Highly Favored

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Where's the Light

I’m sure you have stepped into a dimly lit room that was lacking sufficient lighting; dingy and gloomy; seemingly missing that alive-feeling and having to move slowly as if you were walking in a crypt, catacomb, or burial chamber, to put it grimly. 

I don’t think there is any worse feeling than squinting to try and see clearly, because of the absence of light, while holding your hands in front of you to ward off any potential surprise bump to the head.   

Darkness, without light, for long periods of time can bring about sleepiness, low energy levels, depression, and different mood swings.  People living in Alaska or states where rain is more prevalent than the appearance of the sun, and coastal lying areas where fog is common, are at risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The amount of sunlight a person receives affects some of the body’s hormones and the chemicals in the brain.  One theory is that light stimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls mood, sleep, and appetite. 

I built the ranch style house that I now live in about 28 years ago.  It has two hallways; one at each end that connects the master bedroom and the front bedrooms to the rest of the house.

The only problem with both hallways was the absence of natural light, though I provided two ceiling light fixtures in each hall, thinking that they would be adequate.  Something had to be done after years of putting up with the artificial lighting that was not enough to bring total satisfaction to the eye gate.

I could have chosen to exist in the shadows longer than I did, but the small amount of light-output finally got the best of me.  It was dark without turning on the lights, to say the least.  Shadows from low luminous fixtures were not only man-made counterfeits for natural lighting, but my monthly electrical bill revealed the truth of my oversight at time of construction, because the lights were continuously on.

The installation of skylights was the answer.  Brightly polished sheet metal shafts were installed from my dark hallways, through the attic, to outside light of the sun.  Wow!  What a difference!  These solar skylights were the answer to my dilemma.

I now exclaim, “I see the light!” rather than “Where’s the light?” while reaching for the light switch.  It took awhile to break this habit.

For a number of days after installing the skylights, when leaving the brightly, illuminated passageways I would always reach for the light switch to turn off the lights, which were not on. But sooner than later I ceased doing it, while enjoying the brightness of sunlight.

Stumbling through these areas came to an end.  The shadow that I now cast is from the true light that was created by God and not man.  The connecting halls are no longer encumbering. The mistake of omission when framing my house has been resolved. 

Several years ago when my wife’s parents were still living, she and I thought it would be nice to take them to a fancy restaurant for their anniversary, which proved to be a memorable evening.

Coming in from the outside brightness of the setting sun, we could hardly see when following the waiter to our reserved table.  I guess it is called, mood-ambiance; using soft lighting.  I don’t know if they were trying to save on electrical costs or trying to be like the restaurant down the street.  It was dimly lighted, none the less.

The reputation of the establishment was well-known for its good food, especially the steaks they served—Dad, as I called him, loved steak and potatoes.

When our meal came, I prayed over it and blessings upon Mom and Dad.  As we began to eat, suddenly, without provocation Dad said, “Where’s the light?  I can’t see what I’m eating!”

He was a lovely man of God that spoke his mind without fear or favor.  A person never had to guess what he was thinking; he just let you know.  I learned much from his life experiences  of walking with God and how to honor and love the Lord by keeping His commandments.

It was the first and last time that we went to this particular restaurant to eat.  I too thought it was much too dark for customers, especially those that may be visually impaired. 

My wife and I chuckle every time we think about this special time together with her folks.  I wish they were still around to enjoy their company, but we have wonderful memories of them as examples of the Christian life they lived before us.  They are certainly in a better place enjoying their reward for a life of serving God.  The grace of God was imparted to them through Jesus Christ our Savior.

“Amazing Grace” is a popular song that many people know and have perhaps sung.  The last few words of the lyrics are these:  “Was blind, but now I see” which references a life without Christ; having eyes that were blinded by Satan to the truth of God’s Word, but then being transitioned from sinful living into the light of God’s love, which brought sight to blinded eyes.

It gives me pause to think how important light is.  In the beginning God said, “Let there be light.”  He saw that it was good.  God thought it most important to create it.

For many years I stumbled along in darkness rather than walking in light, because of the sinful nature of my heart.  My way was darker than the hallways at my home and the poorly lit restaurant where we ate. 

My soul desired true light that would illuminate my way with clarity of vision, but I was looking in all the wrong places; dimly lighted pigpens and parties not conducive to good eyesight or quality, moral values. 

The ratio of light to darkness in my world of rebellion was quite low, which led me into deeper involvements with sin.  Not being able to see does this, because my head was bent low with eyes looking downward; trying to see where to place my next step.  The shroud that encompassed me was thick and heavy, which prevented me from seeing the EXIT signs that God was trying to show me.

(John 3:19-20), “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”  vs.20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

In desperation I finally lifted my head and realized there was something greater in life than the blackness that engulfed me.  When I turned my eyes upon Jesus and looked into His wonderful face, it was like someone blasted my soul with a beam of light from heaven; much brighter than when I installed the solar tubes in the hallways at home.

The wide road to destruction on which I was lost, changed, as did the direction of my being.  I now travel a different road that is never cloaked with the darkness of sin, because Jesus, the Son of God, is the light that provides clear vision.  He is the pure and only light that is needed in this world of depravity.  In Him there is pureness of heart and a hope.

The ebb and flow of non-pureness and the obscurities that sin produced, stopped.  The ups and downs of depression and different mood swings, because of the lack of light in my life, ceased when I stepped into the light of God’s love.  With Jesus in my soul, the question, “Where’s the light?” will never be asked again.

(1 John 1:5-7), “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”  vs.6 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth,”  vs.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 

Out of the Fog

I accomplished a challenge that I have wanted to conquer for sometime now.  I weaned myself off of caffeinated coffee.  As time progressed, I found that I was drinking more and more each morning when I took my wife out to breakfast now that I am retired.  I was enjoying it less in the afternoon when the coffee high wore off, because my wife doesn’t drink coffee and it is not readily available at home.

I thought it best to stop, because my blood pressure does better without caffeine in my system.  I want to stick around for my wife as long as I can.  I don’t want any problems relating to high blood pressure later with hindsight saying, “If I had only…”

In the process of giving up coffee, I stopped cold turkey.  I know I said weaned, but it was “That’s it; no more.”  As you know, if you have ever tried to stop drinking coffee, the headaches started coming and I became tired and lethargic. 

My mind lost concentration and it seemed as if I were in a fog when trying to converse with others.  There were other withdrawal symptoms, but I was unaware of these symptoms when I went off coffee.  I thought I was having some sort of mental breakdown or psychological problems until I went to the internet and looked up “What are the withdrawal symptoms of quitting caffeine.” 

I was shocked at what withdrawing from caffeine did to the human body.  I certainly felt better after reading all of the articles pertaining to the subject and was amazed to find out that one cup of coffee in the morning can cause a person to become addicted to caffeine. 

Withdrawal affects individuals in different ways and takes longer, in some, for the brain to re-calibrate itself to no caffeine being in the body.  But I was determined to conquer my challenge.

After about a week and a half or two, my mind started to clear; my body felt alive, even more so than when I was drinking coffee.  I just felt better all over more than anywhere else.  It was like coming out of the fog after driving in it for a long time.  My mind was sharp and vision clear.  

I believe that most people that drive vehicles have driven in the fog at some time in their life.  Occasionally, while listening to the evening news, I hear of a multicar pileup that occurred, because of dense fog and the lack of visibility.

Ships reduce their speed at sea and use foghorns to announce their presence in heavy fog conditions, whereas, airports sometimes divert airplanes to other airports if fog is too thick on the runways.

I remember, at night, riding with one of my friends on a levee road near my home when the fog became so dense that the headlights of his truck reflected so badly off the fog that the dividing line between lanes sometimes disappeared completely, especially at this one intersection where the line was missing altogether.

We didn’t know if the road went straight or curved on the other side of the crossroads.  For those long, couple of seconds, panic hit us both, because we certainly didn’t want to drive off into the water that was on one side of the road or hit another car head-on.  Thank God the line reappeared and we continued on our way at a much slower rate of speed than before.

I was relieved, as was he, when we finally drove out of the fog and visibility returned.  It is a terrible thing to be caught in something that you have little control over. 

Had I done my homework prior to our trip by turning on the radio to local weather conditions in this area, I may have opted out of going with my friend, because of the potential dangers that driving in fog present.

Sight is a wonderful thing, but when visibility is hampered or challenged in any way, when seeing becomes blinded by this or that, a person that continues headlong into obscurity of any kind is asking for trouble.  They need to slow down forward motion of whatever they are doing or stop until clear visibility returns—out of the fog, as it were.

Satan tries to blind people to things that can hurt and even maim them both physically and spiritually.  His attempts to keep people in the fog-of-sin take its toll when shipwreck or collision with reality occurs.  In some cases it is too late to turn back the clock and do things differently.  We must then live with the cost of our actions.

Sin has its consequences, which include the heartache of, “If I had only…” hindsight; after-the-fact regrets.  But we can learn by our mistakes and stay out of the fog with the help of God Almighty.  The Holy Bible helps us to stay clear of foggy areas that can bring chaos and misery.

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

The weather report in God’s Word not only provides safe passage and clear direction for our journey through life; it provides light to our path, which reveals the tactics of Satan and how he manipulates the environment around us in an attempt to kill us.

(1 Peter 5:8), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

When we live in the light of God’s Word, the darkened shroud of unbelief that tries to blind us is kept at bay in its place with the devil.  Doubt, fear, and emotional and spiritual battles fade just as fog becomes less and less when coming out of it.

Worry need not be in our vocabulary, because we will see clearly the road up ahead and the narrow gate that leads to abundant living through Christ Jesus the Lord.  The sinking sand or troubled water at the side of us, though disconcerting at times, need never claim our soul, because straight is the way that leads to heaven.

(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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Senseless Drifting

For all intents and purposes, sails and rudders on old schooners, frigates and galleons of their time and sailboats of every type and category, today, do what they were designed to do if implemented properly.  Without sails and rudders doing their job, a vessel will drift aimlessly atop rolling seas and pushed to and fro whichever direction the wind blows. 

Changing tides, which are the periodic rising and falling of large bodies of water caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon, can also influence direction especially if a ship is near estuary entrances, narrow straits and inlets.  The speed of tidal currents in these areas can reach up to several kilometers per hour (1 kph = 0.62137 mph).   

In the open ocean, tidal currents are relatively weak, but can be disconcerting if a rudder or the sails are inoperable or if the helm and rigging are unmanned for whatever reason.  It is a terrible thing to be caught in open waters without the ability to maneuver the bow of the vessel (the most forward part of the hull) into the waves.

The inability for humanity to control their direction in life, without Christ, is like being on a disabled ship that is subject to its surrounds, or sitting on a raft in the middle of the ocean; hoping that someone will find them before the inevitable happens.

It’s not so much being adrift on a raft that brings discomfort and pain; it is the lack of shelter from the hot, scorching sun, and the harshness of the elements around them.  The lack of food and pure, drinking water ultimately claim a person’s life. 

I personally know people that are adrift on rafts of their own making, in surroundings of their own choosing, with little hope for survival.  Their senseless drifting could stop in a moment of time if they would assess the dilemma that they are in and realize that there is no set direction for their life.  But their unwillingness to allow Jesus, their only hope, to save them from the quandary that surrounds them has set their drifting on a perilous journey. 

Misdirected people have allowed themselves to remain lost, by choice, because of their haughty or self-sufficient attitude… “If I can’t do it no-body can.”  So they exist in peril, because of a prideful spirit; refusing the outstretched hand of the Lord, while saying by their actions, “I’d rather do it myself.”

They need only to consider the wonderful things that God provides; the necessities of life.  His well balanced diet-of-truth is in the Holy Bible.  It is sad when people refuse to partake of its sustenance in their weakened state, whereas, if they would eat the meat of God’s Word and drink from the springs of living water that flow from His throne, they would live.  The Bible provides good, spiritual health and direction for life’s journey if we live according to its statutes.  Senseless drifting can cease once and for all. 

Abiding in the protection of God’s Word keeps us from wandering, because living in truth satisfies the deep longing of all those that are adrift without hope.  Any person that remains adrift in uncharted waters is there because they have chosen to do so.  God desires so much more for them than what rafting around in sin can provide.  Sin gives nothing more than an unquenchable thirst for more, whereas, God satisfies forevermore. 

Jesus would become the Savior of their directionless soul if only they would reach up and take His hand.  This is done by saying a simple prayer.  “God forgive me of my sins.  I want Jesus to be Lord and Savior of my soul.”  Jesus is the hope for those that are lost; without direction.

The Bible says that today is the day of salvation.  A person should not wait until tomorrow what they should do today.  No-one has an assurance that they will even see tomorrow.  We must be ready to meet God at any split second, should He call our name.

Too often, self-reliant, self-contained individuals persist in their everyday struggles, because of procrastination.  “I’ll give my heart to Jesus on my deathbed” is what they imagine.   They are impetuous people in other things relating to life, yet sin involvement lacks thought or deliberation as to what they are jumping into when they partake of it; not considering the negative cost of their impetuous nature. 

While drifting in the ocean of decisions, they fail to make the most important choice that will bring them out of desperation and give them a hope.  Some people do, many people do not, which breaks the Lord’s heart.  God gave His Son to die on a cross for those that are drifting in sin so that they can experience hope.

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

The sad reality of rejecting Jesus as Savior is wrong choices made.  Some people resist change and refuse interference in their comings and goings, because of a haughty spirit or being self-centered.  This nature keeps them adrift in shame and degradation, because they are too proud to ask for help.

The Bible says that pride comes before a fall.  Any person refusing to allow Jesus to man the helm of their sinking ship and to raise the sails of hope in their tossing, misdirected vessel is in trouble.  They will suffer the consequences of bad choices they have made.

To persist in this mindset brings death of the soul after a lifelong struggle to survive.  But it does not have to end this way!  God provided a way out of the tossing billows!  His name is Jesus.  He is the only way that humanity can survive the storms of life that Satan blows their way.  Jesus, alone, is the solid rock that we can anchor to and live.

God gives each of us the ability to choose life or death.  He prefers that we choose life rather than Satan, but the choice is ours to make.  God does not infringe upon any person His will, but allows us to have self-will.  In fact, He is beckoning to those that are in need of a Savior, saying...

(Matthew 11:28-30), “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  vs.29 “”Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  vs.30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

My sails are set and my way is made clear.  Jesus sits at the helm, because He knows the way home.  Senseless drifting is no more.  No longer am I without direction.  God forgave me of my sins and became captain of my ship.  Life is good!

Written by,

Papa Boyd

From Crooked Street to Glory Avenue

When I was a young lad in my early, adolescent years, I remember sitting on an old, wooden pew listening to my dad play his Martin guitar as he sang to a small congregation of people at the church we attended.

One of the songs he loved to sing came to mind the other day of which I was surprised that I remembered the words.  The lyrics found their way to my tongue and I began to sing the chorus.

I cannot recall the title or verses, but the chorus goes something like this.  “I’m glad I moved from Crooked Street to Glory Avenue.  No mortgage on our property, the taxes never come due.  The sun is always shining bright and Mondays never blue.  I’m glad I moved from Crooked Street to Glory Avenue.”

Actually, these few words in the chorus somewhat encapsulate what the Born-again experience holds in store for those that choose to move from Crooked Street where Satan is landlord, to live on Glory Avenue where Jesus abides.

When I lived on Crooked Street, my futile efforts to find happiness in things of the world was relentless and unproductive.  Successes in life were limited as were the ventures I pursued in trying to unearth contentment.  Obtaining peace of mind was fruitless.  Blinded, haphazard experimentation with the corruptness around me proved ineffective in my quest for tranquility; a waste of expelled energy. 

At the end of each day my winding journey availed little with respect to finding self-worth and self-respect.  Quality relationships and feeling a sense of true satisfaction within me could not be found.  Things that occupied my thinking failed to give purpose and fulfillment. 

Old habits kept surfacing as did the nature of my restless personality, which was drowning in a cesspool of covetous living.  As an adult, my unsavory past was one of missed connections and cancelled flights, as it were; confusion that was coupled with heartache; nothing to count on, because I was repeating the same mistakes over and over again, which brought frustration without hope.

Everything I tried failed to translate into true gratification.  It was at this point in my confusion that it seemed I could hear someone knocking at my hearts door.  It was as if I heard the knocker calling my name and saying, “I see you’re in an awful fix, I’ll tell you what to do; I’d move clear off of Crooked Street to Glory Avenue.”

Out of frustration and a sense of “I’ll try anything,” I bowed my knee; repented of my sins and found what I was searching for.  Peace availed itself.  The Holy Spirit immediately relocated me to the block where the rest of my newly acquired family lived—Glory Avenue.

In the short amount of time that it took to pray these words, “Forgive me of my sins” is how long it took God to move me to new surroundings and a new beginning in Christ Jesus.  I became part of the family of God; washed in the fountain of His holiness, and cleansed from sin through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.

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

I’m glad I moved from Crooked Street to Glory Avenue.  I now have a hope and a future.  The peace that was unattainable on Crooked Street is ever present on Glory Avenue.  I have no regrets, because I found Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

(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

What Worth Am I

In my writings I endeavor to share pertinent, yet applicable opinions and personal feelings on matters that have influenced my life in both negative and positive ways; words that are chosen to help readers focus upon inner struggles and how they can begin to resolve troubling issues and concerns. 

Suppressing inner emotions can wreak havoc on one’s ability to cope.  These areas are sometimes kept at arm length, which can be reflective of a closed mindset, because healthy relationships and experiencing peace of mind may seem impossible to attain.  

Some things are very hard to face head on, but not impossible to resolve.  It is natural to let sleeping dogs lie in one’s subconscious rather than making up the mind to defeat painful problems that always come to the forefront; ahead of happiness.  The answer is to arise and toss them once and for all into “God’s sea of forgetfulness.”

It is that easy, because each of us is worth everything to God.  The Lord wants to embrace us in His arms of love to protect and care for us in greater proportion than does an earthly father when he strives to give good things to his children.

When we hand our problems over to God and say, “Yes!” to His Son Jesus, troubles seem to melt away in the flow of His bountiful blessings.  When we ask God to forgive our sins, we become born-again Believers; children of God Almighty.

You may ask, “What worth am I that the Creator of earth and Designer of the universe would care about me?”  God cared so much that even the thought of you or I not having hope in this life caused Him to look at His relationship with humanity and provide a way back to Him through His Son.  This is called, grace.  Since Jesus’ death, we are living in the dispensation of grace rather than under the Law of Moses.

Though Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, and there was a separation between God and man, God chose to manifest Himself in the form of a baby, named Jesus.  God longed to be reunited with mankind once again and made this possible through His Son Jesus.  Is the above sentence a bit confusing?  Let me explain.

God took upon Himself human flesh and became God-man.  Jesus was God in flesh and dwelt among the people of that day.  Jesus (God), died on the cross to pay the price for sin that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life in heaven.  This is the hope of Christians; those that have given their life to Jesus and turned from wrongdoing.

Because of Jesus we can rise above inner and exterior problems, and lean upon the everlasting arms of the Holy Spirit and know that He is working out all things on our behalf.  God took my sins and threw them into the sea of His forgetfulness, never to remember them against me again.  This is indeed Freedom!

(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.”

My desire is to bring about positive decisions with positive results in people.  I believe my words and Bible scriptures can influence, in a good way, the direction that individuals need to go in order to find true fulfillment and lasting happiness when all else has failed.

I was once lost; a sinner, but now am found.  Jesus was who I was searching for all the time.  I want to encourage you to experience life at its fullest; a life more abundant through Jesus Christ the Lord.  He made all the difference in my life and I know He will do the same for you if you just give Him a chance.

When writing, my words are never intended to demean or put down any person that may not see things from my prospective, rather that I may share ideas and food for thought, which I feel are valid for today’s challenges in a high stress environment that we face daily.

I believe that words fitly spoken in love can shore up a crumbling existence in those that need support and understanding.  I have experienced the sad side of life where living was hard and my future seemed bleak, because of choices made.  I speak from experience of one that traded nothingness for everything, through Jesus our Savior.

My non-Christian experience was one of heartache; lacking peace.  It was a world of indulgent, self-abusing habits that ruled my life.  Sinning produced underlying insecurities that momentary pleasures left behind. 

Though in the eyes of others it appeared that I was successful, the true reality of my undisciplined lifestyle was that of loneliness and fear, especially when I pillowed my head at night.  I was running from God and did not want His involvement. 

Until such time that I surrendered my will to God, everyday seemed to be a struggle both mentally and physically.  The spiritual battle inside me was ongoing, while my physical makeup struggled to stay healthy in the arena of bad influences that I chose to associate with. 

My mental state was adrift in a cesspool of sinful notions and scheming.  My soul needed stability, which I tried to achieve in my own ability and strength; to no avail.  The unsettling clamor of voices telling me to do this and that was taking its toll. 

I was in a state of confusion, not knowing what I might do next.  I was being manipulated by Satan who wanted to destroy me in every way.  In my bland state of mind I asked myself, “What worth am I?”  At that moment I was reminded of a Bible verse that I learned in Sunday school as a child.

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

I was seeking solace and security in all the wrong places.  It was not until I asked God to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness that change took place.  I felt the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The heavy press of worldly influences (sin) was lifted off my shoulders. 

I could breathe again like when I was a kid in church!  This burden of sin was acknowledged and surrendered by me, and forgiven by God.  Jesus Christ set me free that day—truly free.

For this reason and because of the born-again experience that happened, I am able to share, first hand, the miraculous, saving power of God, through Jesus His Son who is attainable to all humanity.  Those looking for peace will find it when they turn to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

I do not understand how the miracle of forgiveness occurred, but I guess I don’t have to know.  All I can say, “It worked for me!”  I reached out to God in simple faith and experienced life; a new beginning.  The old nature passed away and I became a new creation in the short time that it took me to say, “Forgive me of my sins.”  What the Lord did for me He will do for you.  God is no respecter of person.

The haunting question, “What worth am I?” no longer bombards my intellect now that I am a child of God.  I am trying to grasp the depth and breadth of God’s compassion as I consider how much Jesus loved me when I was unlovable, yet He counted me worthy to join the family of God, while dying on the cross for my sins.  God’s Truth—Jesus—set me free.

May these words and God’s Words enrich your soul and help guide you to the One who loves you with a never ending love.  God sees the potential in every individual and wants to help us achieve our dreams and desires.  His love is pure; without guile.  The Lord extends His mercy and grace to you, because His love endures forever.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Slippery Slopes

I think it is safe to say that most everyone, at sometime in their life, has slipped and perhaps fallen, because of slippery slopes.  This is quite common in higher elevations where snow and ice are more prevalent than lower elevations.  

The probability of injuries is higher when dealing with slippery slopes of any kind.  Statistics claim that falls are the number one cause for injuries in senior citizens.

In the winter months when my wife and I visit our son and daughter-in-law in another city, just north of us, I am always attentive to slippery roads and icy sidewalks.  Their home is located in a mountainous region of our state rather than at sea level where we live.

Black ice is always a concern when driving the windy roads to their place, and caution is exercised with regard to proper tires or chains, and traction devices that attach easily to the bottoms of our shoes.  These precautions help prevent slipping on wet and icy surfaces.

There was a time when slippery slopes were the objectives of having fun.  When I was a kid, I rode on large pieces of cardboard down grassy hillsides.  It was fun, but dangerous at times.  I remember at the bottom of this one particular hill was a fairly large drop-off that I avoided at all cost; stopping my descent in plenty of time to bail before reaching the point of no return.  

Had I plummeted over the edge, it would have spelled Trouble with a capital T.  I was naïve, invincible, and having fun.  This is what boys and girls do.

I shudder to think what could have happened, because of my foolhardiness.  I was not concerned with the consequences that were awaiting me had I gone over the edge.  I trusted my ability to stop the momentum when I needed to.  I was having fun and it was worth the risk. 

This lack of common sense reminds me of the slippery slopes of temptation that often have disastrous consequences at the bottom of the fall.  People think they are able to stop in time and not sin through their own strength and volition, but too often they fail as a result of stupidity.

When Satan tempts a person to sin and they find themselves in areas where slipping will most likely occur, it is good to know that God always provides a way out of the darkness of temptation; an easier, less strenuous path that leads away from the slippery slopes of their undoing.

I used the word ‘undoing’, because that is exactly what sin does to a person that fails to exit temptation.  Satan is in the business of trying to undo all of the good that God is doing in their life—happiness; peace of mind; joy in living.

The devil is a hard taskmaster and quite deceptive; making people think they are having fun and that it is okay to play on slippery slopes, when all the time he is leading them into rough terrain; closer to the edge of no return.

The manner in which Satan leads a person deeper and deeper into uncharted, unfamiliar surrounds; attempting to get them lost and turned around in their walk of faith, brings back memories of when I was a youngster going on outings with my dad, especially when deer season rolled around.  I am reminded of the areas that we hiked through in search of a buck (male deer).

Having taken and passed the state required course on gun safety made it possible for me to hunt a variety of diverse game.  I think deer hunting was my favorite as was my dads.  Determination was his middle name and hunting was his game.  Dad took me places in the mountains where few people hunted; off the beaten track as it were, where the big bucks hung out.

The hiking boots that he bought for me made it less difficult to trek through the dense undergrowth of water-soaked ravines and climb slippery inclines.  I can only imagine the lack of traction that common tennis shoes would have failed to provide.

I was always conscious of each step that I took, while remembering the importance of solid, safe footing when carrying a rifle; as was taught in the gun safety course.

When the going got tough and Dad saw fatigue beginning to take its toll on me, he opted to take an easier, less strenuous path of travel having flatter terrain; not as steep and slippery from the morning dew and moss that had built up on the moist ground under the trees.

When the sun was setting and dusk was upon us, I remember him saying, “Let’s head back to camp.”  Dad had a keen sense of direction and never got us lost.  In that I was looking for a deer and not paying attention to landmarks, I thought we were heading deeper into unfamiliar areas, while all the time we were just outside of camp. 

I was sure that Dad was going in the wrong direction, but he knew the way out of the darkness.  I hollered, “Camp is this way!” as I pointed in the opposite direction.  Dad smiled and said, “Follow me son.”  I did what he said, because I trusted him, and yes, camp was there as he knew it would be—the place where I could rest from my travels.  I was completely turned around.

Looking back at the ventures we had reminds me of our Father in heaven and how He watches over His children when the going gets tough and tiredness of the journey begins to set in, which can weaken their spiritual walk with Him.  He always provides a more easily traveled path where the slippery slopes of temptation can be avoided.

God provides adequate footwear, which is part of the Whole Armor of God, as we continue our journey on the straight and narrow path of righteousness.  You can read about the amazing protection that this armor provides in (Ephesians 6:10-18).

God knows when we are in a dilemma and says, “Follow me.”  When we trust Him, He leads us to a place of rest, called heaven.  If a person fails to keep their eyes on the landmarks of early teachings about God, because they are too busy looking for games that take their mind off of the essential things that show direction, they can get turned around and head down the wrong path. 

We must stay alert with our eyes opened wide; taking note of important landmarks so that we do not get lost in the devil’s rough, unforgiving terrain.

(1 Peter 5:8), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Our adversary wants to injure and devour us physically and spiritually if possible.  He wants us to fail and become turned around in our belief in God Almighty.  Satan tempts us with things that appear to be fun and lighthearted, but they produce a demoralizing result at the end of the journey, called hell.

(Proverbs 16:25), “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”  

God gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  When we call out to God for forgiveness, He forgives our transgressions and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; in Him only, we find eternal life.  When we follow the truths of God’s Word—the Holy Bible—our path is illuminated, which provides the necessary light to see where to place our next step.

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

The slippery slopes of temptation will not affect those that are looking for God’s provision of escape and then taking it.  Guarding against playing in the devil’s wetland of deception is the sure way to keep our feet firmly planted on a non-slippery surface, which is Jesus Christ—the solid, unmovable rock.

(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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

No Ifs, Ands, or Buts

We live in a society of non-responsible people that lack accountability.  I suppose it is the nature of the beast to blame everyone else for their station in life if they feel less than adequate where success is concerned.  Or they consider it God’s fault for their lack of not measuring up to the general self-sufficiency of others.

Responsibility, since Adam and Eve, is the hardest lesson to learn, because it is easier to play the blame game than submit to accountability, which takes effort and a dedicated mindset to accomplish something good in life.

In the beginning, God warned Adam to not eat the fruit that the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” produced in the Garden of Eden.  God was abundantly clear and concise as He instructed Adam that if he were to disobey Him, he would surely die.  It was a nonnegotiable commandment; no room for compromise.  God meant what He said—no ifs, ands, or buts.

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they dishonored themselves and God, causing their sin nature to extend to all humanity.  And because it was visited upon each individual, it is the base reason for deceitfulness to rule a person’s life.  People try to get by with things without being discovered; not wanting to pay the penalty for their actions.

I believe carnal (fleshly) Christians (fence riders between right and wrong) justify their lack of obedience to God, because of the scripture in (1 John 1:9).  They think it is an escape clause to excuse them from accountability in the present.  I also believe that they use it as an excuse to exempt themselves from towing the line regarding the 10 Commandments and obeying them.

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

Every time a Christian sins, they are acting carnally.  Do I believe that true Christians remain in a carnal state?  No.  Until we are delivered from our sinful flesh either by way of the rapture (Christ’s second coming) or through death, there will be outbreaks of carnality.

Christians who become carnal in their behavior can expect God to lovingly discipline them, because He does not want anyone to perish in hell, but to come unto repentance and learn to abstain from sin.  It is a learning process of how to put off the old nature and take on the new character, temperament, and attributes of Christ.

Does God truly forgive sin, and should He forgive the violist of sinners?  Who am I to ask such questions?  I, like Paul in the Bible, was chief of sinners.  I was on a fast track to hell with a one-way ticket.  Were it not for God’s amazing grace, there go I, perhaps the violist of sinners. 

I was lost and without a Savior; sinking in the mire of sin, but God reached forth His hand of mercy.  Grasping my soiled hand He pulled me to safety, because of His great love for me.  He loves you with this same kind of love—Agape Love. 

Though lost, I am now found, because of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who set me free from the bondage of sin.  I was redeemed and cleansed from the filth of unrighteousness when I cried out to Him in desperation.  He forgave me of my sins and set me on a new path of righteousness. 

Does God forgive sin?  Does He truly forgive?  Yes, I trust God’s Word.  I know what my disposition was like before the transformation, compared to the joy that I now possess, because of the “born again” experience.  

Do I battle sin?  Yes.  But greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  I have found the way.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

(Ephesians 2:8-10), “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” vs.9 “not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  vs.10 “For we are His workmanship; created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

God would rather a person be hot or cold and not lukewarm; otherwise, the Bible says that He will spew them out of His mouth.  I am convinced that when people sin, they have the idea that when they ask God to forgive them later, He will do so.  They believe that everything will be kosher and hunky-dory with the Lord at that time, because of all the other times they sinned and then repented. 

Personally, I believe that they are walking on thin ice with God.  Like Adam and Eve, people that willfully sin are being deceived and seduced by Satan; beguiled by the devil to commit sin.  Justifying their actions, after the fact, only leads to heartache and a hardening of the heart.

I truly believe that God forgives sin, but when a person knowingly sins, they will most likely have to reap what they sow.  No ifs, ands, or buts, means just that—sin is sin—there is no getting around it.  There are no in-between levels that give latitude to justify the act of willful sinning; having the idea of asking God to forgive them later after they have (tasted the fruit).

If I didn’t believe that God forgives sin, I might as well throw in the towel of defeat and go on my sinful way; surrendering to Satan, because all hope of eternal life in heaven would be missing in my soul.  But I do believe, because of grace! 

Humanity is in the dispensation of grace, not under Old Testament law that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai.  Jesus paid the price for sin when He willingly died on the cross for you and me.  And because of His death, grace was born.

It is to our benefit that we not sin, both spiritually and physically, because of the dreadful things that lurk in the devils playground of wrongdoing.  If a man or woman slips and commits sin, God’s grace is sufficient to forgive them of their transgression and cleanse them from all unrighteousness; however, the domino effect of sinning may remain, perhaps infecting the body with irreversible diseases.

Premeditated sin with the opposite sex, whether an act of fornication or adultery, and then asking for forgiveness later will no doubt be forgiven, but individuals that practice this reprehensible behavior may have to endure the consequences of their actions.  They run the risk of contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a late stage of HIV.  Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also possibilities of immoral activities.

The consequences of getting hooked on pornography and other filth that is found on computer websites can ruin family relationships and lead to divorce.  Disobedience to God will take its toll one way or the other.

Committing crimes of passion, or yielding to a raging temper and then hurting someone because of it, can land a person in jail; the price they must pay for disregarding the law.  The reason God forgives sin is that the penalty for a person’s sinful actions was paid for, in full, at the cross where Jesus shed His blood for the sins of mankind.

Does God forgive sin?  Absolutely, but Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden after sinning and suffered the effects of breaking the rules of a (no ifs, ands, or buts) God that expects compliance to His rules.  Any person that thinks they can sidestep God and continue to sin, without facing repercussions, is only fooling themselves.

Children of God; true Believers and members of God’s family; reject sin in any form.  They strive to abide in truth.  And if they should fall, while serving God in their daily walk with Him, it is essential to immediately ask for forgiveness and pray for strength to overcome temptations the next time they come around.

Christians who lean on the Holy Spirit for strength to face trials of life, and allow Him to make them perfect in the sight of God, will walk victorious with their head held high, because they know all is well with their maker.

God sees the heart of each individual that serves Him and knows when that person is tiptoeing around sin or running from it; taking the escape route that God provides with every temptation.  He knows when we stumble and commit wrong doings in fits of anger, or when we have bouts with vanity and pride, or fail to forgive others of their trespasses against us.  And He sees our pettiness, yet forgives us when we ask Him to do so, because He is patient and long-suffering.

God desires that we abide in truth and not partake of unnecessary obsessions that harm the body; like alcoholism, which can cause cirrhosis of the liver; tobacco usage that has been proven to cause lung cancer and other types of cancer; and drug abuse that destroys brain cells.

When habits are overcome, and they can be with the help of the Holy Spirit, abstaining from such things enable abundant living to thrive.  When we give God a “no ifs, ands, or buts” kind of obedience, it provides the Father-son / Father-daughter relationship to flourish.  God opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out blessings that cannot be contained.

(Luke 6:38), “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

When we draw nigh to God, He draws nigh to us.  Our obedience to His commandments allows us to live in health, both physically and spiritually. 

Though our Heavenly Father is a “no ifs, ands, or buts” God, He loved us so much that He died a cruel death on the cross after being incarnated into Jesus as a babe in the manger.  There was no other way to restore son-ship with lost man except the death of His Son at the age of 33.  Jesus was God-Man; God in flesh.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Miracle on Lonely Street

For years I wandered down a path of indecisiveness; having questions about the unfairness that life presented.  It seemed that everything I tried ended in disappointment or frustration, which created more questions regarding what was missing in my immediate surroundings and deep within my inner consciousness.

Happiness was always slipping through my fingers like sand; never sticking around to give me lasting solace and gratification.  It was here one moment and then gone before I knew what happened; producing loneliness, which was no stranger.

Experiences were okay in the moment, but the reality of a meaningful encounter took flight faster than a frightened bird from its predator.  The only difference between the bird and me was its comfort zone in flight, opposed to the comfort level that was lacking in my world of alarm when I allowed sin to infiltrate my life.  Peace of mind diminished quickly.

Sin has its moments of pleasure, but like a person stranded in the desert-of-life, one sip of water does not completely satisfy the thirst that is manifested from the scorching, unbearable heat that the act of sinning produces, whether with friends or solo encounters.

Though I was in the midst of several buddies at get-togethers, jamborees, or beach parties, my world of loneliness was that of my own making; emotionally bleak in a crowd, because of the warfare going on inside me.  It was a spiritual battle between right and wrong; good and evil.

The training I received in my youth from Christian parents conflicted with the lifestyle that I was living as an adult.  I knew the choices being made did not line up with God’s expectations, yet I pursued my desires anyway.

I wanted to be happy, but was not willing to go the way of the cross to find it.  Satan’s counterfeit for happiness quickly faded.  That which I perceived would bring contentment, always failed to do so; nothing lasting. 

Though I had money, a new car, and the freedom to do as I pleased, the reality of Easy Street living was always reduced to Lonely Street drudgery each time the high of the moment wore off.  At the end of the day I was left alone with only my conflicting thoughts to keep me company and a desire for more ventures to try and satisfy my longings, which I hoped would soon materialize.

I knew that God was peace and that through Him I could have fellowship with His family as a born-again Believer, but I spurned God’s love; not wanting to compromise my standard of living to bow to His authority or give Him power over me.

I wanted my way, not God’s way.  And so it went.  My choices left me thirsting for more, because I was headed down the path of least resistance.  Giving into temptations was easier than taking a stand against them, which produced negative results the more I refused God’s clemency.

Newton’s Third Law of Physics was certainly at work in me.  “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction force.”  The more I involved myself with sin; the consequences of my actions slapped me in the face; showing little mercy.

After a long period of time running from God, I finally came to the realization that sin did not pay.  I could not find contentment through my inadequate efforts.  The ongoing rebellion against the principles of God produced much loneliness.  I was falling deeper in debt, spiritually bankrupt, with no solution of how to break the firm hold that sin had on me.  I needed a Savior to calm the angry waves in my life.

In desperation I prayed for help and asked God to forgive me of my sins.  A miracle took place on Lonely Street that night.  I was set free from the bondage that sin had caused.  I began to fly in a safer, more favorable environment where peace and serenity abide.  Like an eagle soaring high above the dangers of congestion and woes that Lonely Street presented, I experienced the New Birth through Jesus Christ.

I drank of the living water that flows from God’s throne.  It quenched my thirst as my parching tongue tasted of its splendor and undeniable purity, which satisfies forever.  No longer do I find myself wishing for more, unsatisfying ventures, because God gave me His Son, Jesus, so that I may have life, and have it more abundantly.

God is no respecter of person whatever your status in life may be.  That which He did for me He will do for you when you make up your mind to accept Him as Lord and Savior of your soul.  He is standing at your heart’s door knocking.  All you need to do is turn the knob and open the door; Jesus will come in.  It’s that simple.

(John 10:10), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” 

(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.”

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd