Let Faith Arise

The title of this writing expresses the essence of my thoughts for today.  Sadly, it is not too often that a remarkable awareness like the following experience takes place, but when situations or stimulating developments awaken the grey matter between my ears, the intensity to share it with others heightens to the point of joyful excitement .

First off, God wants and expects His children to exercise faith in everyday living.  By doing so, it keeps the vertical relationship with Him fresh, open and alive so that the horizontal plane with others can be more affective when sharing the goodness of Christ.  Introducing Jesus to hurting people that do not know Him as their Lord and Savior is the highlight of God’s commission to Believers. 

Faith and works go hand in hand.  Without it, it is like a missing heart with no place for blood to go.  Faith is at the heart of believing, and believing is faith unleashed and unfettered. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and to do the work that is expressly needed to be accomplished.  Rubbing shoulders with those around us is a sure way to distribute the good news that God loves them with a passionate, everlasting love.

I bought an eight inch round mirror for my wife this Christmas that magnifies 10x on one side and has a standard, reflective mirror on the other.  It was made to hang on a wall and is equipped with a three position switch that, when turned, provides variable intensities of light on both mirrors.  I mounted the unit on the wall next to one of the vanity sinks in our dressing room.

Previewing the mirror before installing, I saw two, very tiny plastic washers, clear in nature that went under two decorative, securing nuts that held the mirror’s arm to the bracket assembly that I attached to the sheetrock.

Having finished the preparatory work on the base, the only thing left to do was attach the movable arm of the mirror to the base with the two washers and decorative nuts—but where were the washers?  They were there a moment ago, but now they’re gone.

The washers were included to prevent scratching the chrome finish on the housing assembly as the nuts were being tightened to the two protruding screws of the base assembly.

I looked and I looked feverishly for the two, 3/8 inch diameter washers at nausea; praying to God for His help in finding them.  I even got my high powered flashlight to assist in the search.  They had to be there, but where?  I knew that God would come through for me and I’d see them at any moment.

Perhaps it was a test of my patience.  Was I going to have to install the mirror without the washers and scratch the finish on the chrome?  No, I felt strongly that God was going to help me find them; I just hadn’t seen them as yet.  I patiently continued the search.

Several minutes later the washers were still not found, but I did not give up hope.  Time was wasting, because I wanted to surprise my wife by having the installation completed by the time she returned from shopping.

I went to the kitchen for a glass of ice water, believing God would reveal where those rascals were.  I cannot explain how deeply the conviction was that I would soon find them.

I had looked in the vanity drawers, atop the vanity, on the little throw rug in front of the toe-kick of the vanity, and inside the bowls of each sink.  Upon my return from the kitchen, something on the rug reflected the ceiling light into my eyes.  Yes, it was one of the washers.  What were the odds that it would fall perfectly to reflect the light?  It was God!

I was happy to say the least, but deep inside, I somehow knew it would happen.  I continued to believe God for the other washer when something told me to look in the top drawer one more time.  I had looked twice already.  There it was!  Amazing!  How did I not see it before?

My simple faith held onto the notion that even though I could not see the washers, I believed I would.  This is a small example how faith works.  This extraordinary and wonderful victory of finding the washers touched my heart, which caused me to consider the importance of faith when praying.

I realized that when I pray for something, I should believe with everything in me that God not only hears my prayers, but He desires to bring them to fruition.  I recognized the significance of believing with the same fervency of faith that I had when looking for the washers, knowing that nothing is impossible with God.

Even though I could not see that which I was looking for, the hope of finding the washers was such that I believed God to reveal them.  This is faith, not a boatload of faith, but just enough faith to get the job done.  That’s all we need.  God will do the rest.  We would be amazed at the prayers answered if we trusted God, totally.

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

A man was testing his own level of faith one evening when he looked out the bedroom window and demanded the mountain near his home to be cast into the sea.  He arose the next morning, looked out the window and saw the mountain in the same place it was the night before.  Unenthusiastically, he said, “Just as I expected.”

When we pray, we must pray expecting an answer, not like the man in the story.

(James 1:6-8), “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”  vs.7 “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;” vs.8 “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

We need to encourage ourselves to believe that the Lord cares about the smallest things in our life—even two, tiny washers.  Jesus wants us to ask God, in faith believing, for the things we have need of.

(John 14:13-14), “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”  vs.14 “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

When we let faith arise, we will be amazed at the closeness we feel to our heavenly Father.  We will experience His love as He pours blessing after blessing into our heart.  He indeed wants us to experience an abundant life through His Son, Jesus.  This comes as we walk by faith.

(John 7:38), “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

(Luke 11:9-13), “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  vs.10 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  vs.11 “If a son asks for bread from any father among  you, will he give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  vs.12 “Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?”  vs.13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” 

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Self Assessment

On occasion, I take my wife to a nearby facility where she works out to stay healthy.  I don’t mind waiting in the car, because it gives me time to put a few thoughts on paper that I can share with you and others. 

It is always exciting to explore my mind to see what God is saying.  I never know what I am going to write about until the moment I allow my consciousness to discover new, perspective insight.  It is nice to relax and reflect upon God and His goodness in the quietness of thoughts without the intrusion of hustle and bustle living.

I parked in front of a tutoring center and spotted a sign in the window, “Free Diagnostic Assessment.”  I immediately began to assess my relationship with God and concluded that it could be better, comparing my current level of enthusiasm to when I first became a Christian. 

I considered and remembered well the affection I had for God and hurting people after having a born-again experience.  I would often say aloud, “You and Me, right God,” while looking upward, and in my heart I would sense the words, “That’s right son, you and Me.”

I love God and have made up my mind to serve Him, but like other Christians that have been in the way for any length of time, it is easy to get caught up in hobbies and non-essential activities that waste time.  It’s like wasting precious water washing down a driveway or sidewalk.  Once it runs to the street it’s impossible to regain the loss.

Not using time wisely also reminds me of flushing an outdated, 5 gallon toilet; wasting water with each flush rather than switching to an improved, low flow, 1.5 gallon toilet. 

Not wasting natural resources, like water, is important to our physical wellbeing just as spiritual health is derived from godly living and not wasting time. 

Careless use of water is reflected in the bill that a person must pay each month for unrestrained usage.  Likewise, when we waste time with trivial, unimportant activities rather than being involved with the things of God, this casual disregard is revealed in one’s behavior, the manner in which they treat others, and a dilatory attitude relative to God’s work. 

If a person neglects spending time in God’s Word or praying, tiredness of motivation sets in.  It is not long before a lax, non-involved attitude develops.  The passion they once had when they first met the Lord begins to wean.  But meditating on God’s grace and mercy, while helping others, keep our spirit fresh and alive.

Wasting time is like a person that drives erratically on the freeway.   “Peddle to the metal” was a term used by teenagers in my youth.  Flooring the accelerator peddle to get around one more car is silly and childish, not only for safety reasons, but wasting gas is foolish with the high cost of fuel these days.

Humanity is given a limited amount of time to develop good habits and accomplish something for the kingdom of God.  My desire is to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when I enter heaven.

The aging process is somewhat humorous if you think about it.  An adolescent can hardly wait until adulthood, which seems afar off on the horizon to them.  I know this, because I thought it would never arrive when I was a lad.  Now that it has, I cannot believe how quickly my life has zipped by when reflecting on past experiences.

I can remember my dad saying, “It seems the older I get the faster the years go.”  How true it is.  When I assess earlier periods of involvement in matters relating to Christ, I am reminded of the importance of being connected with other Christians of like faith, and maintaining a shinning testimony so that those looking for peace and contentment can see the Lord in my words and deeds.

Witnessing to those that need the Lord, involvement in church activities and outreaches, raising children in a godly environment, treating a spouse with love and respect, doing unto others as we expect to be treated, and loving God with all our heart are just a few examples that take place through the born-again experience.  I want others to possess the same joy I have.  Jesus Christ is the answer.

Age is just a number.  No matter how old a person is does not negate the need to assess their relationship with God the Father.  Everything else finds its rightful place when God is placed before all things.  He should be first on the list of desires and relationships.

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

The definition of assessment is: “the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something”

Looking at my reflection in a mirror and asking, “How do I stack up,” opens my eyes as to what is needed to draw closer to God.  A willingness to change habits and routines opens a channel, a strait that allows God to help me grow in Him. 

When a person truly wants God’s will in their life, things have a way of working out for them.  God opens doors that no one can shut, and closes doors that cannot be opened.  Trusting in the Lord brings calmness and peace to one’s soul.

My father-in-law believed that we are in God’s will when we accept Jesus as Lord, and then finding direction comes through prayer.  Prayer opens the doors of every kind of opportunity, which is revealed as we seek God’s will for our life.  If a door closes, God opens another one more suitable to meet the need.

Are you looking for an open door to step through?  Seek God’s face with this prayer, “Not my will Lord, but Your will be done.”  You will be overjoyed at what God does. 

If you are unhappy with your present status at work, for example, the Lord can give you contentment where you are, or He may choose to open doors that no man or woman can close, if another job is your aspiration.  The solution is this; make sure it is God’s will that you step through the door, because His perfect will is what we should be asking for, not our own.

God is able to change situations and/or people at your present employment to bring harmony and contentment in the workplace if that is what’s needed.  Opening our hands and allowing God the Father to work out the problem, rather than leaning upon our own understanding of things, brings resolutions.

God desires the very best for His children and will act accordingly if we don’t get ahead of Him.  His timing is perfect in all things.  The sooner a person realizes this, less stress is manifested.  There is rest in the Lord when we learn not to get ahead of His plan for our life.

Things may not always be as bad as we assess them to be.  I am thankful that God is still on the throne, because I was having problems with a couple of other employees, while working at this certain firm.  They were unbearable to work with.  I remember complaining to my dad about the situation, and I recall his exact words… “Perhaps it’s you.”

I didn’t want to hear this, but nevertheless, I did a self-assessment and found that he was right.  My personality was flawed.  I was strong willed and headstrong—my way or the highway.

Being a new Christian, I still had some rough edges that the Holy Spirit was helping me overcome.  With His intervention and prayer, I did some soul searching and changed my attitude.  Things leveled out at work and happiness prevailed.  It was a great learning experience how to trust God. 

(Jeremiah 29:11-13), “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.”  vs.12 “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”  vs.13 “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

God's Blessings Are Many

I know individuals that it seems every time they turn around something good happens to them.  And if they run into conflict or misfortune of any kind, good has a way of manifesting itself in their behalf through the ordeal.  These people are Christians. 

I believe, strongly, that God can and will bring positive blessings to Believers, even in the midst of confusion and strife as they stand true to Him.  No doubt they look for sunbeams of hope in the midst of cloudy, dark situations, because of the trust they have in Father God.

All blessings come from above in different forms and a variety of venues… a deal somewhere; a check in the mail you forgot about in time to pay a bill; spiritual awareness of God’s presence, etc. etc.  The list goes on and on.  Whatever the need is, God supplies the answer.

(James 1:17), “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

God desires the best things in life for His children, yet it seems that the Bible Scripture (Matthew 5:45) is somewhat of a paradox.  “…for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”  

I believe God is saying that while Christians are on earth, they will face trials and tribulations in like manner as those that are unsaved.  The recognizable difference is that children of God have the Lord to see them through difficult times. 

The way in which a person handles each trial shows the substance within them and who they are in Christ.  Sometimes the intensity of trouble is almost unbearable, and in a moment of panic, the one going through the ordeal may question, “Where is God?” but the Lord in His infinite love quickly shows His passion.  The Holy Spirit comforts the troubled soul, speaking peace, like nothing or no-one else can.

(Philippians 4:6-7) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” vs.7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I am convinced that the Holy Spirit leads and guides a person into all truth.  I am writing these words of encouragement to influence your thinking to accept as true that the Lord sticks closer than a brother.  Nothing comes our way without His knowledge and approval.  God has the final say in all things. 

We must believe that there is a purpose for the challenge at hand and hold onto the hope that God has everything under control, and trust His reason for allowing it to come our way.  We may not totally understand why things go the way they do, but sometime in the future the reason will probably be revealed.  If not, that’s okay, because we walk by faith and trust that God’s providence is at work.  His sovereignty reigns supreme.  In Him there is all power.

The Bible says that God will never leave nor forsake us.  This promise, alone, is certainly a blessing that we can hold onto in times that we want to question, “Why?” 

I am persuaded, when looking back at past circumstances, that some of the happenings were to educate me on how to depend on the Lord in all things.  State of affairs has a way of teaching a person to not lean upon their own understanding, but to trust in God’s perfect will for their life. 

I believe that God, through trials, is able to caution us to avoid becoming involved in matters not pleasing to Him.  The Holy Spirit’s influence is helpful in making us aware of our surroundings and situations that we need to rebuff.  A person need not partake of these things to be happy.  One on one experiences with the Holy Spirit reveal that the blessings of God are many.  They are given to those that serve Him and Him alone.  The key is to not have any other gods before God Almighty; mammon and power included. 

Growing in God’s grace is a process of learning.  It is putting off the old nature to take on the wholesomeness of Jesus.  When we do this, God’s blessings follow, because He wants us to prosper and experience an abundant life through His Son. 

Jesus Christ is not an ogre that desires to devour us, nor does He take pleasure in times that He needs to chasten us.  When Christians experience God’s correction, this is a good sign, though grievous in the moment.  God chastens those He loves; without it, we are not a son or daughter of His.

When Believers stumble and fall, because of pour judgment and disobeying God’s instructions, He is always there to lift us up and say once again that we can make it.  He is our Heavenly Father and loves us dearly.

When we repent of our foolhardiness, God is faithful to forgive our trespasses and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  The abundant life and God’s many blessings continue to flow upon those that accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The frame encapsulating my car’s license plate says this: “Christians Are Not Perfect Just Forgiven.”  Because of God’s forgiveness we need not wallow in past, wrong doings, because God throws our sins into the sea of His forgetfulness when we ask Him to forgive us.  God knows that sooner or later we will learn by our mistakes, thus growing in grace and maturing spiritually.

God is perfecting Christians through the workings of the Holy Spirit.  He gives us strength that is not our own to follow Christ Jesus with affection and loyalty.  As we do this, we put on His attributes, while God’s many blessings continue to flood our soul.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Nothing but the Truth

I am sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.”  There has never been a truer statement made, in my opinion.

My dad always said, “A man’s name goes before him.”  He was referring to the integrity a person shows through their lifestyle and how people perceive them.  Word and deed speak loudly the character of that individual.

If they are honest in their dealings with others, people will speak well of them, whereas, if dishonesty follows that person and raises its ugly head in any way, a negative reputation precedes them.  Non-constructive rhetoric is usually herald concerning that person.

(Matthew 5:37), “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

It might seem to the prevaricator, those that speak or act in an evasive way, that their lies are getting them something in the moment, but sooner or later their transgressions catch up to them, thus, their name going before them.

When people are honest in every area of living and treat others as they themselves expect to be treated, life goes well for them.  Telling the truth and nothing but the truth is the only way to live a happy, contented existence.

If anyone is faced with a tempting moment to seal a deal with little, white lies by ignoring truth, and they yield to this temptation to not be completely honesty, this willful act will prove to be their undoing; unprofitable in the long run.  When cashing the check received from the transaction, there will be a nagging feeling of shame, because truth was ignored.  This is the Holy Spirit speaking. 

Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes, as the saying goes, will only result in feelings of guilt and remorse.  Peace of mind departs, because God expects nothing but the truth even when it seems that a deal will be lost.  An honest person is miles ahead when their integrity is not diminished.  God will prosper and reward them openly, because of their truthfulness.  The Lord is definitely the One we want to please.

When people neglect God’s Commandments, such as, “Thou shall not steal” and they persist with dishonest thinking and/or behavior, it ties the hands of God, which prevents Him from opening up the floodgates of heaven to pour out blessings that cannot be contained. 

How can God bless someone with peace of mind if they are always misrepresenting truth?  He expects nothing but the truth.  Total honesty is our reasonable service when it comes to serving Him.

(Romans 12:1), “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

When we practice holiness as the above scripture states, we become more like Christ, and His attributes become our character.  We fail within our own ability to come up to the mark of excellence, but the Holy Spirit enables us to overcome temptation.  He gives us strength to rise above wrong dealings of any type.  When we do this, things just have a way of working out.  God rewards honest living.

For example, when a person works hard each week at their place of employment, they never feel the need to back up to their payroll check on payday, because they are not ashamed of their work performance that week.  They can look their boss straight in the eyes when he hands them the check, because they know they did their level best.

A general contractor I once worked for told me that he always hired Christians, because they never stole from him and always put in a good day’s work.  I thought this was very interesting and quite insightful.  It truly said something meaningful to me.  

Dedication to honesty comes under the heading, “Nothing but the Truth.”  Work performance and honesty go hand in hand.

In a court of law, the defendant, plaintiff, and witnesses, if any, are sworn in with this question, “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?”  The response expected is, “I do.”

It is most definitely in a person’s best interest to tell the truth rather than being found in contempt of court for lying on the stand.  Spending time in jail or paying a fine is not a good way to start the day.

Honesty is indeed the best policy both morally and spiritually.  Those that practice it will prosper in countless ways.  But the ultimate penalty for disregarding the 10 Commandments is being separated from God when life on earth is over.  Lying is no exception and not a small thing to God.  Sin is sin.

(Revelation 21:8), “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

There is hope for liars.  They need not fear (Revelation 21:8), because God gave His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross for the sins of mankind.  He paid the full price for our redemption.  Salvation is in Jesus Christ. 

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(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.’”

When God looks at Christians, He sees them through the blood that Jesus shed for their salvation.  Because of this amazing love for us, those that accept Him as Lord shall be saved.  We need not worry where our soul spends eternity.  Heaven will be our home.

(John 4:24), “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Hell is for those that refuse God’s answer for their sins.  As for me, I choose Jesus—nothing but the Truth.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Never Give Up

It stands to reason, figuratively speaking, that when Christians slip and sin, some feel compelled to crawl into a hole-of-defeat and say to themselves, “I can’t do it.”  In their thinking they believe that God must be disappointed with them for their disobedience and will cast them aside, because of it.

Rather than asking forgiveness immediately, some individuals wallow in self-condemnation, thinking, “What’s the use.” They hide from God just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden after they disobeyed God’s command to not eat of the fruit produced by the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

The word “reason” in the above, first sentence is subjective.  When a person tries to reason why they sin or make excuses for sinning as Adam did in Genesis 3:12, and Eve in Genesis 3:13, it is possible for them to fall deeper into a state of complacency and compromise. 

Over thinking the sin and trying to hide from God, while listening to the wrong voice lie to them, allows deception to take root from Satan who is the father of lies.  They then suppose their sin has separated them even farther from God’s presence.

Some people envision God to be an ogre who is ready to disown them at the drop of a hat, or that He is waiting to pronounce judgment, because of their failure to obey His commandments—a merciless God of rules and regulations.  I believe this to be far from the truth.  They have not yet grasped the true meaning of grace and mercy, and that God forgives sin when we ask Him to do so. 

I am not sure why this concept of God exists, though I had this mindset as a sinner going my own willful way.  Now, as a Christian, I am learning each day just how much God really loves and cares about me, personally.  I wasted many years being too proud and fearful to share my problems with God lest He require or demand something from me.  I kept Him at arm length.

I don’t regret a mile I’ve traveled with the Lord since my conversion.  He has given me peace and a hope that I never had before.  God keeps me safe and secure from all alarm much like a mother hen protects her little chicks under her wing.

God is not a vindictive, unreasonable Father; on the contrary, God is love in every sense of the word.  As a foolish, young man I didn’t understand nor did I grasp the depth of His love until I became a Believer.  Such joy and happiness He brought!

God does not want any of His creation to struggle and miss out on the abundant life that He provided through His Son Jesus.  The fact of the matter is this:  Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross for our sins so that we could be free from the condemnation of sin and have the hope of eternal life with Him in heaven.

(2 Peter 3:9), “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

In that God gave His only begotten Son to die for you and me to save us from the bondage of sin, why then would He repel or discard us like unwanted refuse if we fall into temptation?  When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of our life, we become sons and daughters of Almighty God and joint-heirs with Jesus.  Heaven and all it has to offer is ours.  We need not fear separation from God as children of God.

(2 Timothy 1:12), “… for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”

(Romans 8:38-39), “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,” Vs.39 “nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you have children, when was the last time you completely disowned and turned your back on your child when he or she failed to measure up to your expectations?  I think this would be a very unusual situation, because a parent’s love runs deep.  But God’s love runs even deeper; an infinite, immeasurable amount of love that supersedes the love we have for our own children.

(Mathew 7:9-11), “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!”

So “reason” does not enter into the picture when referring to whether or not God walks away from us when we fall on our face, because we sinned.  God is there to pick us up, dust us off, and exclaim, “You will do better next time!”

The Holy Spirit teaches us to lean on Him for strength and not give up.  We will learn by our mistakes not to do them anymore.  And if we fail again in the same area as before, God imparts mercy, while grace becomes reality rather than defeat and separation claiming another soul.  God’s great love enables us to succeed and rise above the temptation to sin.

My grandson’s little-league coach has a wonderful way of interacting with each player on the team.  He reminds me of how God encourages me to keep on keeping on when I have fallen short of the mark and want to hide from Him and give up.

When one of the boys strikes out and feels deflated; telling himself, “I can’t do it.” the coach is always there with words of encouragement to lift his spirits rather than words of harshness.  When a fielding error takes place and a player throws the ball to the wrong base, or fumbles a grounder that is hit to him, the coach, without fail, shouts, “You will do better next time. Trust me!”

God does exactly that.  He says, “Trust me.”  He knows we will improve, because He teaches us how to win and not throw in the towel of defeat.  God does not give up on us; let us not give up on ourselves.  We have everything to gain when we trust Him.  Stumbling persists when we lean unto our own understanding rather than trusting God to direct our path. 

Remember, a winner never quits and a quitter never wins.  God helps us to overcome our inadequacies and our lack of self-confidence when He speaks to us through His Word—(Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Though a few people in the stands sometimes express their displeasure when errors happen, the coaches’ voice becomes louder than the few so that the only voice a player hears is his…always speaking positive, heartening words that help negate insecurities, which tear down self confidence.  We must listen for God’s voice; not the thundering voices of insensitive people.  

I've watched the coach call for timeout and walk out to the pitcher’s mound when the pitcher was struggling.  Softly, in a calm voice, he talked to the player and helped him gather himself as he placed his hands on each side of the boy’s face saying, “You can do it.”  The coach then walked back to the dugout to show the boy that he had confidence in him no matter what.

God does this.  He encourages our heart when we focus on Him rather than the pressures.  The Lord helps us not to allow our weaknesses or the circumstances that life brings our way to defeat us.  He aids us in taking a deep breath to regain our composure to keep pitching for Jesus.  God has confidence that we will succeed.

The Holy Spirit, our coach, will always be there to assist through the difficult times and help us keep the faith.

(2 Timothy 4:7-8), “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Vs.8 “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I Feel Alone

Have you ever thought, verbalized, or rehearsed the words in the title of this writing in your mind?  There is probably no feeling more personal, yet alarming to our existence than to sense the emotion of loneliness. 

Whether it was do to a divorce or separation from one’s spouse, the death of a friend or loved one, being incarcerated or in solitary confinement, or idiosyncrasies of personality inhibitions that make one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way around people, the underlying result is the same.  Solitude creeps in like an unwanted cold, bringing with it words like, “I feel lonely.”

Loneliness saddens the heart, especially when friends are far and in-between or there is no one around to feel comfortable sharing experiences with.  I am sure you have heard the phrase, “Alone-in-a-crowd.”  Though a person may be thronged on all sides at a gathering of people, for the most part, those around them are aware of personal miseries and shortcomings in their own world of woes; not theirs. 

No one seems to care anymore about the other person and what they are facing or going through, because they themselves have not found the true meaning of hope.  They are overwhelmed by their own problems rather than finding the problem solver to help them.  They are void of peace, which is essential in helping them face another day with positive thoughts rather than, “Oh me.” 

The human mind needs something or someone they can count on, someone that understands them and is willing to stick by them through thick and thin.  Perhaps the person feeling lonely may have issues with people, because they were left to weep alone, thus, causing them to isolate themselves from others for fear of being hurt again.

Protective walls are easily built, because of a preservation instinct, but they are harder to tear down even though mental and physical health is at stake.  If walls remain, this can affect a person’s spiritual health in harmful ways, whereas, the soul suffers. 

No one need dread another day of confusion and frustration when relief is just three words away.  They are not “I feel alone” which are words that amplify the problems; they are “God forgive me” which transcends the mind and soul to unexpected heights in Christ.  They found the answer they longed for—Jesus.

When a person asks God to forgive them of their sins and consciously makes Him the head of their household, what is gained is more than a friend or someone they can count on, Jesus, God’s Son, also becomes their Savior.  At that very instant, the Holy Spirit becomes their comforter.  Why?  They are a child of God Almighty who is now their Father.  He will never leave nor forsake them.

(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.”

The Lord is the answer for everyday victories and the peace of mind that we so desperately seek.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  No longer will the Believer feel alone or dread what another day may bring.  Peace is theirs, because they have a new sense of belonging and a hope not experienced here-to-fore.  “I feel alone” is replaced with, “What a friend I have in Jesus.”

(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, Prince of Peace.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Stewardship

The following thoughts are threefold in nature, of which, come under the heading—Stewardship: self, others, and God. 

In that God is the Creator of all things; He has absolute ownership and rights over everything, yet He has entrusted humanity with the responsibility of managing what belongs to Him.

Stewardship is not a scheme that God established to take from us; on the contrary, it is the act of bestowing His richest gifts upon His people.  Stewardship is more than just the management of time, possessions, surroundings, and our health; stewardship is one's obedient witness to God’s sovereignty.  It’s what motivates the follower of Christ to move into action, doing deeds that manifest their belief in Him.

Preparedness and follow-through are two key components that are necessary when individuals attempt to achieve something worth while.  It is hard to distinguish one from the other, because they work so well together.  When people put into practice the coupling of these two elements, things happen to help promote success.  They are two basic fundamentals of stewardship. 

There can be no destination without a beginning.  The journey has to start somewhere in order to realize the full benefit of achieving one’s goal.  A beginning to a happy ending is taking the first step and sticking with it; otherwise the destination envisioned will never be accomplished or fulfilled. 

It takes a made up mind and help from God to keep-on-keeping-on.  For example: losing weight begins with a plan and then sticking to the plan.  Weight reduction becomes reality if the effort to lose has a beginning and follow-through, therefore, the goal is realized in do time.  A fit body is impossible to achieve without proper exercise and eating nutritious food.  It just doesn’t happen. 

Speaking of exercise, there is no better exercise for the betterment of neighbors, a community, or nations around the world than to reach down a helping hand to minister to struggling people.  This happens when individuals involve themselves in community outreach programs and charitable organizations. 

Giving of time and money to achieve certain objectives is what’s needed.  At my church it is called, “missions giving.”

Another case in point deals with religious convictions without love being taught or implemented.  Love is the motivating factor that spurs a person to action.  This, coupled with true concern for one’s own soul and the welfare of others, is stewardship.  If love doesn’t exist, it is a sham.  Efforts put forth, if any, are in vane and unproductive; lacking effectiveness.

The reality of stewardship in helping others is twofold—seeing the need and then acting upon what is seen.  If goodwill-giving sticks to a person’s fingers and they hold back because of greed or excessive gluttony for personal gain, there is no way they can realize the joy that giving brings.  Materialism limits the flow of God’s blessings to the receiver and giver.  

I believe that selfishness and self-centeredness play a disgusting part in stifling the full impact of benefits that could otherwise be realized.  The negative influence that self-interest brings affects the level of involvement that people exert in helping others.  It limits them with respect to what God expects.

(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.”

When a person focuses beyond their own four walls of self-indulgence or their immediate circle of friends to view the difficulties and spiritual poverty around them, it is shocking how many lives can be touched in the wake of personal giving when something is done to help the plight of others. 

“There but for the grace of God, go I” is a phrase I think about from time to time when I see someone suffering misfortune.  Were it not for God’s mercy and grace, a similar fate could have befallen me.

(1Corinthians 15:10), “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain…”

There is a fine line separating wealth and poverty.  Of course there are varying degrees of affluence and deficiency on whichever side we find ourselves.  The pendulum that suspends from the horn-of-plenty can quickly swing from one side to the other or midpoint without warning, depending upon circumstances of life.  Environment, culture, and a host of other underlying factors determine what side of the line a person inhabits.

Those that “have” can lose their possessions and/or money through bad investments, or they may lose employment, whereas, their status, position, and health can change in a heartbeat, which can hurl them into the category of “have not’s.”  This can be the shocking reality of living life.  For the most part it happens without notice.

I choose to believe and am persuaded that God undergirds those that live according to His Word.  But He expects Believers to exercise caution and good sense regarding frugal spending habits.  This process begins with paying tithes on the first part of a paycheck; not at the end, lest there not be any money left to give tithes and offerings that God expects of 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.”

(Psalm 37:25-26), “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”  vs.26 “He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.” 

If it’s all the same to you, I am going to continue doing what the Bible tells me to do.  Since becoming a Christian, God has proven over and over that I can depend on Him, because I am abiding in the truth of His Word. 

Yes, I give a tenth of my earnings to God.  He has shown me that I can do more with 90% than the full 100%.  He pours out blessings I cannot contain in a multitude of ways, because His Word is true.

If a person is not careful, a false sense of security can raise its ugly head to rule one’s better judgment, because of the good credit line they’ve established.  Taking on debt and buying things that should not be bought is typical in this “plastic money” society. 

It is more sensible to buy the things we want, with cash in hand, rather than indebtedness sinking our ship.  By waiting, we might decide that we really don’t need the item after all when it comes to shelling out that hard-earned cash. 

It is easy to swipe credit cards in the present, but when the bank statements come at the end of the month, it’s another story.  A reckoning day always accompanies uncontrolled spending, but rarely at an opportune time. 

Trivial, insignificant things bought with plastic money add up quickly when excessive spending rules a person.  It can easily break the back of anyone, figuratively speaking, that is not able to pay the piper at the end of monthly requests from banks to remit payment.

A good time to buy is when finances line up with the decision to purchase something.  People must learn how to put things on hold until such time that cash money is available to lesson the impact and burden that indebtedness brings.  There is no pressure like financial woes.  It affects every area of a person’s way of life.

When living from credit card payment to credit card payment, the reality of indebtedness is quickly realized do to overspending.  The shocking reality slaps them in the face and they question, “Where’s the money to pay these debts?” or “Why is the amount so much?” or “Could it be because I don’t pay tithes?” if in fact they don’t.

I believe the following Bible verse is very meaningful and truth at its highest.

(Malachi 3:10),  “ ‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’ ” 

Before a person buys what they think they need, or should I say want, God must receive His 10% first.  When Christians do as the Bible explains in (Malachi 3:11), not only do miraculous deals come their way, things just go right.  Financial pressures cease to buffet their existence each month, and life becomes in tune with God’s plan for the abundant life that He wants them to enjoy.

When a person begins doing what they know is right through giving away from self to the less fortunate, they then see how their time and money provide wonderful dividends.  This beginning and follow-through increases their realization of the importance of choosing to be part of the bigger picture (the benefits of giving). 

It is quite rewarding to see these results and experience the destination (or goal) that has been achieved.  Try it if you haven’t already; you will see God do amazing things that He said He would do when we obey Him.

To summarize my thoughts: a plan must be implemented and set into play with discipline being adhered to.  These steps of faith generate change in spending habits, and how we view the needs of others, and how to find security in God’s Word regarding stewardship and tithing.    

The journey must begin now, not tomorrow or the next day.  It starts with the first step in the right direction.  God will direct your path and help you to achieve success and happiness, because of stewardship.

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

A Willing Heart

Clarification may be in order to explain the context by which I use the word “heart.”  For all intents and purposes of this writing, I am not referring to the organ that circulates blood through the body.  Emphasis will be the heart that is associated with the center of a person’s thoughts and emotions, especially love or compassion. 

A willing heart in the following thoughts refers to one’s mood or feeling, courage or enthusiasm; the attitude a person has inside them regarding the commandment that Jesus gave in (Mark 16:15).  Perhaps He was, in part, referring to the world of our immediate neighborhood or witnessing to fellow workers that we rub shoulders with each day.

(Mark 16:15), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

God uses people like you and me to do His bidding; ordinary people that love Him.  How else will unfulfilled individuals learn about God’s love and the peace that they can experience through His Son, Jesus?  The Bible calls it abundant living.

There are people everywhere that attend churches, yet, have not awakened to the all-important revelation that it takes “doers” to reach souls for Christ. There is more to it than just taking in all the time.  We must give away from ourselves.  I don’t think spending an hour in church on weekends is what the Bible means when it says:

(Hebrews 10:24-25), “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” vs.25 “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being like a sponge and soaking in the messages of a preacher’s sermons is good, but it does little to help others if the one in church fails to squeeze out some of these nuggets on the poor in spirit the rest of the week.  How can those around us come to the knowledge of God’s love without the testimony of a willing heart regarding His compassion and love?  It takes someone telling them the good news that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

There is always a need for workers in every church; to teach a Sunday school class, sing in the choir, do outreach ministries, or give a tenth of their income (tithe) so that the lights, heating, and air-conditioning can remain on.  It takes you and me having a willing heart to get involved and get connected.

God is seeking for willing hearts.  They don’t have to be scholars of the Bible, intellectual Bible thumpers, or full of charisma, though God certainly uses these individuals to reach people.  God wants someone to stand in the gap and make up the wall where they are needed to do ministry for Him.

We do not have to go to seminar school and become a minister of the Gospel to be qualified to work in the harvest field of lost souls.  This is a special calling from God.  We need only a willingness to be used of God and then do what He asks us to do. 

People that are timid and soft-spoken can become powerhouses for God when He empowers them with boldness and passion, which may not otherwise be their character or personality. The Holy Spirit makes the difference in a person's life.  

God prepares those He calls.  He does not ask us to do something that He is not equipped and ready to provide—the wherewithal to get the job done.  The only thing God needs is a willing heart (a heart of flesh).  He will bring about His perfection as He speaks through us.

(Psalm 81:10), “I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”

God is saying in this scripture that He doesn’t want us to fear.  He wants us to trust that He will fill our mouth with words that are not our own at the time they are needed with that which comes from heaven; not from our own intellect or charisma alone. 

God wants to astound those that live outside the kingdom of God through the testimony of godly people.  He wants to lift us to a supernatural plane by filling us with His Spirit.

When we give away from ourselves, in any capacity for the Lord, God gives back into our bosom.  It is not that we give to get, but it just happens that way, because God said that it would.  I have learned, by doing, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

(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.”

God fills a willing heart with confirmation that they are doing the right thing.  The joy and feelings of accomplishment that He brings are overwhelming at times.  A Believer doing God’s will can be the means of miracles taking place in another person’s life, because of God’s faithfulness to bless their efforts.

(Isaiah 55:11), “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

I believe that a willing heart is like a heart of flesh that the Bible speaks of.  It certainly isn’t a heart of stone; a person set in their ways and not willing to help or see how God could use them in positive ways.

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

How can you tell if a person has a heart of flesh or heart of stone?  Listen to them speak and watch how they treat others, especially those closest to them.  Actions speak loudly the kind of person they are inside—volumes.  You will know.  The evidence speaks for itself.

(Luke 6:45), “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

I believe that when we listen to what our heart (Holy Spirit) is saying, and act upon it, we shall be the means of winning someone to Christ.  They then can have a willing heart to stand in the gap to help someone else with similar needs.  A heart of flesh reaches out to people, because Jesus makes the difference in one’s heart when they choose to stand in the gap. 

Too many people are caught up in the non-important things of life and do little, if anything, for the kingdom of God.  It is heartbreaking, but true. 

(Ezekiel 22:30), “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

I want to be the person that God is seeking after.  I do not want to turn a deaf ear toward Him.  I want to hear the knock at my heart’s door and obey His voice when He calls my name.  My prayer is this:  “Please Lord, give me a willing heart to be Your hand extended to those without hope.”

(Revelation 3:20), “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Acquitted or Sentenced

In a court of law environment, those appointed to sit on the jury and the observers in the courtroom might hear the jury foreman read the ruling pertaining to the findings of twelve jury members surrounding the preponderance of evidence against a defendant that has been accused of a criminal act against society, thus, breaking laws pertaining to the offense.  “Not guilty” or “Guilty” is usually the verdict that is rendered.  

A “hung jury” sometimes occurs when members of the jury cannot agree as to the guilt or innocence of the one accused.  Another trial is then ordered by the judge unless the prosecuting attorney drops all charges, because there is a lack of evidence to convict the defendant.

Depending on the verdict, the person on trial will either be acquitted and set free or sentenced and incarcerated; separated from loved ones and friends for the period of time that the law prescribes; pronounced by the judge.

In the United States judicial system, a person is considered innocent until proven guilty, but when a person sins, they are automatically condemning themselves as being guilty in the eyes of God no matter the degree of sin.  Sin is sin.  There is no safe level of sin that God endorses, not even a little, white lie.

(Romans 3:23), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

There has never been a person on earth that has not committed some type of sin except Jesus Christ.  He alone is the only individual that never sinned.  He was God in human flesh when He walked on earth.  The God of creation was incarnated (embodied) into a baby boy that was born to a virgin named Mary—Jesus, the Son of God. 

This wicked world needed a Savior, because of sin.  All generations of people since Adam and Eve have been declared “Guilty” because of the “adamic nature” that is born in every person.  This common denominator of disobedience and immoral character of self-indulgent living are the ensnaring fibers that separate us from a holy God.  

The Lord came to seek and to save those that were lost and condemned to hell.  God took upon Himself, flesh, and dwelt among man, because everyone was and is guilty as charged.  Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, which separated them and all future generations from God.  This judgment is inherited by default, but God made a way to reconcile humanity to Him.  

Only God can acquit fallen man for breaking His laws.  His Son’s death on the cross made it possible to set humanity free from their state of rebellion (sin) against the Godhead; free from the sentencing that accompanies sin. 

Humanity need not be sentenced to an eternity separated from God, because we are in the dispensation of God’s grace.  The human race is no longer under Old Testament laws, but if we confess Jesus as Lord of our life, we will certainly endeavor to live by them with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells inside every Christian. 

God shows mercy to those that believe on the name of Jesus and repents of their sins.  Jesus paid the full price for our redemption when He willingly died and shed His blood for the sins of mankind.  He is the mediator, our attorney that stands between God and us and pleads our case before Him.

Jesus bridges the chasm that separates us from God by showing Him the evidence of suffering that He endured for our redemption; nailed-scared hands and feet, and a wound in His side that was placed there by a Roman soldier when he speared Jesus as He hung on the cross suspended between heaven and earth.  The Lord paid the full price for our acquittal.  He willingly died on our behalf, because of His unconditional and absolute love for you and me.

(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.” 

When a person cries out for forgiveness and takes a step of faith toward Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to receive clemency and a purpose for living, God sees them through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.  God immediately releases them from the bonds that held them fast—amnesty is manifested.  The blood reminds God of the promise He made to all people.

(1 John 1:9-10), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  vs.10 “If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”  

There is no other way to escape the sentencing of God except through His Son, Jesus.  God’s guilty verdict is the final ruling if a person stands before Him without the blood of Jesus covering their sins. Sentencing will take place at God’s judgment seat if their name is not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

(Revelation 3:5), “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”

Acquittal happens at the moment of conversion.  What is conversion?  It is when an individual realizes their need of a Savior and surrenders their life to Christ by asking forgiveness of their sins.  God then rights the wrongs that they have done and forgives their sins.

This act of mercy is grace at its finest; given in love.  It is like being born-again.  Our spirit is pronounced clean—“Not guilty.”  We become spotless and white as the driven snow, because God removes the blackness of sin from our heart.  He then throws these sins into the sea of His forgetfulness, never to remember them against us again—even those little, white lies that we thought were okay, but weren’t.

Those that have found grace in the eyes of the Lord are born into the kingdom of God.  They become children of God in His forever family of Believers and joint-heirs with Christ.  His Spirit indwells the inner-being, which makes it possible to worship Him in spirit and truth.

(John 4:24), “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

(1 Corinthians 2:14), “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Every individual is given freewill to choose right from wrong.  They will either live as God would have them live; separated from the pollution of uncleanness, or go their own way and sin, thus, sealing their fate, because they chose Satan’s way of living.  No one can serve God and Satan at the same time.  Freewill chooses one or the other. 

The choices made in this flesh determine the outcome of where our soul resides after death—heaven or hell—acquitted or sentenced.

(Matthew 6:24), “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon.”

(Revelation 3:16), “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

The period of time that the Word of God prescribes to unbelievers is eternity in hell for those that refuse to submit their will unto God and turn from disobedience.  They are separated from God and loved ones forever. 

The verdict is not dependent upon twelve jury members.  God is judge and jury, but we are the ones that determine our destiny; no one else.  The choice is ours as to whom we will serve while on earth—God, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, or Satan, the father of lies and deceit.   

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Will Miss You Mom

It is without a doubt one of the most terrible things in life that we will experience; the passing of a close friend or loved one, especially a mom.  When the final call has been made, “Come home my child.” and the shadow of death falls across the threshold of someone whom we hold dear to our heart, it hurts us deeply and our heart aches, because of the loss. 

Happiness fades under the weight of its sadness, and our world is turned upside down as it crashes around us.  It is difficult for our natural mind to grasp the finality of it all, and without failure, we begin to question, “Why?”

Many times a person can feel cheated and alone even though their siblings are near.  As they filter through the varied and mixed emotions that are being experienced, it is not uncommon for anger to burn within the bosom; a deep, gnawing rage that refuses to let up.  Some individuals, because of grief, blame God for His lack of concern. 

A finger of accusation is quickly pointed in His face with words crying out, “You made a mistake!” while reminding Him of how much their mom had to give and how much love she had to share. 

“Why did He take her?  How could He do this to my family and me?  How could He take our children’s Grandma away from them? How could He turn His back on our prayers and abandon us when we needed Him most?”  These and more are some of the questions asked.    

One thing is sure.  We cannot offend God, nor can we separate ourselves from His love—He is bigger than that.  He hurts when we hurt and wants to embrace us with His outstretched arms of compassion if we allow Him to do so.

(Romans 8:38-39), “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,” vs.39 “nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

God desires to hold us close at these hurtful times and impart strength and peace to our grieving inner-self.  He wants to be that solid rock on which we can stand in times like these.  He is our comforter and hears every prayer we pray.  He sees the tears that fall.  God wishes to soothe and console our troubled heart with His perfect peace, of which we are searching for.

Though answers may never come to the many questions that we have, still we must believe that there is a higher power (God Almighty) that knows us by name and wants to be our strength.  He is always near; a breath away in times of need.  God is in the corridor of our heart speaking peace if we allow ourselves to hear Him.

No one will ever take the place of our precious mom.  She not only gave life to her children, she nurtured and loved us as only a mother could.  Wonderful memories are what she has given. 

As we take a moment to reflect on the countless good times spent with her, we feel her presence once again—memories of how she combed her hair; the smell of her perfume; and the times she corrected us, because she wanted her children to grow up having been loved by her, not only in training, but always.

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

These prized memories will be shared with her grandchildren as they grow into adulthood; sharing with them the legacy that has been such a part of our lives, because of her positive influence and enriched life.  Mom was a woman of prayer not only for her spouse, but as a mother, grandmother, and friend to many—a woman of God.

We are indeed blessed to have had a mom as precious as her.  Thank you, Mom, for loving us so much.  We will miss you dearly.

Written by,

Papa Boyd