Acquitted or Sentenced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

We Will Miss You Mom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Bridges

Now and then I find myself entertaining thoughts of my youth when life was simple.  The games I played with neighborhood friends and the kids at school were fun.  These activities kept our minds engaged and our bodies healthy with wholesome enjoyment.

Hide-and-Seek and Kick-the-Can were my all-time favorites.  Ring around the Rosie, Tag, and Dodge ball were also gratifying.  Oh yes, singing the Mother Goose rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down” was also fun.

My forth grade teacher, Mrs. Hughes, loved music and wanted it to be a part of her student’s curriculum.  She called it, “The hour of music.”

I remember singing “Low Bridge” also known as “The Erie Canal” song.  This old folk song was written by Thomas Allen in 1905 after the change of mule power to engine power.  The chorus goes like this:

Low bridge everybody down

Low bridge for we’re comin’ to a town

And you’ll always know your neighbor

You’ll always know your pal

If you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal

Another pastime game that people have enjoyed since the 1930’s is Bridge.  It has been one of the most popular card games in the world.  But the subject matter of this writing does not pertain to games that people play around the dining room table with friends or family members, or the games we played as children.  The following thoughts explore the value of bridges, which are structures carrying a road, path, or railroad that span across a river, ravine, or other obstacle.

As a case in point, let us look for a moment at the aura that radiates from a freedom loving person that lives their life treating others like they themselves want to be treated.  This bridge of goodwill toward people is contagious when seen by others.  I have learned by observing and through the natural course of hands-on-doing that this way of treating people goes a long way in keeping relationships on an even keel.

It is never a good idea to burn bridges behind you, as a matter of speaking, because a person never knows when they might need to backtrack to the other side with regards to acquaintances they have met.  

Maintaining one’s integrity, while safeguarding relationships, attribute to the peace-loving nature that accompanies kindness when striving to keep the return path free from obstacles that clutter and make passage impossible.

Personal values and respect for others, when maintained, prevent an encumbering buildup of restrictive sludge that could impede or cut off communication with those on the other side of the bridge.  All too often, individuals with rude personalities lack the wherewithal and foresight it takes to learn lessons when dealing with personalities that differ from theirs.

Hindsight is ignored, because these people do not seize the time it takes or the moments available to think about past, negative encounters that they have had, nor do they consider earlier periods with people when ill-behavior trumped better judgment on their part.  They disregard other people’s feelings; not caring how the conversation was received or the impact it may have had on those around.  They regard kindred relationships as a form of weakness. 

Sadly, they use people and then toss them aside like an old pair of socks when they are through with them, thus, burning another bridge.  Perhaps they have a self-sufficient, self-reliant attitude that spits in the face of common decency.  They have not learned how to safeguard bridges and respect the worth of them.  For the most part they are most miserable people, because true happiness comes when giving away from oneself, which they refuse to do.

I believe that a haughty, thankless spirit is a sure recipe for failure.  Everyone needs someone, because we are not an island unto ourselves, although some people think and act like they are.  Liberation comes when communication is free flowing.  We were made by our Creator to interact with one another; learning by the other person’s failures and successes rather than keeping people at arm length.

How a person handles stressful situations or the challenges they face say a lot about that person’s character, which ultimately can affect those around them in negative ways if they radiate a downbeat personality.  Like the aura around freedom loving people that influence in positive ways, unappreciative people affect others in non-constructive ways, because of their self-centered lifestyle.

A self-absorbed heart is like a house built on shifting sand; lacking a solid foundation having reinforcement steel and adequate piers that reach bedrock. 

Personalities like this try to span the ravine of life by implementing their own way of building bridges by depending on their own brain power.  They do things without first considering the means that it takes to have a successful journey to the other side. 

Though intelligent and intellectually astute when it comes to making money or when capitalizing on material gain, they lack good judgment and the skills to build sound structures that can span from one side to the other; bridges to true freedom over impassable chasms.

Several people helped me to succeed in life’s ventures through their words of encouragement, giving me business insight, and sharing their personal experiences of what not to do.  Their advice saved me from taking the wrong fork in the road many times.  Their savvy and good business sense that I gleaned certainly helped me to do well. 

Good council is priceless and always beneficial.  Each person that helped me made up the integral members of the bridge that spanned the distance over the abyss of troubled waters.  I am glad I took note and listened to their words of wisdom and guidance.  

I suppose it is the natural instinct and character of some people to think they can exercise their own plan of attack to achieve something worth while, whereas, the physical realm and rules of engagement to attain possessions pertaining to material gain and financial success fall short of the mark when spiritual insight is necessary for true happiness.  This involves a higher power than the intellect of modern man’s high-energy philosophy and misguided ingenuity.

If a person, within their own ability, were able to achieve spiritual utopia with supernatural insight to the complexities of the universe and the hereafter, there would be no reason to honor a Nativity scene at Christmas, or imprint the words “In God We Trust” on our currency and coinage, or attend church, or read the Bible.  They would be self-sufficient in their own right.

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

Though many sects, false religions, and cults believe that there are other ways to span the gulf of sin, which separates sinful man from a Holy God, the Bible teaches that there is only one bridge that connects unrighteousness to righteousness.  His name is Jesus, the Son of God.

(Acts 4:12) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The damming lie that Satan poses to mankind is that we, through good works, personal righteousness, going to church on Easter Sunday and Christmas, intellectual mumbo-jumbo through meditation, and the worship of idols, will make up the bridge to everlasting freedom for the soul of man. 

Those that are beguiled in believing this lie-from-hell will ultimately condemn themselves to an eternity away from the presence of Almighty God, because they rejected the only bridge not made my hands.

God can set at liberty any person that is bound by traditions, habits, and unproven religions if they so desire.  God gives each of us freewill to choose our way or His way.  Freedom comes through Jesus Christ.  He alone brings total forgiveness of unrighteous living.  It was the blood He shed on the cross that cleansed us from an unholy existence.  He died for the sins of humanity, because of love.

(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.”

The cross spans the gap, called SIN, which separates disobedient people from God.  Jesus hung there and was suspended with His hands nailed horizontally to unite a fallen people with their Creator—the bridge of forgiveness and grace.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  Not a soul can come to the Father except through His Son.  The cross is the only bridge connecting sinful man to the holiness of God.  When we embark upon this straight and narrow path, the only way to salvation, it insures that our homecoming will take place in heaven. 

When Christians pass from this life they will spend eternity in the presence of unending love.  While the angels are rejoicing, those that are born again Believers will be united with the true and living God. 

The bridge to freedom is sure, solid, and unshakeable.  When other means fail to provide lasting peace and the assurance that (all is OK with my Maker), remember that the blood of Jesus was the price paid for our redemption.  The bridge toll was paid in full for those that accept Him as Lord and Savior.

We do not have to worry about the flames of hell burning this bridge.  The fiery darts of Satan are extinguished by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God.

(Romans 10:9-10) “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.”  vs.10 “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Lost and Found

My thought for today begins with a question.  Have you ever lost a wallet or purse?  If so, I am sure you can relate to this writing. 

Remember the panic you felt in the pit of your stomach when you discovered that it was gone?  It wasn’t so much the money that I was concerned about; the angst of cancelling credit cards, obtaining a new driver’s license and medical card was now facing me.  I fretted deeply regarding identity theft.

I thought that I had been pick-pocketed at a garage sale, because I had the wallet in my hip pocket starting out that Saturday morning, but after the first or second sale, the wallet was gone. 

The experience left an indelible impression in my mind to take precautions as to the contents that I pack with me and to be more aware of my surroundings.  Lessons learned?  Yes, but who needs this kind of stress in their life? 

It is amazing how many times I looked under and behind my truck seat and every room in my house after hurrying home.  I retraced my steps and racked my brain; replaying the morning’s activities over and over again.  I was a mess.

It is easy to tell someone else that is going through similar anxieties to let God be their strength and not worry.  But when the experience becomes firsthand, the anguish of the event makes it harder to believe that God is concerned and will see you through the ordeal.  We just need to learn how to trust Him in all circumstances of life. 

My wife, the encouraging person that she is, told me that she felt strongly that the wallet would be returned through the mail, dropped off at the local police station, or brought directly to our front door by the person that found it.  She believed, because she had already given the situation to God, while I checked the mailbox, looked under my truck seat again, and looked in every room of the house for the umpteenth time.

I called the fraud alert; cancelled my credit card; went to the Department of Motor Vehicles; and the following Monday we went to the police station and filed the necessary report after being told that the wallet was not there.  Things were looking bleak, yet my wife reiterated, “You’re going to get it back.”  Wow, what faith!

How many times do we pray for help, but in the back of our mind we think that there is no hope?  Faith will move mountains when we trust that God will work out all things according to His perfect will for us. 

What is the mountain in your life that needs to be moved?  Pray, and then believe that God hears your prayer and will do what He said He would do in the Bible (give you the desires of your heart).  Then have faith to leave it in His hands to accomplish what needs to be done…not like the guy in the following paragraph.

I am reminded of a man that wanted to test his faith.  So one evening, before retiring, he looked through his bedroom window at a mountain in the far distance and exclaimed, “Mountain, be cast into the sea!”  The next morning he went to the window, and sure enough the mountain was still there.  “Just as I expected” he affirmed.

Where was his faith?  He prayed a miss.  He didn’t really believe that the mountain would be gone, because of his last statement. 

We need not test our faith in this manner, but when an opportunity arises that faith is knocking at the door to challenge our belief, we must open the door by faith and allow faith to receive the answer to our prayer.  Remaining behind closed doors accomplishes very little.  It takes opening the door to receive what God has for us. 

(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.”

My office is at the front of my house overlooking the street.  In this day with home invasions becoming more frequent, I am cautious as to whom I open the entry door.  Monday afternoon about 4:00 o'clock, two days after losing my wallet, a black car pulled up in front of my house.  I have heard that criminals sometimes use women as a ploy to get a homeowner to open their door and then men will storm the opening.

I heard a knock at the door.  I peaked out and a young woman was standing there with something in her hand.  I cautiously opened the door and the first words out of her mouth were, “Did you lose a wallet?” as she held it up for me to see. 

I could not believe my eyes!  But I should have, because I prayed that God would someway return it.  My driver’s license, credit card, medical card, important papers, and my pictures were all there.  She had found it in the gutter on her way to school.  It must have fallen out of my pocket, while exiting the truck.  Amazing!  Just amazing that I was staring at my lost wallet!  I was awestruck.

(Psalm 84:11), “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

God is concerned about the small things just as much as the big ones.  Though I had taken care of everything I needed to do when losing important cards, etc., the peace of mind and ecstatic joy that I experienced in seeing my wallet again was overwhelming.  It showed me just a glimpse of what God must feel when a wayward soul repents of their sins and is reunited with Him.

The lyrics to the song, Amazing Grace, say it all.  “I was lost, but now I’m found.”  I was like the wallet, away from my keeper, but God reached down into the gutter where I had ended up and brought me to the very door where I was received with great rejoicing.  Jesus will do the same for you.  Just say His name, repent of your sins, and believe.

(Luke 15:10), “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Consider the Plank

I believe the following statement is typical of most inhabitants in the world.  Seeing another individual’s faults, yet failing to see their own shortcomings is characteristic of humanity, generally speaking.  For some reason, prying minds are enthralled with other people’s dealings to the point of thinking they have all the answers to right the wrongs in another person’s life.  Honestly, I cannot think of anything else that comes easier than standing in judgment of others, which is frowned upon by God.

When I was a youngster, my mom told me that if I pointed my finger at someone else, three fingers were pointing back at me.  She was saying, in essence, “Don’t be so quick to judge.”  Mom made me aware that I should not criticize or challenge another person’s behavior or choices when my backyard may be full of like things as theirs or perhaps even worse.

It is an “elective duty” that people take upon themselves to straighten out another person, as it were.  It is easy to stand on the outside of someone’s house-of-affairs and think they can do things better than they.  But the critical observer may not have all of the facts nor see things from the other party’s prospective. 

Perception is something interpreted through a mental impression, which is not always as it seems.  If a “duty minded” person is not walking in the same shoes as those going through certain challenges of life, it stands to reason that it becomes easier to pick apart the other person’s motivation when all the facts are not known, especially when they themselves are blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other, figuratively speaking.

If we live in a glasshouse, we should't throw rocks.  Likewise, seeing faults in someone is not a license to act upon that observation when there is blurred vision involved.  To see clearly to assist someone else takes clear vision on our part, which involves removing the things out of our own life before trying to help those that are facing far less ordeals than we are.  Our efforts will be rejected as they exclaim, “Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?  Look at your own life!”

(Matthew 7:3-5), “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.”

Someone that is head-over-heels in debt; owing everyone under the sun, has no business giving advice to those having missed a car payment unless they themselves get their house in order by eliminating debts.  They may then be able to advise those having financial setbacks on how to manage their money.

People are quick to find fault in others even though they are a mess themselves.  We can all learn from the teaching in (Matthew 7:3-5) if we heed its message.  It will help to free us from the responsibility that we have placed upon our shoulders of living another person’s life for them.  Losing sleep when they make bad choices is not healthy. 

The Lord can make good out of bad situations when called upon in times of need.  God will never leave nor forsake His children. 

In my opinion, learning by our mistakes is sometimes the best teacher when the advice from others fails to hit home, thus, falling on deaf ears.  But there are extenuating circumstances that can certainly enter into this scenario, which should allow consideration.

A development of events beyond their control may open the door for deliberation on such matters, but wisdom should always be implemented prior to involving oneself financially or any other way if lessons need to be learned. 

People mean well when they bail another person out of their woes of which lighthearted decision-making may have created.  I believe it is an attempt by the enabler to ease the pain or burden that falling into a pit can cause, especially if they themselves stumbled, because of similar pitfalls. 

How will a person learn to stand on their own two feet and prevent from being entangled in foolish spending and wasting money if a rope is always thrown to them when they send out an SOS?  This undisciplined lifestyle of throwing money to the wind is like saying, “Live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself.” 

Who am I to tell them how they have erred if I do likewise or worse?  Time will reveal what mistakes they have made, and hopefully they won’t repeat them.  Each of us needs to consider the plank in our own eye and remove it so that we can see clearly how to remove the particle of sawdust from someone else’s eye.

Whenever I am tempted to speak my mind about what another person is doing or not doing, the Holy Spirit is quick to remind me of my shortcomings, which helps me to re-evaluate my thoughts and control my tongue.  My prayer is as follows:

(Psalm 141:3), “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

It is not fun to look inward, because of what may be revealed, but these are the moments when God can help us draw neigh to Him by helping us to behold the plank in our eye and then doing something about it.  This is the process by which Christians learn to put off the old, sin nature and put on awareness of how to become more like Christ.

I thank God for His love and patience in making me conscious of areas that need improvement.  The Lord helps me to enlarge the boarders of my understanding, while improving our relationship with one another. 

He will do the same for you if you want more of God; Who will enable you to be a true help to those around you.  Clear vision will follow when the plank has been considered and removed from your eye.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Open Door

I wonder how often a person misses out on opportunities from God, because of fear.  It is certainly intimidating at times to step through the open door in front of them to venture into uncharted waters.  But how many times have they been protected, because they called upon the name of the Lord before stepping through a door that God did not open?

As for me, I move slowly and with caution when approaching an open door of believed prospect.  My very nature is to slow things down, but some people are impulsive and go headlong into areas where angels fear to tread.  Investing time, money, or talents is indeed rewarding when it is God’s timing to step through a door of His choosing.

When I am not sure if it is God’s will for me to speculate on making a move, it is always slow going and deliberate, which I believe is prudent in this day.  Something negative could be lying in wait beyond the open door; hoping that I will blindly step through, however, it could be something good that is about to happen, but I need to prayerfully venture outside of my comfort zone to see what God has in store.  

Unscrupulous people are always trying to get into our hip pocket or purse strings  and lead us astray in some way, whereas, the continued blessings of God could be just beyond the threshold.  This is why we must always be led of the Spirit. 

There is nothing wrong with being cautious and getting all the facts before making our way through the opening.  Praying “Not my will, but Your will be done” should always be the number one priority before taking a step of faith.

I believe that my steps are ordered of the Lord as the Bible says.  When it appears that a door is open before me, I do not jump through it without first considering the full cost of the move.  I pray until I have peace in my heart that the decision I am about to make is in my best interest.  

I endeavor to allow the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth and that the choices I make are within the realm of God’s plan for my life.  I have never been led astray when I included God in my decision making.

The natural propensity of hasty people is to sometimes act without thinking when it seems that a deal or opportunity is going to slip through their fingers unless they act quickly.  These are the times when throwing caution to the wind can be detrimental.  Weighing the pros and cons, through prayer, is in order and will certainly be to their advantage when disciplining themselves to not get caught up in the rush of things.

If a Believer is supposed to have a certain thing, God will make a way and give peace, while helping them achieve it.  If not, I believe that God will block the open door to prevent access as long as they are mindful to His warnings.  

With God on our side, whom or what shall we fear?  All power belongs to Him.  He supplies our needs according to His riches in glory; the very best for His children as they abide in His statutes and obey the Ten Commandments. 

The last statement is not to say that God does not want the best for non-Christians…He does, but it is up to each individual whether or not they give their life to God in order to receive His best.

Open doors test our ability to maintain patience, while exercising faith.  I always pray, “If it is Your will that I step through the open door, then let no man close it, but if not, close the door and let no man open it.”  This has always worked for me.

Three ways to know if an “Open Door” is from God:

1. The door that God opens will never contradict His Word.
2. The door that God opens will be accompanied by confirmation.
3. The door that God opens will require you to depend on Him.

I worked in an office where the departmental head had an “open door” policy, which made working there a delight.  He was a good boss that didn't sit behind closed doors and deny a one-on-one visit from the employees.  Communication was always encouraged and he listened to anything that was on our mind; without reproach.

Our heavenly Father is like this.  We can go to Him with all of our concerns, questions, doubts, fears, and uncertainties, because He is a good Father that does not condemn us.  We can approach Him with anything and He will take the time to listen and give direction, while stroking us in love.

Whenever I step through a door that God opens, I am amazed at the wonders and blessings that come my way, because I trusted Him.  He has always exceeded my expectations when I took a step of faith.  His resolve has been perfect in all things, but it required me to walk through the opening.

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

When we step through doors of opportunity, it can advance us monetarily, spiritually, or whatever way God chooses to bring His Word to fruition in our life.  Or perhaps God has someone in mind that He wants us to speak life into; a person that is seeking answers to feed their starving soul. 

It is remarkable how God fills my mouth with words that are not my own; just the right words to promote the “Good News” to people that need it the most. 

The power of the Holy Spirit works in and through our efforts to help non-Believers become a part of the family of God; to provide them with the direction they need in order to find salvation through Jesus Christ.  God’s Word never returns void.  It is everlasting.  The Holy Spirit will continue to draw them to the Lord, because of the words that we shared in love. 

The Good News is Jesus Christ, God’s Son.  God gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins in order that we possess the hope of eternal life in heaven and life more abundantly on earth.  Salvation is just a prayer away.  Old things (the former way of life) pass away and all things (a new beginning) become the superior mindset of a soul that has been set free from sin.  This experience is called the “new birth” or being “born-again.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

When Christians give away from themselves and step through doors that God has opened, He always rewards those that give.  We do not give to get, but God’s Word declares it to be so.  He gives far more than our giving, because the Bible is truth and when truth prevails, positive things happen.  God cannot lie.

I am sure that you have read the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).  This statement is so true.  Whenever a person blesses another individual, the mere act of giving brings an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement to the giver.  The following are more words spoken by Jesus.

(Luke 6:38), “Give and it will be given to you:  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.”  

The open door policy that God makes possible, allows us to come boldly to His throne and communicate with Him anytime that we want.  We can go directly to Him through Jesus Christ and know that our petitions are heard and that He will fulfill His promise to never leave or forsake us.  He will always supply our needs.

(Hebrews 4:16), “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

We have the privilege to knock at the door and know, with confidence, that God hears our knock and will open it unto us.  He wants to commune and love us with a never ending love.

(Matthew 7:7), “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.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Agonizing Question

I figured since I am periodically bothered with the question that I will address in today's thoughts, perhaps you too are troubled with similar questions.  I am sure that my slant on the subject and Bible truth concerning the matter will help alleviate your doubt and/or despair. 

Before dealing with the question itself, I want to take you on a quick journey to explore the topic of faith, hope and charity, and tie it in later with the question that buffets me. 

When a person makes up their mind to live for Jesus rather than merely existing without Him in the routines of life, this step of faith is the first step to abundant living.  It is a walk of faith; not by sight.

I did not have to be at the tomb where Jesus was buried to visually see that He rose to life on the third day after being crucified on the cross for our sins.  I accept it by faith and believe that God indeed raised Him from the dead, because the Holy Bible tells of this epic truth.  Our hope of eternal life in heaven is based upon this event. 

The salvation of one’s soul is through Christ alone and none other.  It is the substance of that which is hoped for, while experiencing, firsthand, the evidence of things not seen.  This is exactly what faith is all about.  Without faith there is no hope.

Believing that God’s Word is truth embodies our faith in God.  It is totally within our aptitude to trust that He protected the Bible from any errors for our benefit and gain.  Trusting that the content therein is the inerrant Word of God is faith at work.

I was set free from the bondage of sin in my mid-twenties when I asked God to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  He did exactly that.  But you may ask, “How do you know for sure?” 

There was no doubt in my mind that something wonderful happened that day.  The burden of sin that was crushing me transferred to the Lord, because He chose to carry it.  His great love for me made it possible to cast the heavy load I was carrying upon Him.  I remember taking a deep breath and saying with excitement, “I can breathe!”

(Psalm 55:22), “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”

My personality changed; I had a smile on my face; and no longer were my desires centered on wrongdoing, because I wanted more of Jesus who set me free.  I felt the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  It was at that moment I took the deep, cleansing breath of freedom.

(1 Peter 5:6-9), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”  vs.8  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  vs.9 “Resist him, steadfast in the faith…”

My experience of the “new birth” was indeed real and my friends could see the difference in my countenance, disposition, and attitude.  Upon leaving the sanctuary of my bedroom where I knelt to pray the sinner’s prayer, Satan immediately began harassing me with the question pertaining to this writing:  “How do you really know you’re saved and going to heaven?” 

This question troubled me deeply.  The more I gave ear to the father of lies the more agonizing the question became.  While reading the Bible I learned that if I resisted the devil he would leave me alone, so I put God’s Word to the test, and it worked!

(James 4:7), “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” 

God strengthened my faith the more I read His Word.  I was pleasantly surprised with (Romans 10:17) that faith actually becomes stronger when we read the Bible.

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

If Satan is causing you to doubt your “born-again” experience and tells you that heaven is not for you, just resist him and he will go away.  Yes, he’s going to return sometime in the future to test your faith again, but the Bible says that God is greater than the devil.  We need not concern ourselves with his lies and deceitful claims. 

(1 John 4:4), “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 

My mom always pleaded the blood of Jesus when the devil was on the offensive, because there is all power in His blood.  The blood He shed on the cross made it possible for you and me to enter heaven.  This is the promise of God, which is the hope of every Believer.

Before coming to Christ, I wasted many years refusing His outstretched hand through the efforts of people that tried to share with me the good news of God’s grace and mercy.  I did not want it or desire to hear about it.  Change was not for me, because I thought I was happy with the statuesque of living life.

Actually, I was running from God, while looking for my niche in society without committing my self-serving character to Him.  But it wasn’t working.  Though I had ample money to buy most anything I wanted, there was still something missing inside me. 

Girlfriends and the popularity of my peers became less meaningful, while the value I placed in these relationships fell to a superficial and trite state of decline.  Nothing was working to fulfill the longing of my inner being; my soul.  All was vexation of spirit. 

So when Satan bangs at my heart’s door with the question, “How do you know you’re going to heaven?” I plead the blood first and then think back to how miserable I use to be and the filth that I was involved with prior to becoming a child of God.  Then the peace of God comes and dispels all doubt.

It is amazing how unstable I had become and how far adrift from the sense of belonging that I wanted so badly.  It was beyond my reach until I gave my heart to Jesus.  Though I was out of sorts with God, He continued His quest to make me His son. 

I am thankful that He didn’t give up on me when fame, fortune, and status were all encompassing.  Jesus saved me from a negative state of mind and the tailspin that I was in, of which I could not correct on my own.

When my mental instability was collapsing and I was at rope's end of self-sufficient living, and the fanfare of parties and other entertainments failed to bring peace, Jesus was waiting patiently for me to take His hand when I was going down for the third time.  He is our only hope for survival in a world having no peace and lacking hope.

(John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 

So when the agonizing question I referred to in the title brings fear and uncertainty that heaven is outside our reach, STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to what the Holy Spirit is telling you through God’s Word.  It will deliver you from any doubt that you have, because the Bible is alive in truth, which sets at liberty those that are tormented by the devil. 

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

When an individual surrenders their will unto God they are made perfect in love.  This act of faith gives them entitlement.  They become a child of God and joint heirs with Christ. 

When we accept Jesus as Lord, He saves us from the punishment we deserve.  Though I know this, a battle of the mind still ensues, because Satan wants to dissuade me from the things of God, but I stand with my feet firmly planted in faith.

The truth of God’s Word puts Satan to flight, especially the scriptures dealing with son ship and the chastisement of God.  They support the certainty that I am heaven bound, because my heavenly Father, in love, convicts me of sin just as I corrected my children when raising them in order to bring out the good when disobedience wanted to raise its ugly head. 

(Hebrews 12:5-8), “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:”  ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;’ ” vs.6 “ ‘For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’ ” vs.7 “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”  vs.8 “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” 

God gives sinners the faith to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised Him from the dead.  That is exactly the amount of faith a person needs to become a Christian.  I did not have to see the nail scared hands and feet of Jesus, nor the wound in His side to believe that He died for me.  The Bible declares it and I believe it—such is faith.

Faith increases the more we read the Bible, which gives us more power to resist the devil.  Questions will become less and less a problem when more and more of God’s Word is hidden in our heart.    

Faith pleases God.  Those patriarchs in the Bible, men and women like you and me, exercised faith, which are examples to us of the willingness of an omnipotence God to intervene when all else fails.  We must strive to live by faith and not by sight.  As we do this, agonizing questions will flee; dispelling all doubts and fears.

(Hebrews 11:6), “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a re-warder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Blood-red Moon

I do not pretend to understand or grasp the ins and outs of dreams and their purpose, but I do know they have caused my spirit to rise up, take notice, and make improvements in my life depending on the content of the dreams.  

As a side note, compare this to television, which is not worth watching these days; movies with ratings not fit for family viewing; and the liberal news media that sanctions all that is unholy and anti-Christ.  These platforms fail to stimulate people in positive ways.

It is disgraceful to see how low that ‘so-called’ entertainment and American values have plummeted from the moral standards on which this great nation was founded—God’s principles.

There is just something about meaningful dreams that intrigue me more so than the snippets of filth shown on T.V. Ads.  Shamefully, most of the programs are deplorable and unacceptable.  Thank goodness for a DVR so that I can skip over them and record shows, which are wholesome in nature; though in short supply. 

To parallel some of the above thoughts, I have learned that possessions, assets, and the like cannot provide lasting satisfaction or peace.  Money, in particular, and what it can buy, fails to enrich spiritual growth or inspire my ability to improve relationships with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

We need things in our life that give hope and a sense of well-being that encourage true contentment; not momentary pleasures that quickly fade away.

In my preadolescent years and earlier, I remember my mom telling me that if I shared a dream before eating breakfast that it would come true.  So if I had a good dream, I told it, but if not, I waited. 

It is funny how old wives tales peak the interest of people of all ages to the point that some actually believe the subject matter as being factual.  With this being said, an event is near-term that is neither a wives tale nor the figment of someone’s imagination.  It is the totality of what life is all about and the reward for making right choices—the return of Jesus and going to heaven.

God can speak to us using any means that He chooses.  I believe that dreams are mediums that He makes use of when other attempts of getting our attention fail, especially those efforts that roll off our back like duck feathers repel water.

Angelic visitations and the awareness of their presence; messages from God; and things of spiritual influence that bring a responsive reaction of one’s relationship with the Lord can very well happen, because of dreams.  They are exciting encounters having to do with the supernatural, which certainly captivate my attention.

I analyze, question, and explore the content of these dreams in an effort to capture the full essence of their meaning.  You may think this a bit strange, but how many dreams pertaining to the supernatural does the average person receive in their lifetime?  So it behooves me to understand what it is that God is saying.

I believe that dreams can directly correlate the sensations of our senses with the spiritual world where God operates.  I also believe that a person can sojourn in a place of holiness; a position in God, where they are actually in the Spirit.  I call it the “God-mind.”

John the Revelator wrote the Book of Revelation; the last book of the New Testament.  In my thinking, he was in the God-mind when he compiled the visions that God commanded him to write for the enlightenment of humanity in the last days prior to the second coming of His Son, Jesus.

I believe that a similar state of mind briefly encapsulated my psyche last night, though I am not comparing myself to John in any way.  Perhaps it was a dream, but it may have been a vision, I’m not sure.  It was so thought provoking and meaningful; it moved me to write these words today.

While lying in bed with my eyes closed, I could see the beauty of God’s handiwork in the heavens and was pleasantly surprised that a full moon was in view.  The more I drank in the splendor and awesomeness of creation, my eyes beheld a scene that I have never witnessed before.

There, kneeling at the base of a huge bolder was the shape of a man dressed in white garments.  He had a long walking staff in his left hand, which he leaned upon during his time of prayer.  It was as if he were looking directly into the face of God with his head lifted high.

His silhouette could be seen clearly with the moon shinning behind him, which caused me to become more intrigued as I focused on the image before me.  And then suddenly it happened without warning!  The moon took on a different appearance!

No longer was it the captivating moon that caused my wife and I to become moonstruck when we were dating and so much in love; it became a visual message of intense importance.  I remember the experience being an overwhelming reality that authenticated the Bible scriptures that I had read in (Revelation 6:12-17) and (Joel 2:30-32) concerning the end times.

On the extreme, right side of the moon, about 1/8^th of its surface was the shape of a crescent; blood-red in color.  While in a state of awe and drinking in all that the moment offered, I realized that it was a sign to me that Jesus was about to return on clouds of glory to receive those that were looking for His appearing.

As soon as this realization was understood within my perception, the man ceased to look upward and slowly turned his head toward me and fixed his eyes on mine.  It was then that my uncertainty of who he was took flight.  It was Jesus!

It was extraordinary and wonderful as He continued his gaze in my direction, but uncomfortable at the same time.  It was the same stare that my dad gave me when he wanted me to mind as a child; not having to say a word, because I knew the look and what it meant.  The Lord’s countenance was stern, yet compassionate, with eyes concerned, but full of love.

Like a child, I received the message God had for me and for you as well.  He wanted to make sure that we knew Jesus as Lord and was attentive to His Word when it stated that we must be ready when Jesus returns.  He stood firm with regard to no second chances—a middle of the road relationship with Him would be rejected.  

Jesus emphasized the fact that we must take note of the signs around us, because His return was nigh at hand, thus, the moon turning to crimson red…not fully engulfed as yet, because God’s grace was still allowing us to pray, “God forgive me of my sins.”  He was still extending mercy to lost souls, but for how long?  

The message was five-fold—time is of the essence; today is the day of salvation; no one has the assurance of tomorrow; and we must live each moment as if Jesus is coming back before our next breath.  The Lord is coming in the twinkling of an eye to receive His bride unto Himself; the bride being, born-again Christians.  Are you ready to meet Him when He returns?  I pray that you are.

(Joel 2:30-31), “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:  blood and fire and pillars of smoke.”  vs.31  “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.”  vs.32 “and it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved…”

(Revelation 6:12-17), “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.”  vs.13 “and the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”  vs.14 “Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.”  vs.15 “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,” vs.16 “and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!’”  vs. 17 “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Dream Awareness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd

The Undoing of Perfection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by,

Papa Boyd