Justify by Reason of Insanity



According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, the word ‘justify’ can mean, “to show an adequate reason for something done.”  I then looked up the word ‘adequate’.  The definition resonated in my mind:  “barely satisfactory; acceptable but not remarkable.”

Do I want to live an average; run of the mill; second rate; middle-of-the-road; ordinary; mediocre existence for God, or one of honor; respect; reverence; having ethical and moral values?  These thoughts bring us to the following considerations.

I am acquainted with people that live their life on the edge of insanity; walking the borderline between right and wrong decisions, while justifying choices they make when wanting something that may not be in their best interest to obtain.  Some people call it, “The Gray Area.”

When people use justification as a means to acquire things that fall in the category of “Should I or shouldn’t I,” and they find themselves in the gray column of “do or don’t,” in my opinion, I believe they are on the brink of insanity if they pursue anything that can jeopardize their camaraderie with God.  I’m talking about walking in victory and knowing that all is right with one’s Maker.

When we do things that are a bit questionable, or downright wrong with respect to honesty, we fail in our duty as Christians to demonstrate and maintain a Christ like testimony to those around us that are watching our every move and listening to the comments we make. 

We cheapen our stand for God by allowing desires and compromise to taint better judgment.  Total and complete truthfulness is a must when dealing with people and situations of life.

When we justify our actions with reason, we are treading on thin ice.  Sensible thinking tells us to take a closer look at what we are doing and ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” 

It is easy to justify things in our own eyes, and be justified in the eyes of others to do certain things, but the question is this:  “Am I justified in the eyes of God?”  This will always give the right answer; perhaps not the answer we want, but it will be the correct one.  That is most important.

Justification takes the place of good decision making.  The ones justifying their actions are tiptoeing in the area of ‘compromise’ rather than running with honor in a place called ‘integrity’.  Adam and Eve became caught up in reason and deception; look what happened to them.  They were cast out of the Garden of Eden.

Though God instructed them not to eat, nor touch the fruit of the tree which was in the midst of the garden, they justified their actions and ate its fruit anyway.  The serpent had deceived Eve in believing that her eyes would be opened, and she would be like God, knowing good and evil if she ate of it.  He told her that she wouldn’t die as God had declared that she would.  (Genesis 3:1-24)   

After sinning, Adam and Eve hid from God, because they knew they had done wrong.  Their relationship with Him was compromised, because of disobedience and momentary insanity.  They lost everything in exchange for a moment of self-indulgence. 

This is what can happen when people justify their actions through the process of reason, even though the thing they want is not conducive or advantageous to their walk with the Lord.  

The fruit was enticing to body senses.  It looked good; smelled good; and the touch of it felt good.  The conclusion to Eve’s curiosity; she tasted that it was good.  She then offered it to Adam and he too ate of the forbidden fruit.  They justified their actions of disobedience, because of their desire to partake rather than refrain and obey God.

Though the senses played a big part in their sin, I surmise that the notion of being told they couldn’t do something sparked the “I want to do it anyway” feeling in them.  Does this sound familiar?

Raising three children I knew the frustration that accompanied wrong choices.  When they disobeyed my instructions, the pain of correction followed. 

I remember the words of my father:  “This hurts me more than it does you.”  As a child, I too made wrong choices and disobeyed my parents from time to time, only to suffer the consequences of my transgressions and rebellious actions.

It was easy to justify in my mind reasons why I should not listen to what my mother and father had told me not to do, which failed to hold water when the truth of my actions caught up with me.

(Numbers 32:23), “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.”

The trait of justifying one’s actions follows children into adulthood.  Why is it that people concoct and fabricate a platform of reasons to obtain something they know in their heart is wrong?  This “sin nature” is inherent in every person, of all ages and generations, from Adam and Eve to the present.

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

When someone steps into the arena of justification, and those standing by are aware of their plight to obtain something that is in the gray column of “do or don’t,” I believe the bystanders may be as guilty as the one stepping out of cadence with God. 

If the onlookers allow another person to pursue their course of action without saying something to them in opposition, and then follow their lead and the choices they made, despair is knocking at the door for all parties involved.  As I stated earlier, they are on the brink of insanity to do so.  I call this action of looking the other way, “Guilty by association.”  

Another form of justification is when observers reason in their mind that it is not they themselves doing wrong, but rather the other person.  In everyone’s life there comes a time when the complexities of reason must cease and the integrity of pure, unadulterated honesty should be required of oneself to come to the forefront. 

Wrong is wrong no matter how a person paints it to appear otherwise.  They justify, by reason, their actions to seize what they want.  I believe we must stand for righteousness rather than lowering ourselves to another person’s level.  As someone said, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

A high, moral standard of living is needed as much today as when Jesus walked the earth.  Rather than to excuse oneself and say, “It’s the other person doing it,” we must abstain from Satan’s enticement to ‘justify by reason of insanity’.  We should conduct ourselves as Jesus would do, given the same circumstances.  A disciplined attitude and positive mindset on the things of God are expected of us by our Father in heaven.

It is wise to step away from negative, unhealthy influences lest we ourselves are considered as co-conspirators of wrong doing by God, because of going along with someone else’s agenda to justify their actions.  It develops into a negative connotation to those that choose to remain rather than severing the relationship.  They become a reflection of the one walking away from God’s best for their life.  Remember, “Birds of a feather flock together.”

Should Christians condone gray areas of justification, or should they run from it?  I choose the latter.  At times it may appear that Christians come out on the short end of things, but God has the final say.  He promotes those that stand for righteousness; prospering them in many ways that are void of heartache and stress.

When a person refuses to compromise their faith, for any reason, and rejects the temptation to go along with someone else’s misdirected brainstorm, God’s Word prevails.  It offers solace and direction to those abiding in truth.

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

(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

Vexation of Spirit

For the most part, people have certain goals and aspirations, whether subconscious or otherwise.  Their desire is to see them materialize sometime in their life.  I believe it is dependent upon their measure of faith and other underlying reasons that determine whether or not they achieve such thoughts or visions.

Many books and seminars on the power of positive thinking have come to the forefront through the years.  In part, they are instructional in nature on the art of achieving fame and fortune in the face of opposition; or how to overcome laziness, which is a poignant matter unto itself. 

Emphasis is placed on the concept of personal inhibitions or lack of ability vs. the pride of ownership.  The “how” behind the drive, or lack of it, is the question behind the facade of well-doing in the status quote of living and the attempts to make ends meet, while achieving success.

Get-rich-quick schemes are as numerous as there are people with a diminished wherewithal to achieve success within themselves.  People that take the initiative to zero in on those that lack drive, self-confidence, and enthusiasm are the ones getting rich by selling their ideas and techniques regarding positive thinking. 

There is nothing wrong with attaining money.  It is called, entrepreneurship.  It is alive and well in some people’s areas of expertise.  Hard work and perseverance are two of the initiatives surrounding a focused endeavor of free enterprise.  It pays off; monetarily in some cases, accompanied with satisfaction of mind; depending upon the person and circumstances that surround individual ventures.  You know what they say, “Nothing ventured; nothing gained.”

The power of positive thinking is on a parallel course with the power of positive faith.  It is simple in nature, with concepts straightforward, but perpendicular regarding ‘recognition of source’. 

The power of positive thinking is coupled with self and the ability within a person to ignite a personal drive to accomplish goals, whereas, the power of positive faith centers around God and His ability to bring things to pass through our efforts; coupled with the notion, “God helps those who help themselves.”

There are leaders and there are followers, depending upon personalities and the nature of individuals, which are greatly affected by circumstances surrounding their trek through life.  Situations, status, environment, acquaintances, health, and luck have a direct influence in the development of personalities and success.  They are all factors, but where God is concerned, is it luck or His providence that gives direction? 

(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.”

There is nothing wrong with reading books on the subject matter of how to better oneself, but until a person puts into practice what they read, it accomplishes little in areas of self-worth and confidence.  It’s like reading the Bible and not abiding by what it says in order to find abundant living and inner fulfillment.

It takes ‘doing’, whether in the power of self or the power of God to accomplish things in life.  Both bring success into view when people arise and get to work through the process of doing.  Success is just a stone’s throw away, a relatively short distance, when people set in their minds to accomplish something, whether in self or with God’s help.  This is the parallel that I was referring to earlier.

We need only to look around at the success of godless individuals in Hollywood and non-Christian business tycoons that have millions of dollars to buy anything they want in life, but one thing remains sure and unchangeable.  There is one word that is missing in their vocabulary that money cannot buy.  This word is ‘peace’.  Though they may attain things and the recognition of others, without peace, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Yes, anyone can be motivated to aspire to greater heights in self-worth, and to go forth and conquer fear and the roadblocks that cause stagnation in one’s life, but the bottom-line to the ‘equation for success’ is about eighteen inches long.  It is the distance from the brain to the heart.

If we accept, as truth, the promise in the Bible, (Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and believe in our heart that it is for us today, we can move mountains, as it were, while giving God the glory when goals are achieved; rather than becoming puffed up in self-accomplishment and saying, “Look what I did.”

The mantle of peace is stimulated and attained when self is removed from the throne of well doing.  When the gratitude of one’s ‘heart of flesh’ is directed properly in God’s direction (as it should be), and He is recognized as being the sole reason for success, rather than the ‘brain of stone’, known as self-will, being praised; we tap into God’s resources of living water that will never run dry, thus, living in peace; having an abundant life in Christ.

When anyone leans upon their own abilities and understanding, these delicate areas can be influenced by freewill, which create a feeling of, “Who needs God?”  The more the Prince of Peace is ignored and snubbed, the deeper in despair a person falls prey; causing vexation of spirit.

(Proverbs 3:5-8), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” vs.6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  vs.7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.”  vs.8 “It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”

When we place God in His rightful place on the throne of our heart, He gives us the desires thereof without the aggravation that accompanies pig-headedness and self-will living.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



The Clamor of Worldly Chatter



When I think about communication and the importance of its delivery and reception, it is dependent upon how a person receives what is being said that determines the interpretation of its content.  The perception is most important in how the message comes across; though presentation goes hand-in-hand with insight.

When I was a youngster growing up in the hippie movement, much emphasis was placed on the ‘communication gap’, because of the challenges facing families at that time.  It was the topic of Christian circles everywhere.  The inability of children and parents; husbands and wives; clergy and church laity to understand one another was the core, fundamental reason for seminars, sermons, and professional counseling sessions.

It seemed like everyone had an answer in their little, black bag to the quandary of better communication and how it should be accomplished.  Communication, or the lack thereof, has not improved through the years.  It has only gotten worse, now decades later.   

In my opinion, the problems facing families when I was a teenager do not compare with the troubles confronting communication skills today.  With the advanced innovation of personal computers and the ability to text on telephones (that most everyone carries), and many other electronic devices that are flooding the market today, it is no wonder that the clamor of worldly chatter is becoming a conglomeration of noise; the chitchat of misunderstandings and miscommunication, because of the vernacular and lingo being used.

True communication skills are a lost art with most children, because of video games, far-reaching types of music being played through ear buds, and the hundreds of text messages exchanged each day with family and friends, to name a few—an endless barrage of mind numbing chatter.  I call it, ‘white noise’.  “A sound containing a blend of all the audible frequencies distributed equally over the range of the frequency band,” according to Webster’s New World Dictionary.

No longer is it necessary to use words or complete sentences.  Abbreviations and codes are used to communicate, which encapsulate the realm and subject matter of white noise.

Communication at home is becoming a thing of the past, because of electronic devices.  Surfing the net, for example, steals hours of precious time from family members.  I thought communication was difficult in my day, but it is swiftly disappearing in today’s society as people submerge themselves in a self-imposed environment of recluse living.

Everywhere I look I hear the clamor of worldly chatter that misses the mark of closeness; so desperately needed, yet missing.  I see men and women ignoring their children and each other at restaurants as they search the web on their phones; text messages going and coming; or talking to someone other than those nearest to them.

The word ‘rude’ does not compute with self-centered people with tunnel vision.  It has gotten so bad; their idea of having fun is a text luncheon with friends on the phone rather than spending quality time with family members at the dinner table. 

Building confidence and making one’s spouse and offspring feel important, like they are the most significant people in the world, is not happening.  The lack of it creates unsettled emotions of doubt and misgivings that Satan uses against the family.  He tempts husband and wife to find other interests, while children resist obeying as they ought. 

I see children disobeying their parents like never before.  I believe, in part, it is a direct reflection of the lack of communication in homes between parent and child.  Parental voices become unfamiliar; void of essence and real meaning, because of worldly chatter that takes up most of the parent’s free time.  It is shameful. 

Lack of communication causes calamity to knock at the door of families.  Satan is in the business of destroying relationships.  Time is short.  Taking advantage of the time we have with loved ones; communicating and enjoying what God has blessed us with; wards off Satan’s attempts to divide and conquer.

White noise is invading the workplace.  Giving eight hours work for eight hours pay is becoming a thing of the past, because of the upswing of talking on phones and sending text messages on company time.  Instead of working, employees are playing. 

What happened to dedication, integrity, and faithful employees that were once committed to honorable behavior; having dependable character?  Failure to train children in the home about self-worth as being viable and important is perhaps the reason.  It is essential, yet lacking and ignored.  The clamor of worldly chatter is to blame in part, because noble attributes are lost in the wake of non-reactive; non-responsive listening.

Clamor is also filtering into neighborhood churches.  When the pastor is trying to deliver his message, inevitably, phones sound out without fail throughout the congregation.

My goodness, people are becoming more and more disrespectful and rude every day; having little regard for the feelings of others, even in church.  No wonder communication lacks substance.  It has become white noise—sounding brass or a clanging cymbal; having little value with no-one really hearing what is being said.  The person talking is usually the one listening to their own rhetoric.

Everywhere you look, young people are going off the deep end; turning to drugs and alcohol to numb the longing to belong; created by an unfruitful existence.  Some are killing themselves, because they lack hope.  No-one is listening to their cry for help.  They need someone to hear and care about the inner struggles they are having, but everyone is too busy talking and not listening.

The clamor of worldly chatter is taking its toll in the lives of our youth.  In all walks of life, from the poorest of families to the affluent; optimism is fading.  We cannot place a thermometer, as it were, on those of less fortune and expect it to read higher than those of the prosperous.  All classes of young people are burning up with the fever of hopelessness.  They feel alone and helpless. 

Loneliness knows no degree of material comfort when the intensity of a hurting soul goes unheard.  No matter what a person’s status in life may be, when the devil stirs the pot of unhappiness, the scale of things missing in their life is only intensified and the void more pronounced.

Christians must stop and listen, lest they miss opportunities to share the Lord with those that are looking for peace and someone to care.  Souls are desperate for anyone to hear their cry for help.  It is our duty to present Jesus to the weary hearted that have lost their way; destitute and afraid.  They need to know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He alone makes the difference. 

We must assure those that are lonely, without hope, that there is One who cares and hears their cry.  Christians have an obligation to tell them that God listens and then manifests His Spirit according to their degree of need, because Jesus died on the cross to afford them the freedom of son ship.  They need not suffer the pangs that unbelief and sin bring.  Christ is the answer to all of their requests—He hears the heartbeat of their suffering.  For this reason, God gave His Son for all mankind.

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

(Colossians 4:6), “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

(Ephesians 4:29), “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

 

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Family of God

I met an exceptional woman 42 years ago in a bedroom community near San Francisco, California.  I have never met a woman quite like her.  Her kindness to others and love for her husband and children is undeniably strong and true.

When we met, the love she exuded was like none I had ever experienced, other than that of my mom’s love for me.  This woman walks with confidence, because of the assurance she has in God.  She lives for Him and knows His peace, because her faith is ‘childlike faith’; the kind that we are to have in Christ Jesus.

The longer I know her the more I love her.  She has become the piece that had been missing in my life for so long that not too many women could have filled.  The quality of her love reminds me of my mom’s love; genuine—real.

This woman’s prayer life is like no other person that I know—early to rise, with a purpose; to pray for the needs of others.  She is none other than my mother-in-law.  I call her Mom, because she loves me like a son.

With the passing of my mother at the young age of 58, it left my heart feeling empty, the kind of emptiness that only a mother can fill.  My mother-in-law filled this void; plus, blessing me with her daughter in marriage.  I received a double blessing for sure.

When I think of the connection that prophets of old had with God, I immediately consider my second mom as being like them—a patriarch for Jesus.  Her faithfulness and loyalty to God rank highest of any person I know; a virtuous woman of God.  When things go wrong I know in whom I want to pray, because her connection with God is solid. 

When decisions must be made, I ask her to call upon God for me.  When my children have needs, they call Grandma to have her pray.  Everyone knows when she prays that God hears and answers her prayers.  When she prays, she believes that He will do what His Word says He will do…such faith!  I believe that she is the apple of God’s eye and has a direct path to Him, because of the measure of faith that she possesses. 

A side note:  My mother-in-law just this minute called on the phone.  I told her that my better half had gone to the store to buy some medicine to get me over the hump regarding the cold I’ve been suffering with.  Mom prayed a couple of days ago for me and I was feeling much better after she prayed; so she prayed again just now. 

At the end of her prayer I said, “It is finished!”  I believe that she called, because God was ready to complete the work in my body.  I only needed to reach out by faith and claim my healing.  I believe I did when I said, “It is finished!”  Thank God for His healing power!  It is finished!

I was certainly blessed to have found a loving family to be my in-laws, rather than another family of outlaws.  At 92 years old and still living in her own little house, her body is in constant pain from arthritis in her back and other places.  She can barely get around at times, because of the pain; yet, Mom's faith in God’s power to heal has not diminished or weakened; only made stronger. 

When anyone in her senior class, in Sunday school, has a need of any kind, who do you think they call?  They call Mom, because they have faith in her prayers.  She prays with the same expectation that Peter and John had when they saw the man that was lame from birth, begging alms at the gate to the temple.

(Acts 3:1-8), “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.”  vs.2 “And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; vs.3 “who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.”  vs.4 “And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’”  vs.5 “So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.”  vs.6 “Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’”  vs.7 “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”  vs.8 “So he leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”

When Mom is moved upon by the Holy Spirit and the anointing of God is on her, floods of living water are unleashed and enter your life; you know that God heard her prayer, because things happen when she prays.

Right now, before you do anything else, please bow your head and whisper a prayer on her behalf.  Ask God to intervene in her body.  She needs a touch—she needs healing!  Will you please pray for Marie?

Thank you.  I believe that God heard your prayer.  I am expecting good reports in the coming days as God’s people bind together on behalf of Mom.  Thank you for being a part of her healing.

We are to pray for one another, because we are in the family of God.  Like the song says that was written by Bill Gaither; “Family of God.”  Some of the lyrics go like this:  “…when one has heartache, we all share the tears, and rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.  I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God…”

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Adrift



I think most people know the importance of boat anchors and how they secure seagoing vessels.  With sails down or engine out in rough waters, without the help of an anchor to secure a boat, it will become unstable and drift out of control; sideways to the waves, which can capsize the boat.  Running aground is another possibility unless an anchor is employed. 

Associated with an anchor is the anchor line, which tethers the boat to the anchor.  Care must be taken to maintain this line in superb condition.  It must be strong enough to withstand the ongoing forces that are imposed from gale winds and rolling seas.  Manufacture's ‘integrity of strength’ specifications are most important to preserve, because human lives are dependent upon the line doing the job that it was designed to do.  

The anchor line must be 5 to 7 times longer than the depth of water.  This standard practice provides the length needed to restore stability to the boat in high wave conditions.  So if the water is 10 feet deep, the line must be 50 to 70 feet long.  That could be a very lengthy anchor line should the water be exceptionally deep. 

It stands to reason that something other than a standard anchor had to be put into operation.  Think about it, the deepest part of the ocean is the Mariana Trench, located not very far from Japan in the Western Pacific Ocean.  It has a maximum depth of 10,923 meters (35,840 ft).  A standard anchor system is non applicable where waters are deep.

Researchers came up with the very successful ‘parachute sea anchor’.  Commercial fishermen have been using these anchors for decades.  The anchor line or “anchor rode” is securely connected to the reinforced bow of a vessel and the other end attached to a large, submersible parachute; designed to slow drift and provide stability.  Drift is reduced up to 90% and the bow is kept pointed comfortably into the seas.

I am not a seafaring person, but rather a landlubber instead.  Like many of my acquaintances, we lack the skills and wherewithal needed to sustain a safe and successful voyage on any type of seaworthy vessel.

I am confident in my abilities to work on cars, and do carpentry, plumbing, and other industrial trades, but sailing is not my forte.  It takes a bigger person than I, with much more experience, to battle the powers of Mother Nature. 

Even highly trained skippers, tacticians and crew members have capsized or ran aground in their expensive, competition sailing crafts and racing yachts; having lost their lives when something unexpected went wrong.

Fishermen in Jesus’ day were familiarized with fishing from youth on; making a living selling the catch from each day.  There wasn’t too much they couldn’t handle when storms arose over the waters they fished.  The skills they had mastered through the years were instrumental in keeping their boat from capsizing or running aground when the waters became troubled.

Though experienced, when fishermen lost sails, oars, or a rudder, they were in trouble; adrift in angry waters, which could mean sure disaster unless they had an anchor to tether their vessel to.  Riding out a storm, tied to an anchor, was a last stitch effort for survival.  They were thankful for the anchor and the solid rock that the anchor gripped.

Many people in today’s societies find themselves adrift on the ‘sea of life’ without the means of directing their lives to a safe haven.  They need shelter from the elements that seek to capsize their physical and spiritual vessel, yet they are trying to navigate through unfamiliar waters within their own strength and abilities; lacking the expertise to combat the storms that Satan brings.  Satan’s attempts to sink their ship are unending—such is life without Jesus at the helm.

Nothing is worse than being adrift in an angry world of unbelief and sin.  Sin, when allowed to engulf one’s vessel, brings fear and death.  The only hope for peace and calmness is in the forgiving power of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  He alone is the rock of our salvation.  We are secure in Him.  In Jesus there is safety from the influences of godless sinners and the storms that Satan sends our way.

There is a hymn called, “The Solid Rock,” lyrics and music by Ruth C. Jones; I used to sing it in church all the time.  Three verses, but the refrain goes like this: 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes He’s the One

This Rock is Jesus, the only One

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock

The rudder of our faith is the Holy Bible—God’s Word.  It provides the wherewithal to keep ourselves afloat in perilous times by giving direction and lighting our way.  Bible truths are the oars and sails that give assurance when strength is needed to combat the storms that Satan creates.  The ‘anchor rode’ is the Holy Spirit, who keeps us tethered to Jesus, our Rock.  We must take care to preserve a good connection with Him; keeping our relationship strong.

(Psalm 119:105), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

When storms surround us; trying to capsize our life; and we don’t know which way to go; as long as we are tethered to the unmovable Rock—Jesus, He will hold us fast and secure; keeping us safe from all alarm.

(Psalm 62:2), “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”

If you are looking for the cove of peace, Jesus is the lighthouse that directs you safely home.  No longer need you drift without direction in the blackness of uncertainties.  Jesus is the light of hope in this world of darkness when everything else fails.  You can rely upon His mercy and grace to see you through safely.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

In Him



I retired early last evening, because I had overtaxed my body by mowing and edging the lawns around my house; trimming the five cypress trees that line the north side of my driveway; and I trimmed several shrubs that needed my attention.  I also washed my car and truck.  My body was a little tired to say the least.

While lying in bed my mind was stayed upon the Lord; thinking about His awesome goodness and how He shows longsuffering with regards to my imperfections.  I reminisced past years and thought how wonderful the Lord had been to me and how blessed I was to have experienced His forgiving grace at an early age of twenty-five.  

Since I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, He has never in all the time that I have lived for Him, left me to weep alone or failed to walk by my side in any situation that I faced.   The Lord was always present; allowing me to cast all of my burdens and cares upon Him.

Jesus has stuck closer than a brother and never left or forsook me even in the hard times.  That is certainly more than I can say for some “friends” that I have known through the years.  There has never been a truer statement made than the following Bible scripture:

(Proverbs 18:24), “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

As I laid there thanking God for His perfect, never failing love, and the mercy that encapsulates my very being, I was reminded of the saints of God—patriarchs of old—that walked and talked with Jesus.  They gave their very life for the cause of Christ.

To give ones life speaks of the incredible, solidarity of faith, and the willpower and strength that indwelled each of the disciples.  They were full of the Holy Spirit who gave them the potency and ability to die for godly statutes to which they had committed themselves.

They knew how to live in Christ, and believed that to die was gain.  They were martyred for standing up for the teachings that Jesus lived and taught.  Note:  The sinful nature of mankind refuses to adhere to righteous living, and will try to remove holiness from their presence, because the purity of honor and nobility reveals how dark their world is without the Lord.

The Lord reminded me that He has been with me not only in the good times, but hard times as well.  He has been my confidant and the lifter of my head when I needed someone to talk to and lean upon.  Jesus not only was with me yesterday; He is here today; and tomorrow I can count on Him to be there. 

(Psalm 46:1), “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.”

God’s unfailing love helps me through every obstacle that may come my way.  He has never said, “You again?”  The Lord always makes a way where there seems to be no way, because my steps are directed by God.  He takes care of the small, annoying things that creep into my life as well as the larger challenges.  God speaks peace to my troubled soul when it is needed.

That which Jesus does for me, He will do for anyone that places their life in His hands.  To be a child of God means that Father God is responsible for the wellbeing and welfare of His children.  He is mindful of every need, including the desires of one’s heart.  God gives grace according to His will and good pleasure.  He knows best what we need more than we know ourselves.

God may not always allow us to have every little thing that we think we need, because He knows what is best to make us complete in Him.  He wants the very best.  God causes good to come out of situations that we face or find ourselves in, because of His great love for us.

While lying in bed and allowing my spirit to reach out and touch my heavenly Father, a soothing aura fell across my body like a bed sheet.  I knew God was touching my senses; allowing me to feel His presence.  It was awe-inspiring!

I don’t walk by these special feelings or base my salvation on them when I encounter God’s presence from time to time.  I endeavor to walk by faith, though it is always an awesome experience when my senses are ministered to by the Holy Spirit.  It affirms my relationship with God the Father.

(Romans 10:9) “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

To know God is to love Him, and I love Him dearly.  He is not only my all-in-all and problem bearer; He is my problem solver.  Jesus is my sounding board who listens when I have something on my mind and need to talk. 

The Lord is my Savior, Redeemer, and soon coming King.  In Him I stand complete and whole.  In Him lies my hope of eternal life in heaven.  Without this hope I would be of all men most miserable.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Struggle to Measure Up

One thing is sure; we are not strong in and of our self.  Though we may subscribe to goodness and the idea of treating others as we want to be treated, character is what we are when no-one is looking—the true test of moral fiber.

Innocent as it may seem to natural, carnal thinking; telling a little, white lie, for example, is sin.  It will have its day in court—having its own judgment—death. 

(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.”

Allowing one’s body to rule over a sound, inner conscience, which I believe is the voice of the Holy Spirit; and adhering to acts of depravity, spells ‘disobedience’.  This willful disregard to right thinking is unacceptable to God.  The key word here is ‘willful’.  Every person is at liberty to choose right or wrong; to adhere to the teachings of the Bible or not.  We have the freedom of choice.

(1 Corinthians 6:17-19), “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”  vs.18, “Flee sexual immorality.  Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”  vs.19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”  vs.20 “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

How then can a person put off a sinful nature to measure up to the holiness of Jesus?  Some people exclaim, “It is a struggle!”  The Bible teaches that we are to flee temptation, but the glamour of sin is hard to resist when people try to run from it within their own strength.  Without God’s help it is impossible to restrain oneself from the glitz of temptation, because of human frailties and individual weaknesses.

In my pastor’s sermon last Sunday he stated that Joseph, the son of Jacob, literally ran from temptation when a married woman tried to seduce him, (Genesis 39:12), whereas, King David, because of unrestrained lust, yielded to temptation and lay with another man’s wife.  He then had her husband killed to cover up his transgression after learning that Bathsheba had become pregnant with David’s child, (2 Samuel 11:4). 

How can a person run from temptation when it draws them like a magnet?  Remember, to be tempted is not sin; we are all tempted.  It becomes sin when we entertain immoral thoughts and surrender to fleshly desires, thus, submitting to wrong doing.  This allows sin to come to the forefront.  These acts of disobedience produce regrets and condemnation—sin takes top billing.

Anytime a person colors outside the lines of ‘self-image’, sin is knocking at the door.  It is far better to evaluate the end result of carelessness than to end up with a self-portrait resembling death.

(Colossians 3:1-2) “If then you were raised with Christ; seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.”  vs.2 “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

God provides a way out of any situation where there seems to be no way.  It is up to the individual being tempted to look for the escape route and then take it.  God is our strength by which we are able to stand against the devil, the enemy of our soul.   

(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.”

To some Christian’s way of thinking it is a struggle to measure up to the attributes of Jesus.  Is this not an attitude or indication of trying to achieve perfection on their own when thoughts like this occur?  They negate the power of the Holy Spirit in their life when they entertain such thoughts.  We are all weak, but He is strong, and that’s what makes the difference.

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

When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, the struggle to measure up subsides, because living for Jesus is a way of life, not a drudgery of dos and don’ts.

(1 John 1:7), “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd 



Now What



Some people are as curious as cats, whereas, this writing leans toward life rather than the notion that ‘curiosity killed the cat’.  My research has revealed that this proverbial expression has been around for centuries; having different meanings.

I believe that curiosity can be a good thing, but patience must inter into the scenario concerning life.  The shortcoming that can undermine a person’s good sense, in this computer age, is the lack of patience.  Some individuals demand answers now, while others are easy going and take each day as it comes.

The nature of most people is that of impatience.  Curiosity, as it were, stimulates an inner drive of a “Now what?” mentality.  They don’t want things a month, a week, or even a day from now; they want it in the present—now.  Christians are no different.

After I accepted Jesus into my heart, my next question was, “Now what?”  I wanted more of Him and a deeper relationship, yet having questions that needed to be answered.  I was curious and wanted to understand the meaning of life and what it held for me now that I was a Christian. 

Just because God changes a person’s status in Him at the moment of conversion, being born again as it is called, does not always negate that person’s personality traits overnight.  It takes time for questions to be answered through the reading of the Bible and receiving advice and direction from mature Christians in the faith. 

Listening to sermons presented by God-anointed preachers certainly gives insight into God’s plan for our life and what He expects of us now that we have become His child.  It takes a little longer for some people, depending on their personality, to bring positive changes to the surface.

I have seen new Christians that were gung-ho in their newly found relationship with Christ.  They knew the return of Jesus was imminent, so they stepped out in faith; relying on the Holy Spirit to give them boldness to witness. 

Jesus is coming back to earth to receive unto Himself those that are living for Him.  It is called the ‘Rapture of the Church’.  It could happen at any moment.  We must be ready to meet Him if we want to make heaven our home.   

I have seen other new Christians struggle to share their faith, because of personal inhabitations.  Personalities differ with respect to outward boldness, but the Holy Spirit is able to bring about courage if given the time.  God renews strength each day as we learn to trust and obey His Word. 

As a baby learns to walk, so it is with babes in Christ.  With each stumble and fall, God lovingly picks them up and sets them on their feet once again to continue the process of learning how to walk with the Lord.   As they become increasingly sure of themselves and confident in their balance and abilities, they are soon running and doing a work for God, asking, “Now what?” as they grow in grace. 

Life is fleeting and we must share with others the love that God has to offer through His Son Jesus, while there is yet time.  God gives us the where-with-all to be able to achieve goals that are set before us as we yield to His unchanging love, through our eyes of faith… “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).   

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18), “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”  vs.17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”  vs.18 “while we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

I believe that when we invite the Lord into our heart and receive the gift of salvation through Jesus, our spirit takes on perfection, because Jesus is perfect.  We are not saved for who we are or what we’ve done, because forgiveness of sin comes only through Him.  Our righteousness is as filthy rags in the sight of God.

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

Newborn babes in Christ need to be encouraged and strengthened by those that are strong; mature Christians in the faith.  We are to help those that are weak among us. 

(Romans 15:1), “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak…”

They that are founded in faith should not look upon another Christian, especially those that are new to the faith, and point their finger of accusation and set themselves in judgment against them lest they be judged of God.  We are all sinners saved by grace.  With encouragement and giving a helping hand to new Christians, they too will ask, “Now what?”

(Romans 14:4) “Who are you to judge another’s servant?  To his own master he stands or falls.  Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

(Matthew 7:1-5), “Judge not, that you be not judged.”  vs.2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  vs.3 “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”  vs.4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?”  vs.5 “Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

I have seen those that came to the Lord become impatient with themselves and God when direction or maturity failed to materialize right away.  This breeds boredom and confusion.

It is dangerous when supposed (Christians in the faith) criticize and look down their nose at these new Christians, rather than taking time to give them a hand up and help them become established in the church; seeing that they are firmly planted in activities that support their growth in the Lord.  These unconcerned individuals can cause these babes to stumble.

It is shameful when Christians fail in areas of spiritual discipleship.  They could become God’s hand outstretched to new Christians if they would allow the Holy Spirit to lead them.  Instead of judging and condemning their weaknesses in God, they could become a mentor and strengthen new believers in the things of the Lord.

When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our life, we become a part of the family of God—sons and daughters of God.  We must then hold each other up in prayer.  It is important to the spiritual growth of new Christians that a brother or sister-in-Christ encourages them to share with others the miraculous transformation that took place when they invited Jesus into their heart. 

This verbal assent builds strength and reconfirms in their mind the promise that their sins were forgiven and they are now a new creation.  It helps to cement in their consciousness a subtle awareness that walking by faith and not by sight is a learned process, which takes time.

Though they may still act and do certain things that they once did, God sees their heart and encourages them, through the Holy Spirit, that they will make it and that Jesus will remove old habits one by one and replace them with blessings from on high.

(Philippians 2:12-13), “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” vs.13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

When born-again Christians ask the question, “Now what?” they want more of God’s blessings.  God fills them in His time.  We must crawl before we walk.  God feeds us according to our ability to digest and put off carnal behaviors that are associated with mere men, which lack spiritual maturity.

(1 Corinthians 3:1-2), “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.”  vs.2 “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;” vs.3 “for you are still carnal.  For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”

Those that remain babes in Christ and never asking “Now what?” remain weak in the faith; always drinking the milk of immaturity; never learning to crawl or walk on their own; never becoming exposed to the real meat of God’s Word and His promises.

There is an advertisement on television that goes something like this:  “When the body is in a relaxed state, it remains non-active, whereas, an active body stays active, because of stimulation and the practice of doing.”

It is the same with our spiritual body.  We must strive to increase in spiritual strength through witnessing for Christ, prayer, and reading the Bible.  It is like working out with weights at the gym—it builds muscles, which equates to strength.

When Christians ask, “Now what?” they are on the right track for growth and spiritual maturity in the family of God.

(Romans 15:13), “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd