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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Importance of Words

Beth Moore, in her James Bible Study, has challenged us to memorize the entire book of James.  I began this process last night.  There are many cool things about memorizing Scripture. My very favorite part of memorization is that the individual words of Scripture come alive.  These are words that I have read many times and somehow have skipped over their meaning. 

James 1:2 is a fine example of this. 

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”

I know myself well enough that I could break down every word verse by verse but then I would be on a rabbit trail and crazy.  So I am committed to only do a word study as specific words stand out to me.  The word in question in the above verse is trials. 

Now in my mind, when I think of the word “trial” I think of an untrue accusation coming again me, a situation where I am tempted to defend or help myself. 
Some examples would be; negative words about me, circumstances out of my control happening to me, loss of a job, tornado, floods, hurricanes, abuse from a spouse or parent, etc.  I think of a trial of something that happens outside of myself to myself. 

This is true.  The word trial means all these things but, my friend, the word also means so much more than what I have listed above. 

The King James Version of the Bible uses the word “temptations”. 

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”

A temptation, for me, takes on a different meaning than the word trial.  But a temptation is always present within a trial. A temptation is something I am enticed to do.  A temptation is something appealing to the flesh.  A temptation would be something I choose to do that goes against the Lord and His word. In every trial (something outside of myself that affects me) I have a temptation to be angry at God or trust Him. I have a temptation to turn away from Him or surrender to His sovereignty.  I have learned in this passage the word is interchangeable-the same.  In other words, it means both and all.

The Srongs definition is; “A putting to prove by experience of a good or evil.” (Trial, Probation, Testing, Being Tried, Temptation, Calamity, Affliction)  Another great way to look at this word is; “An attack with an intent to destroy”

So let’s read this verse differently now.  “Count it all joy when you fall into various temptations.”  I’m not sure about you but I don’t have many people accusing me nor have I lost a home or family member due to calamity.  But I do face temptation daily.

From the moment I awake I am tempted to sin in my heart or in behavior against the Lord.  This takes on a new meaning for me.  Let me give you a bobbie-ism.

Count it all joy when you are tempted to sin because you have a choice of either surrendering to that sin or surrendering to Lord.  Count it all joy, you have an advocate the Lord Jesus Christ who was tempted as you are tempted and without sin.  Understand we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desire and enticed. James 1:14

Friend, temptations will come but count it all joy, you have a choice and God has made a way of escape.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinth 10:13

If we read on in James 1, we will learn these trials/temptations have their perfect work.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials/temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

Friend, take time to mediate and memorize a passage of Scripture.  God will give you new understanding as you think and pray upon His word. 

Aaron has given us a 30-Day “Inside-Out” Prayer Challenge.  Maybe you choice to mediate and memorize the verses he has laid out for you each day.  I’ve listed below a link to his blog that can take you to the challenge.

 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Who is your defender?

I wonder…must we defend ourselves?  Do we need to justify ourselves?  What if someone speaks evil again you?  What if someone slanders your name?  What if someone threatens you?

Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You, Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them, let those who love Your name be joyful in You.  For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. Ps. 5:11

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.  The LORD has heard my supplication; The LORD will receive my prayer.  Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;  Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. Ps. 6:8-10

My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart. Ps. 7:10

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in YOU; For you, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Ps. 9:9-10

I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.  Ps. 16:8

I will love YOU, O LORD, my strength.  The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust: My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. Ps. 18:1-3

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity.  I have also trusted in the LORD, I shall not slip. Ps. 26:1

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul form death, and to keep them alive in famine. Ps. 33:18

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory, the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Ps. 62:5-7
Psalm 17, Psalm 30 and so many more!!

Oh Friend, there are so many more verses just like these.  God is our defender.  We need not justify our self.  He will do a much better job of it.

Do you still not agree?  Read about David and Saul.  Read about Joseph and his brothers.  Read about Jesus.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Friends

I am thankful for good friends.  God has blessed me, in every city that I have lived, with women and men who will speak truth into my life.  God has used the different personalities and gifting to mold me into the person I am today.  

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the
Countenance of his friend
Proverbs 27:17

On Monday I woke early, 2:45am.  I attempted to go back to sleep.  But sleep would not come.
My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may mediate on Your word.
Psalm 119:148

If you want some sweet time with the Lord crawl out of bed with a heart of worship and Bible in hand.

O God, You are my God.
Early will I seek You.
My soul thirst for You,
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary
To see Your power and Your glory.
Psalm 53:1-2

Such a sweet sweet time but understand when you get serious regarding your relationship with the Lord the enemy will attack.  His strategy is mostly attacks of the mind.  He places thoughts of insecurity and fear in our minds.  Because many of these thoughts are true it is easy to allow our minds to dwell on them.  Once we begin the thought process of dwelling on our self with all our fears and insecurities, life begins spinning out of control.  This one sin of unbelief in your heart and mind will manifest itself in sin of behavior.  This is one reason why we must have godly friends to call upon. Your friends are able to intercede, speak the truth, and lead you back to worship. I am thankful I had a friend to call Monday morning. 

I also want you to know you need friends to hold you accountable.  Sin separates you from God.  Maybe you do not realize when you harbor sinful thought patterns in your mind, whether it is lustful, prideful, fear, or insecurities your relationship with the Lord is hindered.  What a battle it is to take our thoughts captive. 

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
 2 Corinthians 10:4

Our flesh enjoys many of the sinful thoughts that run through our minds.  Just today, I was convicted of thoughts I believed to be innocent.  I knew there was a problem when I prayed with a friend and could not connect with Lord.  I knew there was a problem when I listened to a friend and could not discern the situation.  I knew there was a problem when I desired other things over the Lord.  So a question must be asked, do I want the Lord’s manifest presence in my life or do I want to continue enjoying the thoughts? 

Oh taste and see that the LORD is good:
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him.
Psalm 34:8

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 34:18

I know my answer.  I confessed and I’m clinging to the Lord.  If I find I am having difficultly taking these thoughts captive, I will call upon my friends to hold my arms up in this battle.  You know the battle will be easier if you immediately stop the thought.  A thought is not a sin until you begin to dwell upon it.

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses hands became heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it.  And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side, and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.  So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Exodus 17:11-13

Guys, you need godly friends.  So do I and I am thankful for each one of you! Each friend takes on a different role in my life but I need each and every one of you.  Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and to me.  I love each of you dearly!!  I hope and pray I am the same kind of friend to you.





Saturday, January 21, 2012

Not I, But Christ

Not I, But Christ
Frances E. Bolton (d.1926)

Not, I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ, be seen be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.

Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord!
Oh, to be lost in Thee!
Oh, that it might be no more I,
But Christ that lives in me!

Not I, but Christ, to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ, to wipe the falling tear,
Not I, But Christ, to lift the weary burden,
Not I, But Christ, to hush away all fear.

Christ, only Christ!  no idle words e'er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self important bearing,
Christ, only Christ; no trace of "I" be found.

Not I, but Christ, my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ, my strength and health to be;
Not I, but Christ, for body, soul, and spirit,
Christ, only Christ, here and eternally.

Christ, only Christ ere long will fill my vision;
Glory excelling soon, full soon I'll see
Christ, only Christ my every wish fulfilling
Christ, only Christ my all and all to be.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Clean Drawers

This is a picture of a room being cleaned.  Notice the clothes are pulled out of the drawers and the pillows are on the floor.  Someone has gone through and dumped every thing out of the dresser. This is a great way to clean a room because you can sort through each item making a decision to keep, trash, or recycle.  Notice the child on the bed who is tired of looking at the mess.  I think she is hoping someone else will come clean up for her.

Many times the center of our lives looks like this picture.  We have piles of "junk" stored in the deep creases of our heart.  We have allowed the world to conform us to its ideas and behaviors. We seek approval from people. When we receive a little praise, we store the compliment deep without heart, striving, searching for more. We live for appearance and we judge others on their appearance.  We hear criticism toward us and anger arises within us.  We store bitterness and anger deep within our hearts.  We take our sin that we enjoy for a season and we stuff the guilt to silences our conscience. In other words, our drawers are full. 

Do you understand this is why Jesus came?  He came to sort through and clean up our overflowing drawers (our lives).  Our lives are a mess. Some of our messes are by our choosing and sin.  Other parts of our messes are due to others choosing and sin.  We are a dirty and messy (sinful) people.  We need help.  Remember the child lying on the bed hoping someone would come clean up the mess.  She has someone.  His name is JESUS. 

Jesus did not come to tell us how to clean up the mess.  He came to clean up the mess for us.



“He (JESUS) went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
 The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
 because he has anointed me
 to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
 and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

  Then he rolled up the scroll gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him.  He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-21

We are desperate. Can you really clean out your drawers apart from Him. Christ is your deliver.
We are great sinners. The junk is spilling out of our lives.  Christ is the great Savior.

He came to set us free from slavery to sin.  He came to set us free from self-righteousness (cleaning the drawers apart from Him).  He came to set us free from the burden to be perfect.  He liberates us from needing the approval of people. He delivers us from anger and guilt. Christ is perfect and we take on His righteousness. 

When we confess our drawers are full (sin) and surrender our lives (realize there is nothing we can do to fix our sin), Christ Jesus comes in saving power.  He not only cleans out our drawers, He gives us a new dresser with freshly folded clothes of His righteousness.


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Notes

Notes from today's service.

The year of 2012 is the year of dependence upon the Lord. 
The LORD is my light.  I can see through the darkness.
Psalm 27 says the LORD six times.
Submit to the LORD.
Do not be afraid.  The LORD
I come in the name of the LORD
I belong to another kingdom
I might lose all but I trust in God.
Salvation-The LORD is my deliverance.
The ONE who provides for my life.
The ONE who provides for my hope.
He is responsible for my welfare.
Fully dependant /Fully rely on God
Jesus is my righteousness.
David understood trouble.
He could stand because He knew who his LORD is.
I will stand firm my LORD is with me.
Make God my provider.
I LOVE GEORGE MUELLER - Listed to a sermon about this yesterday.
Wanted to work for state and be a pastor - not converted
Came to know the LORD.
Wanted to go to missionary school.  Father would not pay for it.
Spent several months in prayer and when felt the LORD leading stood in line for school.
He had NO money to pay and a person came into the line and to give him the exact amount of money he needed.
Wanted to be a missionary.  Was denied because of his past.
Spent a year in prayer - was allowed to go.
Started orphanage...never asked anyone for money / God always provided.
**I move way to fast instead of praying and waiting on God""
Pray for faith to depend on the LORD
Pleading before the LORD
**I don't plead enough.
**I need more faith.
**Desire to dwell in the presence of God.
Dwelling/visiting are different
Don't be in/out but dwell.
Move to where God is.
We are the temple of God.
Is my life a dwelling place for God?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to me.
Priority is God
Full dependant on God
Get above my circumstances
I belong to another kingdom.
LOOK UP

Friday, January 13, 2012

Amazing Grace


Imagine with me back to the year 1746. A ship is docking on the coast of West Africa. Its purpose is to snatch unsuspecting people and sell them as slaves in the far off countries. The captain of this ship is known far and wide for his debauchery, vulgarity and blasphemy. But one day in 1748, while reading the book "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis, our captain comes face to face with his sin and turns his life over to Jesus, the Savior of sinners. Our captain is John Newton. After his conversion and dedication to Christ, he became a pastor and hymn writer. His most famous of hymns, "Amazing Grace", is a testimonial of his conversion to Christ.
This is probably the most popular hymn in the English language. A television documentary was even made about it. Perhaps it is because its words so well describe the author: John Newton was a slave trader before coming to Christ. It was sung at the funeral of American president Ronald Reagan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Thru many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Then when we'd first begun.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Alas! Did My Savior Bleed?

Over the next couple of weeks I plan to mediate on gospel hymns and their meaning.  I will be sharing them here with you as well.  I hope you enjoy and walk away with a fresh love of the Savior.

Alas! Did My Savior Bleed?

In November, 1850, thirty year old Fanny Crosby had been atFanny Crosby Phototending numerous revival meetings and had answered the altar call, hoping to find peace for her soul. But on the 20th of the month, the audience began to sing Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed, a hymn written by Isaac Watts in 1707. It was when they sang the words, Here, Lord I give myself away - tis all that I can do, that Fanny realized that all she needed was to yield herself. She said: I surrendered myself to the Saviour, and my very soul flooded with celestial light. I sprang to my feet, shouting Hallelujah.

Isaac Watts said of his hymn writing, I have made no pretence to be a poet. But to the Lamb that was slain, and now lives, I have addressed many a song, to be sung by the penitent and believing heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alas! and did my Saviour bleed, and did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?

Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown! and love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut His glories in,
When Christ, the Mighty maker, died for man, the creature's sins.

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine - and bathed in its own blood -
While the firm mark of Wrath Divine His soul in anguish stood.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while his dear Cross appears;
Dissolved my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne'er repay the debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away- tis all that I can do.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

People and Salvation

I spoke to a teenage girl tonight about salvation.  We had visited a few months back about this same thing.  She made a profession of faith then and prayed asking for forgiveness.  Tonight she felt the need to pray again.  She told me she did not have a testimony and she wanted to have one.  This makes me uncomfortable in leading a person to Christ..  I know it should bring me great joy, and in a way it does, but it also brings responsible and that scares me a little. 

We have a command in Matthew 28:18 "Go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you."  This seems different than leading a person to Christ in a prayer.  There is such a battle that rages in my heart even now as I type this.  This has probably been a debate for years in the Christian church.  I need to grasp hold of what the Lord has for me in this.

I know in other countries, Christians are not casual about their relationship with Christ.  They have a great chance of losing everything including their life when they profess Christ.... They cannot be casual because why would they lose everything for something they do not believe?

Listen to Francis Chan speak on "Casual Christians".  You can follow the link here: http://www.vergenetwork.org/2012/01/09/francis-chan-casual-christians-video/

I feel I dropped the ball in responsibility with this young girl.  But that is the beauty of knowing Christ, forgiveness and do overs are allowed.  I plan on getting to know her through facebook and email.  I hope that extends to fellowship and discipleship.  Yes, I believe discipleship is more than sitting around a table with a book but it can start there.  Maybe the Lord will see fit to make her a part of my life--that is discipleship. 

I have much to learn.  Tonight opened my eyes once again to God's great grace and forgiveness.  As I shared with this girl..."If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleans us of all unrighteousness", she wept.  I'm just not sure if she believes this though. It may take a while for her to believe and trust Christ.  Your salvation experience is a relationship with the Living Jesus Christ.  How are you doing on that relationship?  Is Jesus like a distant cousin who you see a few times a year or is He your best est friend that you worship and fellowship with through out the day?? 

Do you believe and trust Him enough to say yes to His salvation even if you knew you were to die in the process because that is what He requires of you.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Obedience

A friend and I were discussing obedience.  It is her desire (as well as mine) to obey immediately when the Lord speaks.  As we were discussing different situations, she asked this question, “How can I know if what is being asked of me is from God or just from myself?”

I believe this is a good question.  It is a question I have asked myself over the years.  If fact this question crosses my mind at every crossroad of decision.  This question can also be a distraction and an excuse to not obey so caution must be exercised as well.

So how can we know?  Let me give you some questions to ask yourself.

1)     Does it line up with the Word of God? Aaron Matthews tweeted yesterday, “The Spirit of God will never contradict the Word of God.”  To hear God clearly you must know His word.  Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you. Ps. 119:11
2)    Will the action show the love of Christ to other? ..Having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. 2 Peter 3:8
3)    Will the action bring encouragement, faith, and hope to another?  Comfort one another and edify one another. 1Thess 5:11  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13
4)    If obeyed will peace rule your heart? The work of righteousness will be peace and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. Is 32:17
5)    Does being obedient bring God’s name glory?  Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corth. 10:31

In conclusion, does it really matter?  If it is the right thing to do we must do it! Remember it is our job to be obedient and we are to leave the results of the other person’s response with God.  So be obedient today!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Crime Fighting For A Day

I went on a police ride along last Friday.  Life sure looks different looking out of the windows in a police car.  It was my first opportunity and I am hooked. I enjoyed being with my son and learning new things.  He is a very compassion and fair officer.  It amazed me how much knowledge he has. 

The police station was a new experience for me.  All the police officers and police cars intimidated me.  I was not sure if I felt safe or in a lot of trouble.  I decided I felt I was in trouble.  It is funny how our conscious works.  Toward the end of the day I was comfortable and the intimidations was gone. 

Our first call was to check out a man swinging a rope in a drainage ditch.  By the time we arrived the man was gone.  I was secretly glad due to the fact of the way my son jumped out of that car to investigate.  I was still intimidated and not sure what to expect.  I received a tweet (Twitter) on my phone about this time, which helped me. The tweet was “We are not fighting for victory but from victory". This short tweet reminded me of the victory already won in Christ.  I did not need to fear the police or the criminal.  I am safe and secure in Christ.  My Savior Christ Jesus has won the war.  I can rest in Him.  This was a turning point in my ride along.

Our next call was to investigate an abandon building.  We meet up with another officer already on the scene.  I sat in the car and waited as they looked for an unsecured door.  I felt this was a great time to pray for their safety as I waited.  It was not long before three men and two women came into my view all in handcuffs with the officers walking behind them.  This scene moved me emotionally. These people were sleeping inside the building to get out of the cold. I decided at this point I am a better social worker than an officer.  Even though I did not speak to any of the vagrants I did spend time praying for them.  There was a warrant of arrest for one of the men.  The other five were released and we transported the man to the Marshall’s office.  I learned this was an act of kindness for he could bond out quicker at the Marshall’s office. 

Our next call was to a pedestrian/auto accident.  EMSA and the fire department were already on the scene when we arrived.  My son stopped the traffic and worked up a report.  Our next trip was to the hospital to check the welfare of the victim.  My son finished the report and we were off to our next call, a welfare check of a child vomiting at a local furniture store.  The family was gone by the time we arrived.

We investigated a 911 hang up call, stopped a car for an expired paper tag, and sought out a person to question for a bank robbery.  We hit McDonald’s a couple of time for food and drinks since McDonald’s give Officer’s and their sidekicks free food. 

Our next and last call was a big one, a domestic fight between two drunken people.  This is a home the officer’s visit often.  I was allowed to enter the home and speak to the women.  Two officers, fire department, and EMSA were already on the scene.  I enter the property and immediately turned to exit.  The odor of cat urine and fecal material was too strong for me to stay in the home for any period of time.  This may not be lowest of society but it was the lowest I have experienced.  The women had cuts on her face and there was broken glass and trash all around.  The man was arrested and placed in my son’s car.  I was very bold by this time and very concerned with this man in the car.  My reason for the concern—he had defecated upon himself.  I don’t want to be gross, but it was a blow out-shoulder to knee kind of thing.  The thought of me riding in the car with feces was a little much for me.  I questioned these two officers as to why they placed him in my son’s car instead of their own.  They laughed and said the home was in his district not theirs.  I considered for a moment giving one of the other officers the great pleasure of me riding with them.  Instead I got into the car with my son.  He had sprayed cinnamon air freshener in car hoping it would mask the smell.  It did not!  We now had cinnamon flavored poop.  I rode with my head hanging out the window.  That was all I could do.  The drunken man sitting in the back seat was chanting a phase—“Take these (cuffs) off my wrists.  He chanted this phrase all the way to the hospital.  He needed to be checked out before we took him to the county jail.  I got tickled and annoyed by this chant and decided to chant with him.  I am sure we were a sight.  A police car flying down the highway, me sticking my head out the window chanting, “Take these off my wrists!  Life does not get any funnier than this!!  After being checked out at the hospital, we transported him, stool and all, to the county jail. 

The jail was another learning experience for me.  We drove through a gate and into a garage.  A guard met us with a wheelchair for our drunken man.  We entered through doors into the processing area.  There were several criminals waiting to be charged.  I had a difficult time determining who the good guys were from the bad.  I soon learned to look at their shoes.  The bad guys were given brown sandals to wear.  I tried to stay down wind from our drunken man and close enough to my son to stay safe.  I soon found I was most comfortable backing up to the wall and waiting.  Our man was booked and it was time for us to leave.  One of the trustees came to clean out our car.  It seems the man continued having urine and stool issues as we were transporting him.  Not sure how soon if ever the smell will disappear. 

I learned a new appreciation for officers that day.  It is unbelievable the things they see and the people they must deal with.  I told my son I was more comfortable since I knew what to expect…he corrected me and said, “Mom you never know what to expect with this job.  The next call could be a dead baby.” 

I’m so thankful for the men and women who serve to keep us safe and to assist us in our time of need.  I pray God blesses and protect each officer as they patrol our streets.  I hope you join me in this.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.  For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
  This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7