Dream Awareness

I am sure that you could validate the fact that dreams can be off the wall at times with regard to content; a little far-fetched in some instances.  But then there are those epoch moments that awareness-of-reality someway makes its appearance in our dreams.  Such was the case a couple of nights ago.

As I lay sleeping I experienced an extremely, unusual dream, which could have been a nightmare had I not been a Christian.  It was eye-opening, yet worrisome and distressing at the same time. 

I dreamed that I had the ability to time-travel back to earlier days of my life.  I guess I’ve been watching too many sci-fi movies lately.  Just at the moment I transcended to a day in the past, in the twinkling of an eye, Jesus returned for those that were living for Him.  Many people call this experience, “The rapture of the church.”

Though I was a Christian and ready to meet the Lord, the timing was such that I was not taken, because I was not present at the exact moment of His coming, but somehow aware of the wonderful event that I had heard about for so long.  It really happened!

I was awestruck, mesmerized, and taken aback at what took place.  Though surprised that the promised event finally took place, I was more concerned about those that were left behind.  Wait!  I am now in their past; surely they will listen to me when I tell them of the impending phenomenon that is going to take place! 

The awareness of lost souls was overwhelming.  The dream alerted my psyche to the same realization that our pastor, at church, was trying to get across to the congregation; that we must share the good news that God forgives sin through His Son Jesus Christ.  He said that Jesus died on the cross to bring salvation to you and me, our households, neighbors around us, and people throughout the world.

I wondered why Christians were so lax in their responsibility of sharing this message with others when the reality of the end of time was so close at hand.  I was compelled to tell every person I met that Jesus was really coming back.  Some listened and gave their heart to the Lord, while others rejected the message of the hour.

I was aghast that more people did not surrender their life to God.  “Why won’t they listen?”  I cried out.  Then the Bible parable came to me about a certain rich man that fared sumptuously and a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table (Luke 16:19-31). 

So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.  The rich man also died and failed to make things right with God and went to hell, because he had made money his god.

Being in excruciating torment from the unquenchable flames, the rich man asked father Abraham to send Lazarus to his five brothers that were still living and warn them of the impending judgment; a horrifying destiny that awaited them if they didn’t change their ways.

(Luke 16:29-31), “Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ ” vs.30 “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ ” vs.31 “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” 

In my dream I realized that some people would sooner live for the devil in poverty of spirit than surrender their will to the God of peace.  This is the nature of fallen man.  Everyone has a freewill to choose their destination—heaven or hell.  It was impossible to make that choice for them though I wished I could.

It seemed as if the people that rejected my message thought they were going to live forever, or did not want to face the fact that what I was saying may actually come true.  They chose to live their life in a vacuum of their own making; refusing to see beyond the momentary pleasures that would one day seal their fate in hell.

They looked at life as if it were an hourglass full of sand.  When the last grain was about to fall through they would turn the glass over and restart their meager existence again, taking up where they left off.

I believe that God has given us ample time to make the decision to walk with Him, while enjoying an abundant life in Jesus.  God gave mankind seventy plus or minus years—a dressing room to prepare for eternity.  We can either wear garments of virtue or rags of iniquity.  Heaven is the reward for those that become children of God, which is the hope of Christians.

The dream was a reminder of the importance of witnessing—sharing my faith with others.  It also prompted me to re-examine my relationship with God to make sure that I was living the life that ought to be in order to make heaven my home. 

I live in the knowledge that God set me free from sin through the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary.  I am saved, because of His great sacrifice and love.  It is not of my own righteousness, lest I should boast, but the righteousness of Jesus who set me free.

The dream awareness is fresh in my mind and I trust that you too will consider this dream as a wake-up call.  The reality of this experience is that it won’t be a dream one day.  Are you ready to meet the Lord?

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Undoing of Perfection

To preface this writing, the following, profound, Bible scriptures will open anyone’s eyes to the urgency of the hour when the message contained herein is focused upon.

(2 Timothy 3:1-5), “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come;” vs.2 “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” vs.3 “unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,” vs.4 “traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,” vs.5 “having a form of godliness, but denying its power.  And from such people turn away!” 

People that take the time to center their attention on the happenings around them, while looking beyond the four walls of self-indulgent living, will have a shocking realization regarding the stench of sin that is filling the air, of which is becoming commonplace in many homes of today’s America and around the world.

The United Stated of America was once “Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” and founded upon the affirmation of “In God we trust,” which is now reeking from the disgusting odor of filth; the smell of ungodliness in a land that is quickly being overtaken by sin.  What happened?

God’s Word reveals the future to whoever reads it.  It warns of the impending judgment of God that is quickly approaching the inhabitants of earth that are not serving God.  The signs are everywhere. 

When a person takes their head out of the sand and looks at the corruptness and mayhem around them, these signs tell us that we are in the season of the Lord’s return and God’s final judgment.  The end of time is upon us whether a person believes it or not.

When God created the heavens and earth and all living creatures, He saw and declared that this wonderful creation was good.  It was beauty at is finest; absent of sin, which corrupts and destroys everything in its path.  But when sin entered God’s perfect utopia, the beginning to an end began its haughty stand against good, while pursuing those that God created in His image.  It is the evilness of Satan marching forward; devoid of trepidation—having no concern for God’s commandments.

Sin is sin at any level of activity when people sin, if there are actually degrees or levels of sin.  If anything at all is contrary to the statutes and holiness of God, it is sin in its debased form, according to the Bible.  Anything that is anti-pure is sin. 

On an infinite scale between good and evil, sin is at the opposite end of holiness.  God is at one end of the gamut and Satan is at the other end and everything in-between.  A person either serves God or the devil. There is no ‘safe zone’ anywhere in the middle where sin is concerned.   

Sin began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, which was the beginning of the undoing of God’s perfect creation.  Rebellion took a stand against God, which set into motion His timetable with regard to the decline and demise of mankind.  

It began with Eve when she was beguiled by the serpent, Satan, to ignore God’s command to not eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that stood in the midst of the garden.  She then gave the forbidden fruit to Adam, and he too ate, which caused the beginning of sorrow for them and the fall of all future generations.

The foolishness of their self-seeking revolt against God in picking the fruit was unwise.  This act created the birthing place for sin, which matures in filth and leads to lower stages of corrupt behavior in people. 

The lowest and final stage of sinning is the ultimate betrayal of God’s mercy, which causes God to separate Himself from any unprincipled, depraved person that is totally bad.  The word given to this depravity is called, reprobation.

Any person that God turns over to a reprobate mind has no conscience.  They lack the sense of right and wrong and are absent of scruples and principles.  They do things that are against God’s standards and have pleasure in doing them.  Reprobates believe there is no wrong in what they do, because ethics and morals are gone. 

(Romans 1:28-32), And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” vs.29 “being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,” vs.30 “backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,” vs.31 “undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;” vs.32 “who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

Is this sounding more and more familiar to you as you read?  Look around and see what the leaders and judges of our nation are sanctioning as proper and appropriate living.  Reread vs.32 above.  Many of their decisions directly oppose God’s Word.  How far we have fallen!

God extends His love, grace, and mercy to prevent this from happening to whoever accepts Jesus as their Savior, the only means for sins forgiven.  Every individual on earth has freewill to choose or reject the Lord.  God provided the only way that mankind could be saved from the punishment of hell.  Salvation comes through His Son, Jesus Christ, but each of us has the freedom of choice.  God leaves this decision to us.

God does not send evildoers to hell, they do that on their own by turning their back on Jesus.  Every person makes the choice themselves; life in heaven with the Lord or death in hell with Satan.

After the first sin in the Garden of Eden, it spread outward like a fast growing cancer, which to this day is destroying everything it touches.  Adam and Eve’s sin-nature, which was passed through their lineage, initiated the hand of God when He destroyed the inhabitants of earth the first time with water.  Noah and his family were the only ones spared, because Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

The final undoing of God’s creation will be when He destroys it with fire, because of sin.  As I have said, sin corrupts and causes God to react.  Those that are safe in the arms of the Lord will escape His final judgment.

Time will be no more and God’s timetable complete.  All creation will be purged of sin in like manner as Sodom and Gomorrah when these two cities and the residents therein were destroyed by fire.  So shall it be in the concluding judgment of God.  

As Noah had a safe haven within the ark he built, Jesus Christ is our ark of safety that will save Christians, His bride, from annihilation and damnation.  Those that have accepted Him as Lord and Savior will ever be with Him in heaven.

The content of this writing is certainly mind-bending and perhaps difficult to ingest, but God’s grace extends beyond personal persuasions, beliefs and ensuing questions of any kind.

If you are not 100% sure where you stand with God, a prayer of repentance will give you the peace you need.  Why not give God the opportunity to prove His love, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins?  In doing so, you safeguard your future in heaven, while becoming a child of God at the same time.  Joining the family of God makes you ready to meet Jesus when He returns, prior to the old order of things passing away.

The following scripture is the hope of Christians—Jesus is speaking.

(John 14:1-3), “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”  vs.2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.”  vs.3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Let Go and Let God

It is amazing to me, in such a short amount of time, how people in our nation are swinging to the other end of the pendulum where kindness and being courteous are non-existent.  It seems like fewer and fewer people care about the needs of others like they once did.  They don’t want to get involved, because of their busy lifestyle at home. 

People are in their own little world of happenings.  As long as they have a cell phone or computer to play games and send text messages they are just fine.  They wouldn’t think of asking for help, because that would obligate them to return the favor.  The fewer the obligations the better they feel regarding helping someone. 

A particular, common practice in the 18^th and 19^th century in rural North America was 'barn-raising'.  This term describes a collective action by the members of a community to help build or rebuild a barn for a member of that community.  Neighbors and friends addressed the need by enlisting other members of their community, unpaid, to assist in building the barn.  The favor would eventually return to each participant.

People were not embarrassed or afraid to let go of their arrogant pride and ask for help; allowing others to see their vulnerability.  As I see it, this giving and receiving character in people is changing from what America was built upon—the statutes of God and close-bond camaraderie with neighbors.

Past generations were more God conscious and involved Him in sensitive areas of life more so than people of today.  “Who needs God?” is the general consensus and intellect of communities throughout the nation. Some Christians are timid to speak up for what they believe is right, because of the backlash received from non-Believers around them. 

It is easier to shut up than to let go of fear and let God work in and through their efforts to create change.  This way of thinking must cease if Christians truly desire a godly nation to continue; maintaining Christian values in America.

Christians must guard against the temptation of getting caught up in self-sufficiency, while rubbing shoulders with a society that is hell-bent on doing their own thing without regard for God or the 10 Commandments.

To let go and let God involve Himself in one’s life is easier said than done for those that consider themselves independent and self-sufficient.  They do not feel the need to solicit anyone’s help, especially God, in order to make ends meet or help them with the rearing of offspring; teaching them the value of godly principles and becoming dependable, honorable people of society.

Do you remember the ill-advised saying?  “Do as I say not as I do.”  Children learn by example.  What they see and hear they emulate.  This practice is everywhere you look.  A let go and let God standard of living is taught with the help of God Almighty; it is not learned in this world of changing values and self-centered thinking.

Independence, without God, quickly evolves into a prideful individual; a self-imposed, self-doer that refuses God’s interference.  They don’t want it, because the thought of letting God do anything and being obligated to Him goes against the grain of their “I can do it myself!” mentality.  This is a very bad way to live, and unwise to say the least.

Consider for a moment the title of this writing.  I believe it to be self-explanatory and understandable without a lot of words following.  But to put it into prospective, the first two words, “Let God” imply a giving up or opening the hand to release one’s grip on something.  By doing so, this gesture can be interpreted, by some, as being vulnerable.

To permit access to areas that have perhaps been protected up to that point is a fearful thing.  It is misconstrued as surrendering and giving up.  It is scarier to let go of something that has been carried for so long than to allow God to move as He sees fit in certain situations. 

The close proximity of children or parents that are not serving God are two examples of wanting to hold on and not let go for fear that God might knock the props out from under them, because God is seen as a disciplinarian rather than the loving, compassionate, and merciful God that He is.  These people are frequently called enablers.

Enablers are often faced with difficult challenges, because of their great concern for certain individuals.  These ordeals can become paramount to those that lack proper training on how to deal with matters of personality traits, including a host of other disorders. 

Enablers feel that no one else can do or react to the circumstances that surround them like they themselves can, and are most reluctant to hand over to another party their self-appointed responsibility of trying to work out all situations.  To let go and let God is not in their vocabulary, because they fear what God might do.

In actuality, an enabler sometimes keeps those that they care for in a dependent state of reliability—unable to do for themselves, because they are so accustom to things being done for them that self-dignity and self-respect slowly erode away.  Certainly, there are extenuating circumstances that enter into this scenario; like disabilities and birth defects, of which the above thoughts may not apply.

To let go and lay a problem at the feet of Jesus and trust Him with what they could not do can be intimidating; leaving the enabler with feelings of unsuccessful intervention, while being bombarded with the question, “Why do things have to be the way they are?”  But God’s grace is sufficient in all things if we let go and let God help us.

Unlike enablers, self-doers are generally puffed up in themselves, because of their prideful nature, but enablers and self-doers have a common denominator—ongoing frustration.  They are on common ground; void of lasting peace, hope, and in some cases, lacking stability. 

Personal obsessions, coupled with pride, limit a person to the height they can achieve regarding accomplishments.  I call this ascent, ‘the ladder of self-reliance’.  It does not reach to the level of success that they desire, because there is a lack; void of God’s help and strength.  It is only tall enough to reach as high as the glass ceiling of ‘want’ and no higher.

Self-sufficiency without God is like running in place and going nowhere.  It is taking one step forward and two steps back.  It is like a car's transmission that is stuck in reverse; having no forward motion. 

To not let go and not let God work, amounts to a complete standstill when lasting peace and complete satisfaction are at stake, which are common denominators that are missing.  Letting God do the impossible is the only way to realize success in all areas of life.

No one within their own strength or ingenuity can accomplish any visionary scheme for an ideally perfect endeavor no matter how hard they try.  At times it may seem that it is going to happen, because of an inner-drive-methodology at work; thinking they can achieve it, but reality soon reveals the unwanted truth that it just won’t take place without supernatural intervention.

To let go and let God have His way instead of insisting on having our own way requires faith, which is the ability of a person to trust the honesty of God.  Jesus declares in the Bible that He is the only way to success; the truth we can count on in times of need; and the life, which is abundant living—experiencing lasting satisfaction.

(John 14:6), “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ”

Satan tries to blind our eyes from truth and makes it difficult for a self-sufficient person to let go and let God, especially if they have an abundance of money to buy any material thing they want.  It is sad when they love money so much that it becomes their god, which is the route of all evil.

(1 Timothy 6:10), “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Self-sufficient people that ignore God are self-destructive in many ways when they attempt to blaze their own trail without God.  Their philosophy is, “If I can’t do it, it can’t be done.”  This was my attitude before I met the Lord.

After trying with all that was in me to achieve lasting happiness, I came to the bitter conclusion that no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t do it.  I finally let go and let God accomplish what I could not.  He did the impossible for me.

God loved humanity so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins.  He wants to do similar miracles for each person like He did for me.  All it takes is to let go and let God.  He forgives sin and provides hope of eternal life in heaven, while giving peace that passes all understanding, because Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

The Unseen Enemy (Part 1 of 2)

My aim in this writing is to turn the negative connotation of the above title into a positive, factual declaration of God’s omnipotent power regarding situation solving and intervention.

Try as I may to stay clear of antagonistic people and uncomfortable situations, inevitably they have a way of finding me, because Satan is the unseen enemy; the responsible foe that is seeking whom he may devour in any way he can. 

This nemesis of humanity wants to steal from us the joy, peace, and lasting contentment that are found only in Jesus Christ.  One of Satan’s major obsessions is to bring Christians to the same level of ungodliness as those without Christ in the world. 

Satan also wants to hide the fact from nonbelievers that God forgives sin and His love is everlasting and free to whoever calls on the Lord for forgiveness.  The devil deceives people, because he knows that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I am striving each day to maintain the vertical relationship in right prospective with God so that the horizontal dealings with people remain calm, while sustaining a Christ-like attitude.  When I am successful in doing this, life is less stressful and my comings and goings are blessed of God.

At times it is difficult to turn the other cheek, figuratively speaking, especially when people exude an unkind attitude, impatience, and rudeness.  The old ‘type A’ personality that I so foolishly displayed when I was younger; not serving God, wants to resurface and thunder to the forefront, thus, striking out with greater intensity than the other person may be showing, especially if they are trying to mistreat or speak cruelly to my wife in a vindictive manner.

I have been around the block a few times when dealing with contemptuous people, but I try to keep that old nature under subjection, because God set me free from this behavioral shortcoming when He forgave my sins.  But on occasion, the gruff personality and quick temper from my yesterday’s antics want to rise to the surface and step in front of better judgment to show his ugliness.

At these times I find myself at the level that I was prior to the hour when God released me from this unwanted personality.  At the moment of confrontation I am eye to eye at the same level as the person I’m leering at, which is the level and path that I once traveled before God delivered me from similar displays of anger.

The Holy Spirit is quick to remind me, just before the adrenaline rush begins to surge, that were it not for God’s grace I would still be a miserable person; cantankerous like the world around me or even worse.  I realize that others’ misfortune could be mine if the blessings and kindness that God imparted to me had not happened.  I am just a sinner saved by grace in a world of sinful people.  “There but for the grace of God go I.”

The words printed on my truck’s license plate holder make a profound declaration.  “Christians aren’t perfect just FORGIVEN” 

The unseen enemy is hard at work trying to steal Christian’s peace of mind and show them that they are no better than those that give them a bad time.  But greater is God within us than the unseen enemy in the world that wants to destroy our soul. 

When I listen to the Holy Spirit and restrain myself from my old way of dealing with impudence and the vulgarity of people, God gives me the strength to overcome and endure; without incident.  Notice that I said, “When I listen…”

I believe that when I sincerely try to maintain control of my emotions, God is quick to work in my behalf to fill my mouth with words that are not my own; calming situations that Satan orchestrated.  A kind word controls things from getting out of hand, because God is sovereign and His Word declares it so.

(Proverbs 25:11), “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

By giving God the opportunity to work out a problem, and us submitting our will to His, the end result speaks for itself—godly intervention.  The key to suppressing the unseen enemy is to walk in the Spirit each day so that we are emotionally equipped to yield ourselves to God’s way of handling things.

We need not lower ourselves to the level of the world’s standard of reasoning by displaying a belligerent attitude.  With the help of the Holy Spirit we can rise above the temptation to react negatively.  Giving the other person a piece of our mind or doing something worse is not the answer.

This philosophy for living is certainly easier said than done, but when we do it God’s way, we learn that His way is best, because the results are always positive in nature.  I am weak within myself, but I am an over-comer through Christ who strengthens me.

(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

The Unseen Enemy (Part 2 of 2)

Is the enemy truly unseen?  No not at all.  If we take a moment to focus and evaluate the unpleasant traits that others radiate, we will see Satan’s influence through the actions and words they use, because they live by their own standards and set of rules; not God’s.  With the Holy Spirit aiding our efforts to overcome Satan’s advances, problematic situations can be dealt with sensibly rather than reacting without thinking.

Eyes will be opened to see clearly how to handle any state of affairs by remembering past events when God made good out of something bad.  Humanity would be amazed and set-a-back at the omnipotent power of God if they would only allow Him to become involved in all areas of life, especially those times when Satan is revealed as the deceiver that he is and the promoter of disorder and disarray.

When we allow God to be in control of our emotions, the unseen enemy cannot hide.  He is readily revealed for what and who he is.  God has the ability to shine through our weakness in those uncomfortable moments when Satan wants us to believe that we are standing alone and no different than those without Christ.

When we refrain from giving someone a piece of our mind, we retain the God-mind that we so desperately need—the mind of Christ, which helps us maintain our dignity and well-being in Him.

(Psalm 39:1), “…I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.”

I believe in preparedness.  Locking doors and windows at night, for example, is using good sense; not tempting fate.  Being attentive and not burying our head in the sand is prudent. Anyone thinking that all's-well in their society of misguided, self-seeking individuals, are lacking wisdom.

Everything is not hunky-dory, because these Godless people are allowing the unseen enemy to manipulate them into doing horrific things.

God gives us a mind and He expects us to use it to scrutinize and know the workings of Satan. Besides five senses,  I have a sixth sense—my God sense; being able to see things before they happen and then make adjustments accordingly.  I am sure that I have warded off many unhappy endings by doing so.

When growing up, my dad taught me how to fight and stand up for what was right and defend myself in urgent situations.  I can still hear him say, “Never pick a fight, because there is always someone tougher than you.” 

Dad wanted me to know that even though a person may be physically fit and mentally astute to deal with trouble by using certain offensive and defensive moves, situations can still end negatively and that it is much better to avoid trouble if at all possible.

At one end of the spectrum are those that believe preparedness conquers all, while others at the other end are totally oblivious and unaware of the dangers in their immediate surroundings, while potential threats lurk in the shadows.  I believe, unequivocally, that we must stay vigilant at all times, especially in the day in which we live. 

It is not that we walk in fear, but we walk in readiness, while listening and watching for warning signs when conditions just don’t look or feel right.  We must pay attention to our sixth sense.  God gives this insight when Christians walk in the Spirit.  Awareness gives favor, whereas, unpreparedness breeds trouble.

Though a person may feel comfortable with the training they’ve received; having confidence in their ability to aggressively take down any threat that presents itself, the sure way to a successful encounter is to read the signs before things escalate out of control, while remaining pro-defensive in mind, body, and spirit.  Not allowing one’s testosterone or adrenaline rush to overpower good judgment is using wisdom.

When our spiritual eyes are open, the unseen enemy can be recognized for the troublemaker that he is before things reach the point of no return.  Pleading the blood of Jesus and then watching the hand of God take control by whatever means He chooses is much safer and rewarding.

We need not walk with the anticipation of finding trouble and doing something about it, but rather, stay alert and not put ourselves in harms way.  We should also allow God to put a watchman at our mouth to help tame the tongue.  

I believe that this type of readiness is what God desires for Christians that want a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.

(Proverbs 15:1-2),  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  vs.2 “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Do I Stand Alone

In a world that has been corrupted by selfish desires and changing values, the populace will either stand in the power of God or within their own limitations; there is no middle ground.  God would have us hot or cold regarding our relationship with Him; not lukewarm.

The righteousness of God and the filthy rags of one’s own righteousness are the only two choices possible to humanity.  Because of self-will and greed, some people are insistent on promoting themselves within the power they conger up from their narcissistic personality.

These people are not only self-centered and self-absorbed in themselves, they think they have all the answers; trusting in their own intellect and decision-making.  Their inward quest for gratification causes them to become puffed up in self-sufficiency.

When people like this think they stand, the Bible says in (1 Corinthians 10:12), “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”  When anyone exalts themselves above God and takes a stand against Him, autonomy remains, which is a lonely place to be and inflexible way to live.

When they fall, great is the fall—mind, body, and spirit.  When this happens, and it will, chances are that no one will be around to help restore the broken pieces, because they have successfully, by choice, alienated themselves from others and God do to their negative personality and independent character traits.  Self-reliance is the remnant left over when God is missing from the equation of life.

If a person does not stand for God they will fall for anything, thus, the altered form of the way that God had intended humans to live.  It is sad when people choose to stand alone rather than in the strength of God and the power of His might.  Even though they may be surrounded by a crowd of people, they are standing alone, because of the emptiness within them that only God can fill.

And then there are those that go with the flow, and drift like a ship without a rudder; or they are like a leaf in the breeze that is blown to and fro.  Without the Lord standing by their side they are unstable in all their ways.  Whether amidst crowds of people or in their own world of seclusion, they are prisoners of loneliness. 

The void within them is God-shaped that only He can fill, yet mankind insists on substituting things that cannot bring peace or satisfaction.  Neither material gain nor success in life can calm the longing of one’s heart when they are looking to such entities to bring happiness; loneliness prevails.  Only God can satisfy.

Christians can stand on the promise in God’s Word when it says that He will never forsake them.  God’s faithfulness can be counted on.  It is not dependent upon circumstances, our status in life, or the color of our skin.  God never fails, whereas, people and self-sufficiency always fail.  They are fallible, but God is infallible—incapable of failure or error.

When we ask God to forgive us of our sins and become born-again Believers, Jesus Christ becomes Lord and Savior of our life.  We are saved from sin through His death and resurrection.  Confidence is ours, at the moment of new beginnings, that we have God standing by our side.  We are no longer standing alone without hope.

(Deuteronomy 31:6), “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

We need not fear death, because the moment our soul vacates the body we will stand before a holy God, not standing in our own righteous, but the righteousness of Jesus Christ our Savior.  We stand in His perfection.  It is as if Jesus is standing in front of each Believer with God seeing Him, because of the cleansing blood that Jesus shed for all sinners.

(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.”

On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt said these words:  “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  But Christians need not fear at all, because “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).  There is no fear in God’s love.

All filth was washed away in the flow of Jesus’ blood.  We can be changed; made into a new creation that is no longer bound by sin.  Perfection is ours, because Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind.  This act of love made it possible for all to come unto repentance and be made pure as the driven snow.

Not only will Jesus stand with Christians in heaven, He stands next to them each and every day on earth, while leading the way into truth.

Do I stand alone—most definitely not!  God is always with me, because of His grace and forgiveness through Christ.  I now stand in peace.  My hope is in Him.

(Jeremiah 29:11), “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

(Philippians 4:7), “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

(Romans 12:2), “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Past Reflections

When I look back at my poignant past; days when I was not serving God; the reflections that stand out the most pertain to my feeble efforts in trying to find happiness in material possessions.  These belongings of which I surrounded myself failed to bring contentment and peace of mind. 

The life-changing blessings that I was searching for only come from God.  They were unattainable and out of reach in the venues that I frequented.  I wanted these missing pieces in my life, but failed to realize I was looking wide of the mark to achieve them, because I was looking in all the wrong places, rather than God.

Seek as I may, nothing could quench the thirst for peace, because next-day-regrets always followed the preceding night when I thought I was having fun.  I guess the word ‘seasonal’ sums it up—short lived; nothing lasting; a total downer.

When I reflect on my past, it is not that I am looking back and having desire for events and places that enticed me to sin, but I stand in awe as to the marvelous grace that God imparted to me in 1969 when peace like a river flooded my being the night that God cleansed my soul from sin and made me complete in Him.

Before Christ entered my soul, my fragmented life was restless, unfruitful, and dismal do to the intense value that I placed in my assets and other inconsequential bits and pieces of trivial-mindedness that I thought were important. 

When the past navigates its way to my memory, it is not the same reflections that Lot’s wife may have had when she looked back at the city she and her family were leaving.  I believe her desire for the lifestyle in Sodom was a reason for looking back, which caused her death. 

The story pertaining to God raining fire and brimstone down from heaven to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, and the reasons He did so, are found in (Genesis 19:1-29).

Nothing in my past is worth dying for or losing the joy that I now possess through Jesus Christ.  He is my Lord and Savior and I don’t regret a moment giving my heart to Him.

After becoming a Christian, one of my close friends expressed his judgmental opinion to me.  He said, “You’ll be back!  You’ll be doing the things you once did!”  My response was, “I found what I was looking for.  Why would I ever go back?”

The things he was eluding to were momentary pleasures that lacked lasting substance to fulfill and satisfy, whereas, the things of God are lasting and fulfilling.

Sometimes when I pillow my head at night I remember earlier periods in life when it was a struggle to face another day of emptiness and regrets; the same old regrets as the day before.  On occasion, I am aware of tears trickling down each side of my face; tears of joy and wonder, because past reflections remind me of the turmoil that God brought me out of. 

I am thankful and amazed at how God protected me time after time when I trekked through Satan’s thorny fields of wrongdoing and sinful exploits.  These thrill seeking days could have ended in mental and physical ruination had I continued in the death spiral that I was in, but God’s grace prevented this from happening. 

Though I was not serving God, He still loved me anyway, even when I was unlovable.  And because He loved me and didn’t give up on me, I now have hope within.  I can love Him back, because He first loved me and died for me.

(1 John 4:19), “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Jesus loved you and me so much that He paid the ultimate price for our sins; He gave His life on the cross for us.  He suffered the consequences for sin rather than you or me having to do so when our soul leaves the body. 

In that Jesus died and arose from the grave on the third day, we need not fear where our soul will spend eternity as long as we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Heaven is the hope of every Christian; not hell.  Only fools spit in the face of God.

(John 3:16-18), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  vs.17 “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  vs.18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

I am no longer ruled by my past, but the reminders of past reflections aide in prompting me to remember that were it not for the Lord, I would be of all men most miserable.  I often ask myself, “Where would I be today had I persisted in rejecting God’s love through my rebellion against Him?”  The answer is simple—lost.

The hostility that encompassed me was divergent to God and the things of God.  There is no doubt in my mind that had I not made the decision to follow Christ, my state of affairs would be appalling.  

I cannot fathom, for the life of me, why God still loved this badly-behaved soul the times that I spurned His attempts to love me.  But He did!  He was always at the ready to show mercy, which He did!

One day I tried counting the many times that God intervened on my behalf and how things could have gone south, but didn’t.  The number of interventions I remembered boggled my mind.  I believe that had I remained in the devil’s play yard, I would either be dead or in jail, but God’s protection surrounded me, because I had a praying mother and father that cried out to God for their wayward son.

Perhaps you too may be reflecting on past incidents where things could have gone badly, but for some reason didn’t.  I believe that Jesus was praying for you, because His love is never ending; God honored His prayers concerning your situations.  God wants you to experience total freedom; being set free from the bondage of sin.  This happens when you surrender your life to Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

All you need to do is believe that Jesus died for your sins and that God raised Him from the dead.  By yielding to the Holy Spirit that is tugging at your heart, when you accept God’s gift, His Son, you become a child of God.  Today is the day that liberty can be yours when you give your heart to Him.  Don’t wait another minute.

Tell God that you are sorry for your sins and then believe that He forgives you.  You are now Born-again; it is that easy.  You have a new life where old things passed away and all things became new.  It is a new beginning like being born again.  You are now part of the family of God!  Wow!  You did it!  Or I should say, “He did it!”

No longer do bad choices rule your life when you searched here and there for happiness and contentment.  You have found the peace that passes all understanding.  God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit now abide in your soul.  You are a new creation in Christ.

(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.”

Past reflections of days that Satan stole from you will seem trite and insignificant in comparison to the love and peace that you are experiencing in Christ, because you now have purpose and hope within.  God will exceed all of your expectations, because He is your Father in heaven.

(Ephesians 3:20-21), “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”  vs.21 “to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Where's God When I Need Him

How often do we ask ourselves the question that is posed in the title of this writing?  Too often I’m sure.  I believe that this question and others like it are concocted by Satan to bombard our minds with untruths, which create feelings of solitude and loneliness in times of trouble.  He would like us to believe that we are walking alone and that God is too busy with the needs of others to hear our plea for help.

Whatever the reason that prevents individuals from putting their faith wholly in God, I cannot say.  As for me, I have learned insight of God’s love through the years that were valuable lessons in humility and meekness. 

God does not limit nor does He withhold any good thing from those that walk uprightly before Him.  His power and divine ability to sustain a person’s state of mind regarding godliness is without end.  There is no lack of commitment on His part to meet the needs of Believers; we need only to trust Him regarding His follow-through.  But feelings of doubt enter in at times, because our timetable is not God’s timetable. 

For the most part, people want things now, and when it does not avail itself, they begin to doubt whether or not God is listening or if He is even present.  It is at these times that trust must be put into action, or Satan, the father of lies, will attack mercilessly.  It is necessary to remember that God’s timing is not bound to our time table.  We have got to give Him a chance to work out the details on our behalf.  He will do so according to His will and purpose.

(1 John 5:14-15), “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears, us.”  vs.15 “And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him”

Mere feelings usually lack substance when a person puts their trust in them rather than what the Bible tells them about the omnipotence of God.  Feelings have no bearing whatsoever when it comes to God’s will and the salvation of souls.  Being delivered from sin by way of God’s grace is not based on feelings; it is when deliverance from sin is accepted by faith.  When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved.

At the moment of the new-birth-experience when a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord of their life, positive feelings often occur, but are not the criteria of being saved.  The feeling of ecstasy, which is joy and delight, is frequently the result when God’s forgiveness takes place, but it is not essential or compulsory that this happens.  Personalities vary, but God’s promise to deliver individuals from sin never varies, because God is no respecter of person. 

Feelings are not the issue when individuals make up their mind to follow the Lord, but sin forgiven is.  It consists of being set free from the bondage of habits and a life of despondency and hopelessness.  The old nature gives way to an abundant life in Jesus, while old things pass away and all things become new—a new beginning; a new way of life.   

Our relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, is not substantiated via feelings, regardless of whether we sense His presence or not.  The Bible says that He will never leave nor forsake His children.  This is God’s promise to all Born-again Believers.  We are not saved by feelings, but rather by faith in Christ who gave His life on the cross for our sins.

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

Others may leave us to weep alone, but the Holy Spirit comes alongside God’s children when doubts and fears arise.  Jesus said that He would send a comforter to us not only in times of questions and anxious moments, but to walk with us every moment of every day.

When it seems that our Heavenly Father has forsaken us when we need Him the most, of which this impression will come at times, stand fast in the knowledge that God desires greater blessings for His children than does our own earthly father.  Take heart, because the Holy Spirit leads us into all truths when we trust Him to do so.

Each of us is amazingly made by God and possesses powerful minds that He created; minds that are strong and creative, yet at times can misinterpret feelings to mean something totally conflicting of what is factual and precise; things that are contradictory to whom God is and what He desires in our life.  For this reason we must guard our mind against opposing thoughts that are contrary to God’s way of thinking. 

Meditating on the following things will prevent strength from waning and hope from fading.

(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.”

When we meditate upon these things and keep our mind pure and under subjection, the negative thoughts that Satan generates cannot be heard, because we are resisting his unremitting whispers of doom and gloom.  Feelings do not rule one’s thought process; faith in God does.

(Proverbs 23:7), “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

A person can yield to doubt or choose to stand erect with their head held high, while being clothed in the Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).  It is a choice that every Christian makes, to either resist the temptation to doubt God’s Word or trust the promises therein.  The option they give credence to will ultimately rule their thinking.

A wise person elects to believe, through faith, and walk in God’s might according to Bible truths; having confidence that the Lord is truly concerned about every stage of their Christian development.  An unwise person surrenders their self to the lies of Satan and asks the question, “Where’s God when I need Him?”

To whom we yield our thought process is the one we give power to.  Living within the protection of God’s armor enables Christians to turn the negative questioning of, “Where’s God?” into a positive declaration of, “I trust God!” 

How many times must God prove Himself to those that doubt His presence before trust is established, and they begin to rely upon what the Bible says?  God only knows, but He is long-suffering and patient; wanting only the best for His children.

God cannot lie.  When God says that He will do something, He will always fulfill that promise of what He said He will do.  We need only to believe that He wants to meet our needs according to His riches in glory and then involve Him in all areas of our life.  When we seek His will and leave the situations and circumstances with Him, we are saying by our surrender, “God knows best.”

(Matthew 7:7-11), “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.”  vs.9 “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”  vs.10 “Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?”  vs.11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Step of Faith

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is quite difficult at times.  We desire certain things, but lack the confidence to venture out and take them, because of fear.  The unknown factors that lie ahead make it hard to take a step of faith.

I understand the concept of linking the reality of God wanting the very best for His children, and them receiving His best, but why is it difficult at times for me to step out in faith to claim what God has for me?  Could it be the lack of faith in my heart, which stifles my ability to go forward and possess the land, as it were; or am I listening to others tell me that my chances are slim-to-none of achieving such things?

I don’t know what excuses you use when failing to pursue your dreams, but for me, I have fought a negative thought process my whole life, which told me that it was safer and less intrusive to remain in my safe zone rather than to venture out into uncharted waters where I may face deeper challenges in areas that I might potentially fail, while attempting to better myself.

Perhaps the thought, “It is unattainable” is that which holds you back or an inner feeling that your wish-list is for others having more qualifications than yourself.  Whatever reason or excuse that restricts the motivating factor to at least try is the same thought process that ties our hands from reaching out to those around us that may be going down for the third time in their world of troubles—a neighbor, a friend, or co-worker.

Too often we see the obvious signs of dilemma in others, but we choose to take a backseat and spurn their silent cry for help, because we feel inadequate or insufficient—lacking.

Everyone at sometime in their life needs someone to come alongside and be that person they can lean upon in time of trouble.  For a person to turn their back on another individual, when it is obvious that there is a legitimate need in their life, would make me wonder where the love of God is in that person’s soul that is turning away.

(James 4:17), “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”   

Sometimes we need to leave the comfort of our safe zone and step beyond the immediate circle of our personal space and do something for others even if we feel a sense of lacking in ourselves.  Too often, excuses raise their ugly heads, which try to manipulate us from doing what we know is right to do.

The following are examples of these excuses.  They will be offended; Perhaps I’m not reading the signs correctly; Maybe they will take advantage of me; I am not qualified enough; What if God doesn’t do what I tell them He will do for them; and, If God fails to fulfill His promises, then what will they think of me?

Sometimes a task that God wants us to do is hard; beyond our comfort zone, but when we yield to His wooing and take a step of faith, God is always there to fill our mouth with words that are not our own, but His words.

When God prompts us to do something, He has already prepared the other party to receive what we share with them, thus, making it easier than we had anticipated.  Taking a step of faith takes courage, but the more we do it the more God shows His compassion and love through our obedience.

How can people know the love of God unless we share this wonderful love with them?  Reaching out to others in times of trouble or merely taking opportunities to tell them about the grace of God prepares them ahead of time, before the hard times come their way, that God answers prayer.  This knowledge acquaints them with the One who can speak peace into their life when situations befall them.

The more we observe, first hand, God working out circumstances in the lives of those that we speak to about Jesus Christ, faith encompasses us.  We garner assurance, which teaches us to trust Him for the things in our own life.  When we take a step of faith to trust God and He brings to pass what He says He will do, this builds confidence within us that He is willing to fulfill all the promises spoken of in the Bible as we trust Him to do so.

(Romans 10:17), “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Reading God’s Word builds faith, which is our ability to trust the honesty of God.  If God said that He will do something, then rest assured that He will do what He said He will do.

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

We just need to learn how to trust God, which avails itself when we step out in faith, while watching the hand of God move mountains on our behalf and in the lives of others.  God is able to close doors that are not in our best interest to walk through and open doors that no man can close.  We need only to have the confidence—faith—in God as we step through these doors when He says, “It is time.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Highly Favored

When I err along the way, whether doing a project for my wife, kids, and grandchildren, or just working around the house, I am quick to condemn my exploits if they fall short of my expectations, because I am so detail oriented. 

A critical spirit of perfection was inherently passed down to me from my father.  Try as I may to escape this burdensome personality, it raises its ugly head with much provocation when I fail to achieve perfection on any undertaking or when attempting something that I have never tackled before; that which is beyond my expertise.

My obsession for excellence reminds me of people that are addicted to some sort of vice and finding it hard to stop their compulsive behavior.  I find, at time, that it is easy to fall into a rut of finding fault with not only myself, but with everything and everyone around me. 

By giving into this chronic obsession, I someway override the coping mechanism that God instills in all humans to combat this type of character trait.  Those nearest me have to put up with my behavior when things go wrong, which is not pleasing to them or God.

I am a “Jack of all trades and master of none” kind of guy; not afraid to undertake or embark upon things that others shy away from.  I am hard on myself and in some cases should have had experts in the field do what they do best rather than me becoming frustrated with myself when things don’t go as I think they should when tackling the project myself. 

I am hardheaded and obstinate at times, because of my lack of fear to take on things that I should leave alone.  Perhaps the words, “a lack of good judgment” spells my middle name when venturing into the unknowns of mechanics or other trades.  My dad did likewise. 

In my personal realm of self-sufficiency, I seldom suffer the “agony of defeat” saga.  I see my ventures through to completion, but I am convinced that people who know me best call some of my endeavors idiotic; having a taste for self-torment, though not saying it to my face.  My accomplishments are closely associated with trying to save money.  Or is it?  It is probably my personality more than anything else.  

I usually can find a way to accomplish what I started out doing, but at what cost?  After forty-three years of marriage, my wife has learned to just leave me alone on these projects, because of the frustration that fills the air when perfection struggles to make its appearance.

In trying to save labor costs by doing projects myself, I am harder on me than I ought to be.  Those that enjoy the end results of my efforts in doing something nice for them are always appreciative, but my critical eye picks up on my shortcomings rather than seeing the end product for what it is; a jester of love rather than a labor of imperfect abilities.

My dad was a man with a critical spirit and short tempered at times.  Rather than building one’s confidence pertaining to their individual abilities, he always, without fail, pointed out the lack and not the beauty of whatever it was I attempted to do when growing up.

Looking back, I believe that he meant well when pointing out the negatives.  I am sure he had his way of seeing things and how they should be addressed, but I am sorry to say that he lacked the capacity or capability to show love with words.  Perhaps he was raised in this type of environment; I don’t know; he never talked about his past.

The philosophy or mindset that Dad would exude, while raising four children, was his desire for us to not be content with the status quo, but to rise above the temptation to accept things at face value.  He wanted us to strive, beyond excess, for heights of perfection in everything that we set our minds to do; at least in my state of affairs when growing up.  I cannot speak for my siblings. 

There is nothing wrong with this philosophy, but it leaves little room for the acceptance of imperfection in oneself or in others, especially when all that a child hears when growing up is the continuous programming of perfection and the importance that achieving it has in a person’s life. 

When I entered the workforce in my freshman year of high school, I remember Dad saying, “You’ve got to be a little better than the next guy in order to stay.”  He was referring to work ethics and working harder than those around me by giving 10 hours worth of manual labor for 8 hours pay. 

No doubt this was great advice, and I excelled when I put it into practice, but it becomes a fine line between over-zealousness vs. doing the best you can with the hours given, which most bosses expect.

Another bit of advice that Dad drove home to me was that a worker should never rest on a shovel handle with their hands at the top, because it tells the boss at a glance, and even at a distance, that they are slacking off and not working. 

He pointed out many considerations of how to safeguard my employment, but the one thought that stands out most is when he exclaimed, “You never know when a boss is somewhere watching the men work.  If you have to go to the outhouse, act like you know where you’re going and don’t drag your heels.  Get the job done and get back to work!” 

It was all good advice, which helped me to be an excellent employee, but there comes a time in every kid’s life that a complement now and then offsets the things that a parent or guardian consider paramount as they go on and on about issues that the child has heard at nausea. 

Children love to be praised, which I have endeavored to give to my three children.  In my opinion, an “Atta boy” comment should always accompany a “Go-get-um” type attitude of a parent.  This builds self-esteem and places perfection in proper balance with the negative and positive scenarios that come our way.

One-sided teaching of the how-to elements in life, without the introduction of reasonable expectations of oneself, can cause a person to focus on their imperfections rather than their worth.  As a result, I consider my talents and efforts to always fall short of perfection when doing something, no matter how hard I try to do it right.  I lack favor with my own subconscious psyche and am seldom happy with the end results, because it could have been just a little better.

It was not until recently, while reading (Luke 1:26-38) that my attitude began to shift from being hard on myself to accepting me for who I am and the person that God loves.  I realized that the downside of expecting perfection need not govern my level of happiness or my state of mind.

I caught a glimpse of God’s love toward Mary when the angel, Gabriel, came to her and said, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  (Luke 1:28).  

The message that the angel presented to Mary was regarding the birth of Jesus, the Son of God.  She was chosen to bring forth the Savior of mankind, because she was highly favored of God.

Though I may not have considered myself highly favored regarding my carpenter skills or mechanical abilities, I thought, “If Mary was highly favored; I too must be favored of God, because I'm His child."  The light of understanding illuminated my mind.  I concluded that He accepts me for the person that I am becoming in Christ Jesus. 

You know the saying, “Inch by inch, anything’s a cinch.”  This is a true statement if a person truly wants something bad enough.  I want to change and I refuse to yearn for or crave perfection any longer.  I decline the notion to allow it to rule my life like a person addicted to alcohol, narcotics, or sexual immorality. 

With this being said, each morning when I arise from bed I say these words, “I am highly favored of the Lord.”  These 7 words, God’s perfect number, are revolutionizing my daily thought process and I am slowly putting off my old nature.  I no longer desire perfection through my own strength, because I already have God’s perfection in me—His Son.  I am highly favored, and how I know this, God gave His Son to die on the cross for me.  Wow!  What a revelation!

God is molding me into His likeness, whereas, the emotional side of my intellect is taking on a broader understanding of His grace that set me free from the bondage of sin and self-condemnation.  He loves me deeply and is always with me as He was with Mary. 

I too am highly favored as she; not comparing me to her by any means, but knowing that I am someone special to God is life changing.  With this truth finding its way past my intellect into the innermost part of my being, I realize more each day just how much He cares for me and wants me to be happy with myself. 

I am ceasing to listen to the voices in my head saying, “You don’t measure up.”  I do measure up in the eyes of God, because of who Jesus Christ is.  I am highly favored of Him and have become perfect through His death, resurrection, and obedience to God. 

My righteousness is as filthy rags in the sight of God without Jesus being my Lord and Savior.  God now sees me through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for my sins—bringing perfection to my life.  In that I am now God’s child, the Bible tells me that I can do all things through Him, while being a recipient of His unconditional love. 

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

Mary was living a godly life; a young woman that strove to live according to the Ten Commandments.  When the angel came to her and delivered the message from God that she was going to give birth to the Son of God, she responded, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word.”  (Luke 1:38)

I know God is with me; helping me to put off the old nature of expecting perfection in myself and others.  Do I get upset when I fail to come up to my expectations?  I am now conscious that change is important and that I can do so through the help of the Holy Spirit. 

I am becoming less and less vindictive and more accepting and content, seeing as it is finally sinking in that I am highly favored of God and that I do not have to expect perfection as long as I follow after His statutes.

As a child learning to walk for the first time, I am taking baby steps to implement a new philosophy of living, a new beginning as it were.  I am determined to not allow my desire for perfection to rule.  I am seeing a change in my mental stability regarding the challenges that I face. 

I came to God with all of my questions and hang-ups, and one by one He is helping me to cope and rise above my fears, anxieties, and frustrations, because I am highly favored of the Lord.

Written by,

Papa Boyd