity of life is in the blood of Jesus that He shed on the cross for our redemption.  A ‘pro-life’ approach to living is accepting Him as Lord and Savior; turning from our wicked ways.  It is at that moment God will hear from heaven and again allow His blessings to flow.

When this nation and other nations call out to the only true and living God, life will spring up and flourish like a rose in a floral garden of beauty.  The aroma of its splendor will ascend to heaven’s portals and cause an outpouring of God’s shower of blessings.

Let us call out to God to forgive our sins and trespasses, while there is yet time.  He will hear and forgive us of our rebellion and speak life into our decaying souls.  Jesus is life!

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Sight



In the middle of a muddle, that was deeper than a puddle,

I looked to the left and right.

Though blinded by the devil, because he's out of level,

Our Father in heaven gave sight.

With seeing eyes lifted, my attitude shifted,

I looked for the strength to say no.

When deep down inside, God's Word came alive,

To resist, then turn and go.

So tenderly spoken, His voice strong, unbroken,

He gave victory again to me.

Because Christ has risen, He imparted to me vision,

I'm glad that I now can see.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

It's Up To Us



“Here we are again; you and me Lord.  These times with you are very special, especially when the challenges that make up every day living are pressing in.  When I open my mind to your voice, calmness overshadows my spirit, which makes me realize that I need to steal away more often to hear your voice.  What do you have for me today?”

The above prayer is an example of what should be foremost in all of our lives each and every day—spending time with God.  It helps to make life easier to face and provides a renewed awareness of God’s presence.  We can face anything with the Lord at our side.  He is our strength and strong tower. 

(Psalm 61:1-3), “Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.”  vs.2 “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  vs.3 “For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.”

Many times I am overwhelmed at the level of awareness that God reveals to me in our quiet times together.  When I go back and visit some of my past writings I marvel at the richness contained in them. 

God indeed gives direction, strength, and awareness, with moments of intimacy and closeness when we take time out of our busy schedules to meet with Him.  It requires discipline, especially after a hard day at work or attending to the needs of children and keeping up with housework. 

Where is this haven of rest that our soul so desperately needs?  I believe it is at any place or time of our choosing.  It’s up to us to make the choice; God will be there.  He desires our fellowship and wants to minister to our thirsting soul.  Our Father in heaven longs to commune with His children.

God is waiting patiently for an opportunity to share spiritual awareness—nuggets from His storehouse of heavenly blessings.  It is an option as to whether we feel it important or necessary to set aside special times to rejuvenate our walk with Jesus.  As we commit to doing this, things go better; we relate to others in a more positive way; and kindness rises to the surface of our personality like cream on milk. 

Our disposition favors peace and tenderness rather than confusion and unrest.  As we focus on God for a few minutes each day it renews our strength and gives us power over the devil.  Our heel continues to rest firmly upon the back of his neck.  With God’s shield of salvation protecting us we cease to fall victim to Satan’s schemes and misgivings.   It’s up to us to take time for God. 

(Psalm 18:35-36), “You have also given me the shield of your salvation; your right hand has held me up; your gentleness has made me great.”  vs.36 “You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip.” 

(James 4:7-8), “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  vs.8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

(1 John 4:4), “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Knowing God's Will

The best way to frustrate the devil is to be successful serving God.  Merely showing Satan that it is easier living for God than listening to his lies is revenge enough.  Frank Sinatra said, “Massive success is the best revenge.”  We needn’t look for ways to condemn the actions of our adversary, just live for God. 

(Proverbs 13:15), “Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.”

To pattern oneself after the intelligence of intellectual, pompous people that think they have all the answers, or to listen to the humanistic teachings that fill our colleges today, cannot inform or educate individuals on how to recognize and discern the voice of God.  The Lord has full confidence in us that when we listen to the Holy Spirit right decisions will be made.  God’s Spirit is well able and more than capable of leading us into all truth.

(1 John 2:27), “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”

The mindset that we should strive to immolate is that of Christ.  If we are thinking like everyone else we are not thinking for ourselves.  We are to protect our mind from negative influences that undermine and tear down our resistance to Satan’s scheming and attacks.  General George S. Patton Jr., with the United States Seventh Army, said this, “If everyone is thinking alike, somebody isn’t thinking.”

(Philippians 2:12-13), “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” vs.13 “for it is God who works in you both in will and to do for His good pleasure.”   

We must guard our mind with the helmet of salvation and put on the breastplate of faith and love, (1 Thessalonians 5:8).  Don’t let others do your thinking for you, because God’s will is at work in those that walk uprightly before Him, because they walk in faith and the liberty of God’s truth. 

God, however, may use others to confirm what He has already spoken to our heart.  We don’t need someone’s personal opinion to determine whether or not it’s God’s will; we will know His will, because direction comes through prayer and reading the Bible. 

(II Timothy 2:15) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Yes, there is safety in council, which may help to confirm direction, but the final decision comes when our knees hit the floor, with prayer and supplication following.  God’s perfect will is revealed in the quiet time of surrender as we submit ourselves to Him.

God gives peace in the midst of unsettled feelings and the ‘wonderings’…wondering if we are in the will of God.  Through prayer we find His will.  I don’t know how it works, it just does.  Though Satan stirs the pot of doubt and attempts to hit our panic button of frustration, we can know that God never fails us.  He overshadows our coming and going, because we walk in perfection—His perfection.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



There is no Peace in Exile



It’s shameful that so many people walk through life lacking peace.  Though time has a way of slipping by, the days that we do have can be peaceful, because peace is available to everyone. 

Individuals, by their own actions, choose to exile themselves from the one person that can speak peace to their life of turmoil and unrest.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He alone is the answer for troubled souls.

(John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

When the storm of wayward living blows against a person that is in sin, and their vessel is taking on water; the only way to find refuge from the gale forces is to call out to Jesus.  He will speak the words, “Peace, be still!” in times of despair.  He rescues the fatigued voyager from capsizing. 

The lack of peace that dominates hardened souls is of their own making—self-imposed.  They remove themselves from the presence of the Lord by pushing Him away, only to discover that their ‘corner of exile’ is lacking peace, because they wanted nothing to do with God.  They turned their back on the only one that could bring rest to a disturbed way of living by rejecting God’s answer for peace—His Son Jesus. 

Before long the weary traveler declines deeper into exile, because they prefer doing things their own way without accountability or responsibility to God’s ordinances.  It is a lonely, despondent journey. 

I remember when I was quite miserable; because I refused to take hold and grasp the Lord’s outstretched hand.  I believed that I could find peace through my own initiative and strength. 

Most every night that I pillowed my head I feared going to sleep.  I knew where my soul was headed were I to die in the night.  My thoughtless disregard for God was a constant reminder of the fait that awaited me—a devil’s hell.  I had exiled myself from Jesus to do my own thing.

Someone said, “There’s no fear like fear itself.”  The longer I opposed God and walked opposite from Him, the deeper I involved myself in things that lacked spiritual guidance, which creating fear and the absence of peace.  I was headstrong and stubborn.  I needed a Savior, but resisted His beckoning.

It wasn’t until I invited Jesus into my heart that I found the very thing I was searching for.  I thought He was afar off, but found God near; awaiting my cry for help.  The Prince of Peace that I had excluded from my life was standing patiently with arms outstretched.  Jesus was born that I might find peace through Him.

(Isaiah 9:6), “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”

 

I discovered that I was not in total exile after all.  God was with me all the time; I just didn’t realize it.  He loved me so much that He gave His only Son to die for my sins.  The love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated on the cross was for you and me.  He came to earth to pay the ultimate price for the sins of mankind. 

The Lord gave His life freely that we might have life more abundantly.  Jesus made a way, the only way, that we could become children of God.  No longer am I in exile without peace, because the Prince of Peace now dwells within me.  I have become a Born-again Christian—old things are passed away and all things have become new through Christ Jesus.  He is the Lord and Savior of my soul.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Forgiveness is Sometimes Hard



There are many selfish reasons why some people find it hard to forgive others of wrong doing. Human nature resists the words, ‘I forgive’.  Likewise, asking to be forgiven is equally hard.  The words ‘forgive me’ meet with equal resistance as ‘I forgive’.  Both are sometimes hard to say, because of the supposed repercussions that may follow.

I believe, in part, a huge reason that individuals are reluctant or uncomfortable with giving and receiving forgiveness, is fear itself.  They refuse to become vulnerable, because of the fear of being hurt.  Let’s face it; no-one wants to be taken advantage of as a result of forgiving someone, or asking to be forgiven.  It’s just not in our nature or makeup.     

Whenever protective walls are allowed to fall in the lives of those that erect them, fear is generated, because of fading hope and negative aspirations that are associated with kindness.  They believe if they relinquish self-protection, the probability of being used again is more likely than not.  This fear is not without good reasons.

Forgiveness is sometimes hard to give especially when pain is a concern.  I am sure you’ve been taken advantage of at some point in time.  It is understandable to me why people become gun-shy and resist individuals that are repeat offenders, which creates a certain level of risk that manifests itself when a person exposes themselves to vulnerabilities.

It is wise to seek counsel when dealing with manipulative type personalities rather than having their negative energy rub off on oneself.  We must learn how to counter their misuse of position, relationship, or status, for selfish gain.  It’s wrong of them to finagle and use people, but worse yet, allowing it to happen.  It is sometimes painful being the one always giving and forgiving, or asking to be forgiven, which enables the 'taker' to remain reckless in their pursuit of other easy marks around them. 

It is not good for the taker or the giver if a balance is not established— called tough love.  It is not a fun place to be when allowing others to step on one’s emotions.  In our natural thinking we might say, “Surely, God doesn’t expect me to expose myself to abuse and being misused by others.”  My response to this is with a question:  “What did Jesus say when the people of His day unjustly accused and crucified Him on a cross?”

(Acts 8:32), “…He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” 

God expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by Him, and to love with compassion; without dissimulation or coldness.  We cannot do this of our own volition.  It is only by the grace of God and His strength that we can do these things.  It is not of ourselves, but God in us. 

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

God doesn’t expect us to go off half-cocked; naïve concerning the workings of Satan.  The Holy Spirit gives us good sense and wants us to use it; not to be stupid or irresponsible in our dealings with people. 

(Matthew 7:6), “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” 

(Matthew10:14), “And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from you feet.”

It is critical to seek sensitivity, awareness, and wisdom in areas to protect ourselves from being victimized, because of the difficulties we face when attempting to help non-caring, aggressive people, whereas, if we close up our bowels of compassion it ultimately affects our ability to reach out to those that we can help—it’s a fine line. 

It behooves all concerned to guard against becoming callused and unloving.  Shrinking back from giving of ourselves can result in the lack of spreading the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord; separated from those that God desires to touch; though caution is important.  

(1 John 3:17, 18), “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in Him?”  vs.18 “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

The keys to compassionate giving is having the ability to remain lovable, maintain a good attitude, and remain open to the need at hand, while expressing kindness.  The reservations experienced when helping others are many, but we are more than conquerors through Christ. 

It helps to focus upon the life of Jesus when He walked amongst people that reviled and rejected Him.  He traveled to places where meeting the needs of people and sharing the kingdom of God to sinners was the bottom-line purpose for His coming to earth.  Compassion would not allow Him to turn His back on those having problems.

If anyone should feel justified in not forgiving others, it is Jesus.  For all the good He did for others, yet at the end of His ministry they repaid Him with a miscarriage of justice.  He was rejected as being the promised Messiah who was prophesied would come.  They lied about Him, mutilated His body, and then hung Jesus on a cross to die.

A compassionate and caring God, the God of all creation, loved humanity so deeply that He took upon Himself human flesh and died for mankind.  They called Him Jesus.  God’s love has not diminished; He wants to forgive humanity and point them toward the path of righteousness.  Even in the last moments of life, the Lord lifted His head and said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

God, in Jesus, died to purge the world of sin.  He doesn’t hold grudges and will never walk away from people that continually use, scorn, and reject Him.  He strives to reach needy people.  God continues giving and giving, because He cherishes those that finally swallow their pride to ask Him for forgiveness.

The Lord forgives and forgets sinful deeds that people have done.  He does not resist their cry for help.  This should be a lesson to us all; go the extra mile and know that God is pleased when we give a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus. 

(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.”   

(Matthew 25:34-40), “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:’ ”  vs.35 “‘for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stronger and you took Me in;’ ” vs.36 “‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ ” vs.37 “‘Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when saw we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?’ ” vs.38 “‘When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?’ ” vs.40 “‘And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ ”

The dividends will amaze you when our Father in heaven touches people through your efforts.  You will be the bigger person for giving of yourself; following the example of Christ.  The rewards will come when we put into practice God’s commandment to love.  Though forgiveness is sometimes hard, we are to express a spirit of humility and love through the compassion of forgiveness.

(John 15:17), “These things I command you, that you love one another.”

(Ephesians 4:32) “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

(Matthew 18:21-22), “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?’ ” vs.22 “Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’ ”

Written by,

Papa Boyd