Out of Control



I want to elaborate on how bad things are getting around my community.  The name given for the dastardly deeds that out of control teenagers were doing a few years back was called “wilding”—the assault and mistreating of innocent people.  Similar concerns are moving back into our neighborhoods; having to do with blameless bystanders.

Yesterday afternoon my wife and I were enjoying a ride on my Harley Davidson motorcycle, because the weather was pleasant and turning warm.  We were stopped behind another vehicle waiting to turn left at a signal light on Ygnacio Valley Road in the bedroom community of Walnut Creek, California. 

I glanced to my right and noticed a male and female leering at us from across the street.  We were minding our own business and certainly didn’t want any trouble, but problems sometimes knock at inopportune times.  Out of control situations can happen quickly. 

The two stepped into traffic, against the light, and hurriedly walked toward us, staring intently as they drew near.  I thought they were going to get hit by oncoming vehicles, but they were unconcerned.  Creatures like this think they own the road and everyone should yield to their stupidity.

I thought they were going to pass between us and the car ahead, but they stopped at my front tire and said a few words that I didn’t understand.  He proceeded to walk around my bike with his female tag-along following closely behind. 

They were talking to each other under their breath in another language.  To this day I don’t know what I had done to get his feathers up, but he continued to look me straight in the eyes each time he circled my bike; strutting like a peacock.

Something was about to happen.  I revved my engine to encourage the person in front of me to run the light and allow me to get away from the situation that was becoming more and more uneasy.  She was watching intently in her rearview mirror; safe inside her car.  

Each time they circled they moved a little closer to us; staying just out of my reach.  They kept walking around and around about six or seven times.  It was obvious that he was on a peck and was challenging me for whatever reason.  I believe he was building up courage for his attack.  I also think he was just showing out for his companion.

He was a big dude and his mate was almost as husky as him.  By this time I was very nervous for my wife’s safety.  The tension was building; running high.  I was afraid to take on this scumbag turkey for fear of what the other might do to my wife.  

He was getting all puffed up and becoming more agitated and daring each time they circled.  He was certainly insistent in pursuing his agenda.  I could tell that he was getting a little cockier and out of control, because of the way he was moving and jabbering.  I was infuriated at this point. 

The old nature that the Lord had delivered me from in 1969 was raising its ugly head.  My temper was at its peak and I was ready to engage when suddenly my wife let out a bloodcurdling scream… “Get out of here!”

Her adrenaline was pumping out of control!  She was in a fight or flight mode!  Never had I seen this much anger demonstrated from her.  She then kicked at the female and shouted, “Leave us alone!”  The light turned green and I throttled the engine and took off, leaving them in the middle of the street.

I didn’t know how far the encounter would have escalated, but I was prepared to do whatever it took to protect us from harm even if it meant taking him by the throat and breaking his neck.  I was that worked up. 

My wife said later that she saw a motorist that had stopped in the outside lane, laughing as he watched the assault.  He was enjoying the incident; getting a kick out of another person’s misfortune.  The guy just set there, laughing, not doing anything to help.  This is one reason why things are getting out of control in our cities.  No-one wants to get involved anymore.

I’m going back to the same intersection, tonight, to see if I can meet up with the punk again; this time without my wife.  I want to see if he is as brave with me off my motorcycle as when I was on it.  I’m tired of out of control turkeys moving in and out of neighborhoods like they own them.  Something has to be done!

I’ve seen their kind throughout the city, but this is the first time I’ve ever encountered them acting this way.  Perhaps I failed to mention that the two perpetrators were wild turkeys…the gobble, gobble kind. 

They were probably looking at their reflection in the chrome of my motorcycle, or my exhaust pipes were too loud and hurt their ears.  The tom turkey may have been protecting his territory, because it was time to mate.  Who knows?  I only wish I had a video of what took place.  I would probably win first prize on “America’s Funniest Videos.”  

I thought you might need a chuckle today.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Three is not a Crowd



The saying, “two’s company, three’s a crowd” is associated with lovers wanting to be alone.  It most assuredly does not pertain to my experience as a father.

Many people are satisfied and extremely happy raising one child in this challenging economy, whereas, other couples feel compelled to achieve the ultimate dream of motherhood and fatherhood—having a boy and a girl.  My vision of a perfect family fell in the latter—a boy for me and a girl for my wife.

I think it is every man’s desire to have a son first and then whatever happens after that, a “so be it” attitude emerges; as long as he got his son to carry on his name; go hunting or fishing with; enjoy the camaraderie of attending games together; and the list goes on.

In my world of parenting I was fortunate to get my son first and then my darling daughter came along…a perfect and complete family sent from heaven; right?  Yes, my wife and I were ecstatic with the blessings that God had bestowed upon us in the form of two precious lives to call our own, but something wasn’t quite right.

I can’t explain what my wife and I felt a short time later after our daughter was born.  It was a sense of “something’s missing.”  Although we were elated with the things that God was doing in our marriage, the number ‘three’ kept bombarding our mind. 

We were living for the Lord and putting Him first in our life and believed that if we put God at the head of our list of wants that He would give us the desires of our heart, which we strived daily to do.  We trusted the Bible scripture that is found in the book of (Psalm).

(Psalm 37:4-5), “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  vs.5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” 

Was it that we were to achieve our quest for completeness through the adding of pets or an aquarium full of fish to our already perfect marriage?  What was missing?  There was a void that nothing that we tried could fill. 

We finally realized what was absent in our loving home.  It was the missing piece to the beautiful picture of what a perfect marriage, for us, was supposed to look like.  The picture was incomplete, because a third child was missing.

Some people looked at us as if we were short on good sense.  Did we not already have the ideal family with a boy and girl?  They had “two’s company, three’s a crowd” type thinking, but they were not walking in our moccasins, as it were.  They were not privy to, nor could they feel the yearning that was in our heart.  Our philosophy and focus was not on what we had, though we were much aware of our blessings, but what we didn’t have—the missing piece. 

In our young experience and beginning stages of raising two children, my wife and I took what we felt and placed it before the Lord.  Our need and compelling desire for one more blessing from above was on the altar.  We believe to this day that three is not a crowd; in fact, our last accomplishment as parents has proven to be far above all that we could ask or hope for.  Bryan is his name.

(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.”

My son is and has been a pleasure to say the least; a joy in every sense of the word.  His concern for our wellbeing goes without saying—above and beyond the norm. 

Bryan is most aware of the beauty of family and the importance of maintaining a loving connection with his heritage, especially now that he and his beautiful wife are raising a family of their own.  He knows the importance of his legacy and birthright.

Three is not a crowd when the third person is someone like my son.  He greets me with a kiss on the cheek, even in public.  It is not something that he feels strange in doing, because it is a part of his makeup.  He makes me feel important and loved.  I cannot express in words how deeply my love for him lies.  He is my ‘left-hand’ man that loves his mom and dad with all of his heart.  What more could two parents ask for?

Moreover, our missing piece serves God and wants the Lord to be at the head of his household.  He and his dear wife, Glenda, give love unreservedly to their son, Hudson.  Three is not a crowd with him in their lives.  Hudson is the blessing that God chose to give two inexperienced souls like my son and daughter-in-law to raise in an environment where love is expressed without reservation or shame.

An important side note…Three is not a crowd when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a person’s soul, as He did on the Day of Pentecost when God sent the Promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had commanded His apostles to wait for; (Acts 1:4-5).  One hundred and twenty people were endued with power from on high as they tarried in an upper room; (Acts: Chapter 2).

Three is a good number…The Father; the Son; and the Holy Spirit—the Trinity.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

I'm Blessed



“What is it?  What is it?”  I yelled.  These words of anticipation filled the air in the delivery room.  “You’ve got your little girl, honey!”…I exclaimed to my wife after seeing the results of nine hours labor.  Expressions of love, joy and relief rang out from a very proud and happy daddy at the birth of his only daughter—seven pounds, four ounces of loveliness.  Wow!  What a blessed day that was!

I wanted a little girl so badly that when she arrived the beauty of her precious face and long, black hair won my heart immediately.  I fell in love with her the moment I saw her.  She melted my heart and still does every time I see her.  She’s my sweetheart.

Our first child was a boy, but I felt our home was not complete without a girl to warm our hearts even more; a girl for my wife.  Little did I realize the enormous blessing that she would play in completing me as a father.  I don’t think she knows how much she affected me on that wonderful day when God chose me to be her dad.  I’m blessed.

As I write these few words I am welling up with pride, because of her accomplishments.  She has a family of her own now; she is a woman of God and dedicated to His statutes; a loving wife; a compassionate mommy to her two children; an accomplished seamstress, house wife, and registered nurse.  She is a loving daughter that spoils her mom and me by pouring out love like a fountain of refreshing water.

There is something about my daughter that completes the picture—she’s mine!  Our gift from God will always be Daddy’s little girl.  When I look into her hazel, brown eyes I flash back to that amazing day when she made her first appearance.  I am thankful that God blessed us with one of His most precious jewels—Diane Marie.

Love Dad

Written by,

Papa Boyd

"Savage Inequalities"



I have been sheltered from disparity either by choice or by chance—I have not made this determination as yet, but there is a grim awareness that there are inequalities between the poor and the wealthy throughout the land.  I've heard my dad say, “Money begets money and poor begets poor.”  I believe this to be true, and the following statement goes without saying, “Money cannot buy lasting happiness,” although, without proper funding, things can go south very quickly.

Our educational system in the United States seems to be falling apart at the seams, because of the economic downturn in every state of the union.  This in itself affects the quality of education, while the wellbeing of students is at an all-time low.  Lack of money and affective leadership in high places equate to the lack of drive and vision on the part of children that have feelings of insecurity.  Hope is quickly being eroded.

Having been born to a middle class family; growing up in a middle class neighborhood in the small, bedroom community of Martinez, California; in my youth I attended public schools where money was never a problem.  I was shielded within a cocoon that provided me with self-esteem, coupled with a self-motivating desire to achieve whatever goal that was before me.

           

The only time I felt an atmosphere of strain in grade school was on the school playground when I competed for top recognition in sports that we played at recess, or spelling-bee competitions.  I enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of my peers—I was happy and contented.

Thoughts of cutting school never entered my mind, because I felt secure and a part of the environment that I was in.  There were no feelings of being disconnected or detached.  Though I was athletic and above average in scholastics, there were always students just a little better, but I never felt the frustration of wanting to give up.  I only tried harder.

           

I was raised in a loving, Christian home with a paternal influence that helped mold and shape my direction in life.  Because of this godly influence, my foundation was never shaken.  As a child I was solid in my faith that centered upon the Lord Jesus Christ.  

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

Who would think that in some other part of America that there might be a child less fortunate than me?  Wasn't every child in the U.S.A. given the same chances and opportunities that I was given?  I was somewhat spoiled and catered to while growing up, and knew only pluses and very few negatives.

Looking back, I remember while attending high school that my naïve thinking changed from closed mindedness to a responsive awareness.  I experienced a feeling of loneliness and separation.  Construction of another high school across town had just been completed.  Many of my school chums were transferred from the school I attended to the new one, because they lived closer to it.  My school was built decades prior and having some of the problems that accompany old age—disrepair and ugliness.    

           

I became very angry, not only because I was losing my friends, but that I was required to stay at this old, decapitating facility.  It was hard to accept this negative, because the world always revolved around my wants and desires, while growing up. 

Feelings of shame overshadowed the way that I allowed my attitude and demeanor to express itself concerning the matter.  A realization quickly hit me that I really didn’t know what true frustration and disappointment was, but now it was happening to me.  I had been housed in a ‘house of glass’, as it were; too busy within my own four walls of pleasantries to see the unseen truths of poverty and savage inequalities.  I was awakened from the slumber of childhood unawareness.   

There are savage inequalities in America's schools, but I am sure you are aware of this.  We need not take a trip via satellite to see children in other countries that are scorned and neglected.  We need only to look in our own backyard—it is that close.

I was fortunate that my parents had money; but if they were poor and lived in a less opportune location, what would my attitude, self esteem, and desires to achieve have been?  What would I be doing today if I had to endure schools in my youth where the negative environment was not conducive to a favorable learning atmosphere?    

           

If you combine poverty with black or olive colored skin, it only adds to the problems facing these innocent children.  They experience a sense of not belonging.  When they look at their world and see insurmountable walls surrounding them, the likelihood of escape is close to nil.  They give up before they get started, because of the lack of hope.

There is also an overwhelming sense of emptiness that accompanies this hopelessness.  These children often join gangs to try and fill the longing of wanting to belong, which gives them a false sense of importance and security—providing only camaraderie; not the love and affection that are so desperately needed.  It gives an illusion of satisfaction, but the influence is a counterfeit for parental guidance that they don’t have.
    

Many of these struggling children are from broken homes with no male influence to speak of.  The ones having a male figurehead are sometimes led astray, because of the unconstructive lifestyle that person is living.  Parents that are poor may be products of inferior education themselves; lacking the skills to help channel their children in a beneficial manner. 

Parents that have little or nothing sometimes waste what money they have on businesses that sell dreams in the form of lottery tickets.  These establishments sell false hope to people that have none.  Lottery proceeds are suppose to go toward educational programs that are designed to help bolster schools, but in many cases the money goes into state revenues, which fall short of their responsibilities concerning schools and the forgotten children that need a good education.

A quote from a book that I read entitled, “Savage Inequalities,” by Jonathan Kozol, says it very well:  "Look in the toilet if you want to see what life is like for students in the city."  The law requires public education for children, but refuses to upgrade below-standard facilities in poverty stricken schools.  If state leaders would follow through with plans to improve such facilities, this would encourage self-esteem in students and a desire to attend class.  Quality education could flourish. 

Unsanitary conditions prevail and disrepair is everywhere.  Science labs are outdated fifty-plus years, including text books—when text books are available.  There is a lack of needed materials, educational magazines, and the list goes on. 

Cities should be mandated by state or federal government to pump money into public schools when it is obvious that there is a lack of money to sustain a proper environment for learning.  Allocations of money should not depend upon land taxes for obvious reasons.  High land value with rich neighborhoods equals more money for schools, whereas, low land value with poor neighborhoods equals less money for schools.

No student should ever feel that they have been written off by society.  There are many gifted young people that cannot help the fact that they were born into a poor environment, or that their skin is a different color.  The less fortunate should be given the same opportunities to achieve in excellence as wealthy students.  If they are not, their talents and dreams will forever be lost to poverty.  The city and state in which they live should be held accountable for this gross neglect of social injustice.

           

The bottom line for success is education.  The competition for jobs is overwhelming, especially when you are the one looking for a job.  I am thankful for my education and the teachers that influenced my life.  There is no substitute for caring teachers that are concerned for the enlightenment of their students.  These are teachers with vision; helping students to catch the vision.  

I see the need for education like never before.  Without specialized training it is almost impossible for a person to expect advancements in life when the world around them is specialized and technologically advanced.

           

When positive changes in the education system are implemented through action and not just talked about, cities will begin to see fifth and sixth graders attending class, not staying out of school because of boredom.  Educators will no longer see students dropping out of school, because of the hopeless feelings of giving up. 

No longer will children in poor communities have a reputation of “survival of the fittest” or feeling second to the “most favored,” but will come to the forefront of higher academic achievement.  No longer will the diplomas from these poor schools mean nothing, because of the “no student left behind” nonsense.  The poor will be better educated, thus, experiencing break-through and success.

God is in the business of giving hope, free to all that want it.  The dream that He offers is one of reality—eternal life in heaven.  The promise of God is not like the pipedream presented by money hungry mongers that become rich off the misery of others.

Yes, there are savage inequalities everywhere you look, but God is no respecter of person.  He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross to enable all mankind the privilege of being saved from sin.  Jesus Christ is the hope of the world who gave His life that we might find a better way to enjoy this life, while on earth, and then live with Him in heaven after we die.

Satan prefers that we live in savage inequalities, whereas, God made a way that no person need surrender to the poverty that the devil promotes.

(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 “For 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.”

(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.” 

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Katie

I only have eyes for you my dear.

You light up my world that once was drear.

Your laughter can set the captive free.

In those that are looking for peace and glee.

To others you give and give some more.

You offer them hope worth living for.

If ever you think you’ve failed God’s Word.

Remember His voice that you have heard.

God knows you by name that’s for sure.

He smiles each day and keeps you pure.

Forgiven you are, His child will ever be.

Your steps He guides and keeps you free.

In the Lord’s presence His bliss you find.

Your laughter spreads joy for you are kind.

The apple of God’s eye you make Him smile.

He walks by your side each and every mile.

A gift you do share with those that are low.

The sound of sweet laughter to others flow.

Hold your head high, walk tall and be strong.

For God is the one who gives a new song.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Patiently Waiting



The blood has drained from my face, now cold, like a touch from the hand of death.  I look around and all that I see are faces staring back at me as they go by.  I’m on a journey, alone, with no one by my side.  My eyes are teary and somewhat closed, but I can still see.  Everything is going around and around and I can do nothing else, but hold on.  My head is spinning like the times I played 'Ring Around the Rosie' with childhood friends, or when I twirled myself around and around on a swing at the park—it’s that kind of dizziness that I feel. 

My stomach, empty of food, feels tight and woozy, with pressure on the lower bowels, making me feel like I want to mess my pants—pressure like an over tightened belt that’s around the gut.

It is hard to put into words what this up and down, going around feeling is like.  This trip will soon be over and everything will be back to normal—calm and quiet.  It won’t be long now.  No movement or motion will come if I patiently wait.  I’m glad my prayer life is what it is as I continue to hold on for dear life.  My body has never experienced the emotions or sensations that it’s going through at this moment. 

There is a young woman standing just beyond my reach, patiently waiting.  I see her from time to time, and then she fades from sight once more…there she is again, but this time she’s waving goodbye to me.  Or is she waving hello, with a smile, so kind and gentle?  As I reach my hand toward hers she quickly disappears again.  I know she won’t leave; she will be patiently waiting for me to come around again. 

My trek of ups and downs and going around is almost over.  This journey that I’ve never experienced here-to-fore is finally coming to an end.  Around and around I go; where I stop nobody knows.  My squinting eyes give way to full vision—I see clearly now. 

The young lady takes me into her loving arms as she loosens the securing harness that was tightly placed around my waist.  “Oh Dennis…your face is so cold from the cool, night air,” she said.  “Is it over?”  I asked with a disappointing sigh.  With a smile on her face she replied, “Little brother, if you want to ride the carousel horse one more time before we leave, you can.” 

She hugged me and then gave me a big kiss.  We walked hand in hand for a short time and found another ride for small children.  In appreciation I said, “I’m having so much fun!  Thank you for bringing me to the carnival tonight.  I love you Sis.”

This story expresses love and compassion, which reminds me of my walk with God.  I know He will never leave nor forsake me, yet there are times that I feel alone on this trek through life.  At these times I stand on God’s Word and walk by faith.

“Footprints in the Sand,” was written by Mary Stevenson in 1936, which explains my feeling in the above story quite well.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the

beach with the Lord. 

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. 

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. 

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.  But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the

sand.

Why, when I needed you most, you have not been

there for me?”

The Lord replied,

“The times when you have seen only one set of

footprints in the sand,

is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson

(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

When Trouble Comes



There are at least three things that are certain in life; taxes, death, and trouble.  It is how a person deals with them that determines the state of mind in which they walk. 

When people allow themselves to be closed in by an overused, over-glorified canvas of despair, a purported covering of “protection,” it can quickly escalate into a shroud of defeat if the person practicing this behavior is not careful.  They run the risk of walking around with their head hung low and their chin dragging the ground, figuratively speaking. 

Their existence is one of burying their head in the sand of self-pity when trouble comes their way.  It is not a life that they want or look forward to each morning when they awaken—they just live a life of self-centered inwardness; thinking only of their own needs. 

It is possible that their lack of purpose in life is from a self-absorbed existence that may have been caused by someone hurting them in the past, or merely the absence of self-confidence, which can prompt a narcissistic type attitude.  This can happen to anyone if measures are not taken to safeguard against seclusion from sound guidelines of godly principles.  We need to bathe ourselves in God’s Word.

The neglect to guard our mind against negative memories that the devil keeps tormenting us with, or to allow ongoing conversations to run amok and center on problems, create a mountain of trouble, because Satan moves in the realm of confusion. 

When trouble comes, you can trace it back to him—he capitalizes on disorder in the sphere of the negative.  It is like a circle going no-where when Satan directs one’s thinking.  Our saving grace is that God always listens to our woes the moment we cry out to Him for help when trouble comes.  He is ready and willing to deliver us from our oppressor, the devil.  This is one more thing that is certain in life, which far exceeds the three that I’ve already mentioned.

When I look around me I see individuals that appear to be spiritually down all of the time, because I believe they live in a “stunted growth syndrome,” as I call it.  This lifestyle does not permit them to abound to higher heights in the Lord, because they live in defeat.  They cannot mature in faith do to the fact that they are always on the receiving end of encouraging words from others, rather than giving away from themselves.  They fail to put into practice (John 7:37-39).

(John 7:37-39), “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.’”  vs.38 “‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”  vs.39 “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

Grown adults act like little children that hang onto their pacifier or blanket; refusing to toss them aside in order to become and act like mature Christians.  When trouble comes they are quick to fall into a fetal position and start sucking their pacifier or thumb, because they are weak in the faith.  They haven’t learned to walk on their own two feet without having to involve someone else to hold their hand.  They fear to take the next step alone when trouble comes.

Babes in Christ need to seek the same power that fell on the hundred and twenty souls that were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, (Acts 2:1-4).  Boldness comes when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a person that is timid, childlike, and always needing someone else to help them in times of trouble.

When trouble comes, victorious Christians stand in the strength of the Holy Spirit and trust God’s Word to see them through the hour of calamity.  They put into practice what the Bible says in the following scriptures.

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

(Proverbs 3:5-6), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” vs.6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

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

Individuals that were once timid and irresponsible wimps in their faith when facing trouble, become power turbines for God; putting out enormous amounts of energy and electrifying kilowatts, as it were, doing work for the Kingdom of God.

They become power houses as they minister to the needs of others.  Rather than taking in all the time they now give from themselves, while putting away childish notions and fears when trouble comes, because perfect love casts out all fear.

(1 John 4:18), “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

This is the dynamo power that Jesus promised that we could have, which enables us to witness for Him after we have been endued with power from on high.  The anointing of the Holy Spirit is this power that sustains us when trouble comes.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Road Home



There are two roads in life that people are given the choice to travel; the preference is theirs to make.  No other person can make the choice for them.  The decisions leading up to the choice ultimately influence which road they take.  They will encompass God or Satan. 

The journey is filled with worries and heartache for some people, while a victorious journey for others.  It depends upon the character of the person making the choice and to whom their allegiance is given.  This determines what road they travel.  They will either live each moment disobeying God’s commandments; serving the devil, or they will make plans for when life’s moments are over; serving the Lord. 

The road home is narrow, and few people find it.  Every nationality, creed, and color has and is using this road to make their way toward a beautiful destination—heaven.  The road to heaven is made clear and is distinctively and uniquely marked for whosoever will.  

The road leading to destruction is wide, and many go this direction; with its ups and downs, curves, detours, dead-ends and many chuckholes along the way.  Headstrong people choose to disregard sound warnings and use this road to travel to the place that was made for the devil and his angels—hell.

(Matthew 7:13-14) “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”  vs.14 “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” 

The road home is not without its challenges.  Satan, the enemy of our soul, is going to and fro on this road, placing pitfalls, chuckholes, and varying temptations along the way in an attempt to lure us away from our intended destination, which is heaven. 

When chuckholes are hit unexpectedly, some folks quickly learn that by hitting them they cause damage, while others seemingly never learn, or they refuse to see the extent of damage that pitfalls cause.  When pitfalls shake us up enough, consideration takes place on how not to hit them again, but our journey is not always on a clear, bright, and sunshiny day. 

Sometimes it is dark or foggy and many times our headlights are out of alignment, such, that we cannot see the holes, or we are traveling a bit too fast to notice them.  So what do we do?  We hit another one.  We fail to see the signs alongside the road that say, DANGER UP AHEAD…DO NOT ENTER, as we blindly barrel down this narrow road, unaware of the potential hazards that lie in our pathway. 

Coming back from visiting relatives in Redding, California the other day, I saw a sign along the road that read, “Don’t Save Minutes, Save Lives… SLOW DOWN.”  We must obey the signs and keep our alignment straight with God’s Word in order to make heaven our home. 

God wants all of us to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls on the road home that could potentially render our vehicle of travel inoperable.  For this reason He posts signs everywhere in conspicuous places, including red flashing lights, red flags, and even the erecting of barriers to detour us away from trouble up ahead.

God doesn’t inadvertently throw us into uncharted territories and expect us to make it on our own.  If this were the case there would be no one that could find his or her way to heaven’s gates.  As we pay attention to the warning signs along the way and slow down, we can be assured that our journey will be one of success, free from catastrophe. 

As we consider the warning signs and look for the avenue of escape, and then steer around Satan’s traps, he will not be able to disable our forward motion on the road home.  He will have failed in his attempts to strand us alone in a wrecked vehicle without the means to continue our journey.

(1 Corinthians 10:13), “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

If we, for whatever reason, should find ourselves sitting on the side of the road, broken down, unable to move forward, and feeling a little battered and dented, help is just a phone call away.  All we need to do is pray and ask God the Father for help, and it’s on the way.  God said in His Word that He would never leave nor forsake us. 

I thank God for His personal roadside service.  Though we crash and Satan tells us that all hope is gone, God provides the means, whereby, we are able to continue on.  God fixes what is broken and His fix is everlasting.  Jesus is the fix.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

Through Jesus, our journey is made clear and our path is set before us.  We need not fear or worry about what may be around the bend as long as we are paying attention to the signs that are on this side of it and obeying them.  God has already taken care of the unknowns.  We need only to trust Him and rest in His care.

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

God will never point us in a direction without having scouted ahead to prepare a way around the pitfalls that are waiting for us.  He loves and cares for His children, and is diligent and attentive regarding our safety.  His desire is to see that we have an enjoyable, yet safe trip on the way home to Him.

We may not understand why God chooses a certain direction for us to travel, especially when we assume another way is better, but we must trust and have faith in Him that He knows which way is best.  After all, His goal is to get us to our destination in one piece, without a broken axle, a broken universal joint, or a broken differential gear, figuratively speaking.

God wants us to make it home safely…and we will, as long as we allow Jesus to be our co-pilot or better yet our chauffer.  Placing the Lord in the driver’s seat of our life and permitting Him to safely maneuver our vehicle around life’s pitfalls, which are in a territory unknown to us, is the only sure way of making it to the Promised Land.  Jesus knows the way home to heaven.

We’ve never traveled this road here-to-for, so why do so many people think they can do it on their own?  We can’t!  That is the reality of our journey.  Without Jesus and His roadmap, the Bible, there is no possible way that any person can know the way home to God. 

The devil will certainly point us toward the wide road to destruction if we allow him to do so.  He will laugh at our calamity as we pile into those that have gone before us, thinking they could make it on their own without Christ.  There is only one clear direction; a one-way street on the way home—the only way—Jesus.

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

Keep on Believing

“Lord I believe, but help my unbelief” is a prayer that I’ve prayed many times through the years.  It’s one thing to read about God’s miraculous power in the Bible and how the saints of God trusted Him, but I believe it is more intensive trying to walk by faith in today’s world.  Believing that God wants to fulfill us not only through his manifested presence in our life, but supplying needs and special desires is a walk of faith.  It is difficult sometimes to keep on believing.

We must remember that God is not like the human race with fallible, wishy-washy attitudes that are misguided and lacking follow-through.  We cannot compare God to humanity.  Mankind will always fall short of the mark of excellence and fail in the attempts to achieve perfection, because of human nature.  God is truth, perfection, and everlasting compassion, with eternal love.

If God says that He will do something, believe Him.  He does not lie.  When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and invites Him into his or her heart by asking to be forgiven of their sins, they pass from death unto life in the eyes of God.  God sees that person as perfect through Jesus His Son.  They become joint-heirs with Christ; sons and daughters of God.

(Matthew 21:21-22), “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.’”  vs.22 “‘And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.’”

(James 1:6), “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.”

Our Father in heaven desires to bless his children with good gifts.  God promises that He will give His children the desires of their heart.  They need only to ask.  When the asking begins, I remind God that I believe in His Word and that I have faith, but I ask Him for help with my human frailties and mental attitudes of unbelief. 

Many times we want something so badly that our ambitious thought process for obtaining it captures every waking moment.  We pray without ceasing hoping that God will hear, yet our petition is seemingly not answered.  Rest in the Lord!  Keep on believing!  Keep on trusting God and begin to thank Him for the answer even though the results are still hidden from view.

(James 5:16), “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

God is never late.  His timing is impeccable; perfect and flawless.  He is always on time, so don’t give up hope or the faith that brings hope to fruition.  Refuse to listen to Satan’s lies.  The answer is just around the corner, because God promised that He will give to us what we believe Him for. 

We may not see the answer yet, but as we maintain faith, while trusting that the answer is on the way, we will see it come into view and materialize.  The promise of God will present itself before our searching eyes.  God does not make mistakes, nor has He forgotten where we live.  Keep on believing.

Exercising and maintaining faith takes discipline with an attitude of steadfastness, until the answer becomes reality.  We behold our petition through the eye of faith, because we trust God.  He supplies the need according to His will, because we keep on believing that He will do so.  When the answer to our prayer appears, it causes our emotions to spring up from the inner most part of our being like a river of living water.  Faith is increased as we read God’s Word.   

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

Stand strong in the knowledge that God wants to give to us more than we desire to receive.  Keep on believing.  Don’t let the 3D’s creep in and steal your hopes and dreams.  Disappointment, Discouragement and Doubt steal victory.  Rebuke the devil when disappointment is thrown your way before you sink to the level of discouragement and then doubt.  Refuse to submit to Satan’s tactics to deceive. 

God loves you with a passion that cannot be equaled and He wants you to be happy.  Keep on believing with all that is within you and pray that God will help you in times of unbelief, and He will.

Written by,

Papa Boyd