...too small a thing...

As the Stomach Churns

This title has been used many times as a satire on the many soap opeas that are on afternoon TV. The news almost seems like an episode of this type of soap opera.

Poor Herman. I feel sorry for him, but I nor you will probably ever know the truth. The biggest issue I see is that he said that "He was helping Mrs White financially." Of course the question is, why? How long? How Much? and was Mrs Cain in on this use of family funds to help out an acquaintance? So there is a good deal of explanation needed, or it all looks bad. The reconsideration of the campaign itself looks bad. And so it seems the news goes on and on about this soap opera. Herman Cain brought a new look and  al lot of energy to the Republican party race. If this is trumped up, made up, fabricated stuff, please explain why the phone numbers and calls were made. Please explain why the financial support was there and please defend your husband Mrs Cain.

But on the other hand if this is true. O MY! How did he ever think he sould be president with this kind of deciet going on. Am I having a flashback to John Edwards. Or maybe it was Gary Hart? This stuff seems to go on and on.

Men be careful with meeting and talking with women. Make sure your wives know when, where, and why you might be meeting or talking with other  women.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 1 Timothy 3:2 NIV

I know that the verse is for an overseer in the church but all Christian men should take note. Life is like a soap opera all around us. Men of God, rise up and be above this type of accusation.

Destroy It - Then put in something better.

Sometimes we like to tear things up. Pound things. Pulverize them. When we get one of those sheets of packing material with the little air bubbles we like to pop them. Why do we do this? Is there really a thrill to crushing an aluminum can?

Last summer we went to First Baptist Church of Moab Utah and literally tore the roof off the church to make way for a new one. That was pretty neat to do all of that demolition. We took off the first part in sections and that worked pretty well, but it was a little slow. As we got further along we just tore it down in smaller and smaller pieces and that was fun too.

Physical stuff is one thing to destroy, but how about stuff we cannot hold in our hands. Can we destroy ideas? Have you ever wanted to do something real bad, but could not and so the idea you had was destroyed? Have you ever had a bad thought in your head that you needed to get out?

Sometimes we need to destroy stuff. A whole industry has developed around the idea of shredding paper. Important documents with people's private information has to be purged from files of companies and it is important where, how and by what method it is destroyed. Big turcks with shredding machines will come do the destruction for you, for a price.

How about the destruction of that bad idea. How do you get a bad idea out of your head? Every year I have a battle with the weeds in the front of the house. I use a good dose of Round Up and they die out for a while. They start coming back and I pick em an pull em one weed at a time for a while but if I go on a mission trip when I return they have taken over. To keep the weeds out I have to put in mulch. So bad ideas and even habits of thinking and doing seem to creep back into our lives. So how do we destroy the bad ideas and keep them gone?

I think the key is to replace the bad idea with a Godly idea. We must see what God wants us to put into our lives in every area of life and believe Him for what He has already done and what He will do if we trust Him.

Bad ideas need to be destroyed. Bad thoughts need to be pulverized. So how do we do it? I think the real key on destruction of bad thought is the construcion of good thoughts. 

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NAS

After we put the new roof on at FBC Moab we set the new steeple in place. That was the final thing on the last day for our team. Move out the bad thinking and put new better and godly thinking in its place.

Do You Need Counseling?

Of course you do. Everybody does. What is counseling? It is sharing your ideas, getting some positive feedback, talking about a problem, discussing some of the things that make you happy or sad. Counseling is communication with someone who cares and will give you some help.

The real question about counseling is who do you trust to talk to, and what is the "help" you get based upon. The "help" comes from science and tested methods of research right? Wrong. Modern Psychology is in chaos. Few agree on anything about diagnosis, methods of treatment, or even what is mental illness. Here ar a couple of articles if you want verification or proof.

Is Psycology Science, by Paul Lutus

Head Case by Louis Menand, New Yorker Magazine, March 1, 2010

There are hundreds more articles most written by psychologist, scientist, psychiatrist and medical doctors. What does this mean? Is the world of mental health a scam? No not entirely but there are lots of things to watch out for in seeing a counselor. There are many who practice the trade of counseling and psycotherpy who are helping people. Why because people need to talk about their problems. They need "Help."   SO, we are back to the orginal question. Who do you trust and what do you want the "help" to be based on.

This is why I am a Nouthetic Counselor.

What I believe is that the Word of God has application in every persons life. If you have faith in God and believe the Bible there is a rememdy for anything that troubles you, and any situation in life that you may encounter. God has Truth and answers for his people.

Sadly, some do not have faith in God nor do they believe the Bible. Their "help" will have to be based on something else. They will seek answers elsewhere and sadly they will find few to life's most difficult problems.

God is leading me to pursue the work I already do in counseling. My completion of a Doctor of Ministry degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary has given me insight into the need to help people with many issues in their lives. My work as a Chaplain in the area of Law Enforcement has made me so keenly aware of the need to help those who work in public safety are so in need of someone they trust to talk to. So for those who trust me, and those who know I base my "help" for them on the most trusted of all sources, the Holy Bible. I am going to expand my work in the area of counseling. I seek your prayers and support as I enter this realm of work with a passion over the coming weeks.

Bad Thinking is Stinking Thinking

We do not use our sense of smell like we do the other senses, but when we smell something bad, something that is rotten, we know it immediately and get rid of it or get away if we can. The sense of smell kind of sits ready all the time, but most of the time smell is in neutral it seems. If we smell something good like food, flowers, or even someone we love's perfume it can move us to action to use our other senses of sight and hearing to see what is producing the smell. In other words we are attracted to a good smell. But the same is true when we smell something bad. When we get a whiff we look around to see what or who is making that smell so we can be sure and go the opposite way. 

Now here is a thought you can ponder or another way of saying "here is some thinking you can do." When the Lord observes us, I am sure it is a complete knowledge we really cannot understand. He sees us, hears us, smells us, feels us, and He knows our actual thoughts as he does know every thing about us all the time. So what kind of reaction is the Lord having to what you are thinking. The Lord does not have to look around and see who is doing the "stinking thinking" He knows.

Think about these verses..... (two times a pleasing aroma to the Lord is mentioned)

1“On the first day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a day for you to blow the trumpets, 2and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish; 3also their grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, three tenths of an ephah^a for the bull, two tenths for the ram, 4and one tenth for each of the seven lambs; 5with one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you; 6besides the burnt offering of the new moon, and its grain offering, and the regular burnt offering and its grain offering, and their drink offering, according to the rule for them, for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. Numbers 29: 1-6 ESV

Now if the worshipers attitude was not right I do not think the aroma would have been the same. This morning is a time of corporate worship. Worship for the Lord begins now. Right now. Having an attitude even as you read this blog, get ready for church, drive to church all moments of the day should have an attiude of worship. If not the Lord knows your Stinking Thinking.

And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and he said to me, “Say, Thus says the LORD: So you think, O house of Israel. For I know the things that come into your mind. Ezekial 11:5 ESV

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

 

Bees and the Dogs

Ever since I was a kid I have been seeing the annual battle of GA vs GA Tech. People get all worked up about it and over the years I have watched as The two biggest and best teams in my state collide in a football game the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I have become through the years, i guess more of a UGA fan I guess partly because of the great Larry Munson. He made a ball game exciting on the radio and as I am often busy on Saturdays I would listen more than watch. So I guess I root for GA but I am always proud when GA Tech is doing well too. I really do not understand the people who try to run one team down all the time. I know most of the banter about schools is in sport and teasing but I have seen some who get nasty.

Today the two great teams from GA  clash once again. Truthfully, I honestly wish that both teams could win. I know some of you will phooey on that idea, but this is the last regular season games for the seniors. I played football in High School and the last time is a big deal. So who wants to go out with a loss. I hope it is a good game and both teams play honorably.

I will watch the game today (or I plan to do so), but I will not get too worked up or too excited as to let the outcome ruin my day. It is a game. UGA will be in the SEC Championship game next week and to today is not really that critical as far as winning to advance. Both teams want a good bowl game to play in and I think they will get one. We are supposed to enjoy the game not worry or get upset watching it. Watching the young men play the game is the point. If they do well, on either side, then praise them for their job well done. For all of the players on the field they are accomplishing a  lot as they get to be a part of this great Georgia event.

Enjoy the Game.

 

 

Black Friday Unleashed

I took this photo at about 1 AM last night and while it is blurry and dark what you see is cars. They were everywhere. Riding with the graveyard shift of the police department is usually deserted streets and checking businesses. Last night was different  as it was traffic, traffic accidents, and lots of people. I rode the area near Town Center Mall and saw strange sights. Some lots there were no cars as they were not open. Other lots people were double parking because there were open stores. The photo above has people lined up on the street just trying to get into the parking lot of one of the big box stores.

It was crazy last night and it was continuing this morning as I came home to get some sleep. People were consumed with a passion to purchase.... Whatever. I think the item most purchased I saw----flat screen TV's. As we drove through parking lots to check on people we saw box after box with all sizes of flat screeens being loaded up.

It is the number one news story. It is the question of the day when people talk, "are you going shopping today?" So I sort of got to see it unleashed but never went in side a store that was open. The only store I entered last night was a book store that was closed and some over zealous shopper thought they would come on in and could not understand why the door was locked. Using a crowbar they tried to open a plate glass door and when the sirens of the alarm system went off they realized OH! I guess they are not open. Probably $ 500.00 worth of damage to a storefront door.

Black Friday will run its course in the next 12 to 14 hours and the madness witll subside just a bit. I just have a single thought .......Where is Jesus in all of this? It  is his birth we are preparing to celebrate. The Christmas season is about the Lord's advent not shopping and gifts and saving money. Just a reminder.

Thankfulness Starts With You

It seems the holidays bring a poem out of me sometimes, and this morning I felt the urge to write in verse. I do have a thankful heart for so many things, It would be hard to include them all. So, I wrote a poem that covers a lot, but one thought was in my mind. Thankfulness comes from me when I recognize what He has done.

 

Thankfulness Starts with You

 

There is a God who made all things,

A Lord over all the earth,

The one who gives the light to see,

Is the one who died for me.

 

By divine choice I was placed with those,

Who love and share my life,

And each day I live by love and choice,

To give my faith to them.

 

So much is wrong with this world

There are mountains I must climb,

My thankful heart is sometimes silenced

By the steepness of the grade.

 

Words that are angry, bitter, or untrue,

Are better left unspoken.

And a voice that is full of gratitude,

Brings a smile to all who  hear.

 

One day a year is little time

To express all our gratitude

But it is a good moment for each of us

To really examine our attitude.

 

If there is a truly thankful thought

That comes from deep with in,

It comes from a person who knows the one

Who has died to forgive our sin.

 

Happy Thanksgivng Day 2011

What Does It Mean to Be a Police Chaplain?

What a privilige to serve God. In any capacity and in any way, it is a privilige to serve the Creator of the universe. This is the first and most important thought I would have when some one might ask me the title question. The second thought would be similar.

What a privilge to serve the men and women who commit themselves to serve the public. The work of public safety is the only job I know where you are expected to put yourself in harm's way if need be to protect the public. Law Enforcement means you have duty, honor and a huge obligation of service to the public number one because of the authority given to you as a officer and number two because of the oath of office an officer takes. 

What does it mean to be a Police Chaplain? I have been called out by God for a purpose. I have a huge responsibility to know this unique person who wears a badge. I must work to see first hand what an officer faces and how he or she must operate. This is why as a Chaplain I do ride alongs. To know them and what they do puts me in a position to enccourage, guide, and minister to a very special group of people.

My tools? The Bible. Thus I am armed and equipped to handle any and all problems that the enemy my bring.

I ran across this not too long ago and I read it from time to time before I go ride along. I did so this morning at 4:15 am. Ready to ride this morning. Ready to serve the Lord.  What a privilege.

Chaplain's Pledge

As a Law Enforcement Chaplain, I believe that God is the answer to man's dilemma. I stand ready to bear witness to the forgiving love and redeeming power of God to all people, especially to those in crisis. I pray that God will guide my thoughts, words, and actions. I seek to be a channel of God's love. I desire to serve a source of support and counsel to the Law Enforcement Community.

I am not a law enforcement officer, but a man of God, duly ordained of licensed. My responsibilities are to assist all Officers, upon request, on matters within the Chaplain's realm. I shall not in any way interfere with an Officer in the performance of his duties, but be subject to the authority of the Officer on duty.

As a Law Enforcement Chaplain I will:

• Conform to all Law Enforcement procedures insofar as applicable.
• Be available while on duty to the Dispatcher at all times either by radio or telephone.
• Not publicly criticize the action of any Law Enforcement Officer, Department Official, fellow Chaplain or Department Policy or action.
• Hold all information received in the strictest confidence.
• Be an advisor and guide in all matters pertaining to the moral, spiritual and the religious welfare of the Law Enforcement Personnel.
• Hold the badge I carry with the highest regard, maintaining moral and ethical values whether on duty or off.

Black Friday

Sounds a bit ominous doesn't it. Black Friday.  I am shaking my head already at the people who are starting to camp out in front of stores to get the bargains that the stores will have when they open on the day after Thanksgiving. Now if you are camped out in front of a store waiting on the day after Thanksgiving you miss the traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration. I have to ask myself what could be so important to do this?

It is a sort of a madness with people to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. The internet is trying to actually compete it seems with their on line sales on the same day. So now you can be a virtual Black Friday shopper. Visit the "official" (although I am not sure who or how it became official) Black Friday website at http://bfads.net/

The madness will reach across the nation as this madness is nation wide not just local. Stores are opening earlier and earlier and now the many of the employees are protesting that they are having to come into work early to accommodate the early openings. Target Employees delieverd 190,000 signatures to the bosses in protest of the midnight opening. It is all part of the madness.

I do remember several years (20 maybe?) ago that I got up at 4 am (now I get up everyday at 4 am) to go to a store for Kathy to buy something on Black Friday. Funny, I do not remember what store, or what I went to buy. It must not have been very important.

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving as a family day and a day of rest. I am realizing the opportunity and the value of the day to be together more than ever before. We will not have all the family with us, but some will be there. We will have a guest or two at my Mom's house too. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving.

I have no definite plans for the day after Turkey. There will be black coffee in my cup on this day and a good book in my hand possibly. I used to always go deer hunting, but stopped several years ago. I might work real hard at sleeping late that morning. Maybe I will sleep past 5 am. Or maybe I will go see some heros. See the folks who always have to work On Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New-years and their birthdays and their kids birthdays. Yeah the cops. They are always there for you.

They will be working on Black Friday. They will be writing reports on wrecks because of sleepy drivers at 4 am and they will be patrolling the parking lot for you while you shop. They will catch the guys who are stealing stuff out of cars and they will be there when you need them. Maybe I will go spend some time with these guys. I want to bring some encouragement to them. So maybe, I will turn my Black Friday Blue.

 

Sharing vs Deserving

Is this the battle? Is this what the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) crowd is trying to focus on? The United States of America has not seen this type of demonstration in many years. Why? Is it over what they are not getting or over what they already have?

I began to think about this and I found it kind of interesting to list out what we share and what we deserve. Now part of this is spiritual and part is practical.

What we share first:

• The Planet
• The Air we breathe
• The time we live
• The country we live in
• A desire for something (The OWS folks are not real sure what that is)
• The freedom we have.
• A state of mind and health enough to care? (Maybe you don't care about the  OWS but you do care about somethings)
• Media and information to connect these events to our brains. 
• A God who loves us (Whether we love Him or not)
• Sin
• The Forgiveness of sin by God if we seek Him.
• Attitude (we all have one)

Now there are probably many other things you could add to this list that we share, but this was not hard to make. But when I began to think about the things we deserve, this was actually a much harder list to make. Here are three things we deserve.......

• Equal (not preferential) treatement by the government.
• A chance to be heard by whoever will listen.
• The consequences of our behavior.

Now it is pretty obvious that I (on the spur of the moment) came up with a much shorter list on what we deserve, and I am sure some will not agree with these. Some might say we deserve nothing. In a sense I agree, but hear me out.

The OWS group is demanding what? That Wall street give them money? Jobs? Drugs? Or is this occupy wall street just a big nostalgia party to relive the 60s? We are hearing some people beginning to argue about what rights we have as people. What we deserve is therefore really important. Let me comment on what I have stated that we deserve.

Our Government has its problems for sure, but this is still the best country on the face of the earth. But for how long if we do not get some sensibility about the way the country should be run? We cannot give away what you do not have. The Government should treat all people the same. But this does not mean that the government should intrude into our lives. This is the problem. The Federal Government has gotten so large that in many ways it is constantly intruding into our lives through one agency or department or arm of the government but somewhere else the government is allowing other a different standard or giving preferential treatment to groups or certain individuals. So many laws, programs, and departments of government exist that no one can keep up with what it actually out there. This is very true for the new laws being passed like Obama care. The idea of equal treatment under the law therefore is becoming to me very fuzzy. The lawyers are arguing about what the law is day and night. The technicalitys of the law are many and some get away with things that most folks think is a crime. Therefore by it's sheer complexity we are no longer treating everyone the same. But we still argue that we are and defend this with the banner of political correctness.

The second thing we deserve is a little simpler on the surface. We can say what we want "freedom of speech" but here is the catch no one has to listen. But we do have one who will always hear us. God will hear us as He sees all and knows all. And our Lord is always ready to hear the prayer of repentance of a sinner. While we do not deserve this it is a reality. As far as others listening to us....No one has too.

The third is the truth. We do reap what we sow. If the people who OWS stay around for a few more weeks they will get what they deserve. A good snowstorm. I think most of them will find another place to occupy then.

Will they get a concession from Wall Street? From the President? From someone who is watching? Is God going to send manna? I do not think so. If they get what they deserve they will have the satisfaction they had their say... (I am not sure who is listening) and they should be content with that. If they do not there is one more thing I forgot to mention that we share .....The right to VOTE.